San Jose is a small fishing village in the Cabo de Gata on the Costa Almeria

San Jose is a small unspoilt fishing village in the Cabo de Gata Nijar Parque Natural on the Costa Almeria, Andalucia, southern Spain

By Nick Nutter | Updated 11 Apr 2023 | Almería | Villages | Login to add to YOUR Favourites or Read Later

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Playa San Jose and marina

It seems that more and more people are finding their way to San José, the largest town in the Cabo de Gata – Nijar Natural Park. Not too many years ago many streets in San José were as sandy as the beach, not that there were many streets. Today they are paved and there is a paseo. The resident population is less than 900 but in summer it can top 4000, which explains the number of holiday apartments. However, San José has managed to retain all its charm.

The Heart of San José

The marina at San Jose

The heart of San José is its marina. Situated at the north end of the Playa de San José, this picture postcard, whitewashed marina only has a few dozen berths for pleasure craft and a few more for the local fishing boats. Along one side there is a run of well-established restaurants, all with a view over the beach and the boats, and many of them serve fresh fish brought in by the same fishing boats. Right at the furthest end of the quay is the silver service Restaurante Botavara – well worth the walk.

The Town of San José

The old town at San Jose

The town sits behind the sandy beach. The oldest buildings are on the paseo and the main street that runs parallel to it and they become progressively newer as you look up the hillsides that surround the town. During the summer there are a whole raft of bars and restaurants to choose from, apart from those by the marina. On Sundays a craft market occupies the paseo, mainly artisan products including locally manufactured aloe vera. In winter the town is much quieter. Many of the bars and restaurants close, only a few remaining open to cater for the locals.

Tourist Information

Paseo San Jose - in winter

Whatever the season, San José is the perfect base from which to explore the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. It is roughly halfway along the coast of the Natural Park with fantastic and spectacular beaches on either side. The tourist office on the main street, operated by a local business that also has a better than average souvenir shop, has plenty of information about walks and activities in the area.

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Video By: Julie Evans

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Run of Restaurants alongside the marina at San José

Run of restaurants - San Jose

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