Agua Amarga

Agua Amarga is a small, beautiful and tranquil fishing village. It is a hidden jewel on the coast of the Cabo de Gata nature reserve near Almeria, (south-eastern coast of Spain) in Andalucia. With only 200 people living here all year round, it’s the perfect place to relax and let time slip by.

As soon as you arrive in Agua Amarga, you disconnect immediately from the rest of the world and come closer to the basic elements: the sun, the sea and warm Spanish hospitality.

Tucked in the heart of the Almerian nature reserve of Cabo de Gata, Agua Amarga is situated on a quiet, sheltered bay with over half a mile of magnificent sandy beach with cliffs on either side. The secluded beach has 800 metres of fine sand and is a divine place to take a relaxing holiday. Forget the rest of the world, sunbathe, lose yourself in a good book or enjoy a couple of beers with your feet in the sand…and if you want something a little more energetic, there’s a diving school in the village.

The white-washed village is typical of the region with its Moorish influences. The houses in the village are typically ‘Andaluz’ in their style, all white washed and only two floors high.

There are walks along the cliffs and The village itself offers shops catering to all your needs, attractive bars and fine restaurants specialising in local dishes and the freshest fish.

Walks along the cliffs will take you to the lighthouse, Faro de la Mesa de Roldán or one that goes all the way to Las Negras passing through the many maritime villages that dot the coast and by San Pedro with its marvellous views. Inland lies the spectacular scenery, unique to this part of Andalucia, with its deserts and mountains.

Apart from just enjoying the tranquility of the village, the climate, which is said to be the driest in Spain according to the experts, and beach in Agua Amarga, there are other diverse activities that can be enjoyed. The diving school is great and the snorkelling is fantastic. There are great walks across the cliffs to other bays with magnificent views or even further away to other villages for example; San Pedro.

Beach facilities; playground, football pitch, showers, changing cabins, lifeguards, canoe and pedalo rental, masseuse and massage bed in the shade of the trees… There is disabled access on the beach.

The gastronomy in Agua Amarga is worthwhile too. There are 4 pretty and tasty restaurant/bars lining the beach. At the Plaza Bar there´s always a good atmosphere where you can enjoy a tasty tapa, especially María´s tortilla española and a very cold beer as well as some good wines. One super restaurant overlooking the village with views of the sea called La Chumbera is definitely worth a visit. (We were married there in 2004)

There is a horse riding school in la Joya de Agua Amarga, which offers walks on horseback along the beach as well as classes.

There are the caves of Sorbas that can be visited and often exhibitions and cultural events in the renovated Castle in Carboneras.