Cabo De Palos: Marine Reserve, Lighthouse and Coves

Cabo De Palos brings together several travel interests: the marine reserve, the history of the lighthouse, exhibitions about marine life and shipwrecks, and the coves. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip, you can first consider whether the coast, maritime history, or both will be your main focus. The following places and topics offer some concrete points to consider.

Marine Reserve and Coastal Coves

The Reserva Marina de Cabo de Palos - Islas Hormigas is a rectangular marine reserve in the Mediterranean off the coast of Cabo De Palos, covering 1,931 hectares. Around the rocky islands of Las Hormigas, the fully protected zone, which has the highest protection status, reaches depths of more than 50 metres. The reserve therefore combines the scale of a large protected area with the particularly high level of protection around the islands.

The coves are another distinct coastal highlight. Some can be reached via steps branching off the coastal path around the headland. The coves have clear water for snorkelling and swimming. This distinction is useful when planning your trip: the coves are primarily for swimming and snorkelling, while the marine depths and underwater life of the reserve are a separate draw for divers.

Lighthouse: Visiting and History

The Cabo De Palos lighthouse first began operating on 31 January 1865. It was built over a former 16th-century watchtower, which had been constructed to protect the coast from pirate attacks. The history of the structure can therefore be divided into two periods: the earlier watchtower and the later lighthouse, which began operating in 1865.

Visits to the lighthouse are possible by prior request. It can be reached on foot via the access road, which has been adapted for this purpose. If you’re planning a visit, arrange it in advance, as prior requests are among the stated conditions for visiting. The lighthouse’s historical significance and the practical arrangements for a visit are two distinct aspects: it is a structure with a history dating back to the 16th century, and at the same time a place that must be visited by prior request.

Exhibitions by the Harbour

The Centro de Documentación y Exposición de Cabo de Palos is located next to the harbour. The centre offers visitors five themed areas, a central model and a video projection. Its exhibits focus on the underwater world of the Region of Murcia and the history of Cabo De Palos’s major shipwrecks. Other topics include the formation of the Mar Menor and the breeding of seahorses in an aquarium.

The exhibits bring together marine nature and maritime history, while placing different emphasis on each: the underwater world and aquarium focus on nature, while the shipwrecks tell the story of the sea area. Visits are available by request. If you’re planning to visit the centre, arrange it in advance. This makes it possible to distinguish the exhibition visit from a stay at the coves or a diving-focused experience, without treating these different interests as though they were the same.

Diving and Regional Cuisine

For divers, the Reserva Marina de Cabo de Palos - Islas Hormigas offers a rich variety of marine life, a large Posidonia seagrass meadow and numerous historic shipwrecks. One well-known wreck is the Isla Gomera, popularly known as the Naranjito. It lies 1.36 miles from the port of Cabo De Palos. Alongside the reserve’s natural features, the wrecks offer a glimpse into maritime history; the Isla Gomera provides a specific point of reference.

Regional cuisine can also be part of your trip planning: seaside restaurants in Cabo De Palos serve Caldero, one of the region’s typical dishes. If you’d like to plan to try it, check with the restaurant for its current offerings, as these may change.

Discover more destinations: La Azohía, Los Urrutias, Los Belones, Pozo Estrecho, Isla Plana, Playa Honda, La Manga Del Mar Menor, Islas Menores

For the main travel overview: Cartagena.