Níjar

Why visit Níjar

Níjar is two places in one. The old village sits on the slopes of the Sierra Alhamilla, a white maze of lanes known for its glazed pottery and colourful jarapa rugs. Its huge municipality runs down to the sea and covers most of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, a volcanic coast of empty beaches, cliffs and small fishing villages that is one of the last unspoilt stretches of the Spanish Mediterranean. Níjar suits beach lovers who prefer nature to resorts, walkers, divers and kayakers, and anyone looking for traditional crafts.

What to see and do in Níjar

In the village, browse the potters' and weavers' workshops along the Calle de las Alfarerías, climb to the viewpoint above the church and visit the Memory of Water museum, which tells the story of irrigation in this dry land. On the coast, San José is the main base, with walks to the famous sandy beaches of Los Genoveses and Mónsul. Further north, Rodalquilar's abandoned gold mine and its beach El Playazo are worth a stop, as are Las Negras and Agua Amarga. A coastal path links Las Negras with the hidden Cala de San Pedro, which you can also reach by kayak or boat. The volcanic Arrecife de las Sirenas below the Cabo de Gata lighthouse is a classic viewpoint, and the clear water makes the whole coast excellent for snorkelling.

A day in Níjar

Browse the pottery and rug workshops in Níjar village in the morning, then drive down to San José. Walk to Los Genoveses beach for a swim, and have a late lunch of fresh fish in San José. In the afternoon, visit the gold mine at Rodalquilar, then watch the sunset from the Cabo de Gata lighthouse above the Arrecife de las Sirenas.

Food and local life

Look for fresh fish in the coastal villages, olive oil and local cheeses, and migas and gurullos inland. Venta del Pobre, on the road between the coast and the motorway, is a traditional roadside restaurant. The weekly market in Níjar village is a good place for pottery and rugs.

Around Níjar

Níjar belongs to the Metropolitana de Almería comarca, but most of its land lies inside the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. The fishing villages of Las Negras, Agua Amarga and La Isleta, and the white town of Carboneras, are nearby. The Tabernas desert and Almería city are about 30 minutes away.

See every town and village on the Metropolitana de Almería page.

Getting there and around

Níjar is in the Metropolitana de Almería comarca, about 30 minutes by car from Almería city and its airport. Buses link Almería with Níjar village and San José, but a car is the practical way to explore the park. Some beaches have access restrictions or shuttle buses in summer to protect them. Spring and autumn are ideal; summer is hot but the sea is warm.