Nature Parks in the South of Spain. Almeria

Cabo de Gata.

The peninsula at the rugged south eastern corner of Spain north of Almeria is known as Cabo de Gata. The lighthouse marks the tip. Covering 29,000 hectares, this is Andalusia’s largest coastal nature park. The mountain range of Cabo de Gata has a distinctly volcanic appearance with sharp peaks and crags. It falls sharply into the sea, creating the jagged cliffs, which are broken by gullies leading to small hidden coves with powdery white sand beaches.

Underwater diving and Flamingos.

The pristine waters of the peninsula are ideal for underwater diving and all types of fishing, as well as sailing and windsurfing. Nearby is a lagoon with a bird observatory, from where you can see greater flamingos, herons, egrets, waders and other bird life. The inland parts of this natural park are arid and desert-like, while the mountains and rocks are clearly volcanic in nature, making them ideal for mountain biking and land vehicle excursions.

The Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park.

La Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park covers 18,000 hectares in the northern part of Almeria province. It will stun you with its impressive contrasts - arid, moon-like plains overlooked by the white peaks of the sierras during the cold of winter. Only pines and holm oaks grow on the lower slopes. Above there are junipers and small satins, and near the peaks are thickets of thorny shrubs.

Archaeological and wild animals.

Numerous archaeological remains from Palaeolithic and Neolithic times are to be found in the park. Check out the Cueva Ambrosio (Ambrosio Cave) and the fort on top of the hill, Cerro de las Canteras. Cave paintings can be seen in the Cueva de los Letreros near Velez-Blanco. Booted eagles, goshawks and sparrow hawks inhabit the pine forest. On the ground, meanwhile, you may see squirrels and dormice, wildcats, wild boars, badgers, weasels and genets. Other birds nest higher up, such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons and eagle owls.

More Nature Parks in Spain – Cadiz- Granada – Huelva – Malaga - Tenerife