Molino del Collado de San José

Molino del Collado de San José is a 19th-century windmill perched on a low rise between the coves of San José and Los Genoveses, right inside the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Its white, cone-shaped tower is visible from a distance and has long served hikers as a landmark on the trail connecting the two beaches.

How do you get there?

The mill sits a few minutes from the town of San José, along a sandy track heading toward Los Genoveses beach. The easiest way in is on foot or by bike — the paved road stops before the protected park area, and from there it's a dirt path. This stretch forms part of the popular San José – Genoveses – Mónsul route, which can be walked as a there-and-back day hike.

What will you see?

The structure follows the classic Mediterranean windmill shape: a tower wide at the base that narrows toward the top, once topped by a rotating cap mechanism. Inside, the original mechanical shaft survives — the piece that converted wind power caught by the sails into the turning motion of the grindstones. It's one of the few mills in the area where this mechanism can still be seen intact. The mill operated from the 19th century, with milling activity declining through the 20th century until it finally stopped in the 1970s. Today the building is restored and preserved, though it no longer functions industrially.

The setting is worth pausing for: volcanic hills, a dry, stony landscape, and the sharp contrast with the turquoise water visible in both coves. The name of the Genoveses cove comes from the Genoese fleet that anchored there in 1147 during an attack on Almería — one of the few physical traces along this stretch of coast tying it back to medieval history.

When should you visit?

Early morning or late afternoon works best, since the sun sits high and the terrain offers no shade — summer temperatures can climb fast here. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for longer coastal walks, with noticeably fewer visitors than the July–August peak.

What else is nearby?

The mill sits directly on the route to Los Genoveses, one of the most highly regarded beaches in Cabo de Gata, and it's within easy walking distance of Playa de San José. A loop hike is a good option: start in the town of San José, pass the mill, continue to Genoveses, and, with enough stamina, push on to Mónsul.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the windmill? The building is preserved but isn't set up as a guided visit site — you view it from the outside, walking right up to the base of the tower.

Is the mill still in operation? No, milling stopped in the 1970s. The internal mechanism survives and is part of what makes the site historically valuable, but it's no longer used industrially.

How long is the walk from San José? Walking from the center of San José typically takes fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on pace and the exact path taken.

Is the trail suitable for kids? Yes, the stretch to the mill is short and not technically demanding, though the terrain is exposed and sunny — bring water and sun protection, especially in summer.