Torre de los Lobos

Torre de los Lobos is an 18th-century watchtower converted into a lighthouse, standing on top of Cerro de los Lobos in the municipality of Níjar, Almería province. The site sits inside the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park and ranks among the best viewpoints on this stretch of coast.

Where is it located?

The tower stands on Punta de la Polacra, on a high cliff above the Mediterranean Sea, roughly between the villages of Rodalquilar and Las Negras. The surrounding cliffs are volcanic in origin, part of the same geological formations that define the whole Cabo de Gata coastline. Its coordinates are 36.840974, -2.003161.

How do you get there?

Access is via the AL-4200 road connecting Rodalquilar and Las Negras. Along the way, take the first paved turn-off climbing toward the tower. Cars cannot reach the very top — a gate blocks the final stretch, so you need to park a short distance before it. There is a parking area nearby, next to the road that drops down to Cala del Carnaje. From the gate, the rest of the way is on foot, still along the paved track, leading straight to the viewpoint next to the tower. The walk is short, and low stone walls along the path and at the viewpoint offer spots to sit down, so it suits visitors without much hiking experience too.

What will you see?

The viewpoint by the tower sits at around 212 meters above sea level and opens up a full 360-degree panorama. On one side, the open Mediterranean stretches out beneath jagged volcanic cliffs; on the other, you look down over the Rodalquilar valley, once home to gold and mineral mines that operated through the 20th century. From here you can also pick out Cala de San Pedro, one of the more isolated beaches of Cabo de Gata, reachable only on foot or by boat. The tower itself, now fitted with a lighthouse lantern roughly 14 meters tall, is closed to visitors on the inside, but the surrounding cliff-top scenery is the real reason to make the trip.

What is its history?

The current tower stands on the site of an earlier fortification dating back to the Nasrid period of Al-Andalus, destroyed by an earthquake in 1680. The structure seen today was built in the 18th century as part of a chain of coastal watchtowers erected along the Almería shoreline to guard against pirate raids and incursions from North Africa; construction was completed in 1767 under Manuel Salcedo. The tower kept its lookout role for decades, passing through the hands of successive coastal defense authorities. In 1991 it was handed over to the public works administration responsible for maritime infrastructure, which restored the building and installed a lighthouse, known locally as Faro del Lobo or Faro de la Polacra. Because of its elevated position on the cliff, the lighthouse is often cited as one of the highest-sited on the Mediterranean coast. Torre de los Lobos is listed as a protected cultural property, classified as a monument.

When should you visit?

Early morning or late afternoon are the best times, when the sun sits lower and lights up the cliffs and sea more favorably — and the heat is easier to handle on this exposed, treeless terrain. At midday, especially in summer, the sun on the bare cliff top can be intense, so bring water and something to cover your head. Outside the summer season the spot tends to be quieter, making it easier to enjoy at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the tower? No, the tower operates as a working lighthouse and is closed to visitors on the inside. You can only view it from the outside, from the viewpoint next to it.

Do you need a 4x4 to get there? No, a regular car is enough — the AL-4200 road and the turn-off leading up to the tower are both paved. The only obstacle is the gate that blocks the final stretch, which you cover on foot.

How long is the walk from the gate to the tower? It's a short stretch along a paved uphill track, manageable even for visitors without much experience walking on uneven terrain.

Are there any beaches nearby? Yes, Cala de San Pedro is visible from the viewpoint and reachable mainly on foot or by boat, while Cala del Carnaje lies close to the access road.