I International Meeting of Photography Centres. Andalusian Centre of Photografhy

Nature

A volcanic mountain range close to the sea

Created in 1987, it is the first maritime and terrestrial Nature Park in Andalusia, comprising the municipal districts of Almería, Níjar and part of Carboneras. It is situated in the area of Cabo de Gata-Níjar, on the southernmost tip of Almería province. Covering an area of 33,663 hectares (130 sq. miles), the area is classified as an Area of Special Protection of Birds. It is also included on the international list of important wetlands (RAMSAR Convention).

The coastal stretch consists in a succession of cliffs, coves and beaches. This highly diverse landscape allows visitors to stroll along salt flats, dunes, the great Rodalquilar plain, beaches and fishing villages such as La Isleta del Moro. The nature reserve is home to over 100 unique plant species, which makes it a paradise for ecologists and botanists. Some of the most important species are the avocets and Audouin's seagulls. The park's extension and varied landscape allow visitors to choose from over ten different hiking trails.

Sierra María mountain range

Only 92 minutes from Almería city you will find the northernmost nature park of the province, which borders on Murcia and Granada. It can be accessed from the A-7 motorway (Autovía del Mediterráneo). Its spectacular beauty combines rugged mountains, leafy forests and snow-capped peaks, a break from the area's typically dry landscape. Oak is the most characteristic tree, although the pine woods cover a much larger area. Birds of prey fly over the woods and the shadow of eagles and goshawks are frequently seen.

Many wild cats, genets and foxes also live in the forests. The area is part of the Marquessate of Los Vélez, which explains the wealth of its artistic and documentary legacy. Such relevant prehistoric archaeological sites as the Lebreros cave and the Ambrosio cave are also to be found here.

The mountain range also boasts an extensive array of plant communities. This is due to the nature of the soil and the limestone that causes the formation of caves and crevices.