Palm tree is the desert, the sun and distance. Thirst; a dreamed cold fountain in the barren field.
Antonio Machado.
For lovers not only of Machado’s landscape poems, but also of brave vegetation, what can’t find anywhere else to go, Gata Natural Park is here. A place where exuberance grows in the shortage of comfort and abundance of hostile environment, the saline soils, extreme sunshine, strong winds. The fascinating meaning of ADAPTATION.
Guided programme.
Group size: min. 6; max.8.
Grade: level A Easy . 7 days /6 nights / 5 days walking.
Daywalk baggage: Daysac.
Accommodation: 6 nights ** Full board.
Price: 760 EUR / pp. Sharing double room.
Dates: From dinner first day to breakfast last one.
Autumn: 09-15/11
Comments: One optional rest day.
Connecting landscape & emotion:
Coastal landscapes always pair the sea off with the land, and in this relationship between both we discover their occupation stories, causes of weathering, geological past, botanical configuration. The Cabo de Gata Natural Park is an extraordinary-contrasted inland volcanic desert of lights and colors.
Detailed Tour
1
Agua Amarga (Almería)
The winding coastline always makes for a special setting. The tour starts at Agua Amarga and ends at La Fabriquilla (Cabo de Gata). It works like a stitch uniting the landscapes into a whole. It is a physical but also mental layout, punctuated by milestones that mark moments of contemplation and deep thinking. It is actually 80 km of the smell of sea and history.
2
Agua Amarga-Las Negras
14 km.
A spectacular walk takes you right into the heart of this coastal trail: San Pedro Castle. To take the tour we have to go to Agua Amarga, a small and charming municipality on the Almería coast that has managed to preserve its essence as a fishing village, formerly a prominent Nasrid anchorage in Muslim times.
Until the 1970s, San Pedro was a tiny population center where people lived from agriculture and fishing. A beautiful path leads to its unusual and leafy oasis where fig trees, brambles, grape trees, vines and palm trees mix, thanks to an inexhaustible spring.
3
Las Negras-Rodalquilar
13 km.
Crowning the Los Lobos hill (262 m height) stands another of the defense towers built in the 18th century. The place names after the frequent sightings of monk seals, also called sea lions. The seals have long been exterminated.
The proposed itinerary aims to reach Rodalquilar through old trails and inaccessible hidden coves that once served as a resting place for the aforementioned Lobos. Playazo, Bergantin, San Román castle, are some of the places to visit.
4
Rodalquilar-La Isleta del Moro
12 km.
Rodalquilar is a small and picturesque white village lies inside a large volcanic caldera that makes up the landscape of Cabo de Gata This small town rose to fame at the end of the 19th century, with the discovery of gold in the nearby mountains, and the gold fever lasted just over a century. Currently it is a quiet place, with remains of its extensive mining past.
The stark landscape was a movie set where scenes such as Exodus or Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were filmed. This itinerary will also show us a wealthy range of industrial archeology and beautiful panoramic views from the top of Cerro Cinto.
5
La Isleta del Moro-San José
14 km.
This sector invites us to walk along one of the most spectacular, aerial stretches of all that make up the coast. Along the route we will see a wide range of igneous rocks and enjoy extraordinary views of rugged slopes that plunge towards the sea. We will cross next to the castle of San Felipe, a fortress built in the 18th century to prevent pirate attacks, after leaving the fishing town of Isleta del Moro. From here and through the Mirador we will get to San Jose.
6
San José-Retamar
18 km.
From the Cabo de Gata lighthouse, the southernmost end of the Natural Park, to San José, it extends an impressive and rugged coastal area dotted with small coves, cliffs and reefs like sharp islets bathed by the waters of the Mediterranean. We will pass through the beaches of Genoveses, Barronal, Monsul and Cala Carbón among others.
7
Transfer to Airport connection / Almeria / train station.
Farewell.
What is included in this picturesque tour?
760€/pers*
Included
- 7 days / 6 nights / 5 days walking.
- Full board.
- UIMLA Mountain leader (English spoken).
- Internal transfers 6th day.
- Baggage transport.
- 24/7 satelital emergency device (Garmin).
- Picnic.
- Insurance.
- Taxes.
Not included
- Transport to local start point and return.
Optional
- Transportation to starting point from any airport and back.
* 30% deposit at booking. The rest to be paid 30 days prior to departure. Read conditions.