Why this ride
Repeated coastal bends, headlands and frequent viewpoint stops. It also links naturally to Cabo de Gata-Nijar UNESCO Global Geopark.
CURVESCOUT / MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Cabo de Gata Coast
Plan this ride
- Recorded distance
- 96 km
- Riding-time estimate
- 1 h 51
- Journey
- Recorded itinerary
Distance and timing basis
The recorded total and the leg detail need reconciliation. Inspect the leg notes before using this record for timing or navigation. Stops, delays, approach and any separate return travel add time. Basis: producer-declared routed record.
Reading history stays on this device. My road watch requires a separate selection; opening it does not subscribe this ride.
Distance and riding time are measured on the routed road. Check local closures and conditions before you ride.
Access context
Check heat, mountain weather and seasonal access restrictions. Specific flag: heat; wind.
Seasonal context
Oct-May
Waypoint introductions and full write-ups
1. Almería
Almería has a dry, bright, slightly North African feel that makes it unlike most Spanish cities, and the reason is simple: it gets less rain than almost anywhere in Europe. The city lies on a wide bay with the arid Sierra Alhamilla behind it, and the whole landscape is in shades of sand, ochre and pale grey. In summer it is hot and bright, in winter it is gentle, and the sea breeze keeps the air moving.
Read the complete Almería write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Almería sits at 0 km, early in the day. Next is San José.
2. San José
San José is a small whitewashed settlement on the dry southeastern tip of Spain, tucked inside the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. This is not the green Andalusia of the postcards. The landscape is volcanic, bare and honey-coloured, with agave and prickly pear, dry riverbeds and ragged coastal hills that fall into the sea in dark cliffs. It is one of the driest places in Europe, and the park is also a UNESCO biosphere reserve, which says something about its odd natural value.
Read the complete San José write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
San José comes up 33 km in. Next is Carboneras.
3. Carboneras
Carboneras does not try to look pretty, and that is partly why I like it. It is a working town on the Almería coast, with a fishing harbour, a cement works and a power station on its edge, and a long beach that locals actually use. Seven thousand or so people live here, and on most days it feels like a normal Spanish town that happens to be on the edge of a very beautiful natural park.
Read the complete Carboneras write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
96 km in you reach Carboneras.
Recorded source links
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