Rodalquilar brings together mining history, geology, plant life and local trails. The former Casa PAF houses the La Casa de los Volcanes Ecomuseum; routes around Cerro del Cinto offer a different perspective on the landscape. Along the coast, there are also cliffs, small coves and the bay of El Playazo. When planning, you can therefore focus on different themes rather than trying to fit them all into a single route.
Mining History and Geology
The ecomuseum is housed in a former building called Casa PAF. Until mining operations closed in 1966, it was used for the extraction of gold ore in Rodalquilar. A visit offers a geological introduction to the landscapes of the Cabo de Gata Geopark and their interpretation. In this way, the formation and interpretation of the landscape sit alongside the history of its use.
One room in the ecomuseum presents mining history in chronological order: from alum extraction in the 16th century and lead and silver mining in the 19th century to the modern gold extraction process at the DENVER plant. The Poblado Minero de Rodalquilar adds a social dimension: the complex of buildings is associated with the lives of mining families. Together, these themes offer different perspectives on mining—from raw materials and processes to life in the mining settlement.
Routes around Cerro del Cinto
The circular route around Cerro del Cinto has two options: the longer route is 10.7 kilometres, while the shorter one is just over four kilometres. This lets you choose between a shorter and a longer loop. The starting point for the route to Cerro del Cinto is in Rodalquilar, next to the administrative office of Cabo de Gata-NĂjar Natural Park. There is a large car park there; the trailhead sign is about 25 metres from the exhibition hall.
The S10 Cerro del Cinto Largo route also brings together several of the area's characteristic features: volcanic formations, mine entrances and abandoned mining settlements. Those interested in the landscape and industrial history will find both along the same route. The distances given for the circular route options and the features described for the S10 provide different points of reference when choosing, without implying a walking time.
Coast and El Playazo
The S12 La Molata route begins nearby, in the area of Castillo de San RamĂłn by El Playazo. From the AL-4200 road, one kilometre from Rodalquilar in the direction of Las Negras, an approximately two-kilometre concrete track leads to El Playazo. From there, continue to the castle area, near which the route begins. The S12 runs along a rugged coast with cliffs and small coves and offers panoramic views of the bay of El Playazo. As road and trail conditions can change, it is best to check them before setting out.
El Playazo lies nearby at the foot of the volcanic Rodalquilar caldera and has fine, light-coloured sand. It is one of the most visited places in the area by divers; its popularity and conditions may vary. The history of nearby Castillo de San RamĂłn can also be placed in context: it was built during the reign of Carlos III, and construction was completed in 1768.
Botanical Garden and S16
El Albardinal Botanical Garden is located in the former Guardia Civil barracks in the mining settlement of Rodalquilar. Its circular path passes through stands of azufaifo, palmito and artinera, followed by rosemary and esparto grass. Further along, thyme stands and grassland give way to fruit and cereal crops. This sequence offers a distinct way to experience the landscape, alongside its geological and mining-history themes.
The S16 route can be started near Los Albaricoques, Cortijo del Fraile or Rodalquilar. The section between Cortijo del Fraile and Rodalquilar is developed as a cycling and walking route and prioritises non-motorised travel. A new circular cycling and walking route connecting Los Albaricoques, Cortijo del Fraile and Rodalquilar was also included as a proposal in NĂjar's tourism sustainability plan for 2022 to 2024. When considering the S16, this lets you distinguish between a described route section and a planning proposal set within a specific timeframe.
Discover more destinations: Las Negras, El Pozo De Los Frailes, Los Albaricoques, San Jose-Nijar, La Isleta.
Back to the regional travel overview: Nijar.
