Almeria • Spain like a local

The 5 best tapas in Almería you can not leave without trying

Spain like a local — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 05:13:38 +0000

Almería, in the south of Andalusia, Spain, has a rich culinary tradition influenced by its Mediterranean climate and its proximity to the sea. Here are the best tapas in Almería you should absolutely not leave without trying.

The 5 best tapas you can not leave Almería without trying

1. Espetos, the best and most popular tapa from Almería

If Almería is famous for something is espetos, you will find them in most beach restaurants. Espetos are sardines skewered and cooked over an open flame. You might see sometimes they cook them on a fire in a boat, a very typical Almería sight.

2. Dried Octopus

You might see octopuses drying in the sun with the sea breeze, as they are one of the coast’s typical foods. People serve it dried and then cooked either in the oven or the grill and it has a salty and unique flavour.

3. Gurullos, one of the best tapas from Almería

A dough made with flour, water and salt and then cut in bits that look a bit like rice. Commonly found in stews and hearty dishes or served with meats and vegetables.

4. Gazpacho

A cold tomato-based soup is popular all over Spain, that comes from the south. It is made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and sometimes bread for thickness.

5. Migas

A hearty traditional meal Spanish people love having, specially on a rainy day. Migas are wheat or breadcrumbs (In Almería they make them with semolina wheat) cooked with garlic and various ingredients depending on the region. In Almería you will find them with olives, peppers, bacon, chorizo and other meats. We love them!

6. Other of the best tapas to try in Almeria

Patatas a lo pobre. Fried potatoes cooked with green peppers and onions and often seasoned with paprika.
Cherigan. One of the most famous appetizers. A slice of bread with alioli (Garlic base sauce) with ingredients on top such as canned tuna, ham or cheeses.
Media Luna. A very famous local dessert made with merengue and cake.

These are just a few examples of the delicious foods you can enjoy in Almería, Spain. As you can see the region’s cuisine is a great example of the Mediterranean flavours.

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Playa de Monsul beach. The most famous beach of Cabo de Gata

Spain like a local — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 11:18:25 +0000

The beaches in Cabo de Gata are wild, virgin and they remain true to how they were. Visiting any of them will be a beautiful experience, but if there is one you can not miss that is Playa de Monsul beach.

Playa de Monsul beach. The most famous of the Cabo de Gata beaches

Playa de Monsul beach

Monsul beach is one of the nicest and most famous beaches of the area and a great testimony to the volcanic origins of the Cape. Its main feature is the tremendous rock that resembles a wave getting back into the sea and the close-by dunes with some spectacular panoramic views of the beach.

Where to stay near Monsul beach?

The closest village is San Jose, one of the biggest villages in Cabo de Gata and our favourite to stay in. It has a great atmosphere, all the services and public transport if you need it. Next time we go we are planning to check out this hotel for a stay with epic views and on a budget.

Playa de Monsul in movies

It has been the backdrop to some epic films like Indiana Jones and the Last Cruzade.

Useful information about the beach

The sand is fine and golden.
It is accessible via bus from San Jose.
Easy access, a short walk from the parking area.
No services, make sure you bring all the food and drinks you will need.
There is paid parking but with limited capacity. Please note in summer it gets full up early.

Save money on your trip to Playa del Monsul beach!

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The village of Las Negras and the hippies in Cabo de Gata, Spain

Spain like a local — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 17:44:18 +0000

Las Negras, the hippie village in Cabo de Gata, is a magical place if you are looking for a relaxed vibe to chill after spending the day hunting for the perfect beach. Its story, however, might give you the chills…

Las Negras hippies. The village of Las Negras and the hippies in Cabo de Gata

The bohemian village of Las Negras in Cabo de Gata, Spain

The village of Las negras has a very unique bohemian atmosphere that you will not find anywhere else.

White-washed houses with blue accents, a relaxed vibe and many bar to enjoy the sound of the sea and a slow life.

The legend behind the hippie village of Cabo de Gata

While it not known when the hippies starting the settlement there are many legends around how people started living in Las Negras.

Among all the legends, one of everyone’s favourites is the story of the local fishermen that went to the sea to never return, leaving their wives at home.

Their spouses, determined to wait for their husbands’ return, established themselves in the area. They also wore black as a sign of mourn.

This group of women were known in the area as “Las Negras” for the colour of their clothing (negro means black in Spanish) . While their husbands were never to return, the name has remained until this day.

Las Negras hippies

Legends aside, part of the charm of Las Negras is the nearby Cala de San Pedro, a secluded beach that can only be reached by foot or by boat where you can find a hippie settlement that have set up camp on the area. You can find all the info in this post.

If you want to keep it easy check out this zodiac boat tour around Cala de San Pedro from Las Negras.

