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Things to do

CABO DE GATA-NIJAR NATURAL PARK

San Jose is within the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. It contains the Sierra del Cabo de Gata mountain range, including the highest peak El Fraile. The coastline is rugged, with several small coves and sandy beaches. Offshore there are coral reefs and rocky islands. Part of the sea area is a marine nature reserve. There is also an area of salt flats. The climate is dry, with warm temperatures all year. The average annual temperature is 19.8C and average annual rainfall 160mm.

ACTIVITIES

Land based activities in the park include walking, cycling, horse riding, climbing, bird watching and geological exploration. Water based activities include swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, sailing and jet skiing.

BEACHES

The finest beaches include the Playa de Monsul and Playa de Los Genoveses, both of which are within easy distance of San Jose by vehicle or on foot. Other beaches include the Playa el Playazo near Rodalquilar, and the Playa de los Muertos near Carboneras.

ARTS AND CRAFT

These include ceramics, pottery, carpet making and weaving.

EATING AND DRINKING

Restaurants:

Restaurante Casa Pepe 7 minutes walk

Pirata Maimono 7 minutes walk

Bocata y Fuga 8 minutes walk

Cafes and bars:

Tijeras 18 minutes drive

Antonica Bar 28 minutes drive

Cafe Bar No Lo Se 28 minutes drive

Supermarkets and grocery stores:

Suma Supermercados 6 minutes walk

Superplus Supermercados 28 minutes drive

Carniceria Hermanos Sanchez 32 minutes drive

PLACES

San Jose itself is a fishing port with a yacht marina and fine sandy beach. There are many good restaurants, cafes and shops, many selling traditional local goods.

Carboneras to the east is well known for its live music.

Nijar is inland and famous for its processions during Holy Week.

Los Albaricoques is famous for being featured in several so called “spaghetti western” films.

Rodalquilar features several art galleries displaying paintings, ceramics and photography.

Almeria (40km from San Jose) is the main city and cultural centre of the region, and has attractions such as the Museum and the Alcazab

WILDLIFE AND NATURE

Species of birds on the salt flats include flamingos, purple herons, storks, cranes, avocets and oystercatchers.

Elsewhere there are larks, bustards, stone curlews, kestrels, falcons, ospreys and eagles. On the coast there are gulls, terns, razorbills, shags and shearwaters.

Mammals include wild boar and common genets. Reptiles include lizards and grass snakes.

Typical vegetation on land includes large agave, prickly pear and fan palms.