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Coastal Almería & the Cabo de Gata - Short Break

Where Andalucia’s desert meets the sea
 
Explore Europe’s driest, sunniest corner on this self-guided walking holiday, with luggage transported. Enjoy leisurely, varied walks across landscapes reminiscent of North Africa, panoramic cliff tops and red hills, and relax on deserted beaches promising year-round bathing.
What is included
  • 4 nights
  • 2 dinners
    1 picnic
    4 breakfasts
  • luggage transported
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • transfers to/from Almería airport
  • Coastal Almería & the Cabo de Gata - Short Break
    Where Andalucia’s desert meets the sea
  • Near Rodalquilar
  • Cabo de Gata
  • Rodalquilar
  • San José
  • Walking in Almeria
What is included
  • 4 nights
  • 2 dinners
    1 picnic
    4 breakfasts
  • luggage transported
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • transfers to/from Almería airport
 

Holiday information

 

A short walking break in Almería

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 – this is the driest place in Europe, with 3,000 hours of sunshine each year – the Cabo de 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.
Much of the Park is only accessible on foot or by boat, and as a result it is a haven for wildlife. It shelters numerous species of bird, among them Bonelli's eagles, storks, crested hoopoes, avocets and many other types of wader. Along the coast, gannets, puffins and razorbills are common, while the salt flats attract large numbers of flamingos.

The walking is leisurely, allowing lots of opportunities to cool off with a swim in the clear blue waters, the warmest of mainland Spain.

 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.

    As Europe's sunniest, driest corner, Almería enjoys around 300 days of sunshine a year. It also boasts the warmest sea temperatures of mainland Spain.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 15 15 17 19 22 26 29 30 27 23 18 15
    mm 38 29 31 35 27 17 4 4 13 33 32 38
  • Arrival in Rodalquilar
    Night 1: at Oro y Luz or Hotel de Naturaleza Rodalquilar (the first of two nights here).
    As your first night's accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.
  • Choice of routes around Rodalquilar: 14km to 16.5km

    Rodalquilar stroll
    For a gentle day, head into the village of Rodalquilar where you can visit the delightful botanical gardens, and the now-defunct gold mines which sit above the village. Alternatively, we suggest two walks.

    Circular walk via Cortijo el Fraile: 14km, 5.5hrs; ascent /descent 340m
    You head through Arizona-like landscapes dotted with cactus-like Agaves Americanas and towering aloe vera plants, taking in Cortijo el Fraile, scene of the tragic real-life events that inspired Lorca's 'Blood Wedding'.

    Circular walk via watchtower: 15km, 6hrs; ascent /descent 460m 
    This walk ascends gently to an 18th-century watchtower – from where you enjoy breathtaking views along the coast in clear weather – before you descend to a secluded pebbly cove whose waters invite you to swim.

    Circular walk via the coast: 16.5km, 6.5hrs; ascent /descent 640m 
    A final option is to head into the hills behind Rodalquilar. Your route then continues south, offering wonderful coastal views, and leads back to your hotel via a verdant, steep-sided valley.
    Circular walk via Cortijo el Fraile: 14.5km
    On the circular route around Rodalquilar
    Circular walk via watchtower: 14.5km
    Circular walk via the coast: 17km
  • Rodalquilar to San José: 18km, 7hrs; ascent 450m/descent 475m
    This relatively long 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 (493 metres), the highest peak in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. You spend your two nights in San José at either the Hotel Doña Pakyta or the Cortijo el Sotillo.
    Rodalquilar to San José: 18km
    Explore old miners' settlement and mines
  • Choice of routes from San José: 14km or 15km

    Circular walk from San José: 14km, 5hrs; ascent /descent 275m
    Trails wind inland through a quiet cultivated valley before turning back towards the coast. You then walk back to San José via the beautiful beaches of Monsul 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'.

    Linear walk from Cabo de Gata lighthouse: 15km, 6hrs; ascent /descent 615m
    Our second option begins with a 45-minute taxi transfer (pay locally) and will be of special interest to bird-watchers, as it affords the opportunity to visit the salt flats before following the coast, taking in a section of dramatically rocky coastline before arriving at the beaches of Monsul and Los Genoveses. You return to San José via the same route as the previous option. 
    Monsul Beach on the circular route around San José
    Circular walk from San José: 14km
    Linear walk from Cabo de Gata lighthouse: 15km
 

Accommodation

You stay in two well-located hotels.

In both places, we work with more than one hotel, as shown below. All are hand-picked by us and, unless there is a price implication (in which case we will contact you to discuss your options), we will tell you which one we have booked for you on your booking confirmation.

Wherever you stay in San José, we recommend adding an extra night – it's a lively fishing village with bars, craft shops and an attractive marina.
 