Where to stay in the village

APARTMENT ON A BUDGET >

You can save some money and get some amazing sea views if you choose to stay in this apartment equipped with a swimming pool and located a short 15 minute walk from the beach.

SPA HOTEL IN THE VILLAGE >

A stylish and modern hotel with a wellness SPA for those looking for an extra special stay. All the rooms have terraces and some of them come with balinese beds and hot tub!

Save money on your trip to Las Negras hippies s in Cabo de Gata!

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Nijar, Spain. The dream village for pottery lovers

Spain like a local — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 06:26:13 +0000

While away from the coast, if you are in Cabo de Gata or the surrounding area you will regret it if you don’t pay Nijar, Spain, a visit, especially if you are into pottery.

This picturesque small village in the mountains can only be defined as an undiscovered Instagram paradise.

Its white-washed houses splashed with colourful doors and bright pottery accents will delight your aesthetic eye. However, its lack of tourists will please your inner adventurer… you have arrived to inner Spain!

Nijar, Spain. The dream village for pottery lovers

The beautiful village of Nijar, Spain and their pottery heritage

Do not expect big dramatic sights here. This village is all about strolling around and getting lost in its gorgeous alleys while taking a million pictures of the beautiful doors you will discover on your wanders.

Nijar also has a heritage in handmade products that has remained true to how things were made in the old days, and that will make you regret not having a bigger house… and suitcase! Specially when you see the pottery and rugs!

The handmade rugs from Nijar

Standing out are their Jarapas, colourful handmade rugs made sustainably with leftover pieces of fabric.

The colors alone will catch your eye, but the price will make your heart skip a beat… for the good reasons, as they are a bargain. I had to stop myself from filling the car with them and ended up settling for a huge one for the bedroom that only cost me around 40€.

And as if that wasn’t enough of a reason to love them, they, very conveniently, can be washed in the washing machine. The dream rug.

Nijar Pottery

Aside from their Jarapas, the village is full of ceramics studios that sell their stunning creations. I visited Ceramicas Baldo García and promised to return to literally buy the whole collection once I have a flat big enough!

Their creations not only will cheer up your dinner parties, they are also budget friendly!

And as if that is not enough to convince you we have an end game secret to share. Some bars in the town of Nijar will give you a free tapa if you order a drink!

Believe me when I say I kind of hate having written about Nijar when I could have kept it all for myself.

After shopping and a stroll around taking pictures with the colourful doors we had a cold beer with a free tortilla in a local bar.

Life does not get any better!

Useful information if you visit Nijar, Spain looking for pottery

It is a small town, a day visit will do.
If you decide to spend some time in Nijar there are some stunning Spanish style villas full of character – and bougainvilleas!- You can check them here via Booking.com>>
We got our ceramics in Baldo García
We got our rug from the tourism office that happens to also be a shop. They also show you the loom upon request.
If you are in the are do not miss Cabo de Gata Natural park!

Save money on your trip to Nijar and enjoy their pottery!

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Bus Almeria to Cabo de Gata and other public transport options

Spain like a local — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 11:14:59 +0000

Cabo de Gata is a protected area in Almeria, Andalucia. This southern Spanish destination not only boasts some of the wildest beaches you can find in Spain, but is also home to some of the most picturesque villages. Discover the best ways to get to Cabo de Gata from Almeria by bus and move around its wonderful beaches using public transport.

Almeria to Cabo de Gata by bus and other public transport options

Nearest airports

Aeropuerto de Almería (LEI) 30 km (Around 30 minutes drive)
Región de Murcia new airport (RMU) 195 km (Around a 2h drive)
Aeropuerto de Málaga 255 km (About 2h 45 minutes drive)

How to get to Cabo de Gata from the Almeria airport via car, taxi or bus.

Car

Hiring a car is the best option to have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. You can do it from any of the airports above.

Taxi

The approximate taxi fare from the Almeria Airport is around 50 €.

This local taxi company accepts bookings via WhatsApp and speak English. For long fares it is recommended to get a fixed price in advance. Please note some places in Spain might only take cash payments.

Our favourite places to stay in Cabo de Gata

An apartment on a budget in the hippie village of Las Negras >

A room on a budget with some stunning views in San Jose, one of the biggest villages>

A stylish hotel with a SPA for a luxury stay in Las Negras>

An oasis for the ultimate relaxing experience near Rodalquilar>

Bus from Almeria to Cabo de Gata

If you want to reach San Jose, one of the main villages of Cabo de Gata, via bus, you will first need to take a bus from the Almeria Airport to Almeria city centre.

From the Airport you can take the bus number 30 to Almeria. It takes around 35 minutes and costs around 1,05 €. The bus comes every 30 minutes from 7:10 am to 23:25. More info here.

The local bus company Autocares San Bernardo offers routes from Almería city centre (Estación Intermodal) to San José. You can check timetables and prices here.

Moving around Cabo de Gata by bus

We strongly recommend to hire a car to explore the area and get to the beaches and villages.

