Agua Amarga: Beach, Coastal Paths and Hotels

Agua Amarga between the beach and the trails

During a stay in Agua Amarga, the beach, coastal paths and traces of mining offer different themes to explore. Playa de Agua Amarga beach lies almost entirely within the town centre. In Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, it is one of the urban beaches. Fine golden sand and crystal-clear water define the beach.

The beach is 550 metres long and 30 metres wide; published measurements may vary depending on the method used. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility. It is a ten-minute walk from the car park.

Trails for different durations and landscapes

The Vía Verde de Lucainena a Agua Amarga is 6.5 kilometres each way. The estimated walking time is 2 hours and 30 minutes each way; the difficulty level is low. The route follows the former railway line of the mining train, now a trail for walking and cycling. It passes through steppes, ramblas and rural hamlets, with views of the coast. When planning your day, note that both the distance and walking time are given each way.

There is a car park with 12 spaces at the start of the Vía Verde; another car park with more than 30 spaces is next to the mineral loading pier. Check the latest information on trail conditions and parking before setting off, as these may change.

The linear S13 San Pedro–El Plomo–Agua Amarga trail is 11.1 kilometres long; its estimated walking time is 4 hours and 30 minutes, and the difficulty level is moderate to high. Unlike the Vía Verde, the walking time here is given for the trail, not each way. The route follows a rugged coastline of volcanic origin, with cliffs, ravines and coves. One cove along the S13 is framed by two limestone formations eroded by the sea. It has 150 metres of golden sand and crystal-clear water; there are also views of the mineral loading pier and Mesa Roldán with its tower.

Mining history and getting your bearings

Remains of buildings belonging to the Agua Amarga mineral loading pier can be found on the beach. It operated from the late 19th century until 1942. That year, the “Bartolo” became the last cargo ship to depart. The remains of the mineral loading pier were included in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage in 2003 through a collective general listing by the Consejería de Cultura. The railway line from Lucainena de las Torres ended in Agua Amarga.

The earliest historical references to Agua Amarga are attributed to the Nasrid period. At that time, it is said to have been a Muslim anchorage called “Chavala” in the district of Pechina. Agua Amarga also has a municipal tourist information point with the identifier PIT-AL-00006. Check its opening hours separately.

Discover more destinations: Suflí, Láujar De Andarax, Arboleas, Fuente Amarga, Fondón, Carboneras, Beires, Zurgena

For the main travel overview: Almeria.