5 essential hiking routes through the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park

With the arrival of October and the drop in temperatures, Cabo de Gata becomes one of the most appreciated hiking destinations in southern Spain. Its volcanic landscapes, cliffs and hidden coves offer routes for all levels, many of them a very short distance from El Toyo.

The first and most popular is the path that connects San José with Playa de los Genoveses and Mónsul, a route of about eight kilometers round trip, of low-medium difficulty, which runs along the coast and allows you to combine walking with swimming in two of the most beautiful beaches in the park.

The second essential route connects Los Escullos with La Isleta del Moro, passing by the Peñón Cortado and several natural viewpoints over the sea. They are about six kilometers of moderate difficulty, ideal for doing first thing in the morning in autumn.

The third option, somewhat more demanding, goes up to the Cabo de Gata Lighthouse from the beach of the same name, bordering the cliffs of Las Sirenas, rock formations of volcanic origin that are among the most shared postcards in the province.

The fourth recommended route runs through the surroundings of Rodalquilar, a former gold mining town converted into a tourist destination, with a circular path that combines abandoned industrial heritage with views of the valley and the mountains.

Finally, for those looking for something longer, the section between Las Negras and Cala del Plomo, about ten kilometers round trip, crosses one of the wildest and least traveled sections of the park, with a final beach that rewards every step of the way.

In all cases, October offers the perfect combination of mild temperatures, warm light and reduced capacity. It is recommended to wear trekking shoes, plenty of water, since there are hardly any sources on the route, and always start first thing in the morning to avoid the middle of the day. After the route, returning to El Toyo and relaxing on the terrace overlooking the garden is the perfect ending to a day of nature in its purest form.

For those who are new to hiking, it is worth remembering that the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park has a Visitor Center in Las Amoladeras, just five minutes by car from El Toyo, where it is possible to find out about the state of the trails, the expected weather and the species of flora and fauna that can be found in each section before embarking on any route.

October also coincides with the start of occasional rains in the area, which, although scarce, can turn some stretches of land into slippery surfaces, so it is recommended to check the weather forecast the day before and always wear shoes with good grip. In return, these occasional rains green up the semi-desert landscape of the park for a few days, offering a different and ephemeral image that many experienced hikers intentionally seek.

Finally, for those who prefer to combine the route with mountain biking, a good part of these trails are also passable by bike, although it is always recommended to respect the priority of passage of walkers and avoid leaving the marked paths to protect the park's native vegetation, especially sensitive in this time of recovery after the summer.