However, if that is not an option, during the summer there is bus service to some of the most beautiful beaches.

San Jose, one of the villages of Cabo de Gata, is the best-connected village for public transport.

You can get buses from San José to the beaches of Genoveses, Mosul, Barronal and Cala Carbón. The timetables and prices are here>>

You are now all set to discover one of the most dramatic landscapes in Spain. ¡Buen Viaje!

If you visit the area have a look at our post with the 5 Best Beaches of Cabo de Gata!

Save money on your trip to visit Almeria and Cabo de Gata!

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Cabo de Gata Natural Park: The ultimate beach destination.

Spain like a local — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:36:03 +0000

A deserted landscape, a handful of white-washed villages and the wildest beaches in Spain. Welcome to the destination Spaniards choose to spend their holidays: Cabo de Gata Natural Park.

Cabo de Gata Natural Park, Almeria.

Ideal for lovers of slow life, singular beach destinations and dramatic landscapes, the main attraction of the area is precisely the lack of touristic infrastructure, as the area is now protected and has avoided the brutal touristic development that you find in other areas of Spain.

The beaches are wild, the villages remain as charming and authentic as in the old days, and the castle ruins situated close to the beach will transport you to a past time in which the locals could not take their eyes off the sea to watch out for pirates.

What is Cabo de Gata Natural Park?

Whilst “Cabo” translates as “Cape,” in general people refer to Cabo de Gata as the natural protected area located on the coast of Almeria, Andalucia. The area compromises approximately 63 km of coast.

The volcanic eruptions that formed the area are the reason behind the deserted landscape and the dramatic sceneries.

The surrounding area is also known for being the filming location of some of the most famous spaghetti westerns back in the sixties. The old filming locations have been converted into a theme park in the nearby Tabernas desert – Oasis Mini Hollywood-

What will I find in Cabo de Gata?

A wild, deserted scenery right by the coast, featuring some jaw-dropping cliffs and spectacularly wild paradisiacal beaches with crystal clear waters.

There are also a handful of picturesque white-washed villages to explore in the area, as well as lighthouses and ruins.

The beaches in Cabo de Gata, Almeria.

The beaches in Cabo de Gata are wild, their waters an insanely deep shade of blue and most of them have no services, meaning you will have to bring all you are planning to need for the day. They remain true to how they were, and the visible human impact is very limited.

Where to Stay in Cabo de Gata?

That really depends of what you are looking for as there are plenty of options. Not only do you have secluded houses that feel like an oasis in the middle of the desert, but also apartments and hotels in the biggest villages with all the services at a walking distance with great eating options nearby.

After spending a day at the beach; when the sunset is approaching and the temperatures are milder it is a delight to explore the beauty of the local villages in the area, and, of course, enjoy dinner a la fresca!

Our favourite places to stay in Cabo de Gata

An apartment on a budget in the hippie village of Las Negras >

A room on a budget with some stunning views in San Jose, one of the biggest villages>

A stylish hotel with a SPA for a luxury stay in Las Negras>

An oasis for the ultimate relaxing experience near Rodalquilar>

When is best to visit Cabo de Gata?

Like most places on the coast of Spain, it is way too hot and crowded during the peak of summer. Please also note some of the beaches have limited capacity, and it will prove difficult to find parking space nearby the most popular beaches during the busy months of summer.

In order to avoid crowds, we recommend avoiding visits in July or August. In June or September, you will still enjoy warm temperatures without the crowds.

Save money on your trip to Spain!

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The 5 best beaches in Cabo de Gata

Spain like a local — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:34:22 +0000

The beaches in Cabo de Gata are wild, virgin and they remain true to how they were, the visible human impact is extremely limited. These are 5 best beaches in Cabo de Gata you can not miss.

The best beaches in Cabo de Gata.

1. Playa de Monsul. The most famous of the Cabo de Gata beaches

One of the nicest and most famous beaches of the area and a great testimony to the volcanic origins of the Cape. Its main feature is the tremendous rock that resembles a wave getting back into the sea and the close-by dunes with some spectacular panoramic views of the beach. You can read more about Mosul beach here.

2. Playa de los Muertos. The most epic of the Cabo de Gata beaches

Not only is Playa de Los Muertos one of the most renowned beaches in Cabo de Gata, it has also been voted as the best beach in Spain for several years. The gravity-defying rock is its most representative feature.

Its peculiar name “Los Muertos” – aka the dead bodies – comes from the bodies that arrived to its shore from the shipwrecks in the old days. It will not be a surprise that the waters are very deep and temperamental, and this beach is best to be avoid in case of wind as the tides are strong and can be dangerous.

