Cabo De Gata

The Cabo de Gata - Nijar Natural Park

The Cabo de Gata was designated a Natural Park in 1987 and a Biosphere reserve in 1997. The Natural Park extends over an area of about 38,000 hectares. Within this there are many and varied wildlife habitats and ecosystems. The mains one of interest include;

The Sierra del Cabo de Gata a very scenic range of rugged mountains of volcanic origin. The highest peak, surprisingly only reaches a height of 493m and is called Pico del Fraile.

 The Salinas (salt flats) del Cabo de Gata are a paradise for ornithologists with over a hundred species and more during the migration periods. The littoral zone and dunes which lie on the seaward side are botanically species rich.

Whilst the steppe area around las Almoladeras supports many species of xerophytic and sub-desert plant species. Bird watchers are again catered for with many species of 'steppe' birds. Indeed one of the few sites in Europe which has breeding Trumpeter finch and Dupont Lark.

Close by the Desierto de Tabernas(tabernas desert), the only semi-desert in europe, has a surreal lunar landscape . It has one of the most geologically interesting landscapes in Europe, since it shows the natural desertification and erosion. It harbours a fair variety of xerophyte flora accustomed to surviving in semi-arid areas and in this harsh landscape there is a wealth of vertebrates, most notably reptiles and birds.

Specialites of the area include :-

Mammals	Birds	Reptiles	Butterlifes	Flowers