Rodalquilar (Cabo de Gata)

Rodalquilar, the pearl of the Cabo de Gata

Rodalquilar is a village of mining origin located in a valley of unusual beauty, enclosed in a circular form by the mountains and the hills of mine produce, now disused. These are found within the Parque Natural Cabo de Gata, and they form part of the municipal district of Nijar.

The managerial office of the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata is located in Rodalquilar, and there is always some sort of exhibition about the area taking place in one of the rooms next to the office.

Also interesting are the ruins of the mines and the defensive castle on the coast constructed in the age of Carlos III.

Las Minas were a large mining and industrial complex for the purpose of gold mining which closed in 1966. Nowadays they belong to the Government of Andalucia and are currently being converted to be the seat of operation in charge of the sevices offered by the Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata. There were years in which 500kg of gold were extracted.

There is no longer any mining activity in Rodalquilar and it has transformed itself into a small tourist village with spectacular surroundings where you can enjoy the beauty of the area and the friendliness of the local people.

In addition, the nearby beaches and coves, the most emblematic being El Playazo, offer the possibility of enjoying the clean and pleasant sea, with incredible possibilities for diving.

Rodalquilar has a vertain air of a village of the East with the mountains that surround it and above all else the light and colours of its scenery. The colours of this earth (ochre, reddish and brown) in combination with the light invite people to relax and view the world in another way.

Even if there is not much atmosphere here in the winter, Rodalquilar becomes the “capital” of the Parque Natural. There is a certain bohemian air and from time to time there is an exhibition by one of the artists who come here to soak up and be inspired by the rich scenery. There are also some craftsmen (ceramics, iron forging) with very interesting works.

Map of Rodalquilar (Cabo de Gata)

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How to reach Rodalquilar

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When leaving la Isleta going towards Rodalquilar you can stop at the Mirador de la Amatista, where there is an information point and a very pretty view. Having arrived in the village if you wish to visit the beach you will need to follow the road to Las Negras and take the detour on the right marked El Playazo de Rodalquilar.

El Playazo is a large, tranquil beach with crystalline waters and white rocks. From there you can take a quick trip to the area of white cliffs and on to Cala del Cuervo and Las Negras or spend the morning enjoying the sun and sea.

The Playaza is an unspoilt beach within an exceptional environment. It is one of the most attractive of the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar, a location to lose yourself in and feel the power of the natural wildness of these coasts.

Its marine depths are equally pretty, being a location frequented by scuba divers (See the diving club, Club de Buceo Subparke).

Diving in Cabo de Gata

Castle of San Ramón, located in Playazo beach (Rodalquilar)

Next to here is the Castle of San Ramón, a defensive bulwark of the 18th century. At the foot of the castle is a collection of rocks from where you can admire the plastic and chromatic beauty of the volcanic cliffs. It is easily accessible (ALP-326) and it has a car park. There is a little beachside bar where you can recharge your batteries and have a quick drink.

Another visit of interest could be the Botanical Garden. This is where you can find a representation of the main forms of vegetation on these lowlands of the province of Almeria and its coastal hills, grouped in their various sectors.