What to do in Níjar

Níjar is the municipality that encompasses the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, mainland Europe's largest marine reserve, with 45 kilometres of protected volcanic coastline and seagrass meadows of Posidonia oceanica. Diving and snorkelling at reefs such as Los Escullos, La Isleta del Moro and the bajo de San Pedro allow exploration of one of the Mediterranean's richest underwater ecosystems. Sea kayaking follows the volcanic cliff line between dark-sand coves and basalt rock formations that are difficult to reach by land. Hiking along the Sendero del Volcán de La Gata and the Camino Natural del Cabo de Gata links beaches with the arid interior of the Almería countryside. Mountain biking uses the packed-earth tracks that cross the Tabernas desert and the natural park surroundings, with routes ranging from 20 to 80 km. The water activities season runs from May to October, with the best underwater visibility between July and September.