Useful information about Cala de los Muertos, one of the best beaches in Cabo de Gata

The closest village is Carboneras.
Made of pebbles and thick sand. It gets nicer as you approach the water.
No easy access to the beach. It’s a 20-30 minute hike to get to the beach from the parking area.
No services, make sure you bring all the food and drinks you will need.
There is paid parking but with limited capacity. Please note in summer it gets full up early.

3. El Playazo de Rodalquilar

This impressive and virgin beach’s main feature are the ruins of Castillo de San Ramón, a defensive castle from back in the day when pirate attacks where regular in the area. It’s no reason the cape was also known as Pirate Shore!

Useful information about El Playazo de Rodalquilar

The closest village is Rodalquilar.
Golden sand.
No services, make sure you bring all the food and drinks you will need.
Easy access from the free parking area.

Our favourite places to stay in Cabo de Gata

An apartment on a budget in the hippie village of Las Negras >

A room on a budget with some stunning views in San Jose, one of the biggest villages>

A stylish hotel with a SPA for a luxury stay in Las Negras>

An oasis for the ultimate relaxing experience near Rodalquilar>

4. Playa de Genoveses

This long wild beach is one of the most beautiful in the area. It takes its name from the fleet of 200 ships from Genoa that took shelter in this bay before attacking the nearby city of Almeria.

Useful information about Playa de Genoveses

The closest village is San Jose.
Thin golden sand.
It is accessible via bus from San Jose.
No services, make sure you bring all the food and drinks you will need.

5. Cala San Pedro, the hippie beach of Cabo de Gata

One of the most famous yet least accessible beaches in the area for a very peculiar reason: the community of people – known in the area as “the hippies” – that have made camp in the area permanently. They have built their own shelters using local materials and live harmoniously with their surroundings, occasionally selling handmade artisan jewellery and, at times, even putting together a pop-up bar!

Useful information about Cala de San Pedro

The closest village is Las Negras.
Mostly nudist.
Difficult access: It requires a 60-90 minute (approx.) hike from Las Negras.
Some local companies in Las Negras offer boat rides to the Cala for approximately 12€
No services, make sure you bring all the food and drinks you will need.

If you are feeling adventurous, please note, whilst these are some of the most popular and peculiar beaches of the area, there are many other smaller calas worth a visit, depending on the time you wish to spend exploring the area.

About the best beaches in Cabo de Gata

In order to maintain the beaches in their natural state, and as wild and beautiful as they were intended to be, you will not find any services at the beaches in Cabo de Gata.

Make sure you bring enough water, food and shade to spend the day comfortably.

Pro tip: Do you know the Spanish trick to enjoy cold water when spending a summer day at the beach? Bring your water bottles frozen and let them melt as the day goes by… ice-cold water!

Save money on your trip to Spain to visit the best beaches in Cabo de Gata!

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Cala de San Pedro. The beach in Cabo de Gata inhabited by hippies

Spain like a local — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 11:32:00 +0000

There is a special bohemian atmosphere in Cala de San Pedro that you will not find anywhere else. Discover the only beach in Cabo de Gata inhabited by hippies!

Cala de San Pedro. The beach in Cabo de Gata inhabited by hippies

This very unique beach is one of the most special places in Spain. The beach has crystal clear waters, lots of greenery and the charm of the not very accesible places.

The hippies in Cala de San Pedro

What makes the place truly special, apart from the turquoise waters and the nudists, is the hippie commune that has camped in the area. They have made their own shelters using local wood, and they live as green as it gets.

They also occasionally sell handmade objects and, at times, even put together a pop-up bar!

However, if you visit, make sure to bring all the water and food you might need just in case.

How to get to the hippies' beach in Cabo de Gata

The Cala is a secluded beach that can only be reached by foot or by boat from the nearby village of Las Negras.

The walk to the beach takes from 60 to 90 minutes, and there is not a single spot in the shade. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes, a cap, lots of water and avoid the warmest hours of the day.

There are local companies in Las Negras that offer boat rides to the Cala. The official tourism website says prices are around 12 € each way.

If you want to keep it simple this tour in a zodiac will take you around the area from las Negras

Where to stay to visit Cala de San Pedro and the hippies

The closest village to stay is Las Negras. These are our favourite places to stay in the village.

An apartment on a budget in the hippie village of Las Negras >

A stylish hotel with a SPA for a luxury stay in Las Negras>

Save money on your trip to Spain to discover Cala de San Pedro and the hippies!

* This blog contains affiliate links. If you purchase or book something, we get a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Cabo de Gata village. 5 instagrammable pueblos you can not miss

Spain like a local — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 11:55:08 +0000

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

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

An apartment on a budget in the hippie village of Las Negras >

A room on a budget with some stunning views in San Jose, one of the biggest villages>

A stylish hotel with a SPA for a luxury stay in Las Negras>

An oasis for the ultimate relaxing experience near Rodalquilar>

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!

Save money on your trip to Spain to visit the pueblos in Cabo de Gata

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