Isleta del Moro, an authentic little paradise in Andalucia
The essential things to see and do in La Isleta del Moro
- A few words about Isleta del Moro
- Where is Isleta del Moro on the map?
- What to see and do in Isleta del Moro
- What to do in the province of Almeria
- Book accommodation
- Dates of the Isleta del Moro fair
- What to do around Isleta del Moro
- Some useful links
- Continue your trip to Andalucia
A few words about Isleta del Moro
Isleta del Moro is a picture-postcard landscape in a secluded spot. I fell in love with it straight away, and it was a real ‘coup de coeur’. Known locally as ‘la pequeña Mykonos’, it’s a wonderful stop-off point for travel lovers.
Its appearance as a small peninsula, with 2 rocks jutting out into the sea, is a permanent invitation to travel.
La Isleta del Moro is almost surrounded by water, so the views from this little piece of land in the municipality of Níjar are incredible, wherever you are.
Isleta del Moro is located in the province of Almeria. It lies precisely within the 45 kilometres of coastline of the park created in 1995: Cabo de Gata – Nijar Natural Park. Unesco declared it a biosphere reserve in 1997, thanks in part to its ancient volcanoes – which can be seen from La Isleta – and its semi-arid climate.
La Isleta is the epitome of a typical fishing village. Its small boats by the beach, the modest white houses of the fishermen and the extraordinary peace and quiet for most of the year make it an enchanting place for lovers of peace and nature.
A word of history
This small town of just over 170 inhabitants owes its name to the fact that it was a refuge for pirates from the Barbary coasts, i.e. the Berber coasts of North Africa.
It is thought that it was a Berber chief by the name of Mohamed Arraez who gave the place its name of ‘la Isleta del Moro Arraez’.
The coasts of Almería were the object of constant attacks by Berbers and privateers who came in search of treasure or to hide out on its rugged coastline.
Where is Isleta del Moro on the map?
What to see and do in Isleta del Moro
From the road, before arriving, you gradually discover the incredible landscape and environment that this place has to offer.
It’s the ideal destination for relaxing in its crystal-clear waters, taking a break, writing a book, fishing in authorised areas and enjoying some of the most interesting seabed in the region.
1 – Take a walk around Isleta del Moro
2 – Go to the beach: Playa del Peñón Blanco
3 – Stop for lunch by the water
4 – Admire the scenery
5 – Diving and snorkelling
6 – Go hiking
1 – Walk around Isleta del Moro
The village of Isleta del Moro has always been a fishing village that has retained its authenticity.
You can see the sea from almost every point in the village, through the streets.
The architecture is still typical: low whitewashed houses and small fishing boats all around.
Traditional fishing boats are everywhere in the village.
2 – Go to the beach: Playa del Peñón Blanco
Isleta del Moro has several places to go swimming.
On the left, just outside the village, is the largest beach. It’s called Playa del Peñón Blanco, with a bathing area 400 metres long.
This area of fine sand and clear waters is so named because of the white rock on the beach.
There is a free car park just above the beach, which also offers a beautiful view of the isleta.
Other places to swim include the very pretty Cala de Toros – the bulls’ cove. You can get there on foot in 30 minutes or by car in 10 minutes.
What’s more, this cove has a special feature: it’s the only one in the entire Cabo de Gata Park to have a pine forest just before reaching the sea.
This cove is very close to the Barranco del Negro, making it a more intimate and wilder spot, so don’t forget to take something to eat and drink if you want to stay a while.
3 – Stop for lunch by the water
La isleta del Moro is an invitation to stop and relax. So don’t hesitate to take a swim from the village…
… and then walk 50 metres to have a drink or enjoy some fresh fish and let time stand still.
4 – Admire the scenery
From La Isleta you have a magnificent view of the Cerro de los Frailes, with its two ancient volcanoes of marine origin.
Various eruptions a few million years ago eventually created the Cerro de los Frailes and linked it to the coast.
Note: there are even some varieties of flora and animal species endemic to this area and to the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.
The sea and the fishermen’s boats are an integral part of the picture-postcard landscape and the serenity of this place.
5 – Diving and snorkelling
This is one of the best spots for scuba diving and snorkelling.
This small village of 170 inhabitants has two diving centres!
The main dive site around La Isleta is the Arrecife de las Sirenas (Mermaid’s Reef). The locality is part of a 12,000-hectare protected marine strip, with volcanic cliffs and seabeds that alternate between rock and sand and posidonia meadows.
Here you can spot species such as groupers, starfish, anemones, sea urchins, cuttlefish, scorpion fish, salmoneta, octopus, moray eels and, if you’re lucky, dolphins and the famous loggerhead turtle.
6 – Go hiking
One of the most popular routes is from Isleta del Moro to Los Escullos (with a beautiful beach) along the coastal path. Right next to Los Escullos, you can see the Batería de San Felipe, a defensive system against pirate attacks (you can see it in the photo below).
It’s a simple 4-kilometre round trip along the coast, offering impressive panoramic views of coves, cliffs and volcanic formations.
In conclusion, Isleta del Moro is a place where time seems to have stood still and where you can breathe in nothing but peace in every sense of the word. Its beaches and coves with turquoise waters, its seafood and fish-based cuisine and its special relationship with time make it a unique place.
What to do in the surrounding area
Below you’ll find the excursions and activities on offer around Mojacar, which is close to Isleta del Moro.
You can also book them online today (with free cancellation):
Book accommodation
Below you will find all the accommodation available in and around Isleta del Moro after selecting your dates:
Isleta del Moro fair dates
Fiestas de la Isleta del Moro, in July
What to do in the Isleta del Moro area
In the area around Isleta del Moro, in the province of Almeria, there are some fabulous sites to discover. Here are 4 ideas for visiting the area around Isleta del Moro.
Mojacar
This is a marvellous white village, one of the most beautiful in Spain. It lies just above Cabo de Gata.
To find out more, here’s a link to discover and visit Mojacar.
The Tabernas Desert
The Tabernas Desert is the only desert in Europe. It is an absolutely exceptional place in terms of nature. It is also known the world over thanks to the western films that have been shot here.
Here’s a link to discover and visit the Tabernas Desert.
Lucainena de las Torres
Lucainena de las Torres is a delightful white village in the province of Almería. Like Nijar, it also features on the list of ‘Pueblos más bonitos de España’.
If you would like to visit Lucainena de las Torres, here is the link (under construction)
The beaches of Cabo de Gata
The Cabo de Gata Natural Park is home to some stunning wild beaches. Among the most famous are Playa de los Muertos (25km from Mojacar), Playa de Monsul and Playa de los Genoveses – pictured below:
Here’s a link to the most beautiful beaches and coves in Cabo de Gata (link under construction).
Some ideas and useful links
The links below can be very useful depending on where you are staying and what you need to do to have a wonderful time in Andalucia.
- An interactive map of Andalucia to find lots of ideas for visits around you, off the beaten track.
- link to book a rental car at Malaga airport.
- link to book a rental car anywhere else in Andalucia with the rentalcars platform.
- If you’re on the Costa del Sol and looking for ideas for excursions in Andalucia, you can use the following link to book a tour departing from Málaga, Torremolinos, Estepona or Benalmadena.
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