The 71,500 acres of Cabo de Gata stretch east from Retamar, to the east of Almeria, across the cape to the Barranco del Honda, just north of Agua Amarga. Classed by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, it has been protected since 1987. It is volcanic in origin and land height ranges from 493m above sea level to 60m below. With an annual average rainfall of 100m.m, it is the driest place in Europe. Despite this, it supports a great variety of flora and fauna, adapted to the arid, salty environment.

The volcanic hills form dramatic cliffs and capes, the backdrop to beautiful, uncrowded beaches. Within the park and along the coast are scattered settlements of white-washed, flat roofed houses. It is possible to walk the 61km. from Retamar, round the southern tip of the cape, then north-east to Agua Amarga, although in summer, the lack of shade could make it uncomfortableThe main information centre for the park (Centro de Interpretacion Las Amoladeras – phone 950 16 04 35; open 10am – 2pm and 5pm – 9pm from mid July to mid September and 10am – 3pm from mid September to mid July) is about 2.5 km. before Ruescas on the road from Almeria. As well as tourist information and maps, it has displays of local flora, fauna and human activities, souvenirs and craft work.