Things to do in Carboneras
Playa de los Muertos, San Andrés Island, the castle, Mesa Roldán and the unspoilt Cabo de Gata coves you can only see from the sea. A guide by the people who sail this coast every day.
Carboneras is a fishing town in eastern Almería, inside the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, with more than 17 km of coastline: town beaches, wild coves and volcanic cliffs. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss, with directions to each place.
Playa de los Muertos
For many, the most beautiful beach in Cabo de Gata: pale fine pebbles, crystal-clear turquoise water and cliffs on both sides. It lies south of town, deep in the natural park, with no buildings in sight.
You walk down a path from the car park on the Agua Amarga road (about 15-20 minutes, and it’s uphill on the way back). Bring water, good shoes and a parasol: there are no facilities. In summer the car park fills up early.
Local tip: from the boat you see the whole beach from the sea, with no hike, and you can swim right in front of it.
San Andrés Island
The islet you see off the town is San Andrés Island, a protected Natural Monument. A small island of volcanic rock surrounded by seabeds full of life, one of the classic snorkelling and diving spots in Carboneras.
There’s no way to reach it on foot: you enjoy it from the water. It’s a protected area, so please visit with respect: don’t step on it or take anything.
The seafront promenade gives you the best photo of the island, especially at sunset.
San Andrés Castle
In the very centre stands San Andrés Castle, a 16th-century fortress built to defend the coast from pirate raids. Carboneras grew up around it, and today it’s the heart of the old town.
Combine it with a stroll round the centre, the Church of San Antonio de Padua and the Torre del Rayo, the oldest building in the municipality.
Mesa Roldán and its lighthouse
South of Playa de los Muertos rises Mesa Roldán, the highest cliff in Almería, topped by a lighthouse and a watchtower. From the top you see the whole coast: Carboneras, San Andrés Island and towards Agua Amarga.
You can drive or walk up. Go at sunset: it’s one of the best viewpoints in the park. And from the boat, the cliff seen from below is even more impressive.
Cabo de Gata coves by boat from Carboneras
The best way to see this coast is from the sea. From Carboneras harbour we sail south past Playa de los Muertos, Mesa Roldán and Agua Amarga to unspoilt coves such as Cala de Enmedio, Cala del Plomo or Cala de San Pedro, which by land you can only reach after long hikes.
See Cabo de Gata from the sea
Shared trips, private charter with skipper or boat rental from Carboneras harbour. Book with 20 % and pay the rest on board.
- ✅ Book with just 20 %, pay the rest on board
- 🌦️ Bad weather? We change the date or refund you
- ⭐ 5.0 on Google · local skippers
More things to do in Carboneras
Seafront promenade and town beaches
Town beaches with facilities, palm trees, beach bars and views of San Andrés Island. Ideal for families and for an evening stroll.
Windmill
A traditional windmill turned visitor centre, a listed heritage site and the only one left in eastern Almería.
San Antonio church and festival
The church of San Antonio de Padua, the town’s patron saint. In June, the Moors and Christians festival fills Carboneras with life.
Nearby day trips
Agua Amarga a few minutes away, Mojácar to the north and the rest of the natural park (Las Negras, San José) to the south.
Where to eat in Carboneras?
Tapas on Calle Sorbas, seafood by the sea, grilled meat, the best squid sandwich by the harbour and a home-cooked set lunch. It’s all in our guide, with a map for each place.
Visiting Carboneras: common questions
How do I get to Playa de los Muertos?
There’s a car park on the road from Carboneras to Agua Amarga; from there you walk down a path of about 15-20 minutes. You can also see it from the sea on a boat trip from Carboneras harbour.
Can I visit San Andrés Island?
It’s a Natural Monument with no access on foot. Enjoy it from the water, snorkelling respectfully, and from the seafront promenade.
What can I see in Carboneras in one day?
Morning boat trip to the Cabo de Gata coves; lunch at the harbour or on the seafront; afternoon at the castle and town centre; sunset at Mesa Roldán.
When is the best time to visit Carboneras?
May to October for beaches and boat trips. June and September have great weather with fewer people. Check today’s sea conditions.
Shall we sail together?
Call us or message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you choose the trip that best fits your plans in Carboneras.
- ✅ Book with just 20 %, pay the rest on board
- 🌦️ Bad weather? We change the date or refund you
- ⭐ 5.0 on Google · local skippers
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: isol · CC BY-SA 3.0 · ziegler175 · Public domain · Enlasnubesdealmeria · CC0 · Eduardo Milla · CC BY-SA 4.0 · 80kmh · CC BY 4.0 · Luis Rogelio HM · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Chipitinbebi · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nicolas Vigier · CC0 · Luis Rogelio HM · CC BY-SA 2.0.