SAN JOSE
Cabo de Gata
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San Jose is a small coastal town set among a series of narrow beaches and rocky bluffs on the Costa de Almeria. The town functions as the main hub in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park and has a variety of restaurants/tapas bars, nightlife and a marina.
In addition, San Jose is very close to some of the most beautiful beaches in the park, such as the Playa de los Genoveses & Playa de Monsul.
San Jose is home to 850 inhabitants from a diverse background (45% Spanish, 28% Italians, 14% British). Traditionally it was a fishing village but today tourism is the main economic activity. While there are some foreigners, it’s mainly a popular destination for Spanish holiday makers and still mostly unknown outside of the country.
The paved road ends in San Jose. From there on, it is just dirt and dust! To the south of the town is an access road that takes you to some of the most famous beaches such as Genoveses and Monsul. That dirt road is closed just past the parking for Monsul Beach. From there on, it is only accessible on foot or bike. To the north of San Jose there is another dirt road that goes to Cala Higuera and a row of tiny coves.
San Jose’s largest festival is the Fiesta del Turista (Tourist Festival) which takes place on the 2nd weekend of August. There’s live music, entertainment & more.
San Jose is just a 35 min drive from Almeria’s airport.
During high season (mid June til mid September), there are buses running between San Jose and the main beaches to the south, that is: Playa de los Genoveses, Playa de Barronal, Playa de Monsul and Cala Carbon. There is one bus every 30 minutes from 9am til 9pm and one ticket costs around 1.5€. The bus makes 3 stops in San Jose: Calle Entrada (next to the parking), Calle de Correos (in front of the supermarket) and Calle Ronda (at the beginning of the dirt road to the beaches). It then stops at each of the four beaches mentioned above.
Kayaking is without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Cabo de Gata. Some of the best views of the nature park are seen from the water and kayaking along the coast allows you to see areas that are totally inaccessible from the land – that includes some impressive rock formations and secret caves.
We suggest taking park in this kayaking tour of the Cabo de Gata coast. You will be accompanied by a professional and friendly instructor at all times, who above all, will have your safety in mind. Throughout the tour, there are several stops with geological explanations of the cape and other curiosities and mysteries.
In addition, this tour includes a stop in a calm area where you can anchor your kayak and do some snorkeling. Masks, snorkels and fins are all included in the price.
The route is easy, suitable for both adults and children. The starting point for this kayak excursion is the beach of San Jose.
If you just want to relax on a boat and take in Cabo de Gata’s jaw dropping coastline, then a boat trip from San Jose is the perfection option. The tours depart from San Jose’s port and take you to discover virgin beaches and hard to reach spots along the shoreline. Below are two great options:
Snorkeling in Cabo de Gata is a great way to see the world below the surface in the nature park. You will discover an abundance of life amongst the sea grass known as the Posidonia prairie. Fish around here get up close and personal since they aren’t afraid of humans as in other parts due to the parks prohibition on underwater fishing.
If you don’t care to combine a boat trip with snorkeling and just want to have an all out snorkeling experience, then we recommend to take part in this snorkeling tour. The starting point is at Cala Higuera which is situated right next to San Jose. From here you will be given equipment and swim out with a guide who will show you the best spots to see sea life as well as underwater rock formations and caves.
A different way to discover the natural park is participating in this 4x4 tour of Cabo de Gata. During the 2.5 hours of this activity, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful corners of the area, such as the iconic Reef of the Mermaids, saltwater lakes, hidden pristine beaches and much more – all accompanied by an expert guide and driver. In addition, during the summer, the tour makes a stop for a swim at one of the beaches.
The starting point of this tour is the town of San Miguel de Cabo de Gata.
FULL GUIDE TO PLAYA DE LOS GENOVESES
FULL GUIDE TO PLAYA DE MONSUL
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