View of the San Pedro cove in the Natural park of Nijar-Cabo de Gata, Almeria, Spain.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Playa San Pedro

Top choice in Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar


Set between dramatic headlands 3km northeast of Las Negras, this sandy hideaway is the holy grail of the park's numerous beaches. The 250m-long playa, backed by a pocket of verdant scrubland dotted with the thatched huts of a long-standing New Age settlement, is only accessible on foot or by boat from Las Negras (€12 return; departure frequencies depend on demand and weather).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar attractions

1. Cala de Enmedio

3.13 MILES

The pretty and secluded little beach of Cala de Enmedio is capped by strikingly eroded rocks. It's a bit of a hike to get to – about 1.5km southwest of…

2. Playa del Playazo

3.34 MILES

A 400m-long strip of sand, the Playa del Playazo is sandwiched between two promontories, one of which is topped by a small 18th-century fort (now a…

3. Gold Mines

5.06 MILES

Set amid the Martian red-rock terrain at the top of the village, the skeletal remains of Rodalquilar's gold mines are an eerie sight. The complex, which…

4. La Casa de los Volcanes

5.1 MILES

At the far end of the village, this museum has displays on the local mines and the geology of Cabo de Gata and Andalucía. Signs are primarily in Spanish,…

5. Jardín Botánico El Albardinal

5.15 MILES

Rodalquilar's extensive botanical gardens showcase the vegetation of Andalucía's arid southeast. It's well planned, with every plant, tree and shrub…

6. El Cortijo del Fraile

5.94 MILES

This abandoned farmstead on a windswept plain 6km northwest of Rodalquilar was the scene of the tragic, true-life love-and-revenge story that inspired…

7. Mirador de la Amatista

6.2 MILES

On the main road between La Isleta del Moro and Rodalquilar, this high viewpoint commands breathtaking views of the vertiginous, unspoilt coastline. From…

8. Plaza La Glorieta

13.31 MILES

The central square in Níjar's hilltop centre, delightful Plaza La Glorieta is surrounded by trees and overlooked by the 16th-century Iglesia de Santa…