Rodalquilar between mining history and volcanic landscapes

Rodalquilar combines a distinctive industrial heritage with botanical attractions and nearby trails. At the Ecomuseum La Casa de los Volcanes, geology and mining history take centre stage; the El Albardinal Botanical Garden showcases different plant communities and the transition to fruit and grain crops. The routes also have clearly distinct character: the S10 trail links volcanic formations with traces of mining, while S12 La Molata runs along cliffs and small coves. If you are looking for a hotel in Rodalquilar, these themes can help you decide which side of the area you would like to focus on during your stay.

Mining history and geology in Rodalquilar

The Ecomuseum La Casa de los Volcanes is housed in a former building called Casa PAF, which was used for gold ore extraction in Rodalquilar until mining operations closed in 1966. A visit provides a geological introduction to the landscapes of the Cabo de Gata Geopark and how they are interpreted. One room presents the history of mining across several periods: from the historic extraction of alum in the 16th century, through lead and silver mining in the 19th century, to the modern gold-extraction process at the DENVER plant. This chronological sequence explores different phases of mining history and connects them with the Geopark’s geological landscape.

The Poblado Minero de Rodalquilar is a complex of buildings associated with the lives of mining families. It adds the perspective of family life to the story of mining. Together with the history of ore extraction, this offers a view of different aspects of mining in Rodalquilar.

Plant communities at the El Albardinal Botanical Garden

The El Albardinal Botanical Garden is located in the former Guardia Civil barracks in the Rodalquilar mining settlement. Its trail passes through stands of azufaifar, palmitar and artinera, followed by rosemary and esparto grass. Further along, thyme stands and grassland give way to fruit and grain crops. The sequence therefore encompasses both different plant communities and the transition to cultivated land. The garden has a different focus from the Ecomuseum: here, the trail features plant communities and crops, while the museum focuses on geology and mining history.

Hiking trails and distances

The circular route at Cerro del Cinto has two options: a long route of 10.7 km and a short route of just over 4 km. You can take the distance into account when planning and choose between the two routes offered. The starting point for the trail to Cerro del Cinto is in Rodalquilar, next to the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park administration office, where there is a large car park. The trailhead sign is about 25 m from the exhibition hall.

The S10 Cerro del Cinto Largo trail links volcanic formations with mine entrances and abandoned mining settlements. The S12 La Molata trail features different landscape characteristics: it runs along a rugged coast with cliffs and small coves, offering panoramic views of El Playazo Bay. The routes therefore have different emphases: S10 links volcanic formations with traces of mining, while S12 follows coastal stretches and offers views of the bay.

S12 La Molata and the area around El Playazo

The S12 trail starts nearby, close to Castillo de San Ramón at El Playazo. From the AL-4200 road, 1 km from Rodalquilar in the direction of Las Negras, a paved track about 2 km long leads to El Playazo. From there, continue towards the castle area, near which the trail begins. The track and route can therefore be identified using the named road, beach and castle area as reference points; road and trail conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

Castillo de San Ramón in the area was built during the reign of Carlos III; construction was completed in 1768. El Playazo lies at the foot of the volcanic caldera of Rodalquilar and has fine, light-coloured sand. It is one of the most popular places in the area with divers; conditions and popularity may vary. These coastal features contrast with the mining history and plant communities you can discover in Rodalquilar itself.

S16 as a cycling and walking trail

The S16 trail can be started in the area around Los Albaricoques, the Cortijo del Fraile or Rodalquilar. The section between the Cortijo del Fraile and Rodalquilar is designed for cycling and walking and prioritises non-motorised travel. This makes the S16 a complement to the coastal and mining-themed trails, with a section specifically intended for cycling and walking.

Discover more destinations: Las Negras, Los Albaricoques, El Pozo De Los Frailes, San Jose-Nijar, La Isleta.

Back to the main travel overview: Nijar.