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AlmeriaThe Coast of Almería

Almería is one of the provinces of Andalucia, in southern Spain. Our Coast of Almería walking holiday leads through the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, one of the Mediterranean’s last unspoiled corners.

Cabo de Gata

Walking is one of the best ways to discover this little-known region of sand dunes, secluded coves, rocky cliffs and salt flats. In fact, many parts are only accessible on foot, which is why it is so sparsely populated and in this age of mass development still boasts over 50 kilometres of virgin beaches.

Another great attraction of the Cabo de Gata is the weather – it enjoys an amazing 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, and fewer than 30 days of rain, making it the driest area in Europe. The year-round sunshine means it is an ideal destination for 'out-of-season' walking.

AlmeriaWith such a dry climate, the vegetation is quite sparse, and the landscape in general is often compared to the Rif Mountains in Morocco. The Natural Park is rich in birdlife – inland you may spot Bonelli’s eagles, crested larks and black wheatears, while along the coast, seabirds such as gannets, puffins and razorbills are reasonably common sights. Among the waders to be found here are storks and avocets, but the most spectacular species has to be the flamingo. In spring and autumn, when they migrate, flocks of up to two-thousand birds have been seen.

The walking

The route is a grade 1-2 walk, though there is a long, steady ascent on the first day, which can sometimes seem worse in the heat of the sun. Distances range between 6 and 17 kilometres (2.5-6.5 hours’ walking), so you have time to take things as slowly as you wish – pause to admire the marvellous views out over the sea or stop for the occasional swim – the water temperatures are the warmest in mainland Spain, averaging 18°C.

Monsul beachHighlights of the route include the circular walk from Rodalquilar, your third base, through bare, golden hills to the ruined cortijo (farmstead) where the tragic real-life events that inspired Lorca’s Blood Wedding occurred in 1928. Another very enjoyable walk is from the panoramic lighthouse at Cabo de Gata to San José, which features some spectacular cliff-top sections, magnificent sandy beaches, and the sand dunes at Monsul, where much of Lawrence of Arabia was filmed.

Accommodation

A variety of accommodation is used along the route, from small inns to 4-star hotels. All of them are either located close to the beach or have their own pool. With the sea so close, you can enjoy a wide range of delicious fresh fish and seafood dishes during your holiday.

Add nights in Granada

Crowned by the magnificent palace-fortress of the Alhambra, Granada is an alluring city and great testimony to the brilliance of the Moors. The Alhambra consists of three main parts: the Alcazaba (fortress), the oldest part of the complex; the breathtakingly ornate royal palace, a marvellous display of intricate stucco decoration and colourful azulejos; and the delightful ornamental gardens of the Generalife.

GranadaYou can easily fill an entire day visiting the Alhambra, but do not neglect Granada's other Moorish monuments, which include a bathhouse and a couple of fascinating mansions, nor the Gothic Capilla Real, the last resting place of the Reyes Católicos. It is also very rewarding to stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Albaicín, Spain's largest and most characteristic surviving Moorish quarter. The view of the Alhambra from the Plaza San Nicolás at the heart of the district is the best in the city.

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