At the foot of the Cabo de Gata lighthouse. Not a swimming beach as such, but a reef: needles of volcanic rock, the remains of ancient chimneys, rising from the sea. There is a viewpoint and it is a good spot for snorkelling.
The Arrecife de las Sirenas (Reef of the Mermaids) lies right at the foot of the Cabo de Gata lighthouse, at the southern tip of the park. It is not a sandy beach but a cluster of dark rock needles rising from the sea: the remains of ancient volcanic chimneys, witnesses to the eruptions that shaped this coast millions of years ago.
Its name recalls the monk seals that once lived in these waters, whose silhouettes fishermen mistook for mermaids; the last colony disappeared around the 1960s. Today it is one of the most emblematic viewpoints of the cape, beside the lighthouse, and crystal-clear pools form among the rocks, excellent for snorkelling and photography.
Highlights
- Volcanic chimneys rising from the sea, unique geology
- Iconic viewpoint beside the Cabo de Gata lighthouse
- Crystal-clear pools, excellent for snorkelling
- Spectacular sunsets and photography
Good to know
- For swimming and snorkelling wear water shoes: the bottom is rocky
- There is no sand or facilities; access to the water is over rocks
- Bring water and sun protection, there is hardly any shade
- Don't swim in rough seas; better when the water is calm
Nearby