The best of San Jose, Cabo de Gata – Spain (2020)

Welcome to San Jose

San Jose is a small coastal town set among a series of narrow beaches and rocky bluffs. 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.

Port

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 2^nd weekend of August. There’s live music, entertainment & more.

San Jose is just a 35 min drive from Almeria’s airport.

Restaurants by the port

BUS FROM SAN JOSE TO THE BEACHES

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.

Beaches in San Jose

PLAYA DE SAN JOSE

Main beach in San Jose

250m long | fine sand
Family friendly, gets fairly crowded in high season
All basic facilities & amenities: lifeguard, showers, trash cans, lounge chairs & parasols for rent, kayak rent, children’s playground, etc.
Easy access (accessible for wheelchairs)
It’s next to the marina & surrounded by a promenade with a variety of bars/restaurants

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PLAYA DE LA PAVA, CALA DEL MAIMONO, CALA DE LA CRUZ

South of Playa de San Jose
250 m narrow stretch of sandy beachfront with rocks in the water

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CALILLA DE SAN JOSE

100m long | dark sand
Further south
Family friendly
Best snorkeling in town (enter the water and turn to the right)

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Beaches South of San Jose

PLAYA DE LOS GENOVESES

Playa de los Genoveses

1.2km long | dark golden sand
Very popular but it’s so long that it feels far from crowded
3 km away from downtown San Jose following the dirt path (about 10 min drive or 40 min walk)
Calm shallow waters
Fossilized dunes
Virgin landscapes (no buildings, no facilities, etc.)
From the southern end of the bay it’s possible to hike to some small coves

FULL GUIDE TO PLAYA DE LOS GENOVESES

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SMALL UNDEVELOPED COVES SOUTH OF PLAYA DE LOS GENOVESES

Cala Príncipe, Cala Chica, Cala Grande
100 to 200 m long coves | golden or dark sand
Tiny coves surrounded by volcanic walls
Nudism is common

PLAYA DEL BARRONAL

Playa del Barronal

250m long | dark sand
10 min walk to the beach from the parking
Calm waters
In our opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches in the park
Nudism is common

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PLAYA DE MONSUL

Playa de Monsul

300m long | dark sand
Features an impressive sand dune at one end which is one of the most characteristic images of Cabo de Gata
5 km away from downtown San Jose following the dirt path (about 15 min drive or 1 h walk)
Undeveloped, no amenities
5 min walk to the beach from the parking
Scene from Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade movie was shot here

FULL GUIDE TO PLAYA DE MONSUL

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CALA DE LA MEDIA LUNA

150m long | dark sand
Totally undeveloped
Nudism is common
Crystal clear water, great for snorkeling
5-10 min walk from the parking of Playa de Monsul

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CALA CARBON

100m long | mostly stones, almost no sand
5-10 min walk from the parking
Red stones, rock cliffs, some gold sand
Possible to hike from here into other little coves
Area around is popular for fishing
Dirt road closed from the parking of Cala Carbon onward

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Beaches North of San Jose

CALA HIGUERA

220m long | stone beach
Located at the foot of the Cerro de la Higuera (Fig Tree Mountain)
Although next to the village of San Jose (5 min drive), it’s usually very tranquil
Not the most comfortable beach – lots of stones
Undeveloped, no amenities but just a cool chiringuito next to it

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PLAYA DEL EMBARCADERO

Playa del Embarcadero

300m long | some golden sand, but mostly stones
Also known as Playa de Piedra Galera
Located past Playa del Arco and Punta del Esparto (Esparto Point), about 12-min drive from San Jose
“Embarcadero” means “wharf, pier.” Here ships were loaded with esparto grass and other goods in the past
Great diving
Not the most comfy beach because it’s mostly stones
Undeveloped, no amenities
Parking right next to the beach
Next to the highest point of the park (Cerro del Fraile, 500m high)

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PLAYA DEL ARCO

350m long | mix of fine golden sand and stones (changes throughout the year)
Also called Playa de los Escullos
10 min drive north from San Jose
At the south end of the beach is the largest fossilized dune in the natural park. Next to it is the neighborhood of Los Escullos including a restaurant, bar, campsite and even a nightclub
Castle of San Felipe is located pass the houses. Built by Carlos III in the 18^th century as part of the defensive system of Almería’s coast. Offers great views of the park’s coastline
Pass the castle there are a couple of small undeveloped coves

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PLAYA DEL PEÑON BLANCO

Playa del Peñón Blanco

250m long | fine golden sand
Located in the village of Isleta del Moro (also called Playa de la Isleta)
Receives its name from the big white rock (peñón blanco) that divides the beach in two
Parking right next to the beach and it’s a short walk into the village
Often visited by people in camper vans

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Top Accommodations in San Jose

HOTELS

HOSTAL DEL CABO

Light and fresh beachy decor • All rooms feature a balcony or terrace with sea views • Located next to the marina and restaurants • San Jose’s main beach is just steps away

HOTEL DOÑA PAKYTA

4-star hotel • Traditional hotel with spectacular panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea • Located right next to the beach: just need to climb down the short staircase to the golden sandy beach below • 5-min walk to the center of town • Spacious rooms – traditional stylish décor • Restaurant on site

HOSTAL EL DORADO CABO DE GATA

8-min walk to San Jose's main beach • Outdoor pool • All rooms feature a balcony or terrace, most of them have sea views • Traditional décor

HOTEL MC SAN JOSE

4-star hotel located in a quiet corner of San Jose • 7-min walk to the beach • Traditional white washed building contrast with modern interior décor • Swimming pool & sauna • Cycling friendly • Private parking on site: 12€/day • 3 night min stay in high season

SANTUARIO SAN JOSE

Adults only • Charming small hotel • 4 min walk to the main beach • Restaurant on site • Some rooms feature private balconies with great sea views • 2-night min stay in high season

MORE HOTELS IN SAN JOSE

APARTMENTS

COMPLEJO VILLAZUL

2-bedroom apartments • Everything brand new • Most stylish apartments in San Jose • Marble floors and modern interiors • Great sea views • Shared outdoor swimming pool • Located on a quiet side of San Jose: 10-min walk to the center, 5-min walk to the closest beach (La Calilla) • Free private parking on site • 5-night min stay in high season

EL FARO DE LOS GENOVESES

1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments • Contemporary and comfortable interiors • Shared pool • Quiet location in the southern most point of San Jose: 20-min walk to the center, 10-min walk to the closest beach (Playa de los Genoveses) • Free private parking on site • 2-night min stay in high season

APARTAMENTOS LA BUGANVILLA

1 and 3-bedroom apartments • Tasteful apartments with a private terrace overlooking the shared outdoor pool • Bar and restaurant on site • Located in the northern part of town • 7-min walk to the main beach • Free private parking on site • 3-night min stay in high season

SAN JOSE