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| Cabo de Gata-Níjar | |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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Arrecife de las Sirenas.
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| Location |
Almería Province, Andalusia, Spain |
| Nearest city | Almería |
| Coordinates | 36°47′00″N 02°06′00″W / 36.7833333°N 2.1°W / 36.7833333; -2.1Coordinates: 36°47′00″N 02°06′00″W / 36.7833333°N 2.1°W / 36.7833333; -2.1 |
| Area | 460 km² |
| Established | 1997 |
| Visitors | 500,000 (in 1998) |
| Governing body | Junta de Andalucia |
| Official name: Salinas del Cabo de Gata | |
| Designated: | December 5, 1989 |
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is in the south-eastern corner of Spain. It is Andalusia's largest coastal protected area. It is a wild and isolated landscape with some of Europe's most original geological features. It is the only region in Europe with a Warm Desert climate.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar was one of 100 finalists for the 12 Treasures of Spain in 2007.
Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata - note Iglesia de San Miguel an important landmark, in the background, along with the flamingoes for which the area is famous
Volcanic rock-formations at Playa de Mónsul, possibly the most popular beach
The pueblo of San José
Playa de los Genoveses is the second most popular beach and within walking distance of the pueblo of San José
Semana Santa in Níjar- although processions may look sinister, they are quite moving and far removed from practices often associated with such clothing; note the ceramics for which Níjar is known
Playa el Playazo One of the more popular beaches near to the pueblo of Rodalquilar
Playa de San Miguel The church shown here has a curious history and the old abandoned fishing boats are left as a type of "living museum"
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The European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis) is used as the symbol of the park
The Agave (Pita) another symbol of the natural park, if not the whole of the province of Almería
Thousands of greater flamingos can be seen on the salt flats near the headland
Flying gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans)
