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Dramatic Landscapes of Almería
Nights: 4
Day 1: you have a choice of two circular walks for your first day. The first rises gradually to an 18th-century watchtower for magnificent views along the coast, then descends to a secluded pebbly cove, ideal for a swim before retracing your steps back to Rodalquilar. On the second walk, you head through Arizona-like landscapes dotted with cactus-like Agaves Americanas, taking in Cortijo el Fraile, scene of the tragic real-life events that inspired Lorca's Blood Wedding. (12km, 4hrs or 17km, 6.5hrs) Day 2: a relatively long but easy day. The route stays close to the coast, passing some fine viewpoints, the picturesque Cala de los Toros cove and the 18th-century fort of San Felipe. For the last part of the walk you follow a wide track that passes beneath El Fraile, at 493 metres the highest peak in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. (16km, 5.5hrs) Day 3: you are collected from the hotel for the short journey westwards through the salt pans of Las Salinas (which attract numerous seabirds and flamingos) to the Cape Gata lighthouse. After admiring the fantastic views from the lighthouse, you walk back to San José along the cliffs via the beautiful beaches of Mónsul and Los Genoveses. With its strange volcanic rock formations and massive, wind-rippled sand-dunes, the former was the setting of the film Lawrence of Arabia. (12km, 4.5hrs) Prices & travel 2008:
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One of the Mediterranean's final unspoiled regions, the Andalucian province of Almería basks in the hot sun, its coastline dotted with white fishing villages that sparkle in the sunlight. Its landscapes reminiscent more of North Africa than of Europe, the Cabo de Gata (Cape Gata) Natural Park is an area of bare, desert-like hills descending to a spectacular coastline of cliffs, sand dunes, salt flats, wild bays and virgin beaches. The walking is leisurely, allowing lots of opportunities to cool off with a swim in the clear blue waters. 
Accommodation: Jardín de los Sueños (2*), Rodalquilar. Set amid palm trees and olive groves, against a backdrop of reddish hills, the hotel's name aptly means the 'Garden of Dreams'. The six comfortable rooms are converted from various farm buildings, and there is a panoramic pool. You dine at one of the restaurants in the village (pay locally). 
Accommodation: Cortijo el Sotillo (4*), San José. Converted from an 18th-century hacienda (country estate) just outside San José, this elegant hotel is decorated in traditional Andalucian style, and each room has its own terrace opening onto the gardens. There is much to do here, with a heated outdoor pool, tennis court, stables and facilities for archery.