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Almeria
car hire
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Almeria Cabo de Gata
This itinerary begins by taking the N.2340 road in the direction
of Murcia. The town of Rioja is located 14km from Almeria, close
to the Valley of the river Andarax and surrounded by orange groves.
As we travel further away from Rioja, the vegetation gives way
to the desert areas of Campo de Tabernas. At the crossroads with
the road that leads to Granada, the traveller is recommended to
stop for a while to take in the contrast in scenery of the Sierra
Alhmailla. There are holm oaks on the summits, desert areas on
the sides, and oasis-like areas at the foot of the mountains.
The desert areas have helped to foment a thriving film industry
here, and several towns in the style of the old American West
have been built. One of the most important can be visited quite
close to the aforementioned crossroads, following a turn-off to
the right of the main road. As a matter of fact, there is a road
that starts from this town and leads to El Colativi, right at
the top of the Sierra Almahilla. The difficulties encountered
on this route are more than compensated for since once can enjoy
the beautiful panoramic views to be had of the Campo de Tabernas,
the Campo de Nijar, and the entire coastline, all from a height
of 1,387m above sea level.
After passing the "American" town, the itinerary continues
along the N.340 for a further 7km until the small town of Tabernas
is reached. It stands on the slopes of a hill, crowned with the
ruins of an Arab fortress. The parish church was built in the
middle of the 16th century and several interesting archaeological
sites have been found nearby. Due to the high level of sunlight
in this province, a solar energy plant has been built at Los Retamares,
aimed at improving the techniques for the production of electricity
from the steam produced through the heat of the sun's radiation.
Sorbas les 26km from Tabernas on the meseta of a mountain that
is completely cut-off and surrounded by the river Aguas. Its slopes
form a natural moat and are dotted with houses. The people of
this town are great potters and make objects of an extremely high
quality. One kilometre outside Sorbas, we leave the N.340 and
take a turn-off to the right along a local road leading to Cortijada
de los Molinos del Rio Aguas. The road, although very winding
in certain stretches, is wide and has a solid surface. From Molinos
it is possible to get down to the river in order to see freshwater
tortoise and the unusual Moorish tortoise, as well as the gypseous
areas. Nearby there exists a network of caves in crystallised
gypsum which have inner lagoons running beneath the desert areas.
Our itinerary continues to La Venta del Pobre, where we come across
the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Nijar. The Sierra de Cabo de
Gata spreads along the coast, forming a steep and rugged coastline.
It is one of the most important volcanic formations on the Iberian
Peninsula. There are several towns and villages within the Natural
Park that are well worth a visit. Agua Amarga, near Carboneras,
San Pedro and Las Negras are fishermen's districts with fine beaches.
Nine kilometres away from Las Negras stands Rodalquilar, which
has a delightful beach as well as San Ramon Castle.
La Isleta del Moro, Los Escullos and El Pozo de los Frailes are
all passed on the way to San Jose, and their whitewashed houses
and coastal fortifications serve as a reminder of a bygone age.
San Jose is 14km from Rodalquivir and has grown from being a small
fishing village into having a 200 berth marina for both private
and temporary use, as well as a camp-site that is open during
Holy Week. The crystal-clear waters and the great variety of marine
life make the entire coastline a perfect setting for underwater
photographic expeditions.
From San Jose, those visitors who enjoy excursions can continue
along the coastline, passing the beaches of Los Genoveses and
Monsul, and come to Vela Blanca, near the Cabo de Gata lighthouse.
Here the beautiful scenery of cliffs and coves can be enjoyed
to the full. Those interested in walking may like to cover the
21km of asphalted road between San Jose and the lighthouse on
foot. This road passes through the district of Cabo de Gata and
its beaches, as well as the salt pans which are one of the few
examples of harmony achieved between industrial processes and
maintaining the ecological balance. Rasa lagoon is a nesting site
for migratory birds on the wing form Europe to Africa. Leaving
behind the district of Cabo de Gata, the road continues through
El Alquian, the airport and La Cañada before finally leading
back to Almeria, some 25km away.
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