The heart of Cabo de Gata: gold mines, a fishing village and the sea by kayak.

The south of the park fills with people; the centre, less so. This Sunday starts at Rodalquilar, the gold-mine village, continues along a coastal path to a fishing village and ends on the water, with three hours of kayaking between volcanic cliffs. It is a plan for the kayak season, from the end of April to mid-October, and works very well with teenagers.

The Day, Hour by Hour

9:00 · Departure. From Almería, the A-7 towards Murcia to the San José and Níjar exit, and the road that climbs through Pozo de los Frailes to Rodalquilar: about 50 minutes. From Murcia, two hours along the A-7; leave at eight.

10:00 · Rodalquilar. Park in the village and walk up to the ruins of the gold-mine installations: stone stairways and large tanks on the hillside, with the volcanic valley and the sea in the background. You see everything from the outside and free of charge. Do not go into galleries or shafts.

11:45 · From Los Escullos to La Isleta del Moro. Five minutes by car. The official trail starts next to the Playa del Arco, north of Los Escullos: 1.6 km and about 40 minutes of path between cliffs and coves, low difficulty. There is parking at both ends. On arrival, La Isleta is a handful of white houses on a point with an islet in front; have a drink on the shore and return the same way.

14:00 · Lunch at Casa Miguel, in San José. A quarter of an hour to the south. Fish from the morning's fish market, the house seafarer's rice and a dining room full of memorabilia from films shot in Almería. On Sundays it is open at midday until 16:30; in high season, every day. Book on 950 380 329.

16:30 · Kayak and snorkel. With Cabo de Gata Activo, three hours in a sea kayak with a guide: a mini-course at the start, navigable caves, reefs and a swim with mask and snorkel halfway through. The stretch depends on the wind and sea, between Las Negras, Los Escullos, San José, Agua Amarga or La Fabriquilla, and they confirm it when you book, along with the meeting point. It costs €39 per adult and €29 for ages 4 to 10, with equipment, water, photos and insurance. Book by phone or WhatsApp on +34 633 41 83 83.

19:45 · Return. Depending on where the kayak ends, from 40 minutes to an hour to Almería.

What to Bring

Swimsuit on, towel, water shoes, sun cream and a T-shirt for the kayak. For the morning, water and a hat: the ruins and the path have no shade.

With Teenagers and Children

It is the park's plan for teenagers: mines, a path with coves and an afternoon paddling. With children, the company recommends the kayak from age 7 and has kayaks for two adults and two children. With little ones, swap the afternoon for Los Genoveses beach.