Walking routes in Cabo de Gato, Almeria, Andalucia, Spain

This barren landcape is quite similar to that of the Rif mountains in North Africa; with such a dry climate, vegetation is sparse.

There are numerous individual walks you can take in this area. Distances range from between 7 and 13 kilometres, which takes between 2.5 and 5.5 hours. The mid-day sun it can be quite tiring, but the surrounding scenery more than makers up for it. It's a relatively slow pace; you have time to pause and admire the marvellous views out over the sea or even stop for the occasional swim. The water temperatures are the warmest in mainland Spain - a soothing average of 18°C.

Some of the highlights include the circular walk from Rodalquilar, through bare, golden hills to the ruined cortijo where the tragic real life events that occurred in 1928 became an inspiration for Lorca's famous play, "Blood Wedding".

Another popular walk is from Cabo de Gato lighthouse to San José. You'll see some spectacular cliff top sections, endless sandy beaches and the dramatic sand dunes at Monsul, where they shot "Lawrence of Arabia".