Extend your stay

 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 4 nights: 02 January 2025 - 31 May 2025, 01 September 2025 - 24 December 2025, 02 January 2026 - 31 May 2026 & 01 September 2026 - 20 December 2026

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    2 Jan - 28 Feb 2025 £580 £180
    1 Mar - 2 Apr 2025 £605 £180
    3 - 9 Apr 2025 not available not available
    10 - 23 Apr 2025 £675 £185
    24 Apr - 27 May 2025 £690 £215
    1 - 28 Sep 2025 £710 £235
    29 Sep - 30 Nov 2025 £610 £180
    1 - 20 Dec 2025 £595 £180
    2 Jan - 28 Feb 2026 £610 £190
    1 Mar - 2 Apr 2026 £640 £190
    3 - 9 Apr 2026 not available not available
    10 - 23 Apr 2026 £715 £195
    24 Apr - 27 May 2026 £730 £225
    1 - 28 Sep 2026 £750 £250
    29 Sep - 30 Nov 2026 £645 £190
    1 - 16 Dec 2026 £630 £190
    3rd & 4th person discount -£80 to -£84
    Single traveller supplement £80 to £84

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Included travel: return taxi from Almería airport (we can also arrange travel from Granada and Málaga; a supplement is payable for these options – see the Connecting Travel section)

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Hotel Doña Pakyta, San José
    Sea view with shared balcony: 02 Jan - 31 May 2025 £23
    Sea view with shared balcony: 01 Sep - 24 Dec 2025 £23

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Oro y Luz, Rodalquilar (with dinner) Double room Single room
    02 Jan - 28 Apr 2025 £58 £116
    29 Apr - 28 Sep 2025 £79 £158
    29 Sep - 24 Dec 2025 £58 £116
    02 Jan - 28 Apr 2026 £61 £61
    29 Apr - 28 Sep 2026 £83 £83
    29 Sep - 20 Dec 2026 £61 £61
    Hotel Doña Pakyta, San José (B&B) Double room Single room
    02 Jan - 25 Mar 2025 £58 £116
    26 Mar - 31 May 2025 £73 £146
    01 Sep - 30 Sep 2025 £81 £162
    01 Oct - 24 Dec 2025 £62 £124
    02 Jan - 25 Mar 2026 £61 £61
    26 Mar - 31 May 2026 £77 £77
    01 Sep - 30 Sep 2026 £86 £86
    01 Oct - 20 Dec 2026 £65 £65
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Almeria
    ALTERNATIVE AIRPORT(S):
    Málaga or Granada

    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Málaga or Madrid. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Malaga Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Belfast Intl. - Malaga Aer Lingus,  easyJet,  jet2,  Ryanair,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Almeria jet2 
    Birmingham - Malaga jet2,  Ryanair,  TUI,  Vueling 
    Outward route Airline
    Bournemouth - Malaga Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Almeria jet2,  TUI 
    Bristol - Malaga easyJet,  Ryanair,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Cardiff - Malaga TUI,  Vueling 
    Outward route Airline
    Nottingham East Midlands - Malaga jet2,  Ryanair,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Malaga jet2,  Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Almeria jet2 
    Glasgow - Malaga easyJet,  jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow Prestwick - Malaga Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Almeria jet2 
    Leeds Bradford - Malaga jet2,  Ryanair,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Liverpool - Malaga easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Granada British Airways 
    London City - Malaga British Airways 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Almeria British Airways,  easyJet,  TUI,  Vueling 
    Gatwick - Almeria (via Madrid) Iberia 
    Gatwick - Granada British Airways,  Vueling 
    Gatwick - Granada (via Barcelona) Vueling 
    Gatwick - Malaga British Airways,  easyJet,  TUI,  Vueling 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Almeria British Airways 
    Heathrow - Almeria (via Madrid) Iberia 
    Heathrow - Granada (via Madrid) Iberia 
    Heathrow - Malaga British Airways 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Malaga easyJet,  Ryanair,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    London Southend - Malaga easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Almeria Ryanair 
    Stansted - Malaga British Airways,  easyJet,  jet2,  Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Almeria jet2,  Ryanair,  TUI 
    Manchester - Almeria (via Madrid) Iberia 
    Manchester - Malaga easyJet,  jet2,  Ryanair,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Almeria jet2 
    Newcastle - Malaga easyJet,  jet2,  Ryanair,  TUI 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Málaga or Madrid. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service. Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Unless otherwise stated, connecting travel by rail or bus tends to be from the city centre station, rather than from its airport, and connections between the two should be paid for locally.

    Where a price range is given, the price you pay depends on your date of travel.

    Connecting travel options - flying via Malaga

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    coach Malaga to Almeria (2h30-4h45), taxi Almeria to hotel (0h40) £46-£49 1700
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    taxi hotel to Almeria (0h40), coach Almeria to Malaga (2h30 - 4h45) £42-£44 1500

    Connecting travel options - flying via Granada

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Granada to Almeria (2h20), taxi Almeria station to hotel (0h50) £48-£51 1700
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    taxi hotel to Almeria station (0h40), rail Almeria to Granada (2h20) £42-£44 1330

    Connecting travel options - flying via Almeria

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    direct taxi Almeria airport to hotel (0h45) included flexible
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    direct taxi hotel to Almeria airport (0h35) included flexible
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • Yes, prior to going on holiday you will be able to download GPX tracks so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you use them – our detailed, step-by-step route notes remain the principal means of guiding you from A to B – but we provide them as a secondary means of navigation for additional reassurance when walking.
  • We can book a wide range of routes from the UK with a variety of airlines. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. The fee for this service is £35 per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill.

    Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Spain, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • (Castilian) Spanish is one of several official languages; Catalan, Basque and Gallego have equal status in Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia, respectively. The currency is the Euro. Spanish time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
  • You are the best judge of your child’s/children’s capabilities. We are happy to take bookings for families of older children/teenagers if they walk regularly, love the outdoors and are comfortable with the distances and ascent/descent involved. Please note that the bedrooms at most of the accommodation we use will normally only sleep a maximum of 3 people, and sometimes only 2.
Price from
£595pp | 4 nights
Coastal Almería & the Cabo de Gata - Short Break. 4 nights
Price from
£595pp
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