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Salinas de Cabo de Gata


Southeast of San Miguel de Cabo de Gata, some of Spain's last surviving salt-extraction lagoons draw flocks of migrating flamingos and other waterbirds between spring and autumn: by late August there can be a thousand flamingos there. To spy on them, search out the strategically sited birdwatching hides, accessible along the east side of the main road just north of Almadraba de Monteleva.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Faro de Cabo de Gata

3.01 MILES

Marking the southwest point of the promontory, this photogenic lighthouse commands stirring views of a jagged volcanic reef known as the Arrecife de las…

2. Torre Vigía Vela Blanca

3.65 MILES

From its position 3km east of the Faro de Cabo de Gata on the Cabo de Gata promontory, this grounds of this 18th-century watchtower (which is not open for…

3. Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar

3.7 MILES

Boasting glorious beaches, vertiginous cliffs and a semi-desert hinterland, this 340-sq-km park occupies Andalucía’s southeastern corner. It’s a wild…

4. Cala Carbón

3.87 MILES

A quiet, stony beach about 200m off the main dirt road southwest of San José, accessible by a footpath.

5. Cala de la Media Luna

3.99 MILES

A half-moon crescent of sand off the main beach road from San José. Accessible by a walking path, it's less frequented than many of the area's better…

6. Playa de Mónsul

4.18 MILES

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7. Playa del Barronal

4.52 MILES

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8. Calas del Barronal

5.14 MILES

The Calas de Barronal consist of four beautiful little beaches (El Lance del Perro, Cala Chica, Cala Grande and Cala Principe) that run along the coast in…