San Jose winter 2022 summer 2007
San Jose’ January 2022
It was with great anticipation that we (my wife and I) returned to San Jose, located in the 460 square km Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Nijar in the Almeria Province of Andalucia.
In early summer in the year 2007 we toured this large coastal area. From the small village of Cabo de Gata to San Jose’ - La Isleta - Rodalquilar (inland) - Las Negras - Aqua Amarga - Carboneras.
15 years later in January 2022 we visited and stayed over in San Jose’ meet some “old” friends that were staying in their motorhome in the campsite Los Escullos (on the way to La Isleta).
San Jose June 2007
I believe it’s fair to say that San Jose’ and many of the seaside resort/towns in the area are very, very quiet in January compare with May to October, and it does not help to travel on a Monday as we did when most of the few seasonal available restaurants/bars are closed.
One big noticeable change is the number of new apartments, hotels and villas that has been built during the last 15 years. Many buildings overlook the sea from cliffs with spectacular views. Most new buildings I saw was on the mountain side opposite the marina and port. This was also the side that we stayed.
Very good accommodation, 1 bedroom apartment in Vistamar Aparthotel. Good standard, friendly service and walking distance to San Jose’ center. Try for sea view apartment, Parking available, free Wi-Fi, Well equipped kitchen include washing machine, Light and bright rooms, all en suite bathroom. Pool and wellness facilities.
Carolina & Vanessa Hotel Apartments 2 star, good location in SanJose’ close to the shops, bars and restaurant. Beach 200 meters. Nice stay, parking available, Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, Basic good standard rooms all-en suite with shower. Very friendly and welcoming hosts. Apartment with well equipped kitchen and washing machine.
Enquiries and Book direct or choose Booking.com or Hotellook for more alternative
Playa de San Jose’
The main town beach
is a large “bay formed beach”, approximately 850 meters long, with fine sand. Busy in the high season. Surrounded by restaurants, bars and accommodation. Access for disabled. Toilets. Showers and lifeguards during the open high season.
Image from 2007, very similar to today.
Below are some more images (slider) from 2007. The Marina area, is a nice stroll witn plenty of bars, restaurants. Walk along the main beach Playa de San Jose’, towards the other side, cross the Genoa Square and you are on Calle San Jose’ bars, resturants, tapas, supermarket. shops and bank. There is no doubt about it San Jose is a very attractive resort that suit families as well as couples,
Have a look at My Almeria Cabo de Gata travel guide plenty of activities. What to do and What to visit, Brochures and maps, walks and so on and even history is included.
Lunch in San Jose’ el Octopus
After we picked up our friends from the campsite Los Escullos (nice and busy). We toured around San Jose and we also looked for a restaurant that was open. We find el Octopus. There is an utside terrace as well as inside serving area. It was busy.
For our lunchmenu we shared a starter Anchoas Contabrico (tomatoes, anchovis sprinkled with Virgin olive oil), tasty. Three of us shared the main course Rodaballo al Horno (Turbot baked whole in the oven) we shared a few postres (desserts). We all enjoyed our el Octopus experience, the food, wino and friendly service.
The best beach in Cabo de Gata Los Genoveses
Los Genoveses beach area is for many the best beach in Gabo de Gata, image from 2007
In the afternoon, early evening, and still daylight we decided to visit Los Genoveses beach area. The weather information warned us that the coastal area would experience high wind and local rain showers, However, we are a tough gang and ignored the warning.
We followed the road Calle de San Jose up the hill, out of town, and well signposted. Leaving the tarmac road, and continued on the country road/dust track ALP-822 (Google Map). Immediately on your left hillside you will see the Windmill Molino del Collado de Los Genoveses.
The Windmill
Molino del Collado de Los Genoveses
Image from 2007
Is a reconstructed mill stands out on the top of the hill.
The use of the mills in Almeria region and especially in Cabo de Gata natural park began in the 19th century and started to decrease in the 20th century.
Continue to drive on ALP-822, still a dust track, after a few km you will see signposted Los Genoveses beach. Follow the dust track towards the parking area. A few cars and motorhomes parked here. After a short walk we arrived on the beach and to our pleasant surprise there were a few people on the beach and out in the sea a lonely windsurfer.
it was windy with a few drops of rain, we decided to leave the beach and return to San Jose.
Easy to get here
The closest town and airport to Cabo de Gata is Almeria. Almeria Airport (LEI) is well sign posted on motorway A-7 approximately 10km east of Almeria town center. Several flights from various airports within Spain and Europe.
The Mediterranean Motorway A-7 runs along the western border of Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park.
Along the A-7 Motorway several roads connect to other main towns and resorts such as the El Ejido, Mojácar, Roquetas de Mar or Vera.
To get around
The best way to move around Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is by car as you most likely want to explore the area, visit different town, villages and beaches. There are a few local buses, Autocares Bernado
Check Car rental by Auto-Europe Car Hire
Best Trails in Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar. AllTrails has 56 great hiking trails, biking trails, running trails and more.
Mar de Plastico (Sea of Plastic)
It was not until 1963 that the first greenhouse was erected in Almeria. This first attempt to locally control the climate worked and his idea was taken up by other growers until, by 1970, the practice was widespread. These early greenhouses used a single sheet of plastic during the winter and early spring.
