Mónsul & Genoveses beach access closed for summer

The usual traffic restrictions are now in place preventing you from driving down to some of the Cabo de Gata’s most popular beaches until Sept 17. The roads are closed because otherwise thousands of cars turn up and do irreparable damage to the fragile local environment. They also cause huge congestion and prevent emergency services from getting to the beach in case they are needed. So the usual park and ride system is in place. Continue reading Mónsul & Genoveses beach access closed for summer

A chiringuito and shop is to be built on the famous Mónsul beach in the Cabo de Gata

The regional government has authorised the installation of a beach bar (chiringuito) and shop on the iconic virgin beach of Mónsul, deep within the Cabo de Gata nature park. But ecologists, residents and the local council are all opposed to the plan, which was never put out to consultation. The beach is one of the most unspoilt coastal areas in this region of Spain. The Mayor of Níjar, Esperanza Pérez, spoke out against the plan, Continue reading A chiringuito and shop is to be built on the famous Mónsul beach in the Cabo de Gata

A chiringuito and shop is to be built on the famous Mónsul beach in the Cabo de Gata

The regional government has authorised the installation of a beach bar (chiringuito) and shop on the iconic virgin beach of Mónsul, deep within the Cabo de Gata nature park. But ecologists, residents and the local council are all opposed to the plan, which was never put out to consultation. The beach is one of the most unspoilt coastal areas in this region of Spain. The Mayor of Níjar, Esperanza Pérez, spoke out against the plan, Continue reading A chiringuito and shop is to be built on the famous Mónsul beach in the Cabo de Gata

Hundreds of sailboat jellyfish wash up on shores

Hundreds of brightly coloured sailboat jellyfish have washed up on shores along the province over the last couple of days. The little blighters are innocuous to humans, unlike their close cousins the Portugese man-o-war, which is deadly. You can tell the difference because one kills you and the other doesn’t (hah!). They tend to float around in schools. Round disks up to 8cm in diameter, with a sail on top which allows them to use Continue reading Hundreds of sailboat jellyfish wash up on shores

Expensive, these beaches

Almería has one thing going for it in the summer – its beaches. Miles of lovely golden sand. Or so I’m told. I’ve never been a beach person, and after being savaged by a tropical jellyfish in the Thai gulf I made a vow never to go nearer the sea than the deck of a boat (or, indeed, the deck of a chiringuito, which is more my sort of scene). Anyway, these beaches have now Continue reading Expensive, these beaches