The Reserva Marina de Cabo de Palos – Islas Hormigas is a rectangular Mediterranean marine reserve covering 1,931 hectares off the coast of Cabo De Palos. Around the rocky islands of Las Hormigas is a fully protected area with the highest protection status; there, the sea reaches depths of more than 50 metres.

Marine Reserve and Coves

Some of Cabo De Palos’s coves can be reached via steps branching off from the coastal path around the cape. The coves offer clear water for snorkelling and swimming. The coastal path and the coves have different focuses: here, the route around the cape takes centre stage; there, spending time by the water.

Diving and Shipwreck History

For divers, the Reserva Marina offers a rich variety of marine life, a large Posidonia seagrass meadow and numerous historic shipwrecks. The water-based activities described therefore differ in focus: the coves are for swimming and snorkelling, while the Reserva is for diving topics such as marine life, Posidonia and wrecks.

The wreck of the Isla Gomera, popularly known as the Naranjito, lies 1.36 miles from the port of Cabo De Palos.

Lighthouse and Exhibition

The Cabo De Palos lighthouse first began operating on 31 January 1865. It was built over a former 16th-century watchtower, which had served to protect the coast from pirate attacks. These are two distinct stages: the earlier coastal defence structure and the later start of lighthouse operations. The lighthouse can be visited by prior arrangement and reached on foot via the access road built for this purpose. Arrange your visit before your trip.

The Centro de Documentación y Exposición de Cabo De Palos is located next to the port. It offers visitors five themed areas, a central model and a video projection. The displays cover the underwater world of the Region of Murcia, the history of Cabo De Palos’s major shipwrecks and the formation of the Mar Menor. Seahorse reproduction in an aquarium is also featured. Regional natural history topics sit alongside the locally rooted history of the wrecks; the scope extends beyond the town. Visits are by arrangement.

The options also differ in format: the coves are for activities by the water, while the reserve focuses on diving; the lighthouse and Centro add cultural history in two different forms. If you plan to visit both cultural sites, check the arrangements for each before your trip.

Caldero by the Sea

The local cuisine also offers a regional connection: seafront restaurants in Cabo De Palos serve caldero, one of the region’s typical dishes. As restaurant offerings can change, check with a particular restaurant in advance to see whether caldero is currently available.

Discover More Destinations

Playa Honda, Los Belones, Los Urrutias, Islas Menores, Pozo Estrecho, Isla Plana, Los Nietos, La Manga Del Mar Menor

For the broader travel overview: Cartagena.