Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is one of the most impressive and influential protected areas in Andalusia in the south of Spain due to its incredible biodiversity, well preserved reefs and spectacular volcanic geology.
With more than 50 km of wild beaches, coves and cliffs it is a haven for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of life and reconnect with nature.
🌊 Wild Cabo de Gata - Land, Sea and Sky Tour
The multi-day tour Wild Cabo de Gata - Land, Sea and Sky, created by AstroÁndalus travel agency in collaboration with the protected area, gives guests the opportunity to discover a different side of the natural park.
From visiting artisanal salt flats, to bird watching in the natural wetlands and meeting with traditional fishermen to learn about their way of life, the experience enriches the visitors' understanding of the park heritage and ongoing conservation efforts.
Through stargazing, a guided tour to Punta Baja, hiking with a local shepherd and nature-centered kayaking tour, visitors are also able to make the most of the unique activities on offer in the park whilst exploring its wild landscapes.
♻️ MEET Network ecotourism model
To display its rich offering and establish an alternative example of tourism, Cabo de Gata adopted the MEET Network Model for product development, during EU-Funded Interreg Med Project DestiMED PLUS, to create an ecotourism experience that benefits park conservation and the local community.
Following guidelines from the MEET Model and using MEET’s impact monitoring tools the park increased the use of local food suppliers and supported providers to introduce sustainability reports on their services.
👉 Inspire your travellers with the MEET Experiences: www.meetnetwork.org/travel-industry
📹 Video credits: Green Traveller
📸 Photo credits: Christopher Willan (Green Traveller), María José Leturia Infante
Comments
Introducing you to a lesser-known part of Andalusia, in which we have proudly developed an ecotourism itinerary! One of the strengths of this itinerary is that the local community plays a crucial role: you will get to meet a traditional shepherd and his herd of Celtiberian goats; you will discuss with Luis, the head of the Artisanal Fishers Association; you will learn from Mario, the last lighthouse keeper of the region; and you will adore Loli, who has been creating pottery with traditional colours and designs throughout her entire life.
We think that the people you meet when you travel make a world of difference. Do you agree?
Thank you for sharing. I visited the west side of Andalusía this year, so seeing this national park even further east than Almería reminds me how huge the region is. Thank you for sharing this :)
This looks incredible, thanks so much for sharing! Andalusia and southern Spain has been on my list for a while, so definitely taking this on.
Hello Carla, this initiative looks great! Exactly what I am now interested in. I have partnered up with an agency which has been creating unique community based trips and programs www.dt-davatravel.com and I have offered them to create an itinerary in the Almeria province (Almería - Cabo de Gata - Alpujarra) for now just for 6 days but my intention is to have also longer trips/stays which would include more community based and nature activities. I have been thinking to cooperate with local agencies (DMC) to create more packages (slow travel, responsible travel, community based experiences etc.) but I haven't reached out to anyone yet. I spent in Almería more than 10 months volunteering at cultural organization and I would love to show the area to travelers because it is so amazing. Also I am in touch with a small Czech tour operator, but the trip I created (8 days) was not bought so far. I would be happy if we could connect and discuss a possible cooperation. I am planning to spend this winter in Almería and I really would like to develop something new. Thank you !