The Cabo de Gata Natural Park is located to the east of Almeria, across the cape to the Barranco del Honda, just north of Agua Amarga. Classed by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, it has been protected since 1987. It is volcanic in origin and land height ranges from 493m above sea level to 60m below. With an annual average rainfall of 100m.m, it is the driest place inEurope. Despite this, it supports a great variety of flora and fauna, adapted to the arid, salty environment.

Cabo de Gata offers much to human visitors.  The volcanic hills form dramatic cliffs and capes, as the backdrop to beautiful, uncrowded beaches.

Within the park and along the coast are scattered  settlements of white-washed, flat roofed houses. It is possible to walk the 61km. from Retamar,

round the southern tip of the cape, then north-east to Agua Amarga, although in summer, the  lack of shade could make it uncomfortable

The park has over 20 marked footpaths. Remember to take plenty of water.Sendero Las Amoladeras is an easy circular 5½km walk that starts next to the visitors' centre Las Amoladeras. It goes through arid steppe landscape; if you're into birdwatching, there's a good chance of seeing birds that are characteristic of this habitat. These include various species of lark such as the rare Dupont's lark, along with crested larks,  skylarks, little bustards and stone curlews, among others.

The main information centre for the park (Centro de Interpretacion LasAmoladeras – phone  950 16 04 35; open 10am – 2pm and 5pm – 9pm from mid July to mid September and 10am – 3pm from mid September to mid July) is about 2.5 km. before Ruescas o n the road from Almeria. As well as tourist information and maps, it has displays of local flora, fauna and human activities, souvenirs and craft work.