Rodalquilar lies in the heart of the Cabo de Gata-NĂjar Natural Park, within a volcanic caldera. The landscape here can be explored not only through its geology but also through its mining history. Casa de los Volcanes is Andalusia’s first geotourism centre. Its tour introduces visitors to geodiversity and geology, offers insight into the geological ages, and ends in the Sala Rodalquilar with the mining history of the region. Earth history and human activity thus come together in one visit.
Mining History as a Key to the Place
Rodalquilar is a former mining settlement; its origins date back to the Diocese of AlmerĂa’s alunite mining at the beginning of the 16th century. Its later mining history included amethysts, kaolin, andesite, lead, silver and gold. The gold mines closed in 1966. Casa de los Volcanes is housed in a former building of the gold-processing complex, where gold was precipitated and smelted until the 1960s. The area’s mineral history therefore extends beyond gold, while the tour at Casa de los Volcanes also explores geological ages and mining history.
Botanical Garden and Nature Conservation
El Albardinal Botanical Garden is located in the former mining village of Rodalquilar. Its route introduces endangered species and species found exclusively in the volcanic Sierra of Cabo de Gata. Non-native species adapted to local conditions are also among the topics covered. Traditional fruit and cereal crops also illustrate the connection between conventional land use and nature conservation. The garden thus complements the geological perspective with plants, cultivation and the way the landscape is managed.
Two Routes with Different Time Requirements
The S09 Cerro del Cinto Corto and S10 Cerro del Cinto Largo circular routes can be distinguished by their stated distance, duration and difficulty. S09 is 4.4 kilometres long, takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and is rated easy. S10 covers 10 kilometres, takes about 4 hours and is rated moderate. The shorter S09 is therefore suitable for a shorter schedule; allow considerably more time for S10.
The routes also differ in their landscape features: S10 circles Cerro del Cinto through a volcanic landscape shaped by mining, with geological formations, mine entrances and abandoned mining settlements. Along S09, pools of water can remain for months in the Rambla de las Yeguas after rainfall. Grass frogs, Mediterranean pond turtles and Montpellier snakes are found there; chameleons also live in the scrubland. Check the practical conditions on the routes again before setting out.
Coastal Routes and Historic Landmarks
The S12 La Molata route offers a different landscape: it runs along a rugged coast with cliffs and small coves, and offers panoramic views of El Playazo Bay. El Playazo is located near El Campillo de Rodalquilar, at the foot of the volcanic caldera of Rodalquilar. The beach is accessible via a concrete road from the AL-4200; the ALP-326 also leads there, and there is a car park at the beach. Check access conditions before travelling.
At the northern end of the bay stands the BaterĂa de San RamĂłn; its construction was completed in 1768. A fortress nearby, built in 1510, served to protect the alunite mines opposite. These structures add evidence of coastal fortifications to the mining history.
Practical Information
Access to El Albardinal Botanical Garden is via C/ Fundición through Rodalquilar. After Rodalquilar’s church, the garden car park is on the right. Rodalquilar is also home to the Natural Park’s administrative centre, where visitors can get information. If you plan to visit, check in advance whether the information service is available.
Discover more destinations: Llano de Los Olleres, Canjáyar, La Cañada, Gérgal, Velefique, Lucainena De Las Torres, Felix, El Ejido.
For the main travel overview: Almeria.
