national park
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park
A volcanic desert coastline of hidden coves, dunes and ochre cliffs that's one of Spain's wildest unspoiled shores.
8 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeSpainAndalusia
San José
Andalusia, Spain · Europe
About San José
San José is worth a stop: 25 minutes from Retamar, 8km from Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.
San José is in Andalusia, Spain, with about 1,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Retamar, about 20 km away.
San José is a village and fishing port in the centre of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, in the Province of Almería, Spain. Its population in 2011 was 1012 inhabitants, recorded by the INE.
In recent years San José has experienced an increase in the number of visitors and is an easily accessible town from AlmeríaRead more
Airport and the Autovía A-7. San José, as with all of the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata, is most popular during the spring and summer months. San José boasts a few beaches, a few outside the town and within walking distance, such as Playa de los Genoveses, Playa de Mónsul and Cala de la Media Luna. There are several restaurants and tapas bars in San José. The local independently run tourist office is a reference point for activities in the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata. Accommodation is plentiful although in summer some places can be fairly expensive and are quickly filled.
Where to Stay in San José
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Explore the Area
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near San José.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near San José?
Within an hour or so of San José: Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park (8 km), Faro de Cabo de Gata (9 km), Playa de los Muertos (28 km), Tabernas Desert, Almeria (Spaghetti Westerns) (40 km).
Are there any good drives near San José?
The nearest famous roads are Alto de Velefique, Puerto de la Ragua and Pico Veleta Road.
Where is San José?
San José is in Andalusia, Spain, about 20 km from Retamar.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 1,012
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Spain
- Region
- Andalusia
- Timezone
- Europe/Madrid
- Coordinates
- 36.7605, -2.1091
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Spain
Guardia Civil (traffic police): 062. Two warning triangles required in vehicles.
Full driving guide for SpainTags
Worth the detour from San José
7 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
Faro de Cabo de Gata
A clifftop lighthouse above the jagged Arrecife de las Sirenas reef, a stunning sunset stop on Almería's volcanic coast.
9 km · about 15 min drive
beach
Playa de los Muertos
A pristine pebble-and-sand cove framed by volcanic cliffs in Cabo de Gata, reached by a steep cliff path.
28 km · about 35 min drive
film location
Tabernas Desert, Almeria (Spaghetti Westerns)
Europe's only desert hosted The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars; the Fort Bravo and Oasys sets survive as attractions.
40 km · about 45 min drive
natural wonder
Tabernas Desert
Europe's only true desert, the spaghetti-western backdrop where Sergio Leone filmed the Dollars trilogy.
43 km · about 50 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Mojácar Pueblo
A cascade of brilliant-white cubic houses tumbling down a hill above the Almería coast, with sweeping sea views.
48 km · about 55 min drive
mountain pass
Alto de Velefique
A twisting road through the semi-desert landscape of Almería province, gaining fame as a Vuelta a España climb and a hidden gem for motorcycle touring.
58 km · about 65 min drive
Driving roads near San José
4 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 150km.
- Right hereFaro de Cabo de GataA clifftop lighthouse above the jagged Arrecife de las Sirenas reef, a stunning sunset stop on Almería's volcanic coast.
- 48 kmMojácar PuebloA cascade of brilliant-white cubic houses tumbling down a hill above the Almería coast, with sweeping sea views.
- 58 kmAlto de VelefiqueA twisting road through the semi-desert landscape of Almería province, gaining fame as a Vuelta a España climb and a hidden gem for motorcycle touring.
Driving in Spain
- Drives on
- the right
- Petrol
- ~€1.55/litre
- Motorway tolls
- ~€4.00/100km
When to drive here
April to October
Nearby Destinations
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