Cabo de Gata, in Almeria, not only boasts some of the wildest beaches you can find in Spain, it is also home to some of the most picturesque pueblos. Every Cabo de Gata village with its white-washed houses and its bougainvilleas is as lovely as a town can get.
It is believed that this house-painting technique was introduced in Roman times but perfected by the Muslims. However, there is no agreement on why the local inhabitants began to lime-wash their houses.
Some say it was because white reflects the sun rays and it helps to keep the house fresh during the strong Spanish summers.
Others claim that it was promoted by local authorities as it was believed to be a great disinfectant in times of plagues.
Regardless the reason, we can all agree it does look lovely!
You will get a chance to see them in all villages in Cabo de Gata. The contrast between the white houses and the colourful bougainvilleas represents the ultimate Spanish summer dream.
Cabo de Gata village. 5 instagrammable pueblos you can not miss
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- Cabo de Gata village. 5 instagrammable pueblos you can not miss
1. La Isleta del Moro, the smallest Cabo de Gata village
With less than 200 inhabitants this peculiar little village represents the essence of life in a fishing town.
Overlooking the fishing boats in the bay, with seagulls flying over you and the sound of the waves, the only thing left to be done will be feasting on fresh fish, and La Isleta del Moro is the perfect place to do it!
2. San José, the biggest village in Cabo de Gata
One of the biggest pueblos in Cabo de Gata, and a great option if you want to be a stroll away from all the amenities. You will find many al fresco dining options in San José’s charming alleys, supermarkets, and as it is right by the sea, a local beach and a marina.
If we were to go back to Cabo de Gata, we will pick San José to stay.
San José is the closest village to some of the best beaches in Cabo de Gata: Playa de Monsul, Playa de los Genoveses and Cala de la Luna and it is your to go place if you are not planning to rent a car as there is a bus service between San Jose and those beaches.
Playa de Mosul y Cala de Luna are your go-to options if it there is wind from the east – “Viento de Levante”.
Our favourite places to stay in Cabo de Gata
3. Carboneras, one of the biggest pueblos
Carboneras takes its name from the activity behind the creation of the town: the coal mines or “minas de carbon”. There is little left of its past, but it has remained, along with San Jose, as one of the biggest villages of the area.
Carboneras is your go-to option if you want to have access to all the amenities you will normally have in a beach destination. There are plenty of supermarkets and restaurants and it is a short drive away to Playa de los Muertos, one of the most dramatic beaches of Cabo de Gata.
4. Las Negras, the hippie village of Cabo de Gata
This little village right by the sea was particularly famous due to its proximity to Cala de San Pedro – the nearby beach where a community of people, known locally as “the hippies”, have made camp permanently. The path that leads to this beach begins in Las Negras.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants and a cool young bohemian vibe all over the village. If a chilled beer and a sunset are on your list of priorities, Las Negras is the place for you.
We have a post about it, you can read it here.
5. Agua Amarga, the most trendy of the pueblos
And finally, one of the most beautiful villages of the Cabo de Gata, and a very popular option to stay.
You will find beautiful alleys surrounding the main square, chic stores and a great deal of lush greenery considering how close you are to the beach.
Agua Amarga is the trendy place to be in Cabo de Gata. Consequently, the accommodation here might be a bit more expensive than in other villages of the cape.
Wherever you decide to stay in any of the villages in Cabo de Gata we are sure the beautiful memories will last a lifetime.
¡Buen viaje!
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