Today you travel to the former fishing village of Agua Amarga, where your programme begins. Your accommodation is right by the beach, a white-washed hotel built in the typical style of Southern Spain with terraced gardens and views to the bay.

From Agua Amarga today you have a choice of two walks; One is a route through an old iron ore plant, following a steep ascent up to the 17th-century watchtower and lighthouse on the plateau called Mesa Roldán. Beautiful views of the sea while the mining installations provide an interesting view of the area’s 19th-century industrial heritage. La Mesa Roldán was an underwater volcano which formed a coral reef six million years ago. The same reef is now visible as a flat white ‘cap’ on a dark mountain.  The second route for today takes you to Andalucía’s oldest olive tree, also one of the most ancient in all of the Mediterranean. First you ascend along Rambla Viruegas – a dry sandy riverbed – then continue uphill through dry rocky terrain. The last section takes you back down to the coast. On the way you enjoy beautiful views of both peaceful inland areas and lovely coves, such as Cala Plomo and Cala Enmedio

Challenge: 10.5 km, 3 hrs, 290 m ascent/ descent.

Option B: 13 km, 4 hrs, 230 m ascent/ descent.

From Agua Amarga you hike south, first on inland paths then along the coast to reach Rodalquilar. You’ll pass the characteristic dry riverbeds called “ramblas” and follow them down to hidden coves, where lush greenery creates surprising oases in the desert. Tropical bays and stunning views along the way, passing by ruins of castles and watchovers, reminiscent of the Romans, Moors and pirates times. Your route takes in the lovely bay (and quirky hippy colony) at Las Negras and the stunning beach at El Playazo. 

Challenge: 21 km, 7 hrs, 530 m ascent, 500 m descent. 

The Rambla de la Granadilla winds through barren hills, a fertile path with a different type of vegetation. Palms and oleanders, reeds, fig trees and poplar groves with views to the Sierra in the distance. You will pass the infamous Cortijo del Fraile, site of the tragic events which inspired Federico García Lorca’s great work, “Bodas de Sangre”. Here the remains of now-extinct mining activities survive among rocky landscapes in splendid earth tones. Option of stopping to visit the Casa de los Volcanes (House of the Volcanoes) and gorgeous botanical garden.

Challenge: 15.8 km, 4.5-5 hrs, 320m ascent/ descent.

Today’s route traverses areas of eroded lava rock studded with dwarf palm trees to reach imposing extinct volcanoes. Along the way you will pass ancient Moorish water systems, unique volcanic formations, small palms, wild olive groves and deep gorges, leaving the desert behind and gazing toward the Mediterranean beyond with stunning views to some fishing villages on the coast. In the afternoon, the route circles back to the hotel in Rodalquilar. 

Challenge: 19 km, 6 hrs, 410 m ascent/ descent.

This walk follows the cliffs through an unspoilt area, where oases and palm groves emerge from among the fossil dunes and bright white villages provide contrast to complete the picture. Dark sandy beaches and historic pirate hideaways lead to the next accommodation, in a charmingly authentic fishing village. Just inland, el Cerro de los Frailes, at 493m Cabo de Gata’s highest summit.

Challenge: 19 km, 5 hrs, 310 m ascent, 330 m descent.

Today you will see the most popular beaches in the area, as well as the secret coves which can only be reached on foot - Los Amarillos, Chica, Grande del Barranco, Lance de Perro, Playa del Barronal, Media Luna, Los Genoveses and Monsul. An adventurous and varied route with ever-changing views and a marvellous way to end your week in the Natural Park.

Challenge: 17 km, 5.5 hrs, 280 m ascent/ descent.

Today your programme ends after breakfast.