Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, Andalucia, Spain

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Cabo de Gata-Nijar from space with city of Almeria at image lower left. Source: NASA
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Expansive view of marsh, coastal scrub and montane scrub of Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park.
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Characteristic coastal terrace low growing forbs

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Volcanic dome forming the chief headland with sandy recreational backshore in foreground. @ C.Michael Hogan
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This fish can be seen in the Mediterranean here; it spreads winglike appendages when frightened. Source: von Beckmannjan
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Characteristic searocket vegetation colonising the southern beaches. @ C.Michael Hogan

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Largest marsh of the Natural Park, sitated along the coastal south facing shoreline. @ C.Michael Hogan
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This coastal resort town immediately north of Cabo de Gata affords nearby lodging. @ C.Michael Hogan
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An arid higher elevation inland stony scrub habitat of Cabo de Gata, overlooking a deeply incised gorge. @ C.Michael Hogan

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Ecotourists begin the climb into the gold ore laden hills. @ C.Michael Hogan
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There are elements of arid grassland in the Natural Park. @ C.Michael Hogan
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Ruins of nineteenth century miner's habitation within an upland gorge

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Opulent remains of a wealthy miner's firepit from structure interior. @ C.Michael Hogan
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This characteristic Mediterranean thistle is a common plant of the arid inland scrub. @ C.Michael Hogan
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These ruins date to over a century and are framed below by dwarf fan palms. @ C.Michael Hogan

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Typical coastal upland mattoral decorates this incised gorge. @ C.Michael Hogan
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Abandoned gold ore processing plant on higher elevation inland site. @ C.Michael Hogan
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This lavender plant grows abundantly in the wild on the sun drenched south facing slopes. @ C.Michael Hogan

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The scene is characteristic of the higher elevation inland topography with abundant dwarf fan palms (Chamaerops humilis). @ C.Michael Hogan
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Looking back at the historic ascent trail where miners plied their carts. @ C.Michael Hogan

Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park lies along the Alboran Sea of the Mediterranean coast of Andalucia, Spain. The most arid area in the entirety of Europe, it boasts varied landforms and high endemism. Cabo de Gata-Nijar is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Published: June 9, 2012, 02 am
Revised: June 9, 2012, 11 pm
Author(s): C Michael Hogan

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