Discover more than 10 best European Beaches:

'Cabo de Gata Nijar' Naturalpark 
- an unspoilt secret paradise in Southern Spain -

Congratulations! You are about to discover the best European beaches – an almost totally unspoiled paradise:

You may spend days touring and visiting all corners of this Natural Park, discovering moonlike landscapes, lost filming locations, unspoilt coves and beaches of fine sand and crystal clear waters, which have nothing to envy to those of the Carribean. It is truly one of the best places to visit in Europe.

Welcome to The Natural Park of Cabo de Gata – Nijar (Almeria) :

Before you prepare your luggage, take a ‘tinto de verano’, relax and enjoy your tour from the armchair:

More than 10 Best European Beaches, some of them belong to the list of 'unofficial' naturist beaches in Spain:

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This is, without doubt, one of the last bastions of wild European beaches and untouched nature. Unrepentant hippies and increasingly foreigners, discover the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata, seeking alternative ways of life. 

It is indeed a 'different world' which my husband, kids and I need to visit frequently, to recharge batteries, slow down and renew our souls from the busy and stressful life in Barcelona. 

Have you been to Cabo de Gata? Share YOUR Experience with us here >>

I cannot think of any better natural therapy than a break in the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Nijar. Every time we come here, we discover another amazing story or another historic settlement but above all, we enjoy peace, amazing beaches and hidden coves which suit all tastes. Lets explore these gems among European beaches:

Cabo de Gata Beach Guide

Carboneras & Isleta del moro

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Rodalquilar

Passing Isleta de Moro, you will see on your right hand side a signpost pointing to the Cala del Torro and in the surroundings of the former gold mining village Rodalquilar, mother natures has shaped a wonderful beach: The Playazo:

While you are in the region, don't miss to pay a visit to the nearby old Gold mining village and its abandoned mine. An emblematic place that in the past not only suffered from the gold fever, but also attracted well known International Filmmakers.

You will find the museum and the botanic garden interesting too.

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San Jose

The access to the following beaches is by means of a dirt track, starting in the nearby charming coastal village San Jose:

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On your way back, enjoy strolling around the village San Jose with its beach bars, restaurants, flee markets and night clubs.

Apart from the above mentioned, there are many hidden coves in Cabo de Gata Natural Park. Some of them can only be reached on foot like Cala San Pedro, accessible by boat or following a trail along the mountains. Other hidden coves are: Cala de Enmedio, Cala Rajá, Cala del Plomo, Cala Higuera and Cala Carbón..

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San Miguel de Cabo de Gata and Almadrava de Monteleva 

These long sandy beaches can only be reached, (coming from Almeria city) direction San Miguel de Cabo de Gata, a charming fishing village!

These beaches are located next to the village "San Miguel de Cabo de Gata" stretching from the outskirts of the village until the lighthouse. This area is famous for its Salt pans and is of special interest for Birdwatchers, who will enjoy Flamingos and many other species. 

Drive along the endless beach up to the lighthouse and the viewpoint of "Las Sirenas" (the Mermaids) from where you will enjoy breathtaking views over the area. 

Go to Top of European Beaches

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About Cabo de Gata Natural Park:

The Natural Park of Cabo de Gata offers visitors marvelous European beaches with a volcanic, moon-like environment. The sea-bed is hiding an ecosystem, unique in Europe, consisting in wide meadows of Posidonia, these also act as natural measurements for water quality. In these clear and transparent waters there live sponges, snails, sea stars, urchins, anemones, corals and jellyfishes as well as the halibut, etch and sea bream. A great diversity of flora and fauna marina attract diver enthusiasts from all over Europe. The good news is that there is no need to be a professional diver to enjoy these beautiful sea-beds. We dive and snorkel there frequently. I recommend you a water proofed camera.

When visiting these beautiful European beaches, please please bear in mind that you are actually strolling through one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth which must be protected and conserved by all means! Click on the following image and be amazed!

The Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Níjar is a natural area of a great diversity ranging from the depths of the Sea to Sierras of a volcanic origin, via wetlands and sandy beaches. It encompasses 38,000 ha. inland and 11,624 ha. of sea, shared between the municipalities of Almeria, Níjar and Carboneras. In 1997, the park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , also obtaining the names of Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA), Ramsar site, Site of Community Interest and, most recently Special Area of Mediterranean Interest (SPAMI). It is also part of the European GEOPARKS. The climate is almost unique in Europe, characterized by its aridity similar to that in North of Africa, being the annual rain fall less than 169 mm. As a result of this climate and the variety of environment, the area harbours an important representation of flora and fauna. Among its main habitats are the Azufaifo scrublands (Ziziphus lotus), Mediterranean xerophytic pastures, salt flats, gypsum flats, and the singular submerged grassland of Poseidonia oceánica (or Neptune Grass).The highlight is the amazing richness and originality of its fragile ecosystem. The most valuable features are its endemic and exclusive species, which nowhere else on earth can be found, such as the 'Dragoncillo del Cabo' (Antirrhinum charidemi), the 'Godolobo del Cabo' (Verbascum charidemi) and the 'Aulaga Mora (Ulex canescens) amongst the flora and the Trumpeter Bullfinch and Alondra de Dupont, amongst the fauna.

Enjoy these unique European beaches and its magic surroundings, full of history, stories and secret corners! 

Although the following video is in Spanish language, after you watched it, you will agree with me that the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata, can truly brag about featuring the best European Beaches:

Find more European Beaches here >> or Take a Self-guided Tour here >>

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