Punta Entinas-Sabinar

Punta Entinas-Sabinar is a protected natural area on the coast of El Ejido, in the province of Almería, stretching along nearly 15 km of largely untouched shoreline. It holds one of the best-preserved coastal dune systems on the Iberian Peninsula, where sand dunes meet marshes, wetlands and former salt flats.

What will you find there?

The landscape is a mosaic of habitats: shifting dunes covered in salt-tolerant vegetation, shallow lagoons, and abandoned salt pans. Inland, you'll come across the ruins of an old mill and a salt warehouse, remnants of the salt-harvesting economy once run along this coast. Rising above the flat dune line is the Sabinal lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouse towers in the entire province, visible for miles. Nearby stands the Torre de los Cerrillos, a stone watchtower built in 1575 as part of a defensive chain protecting the coast from Barbary pirate raids.

Why is it a paradise for bird watchers?

Punta Entinas-Sabinar is designated as a special protection area for birds, with over 200 catalogued species recorded here, several of them endangered. In the lagoons and salt marshes you can spot flamingos, Audouin's gulls, herons, avocets and numerous species of ducks and waders. The best times for birdwatching are early morning and late afternoon, when birds feed in the shallow water before the midday heat sets in.

How can you spend time here?

Hiking and cycling trails run along the coastline and through the dune hinterland, making it a popular route for walkers and cyclists looking for genuine wildlife encounters close to civilization. Horseback rides along the beaches and inland paths are also available. Despite being close to the built-up resorts of the Costa de Almería, the beaches themselves remain largely wild and uncrowded, offering a quiet contrast for visitors seeking to escape the busier coastline.

How do you get to Punta Entinas-Sabinar?

The area lies south of El Ejido's town center, along the coast toward Almerimar and Roquetas de Mar. The most convenient way to arrive is by car, parking at one of the access points to the natural area and continuing on foot or by bike, since vehicle access inside the protected zone is restricted. The nearest major airport is Almería, roughly a 30–40 minute drive away.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit: temperatures are milder than in summer, and bird migration makes wildlife watching especially rewarding. Summers can get quite hot, though the sea breeze tempers conditions right along the coast.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, access to the natural area is free and open to the public.

Can you swim here? Yes, the coastline has wild, undeveloped beaches suitable for swimming, though without extensive beach facilities.

How much time should you set aside? A short walk along the coast takes 1–2 hours, but a full route covering the whole area on foot or by bike can take half a day.

Is there accommodation nearby? The natural area itself has no tourist facilities, but nearby El Ejido, Almerimar and Roquetas de Mar offer a full range of hotels and apartments.