Summer Access to Genoveses and Mónsul

The beaches west of San José, from Los Genoveses to Cala Carbón via Mónsul, have no paved road: you reach them by a dirt track that leaves from the end of the village. Outside summer you drive in without formalities. In summer, the Junta de Andalucía closes that track to motor vehicles without authorisation, and it is worth knowing before you set out.

The summer restriction

The Territorial Delegation for Sustainability in Almería publishes a resolution in the BOJA each year. The 2025 one restricted access to these beaches from 21 June to 28 September for all motor vehicles without authorisation; the 2024 one did so from 21 June to 22 September. The reason given by the resolution itself is that traffic on the track between San José and the Cala Carbón car park exceeds the capacity of the space, degrades the landscape and puts safety at risk in the event of fire or emergency. The dates for 2026 and for each year are published in spring; check them in the BOJA or at the Las Amoladeras Visitor Centre before planning your visit.

The same resolution limits to a maximum of five the kayaks, canoes or non-motorised craft that may gather without authorisation on the park's shoreline during those weeks. If you are going on a kayak and snorkel trip with a company, it takes care of the permit.

How to get there in season

With the track closed, three options remain: go on foot or by bike along the track from San José, or use the bus that runs in season from the village, with the access control the Junta contracts each summer. The resolution publishes no bus timetable or fare; ask in San José or at the visitor centre, because they change each year. On foot, Genoveses is reached in a short time; to Mónsul it is about 4.5 km along the track.

Outside summer

The rest of the year access is free. According to the Junta's trail sheets, the Los Genoveses trail starts about 300 metres after the end of the tarmac, next to the windmill, and there is a car park of about 20 spaces 150 metres from the start panel. Following the track for about 4.5 km you reach the Casa del Mónsul, with a car park of about 50 spaces, the starting point of the Vela Blanca trail.

Tips

In spring and on long weekends, even when there is no restriction, the car parks fill up by mid-morning: arrive early. On the beach there is no shade, no beach bars and no water, so bring everything you need. Camping is prohibited throughout the park and the track is no place to leave a motorhome overnight. If you go with small children, Genoveses is the most comfortable; for swimming with a mask, the rocks of Mónsul. In the afternoon you can end the day at the lighthouse and Sirenas reef.