A scenic Sunday adventure in Almería (location scouting, day 2)

After the incredible locations we discovered on Saturday, we woke up early on Sunday morning, eager to explore more of Almería’s hidden gems. With the sun rising over Andalucía, we set off on another thrilling day of adventure.

Our first destination was the Cortijo del Fraile, an abandoned farmstead set on a windswept plain northwest of Rodalquilar. This hauntingly beautiful spot holds a fascinating yet tragic history. It was here, in 1928, that the events known as El Crimen de Níjar unfolded—a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge that inspired Federico García Lorca’s famous play Blood Wedding. Wandering through this historic site, we couldn’t help but feel the weight of its dramatic past.

From there, we took a gravel road winding through breathtaking scenery to the mining town of Rodalquilar, nestled in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Once a thriving gold-mining settlement, the town was abandoned in 1966. Today, it’s experiencing a revival as an offbeat tourist destination, and the combination of its rugged beauty and intriguing history made it an unforgettable stop.

Next, we rode on to the charming seaside village of La Isleta del Moro, a quaint little haven where we took a moment to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Sitting just steps from the sea, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the coastal vibe.

Continuing our journey, we reached Almadraba de Monteleva, a picturesque fishing village with stunning views of one of Cabo de Gata’s most captivating beaches. The village’s simple, harmonious architecture blends beautifully with the landscape. A highlight here is the historic church, built in the early 20th century and carefully restored in 2012, standing proudly beside the salt pans.

We rounded off the day with a leisurely lunch by the beach, savoring the beauty of the Almería coastline one last time before beginning the 250-kilometer ride back home.

It was a weekend full of awe-inspiring landscapes, fascinating history, and endless inspiration. Now, with these incredible locations in mind, we can’t wait to kick off our photoshoot in just a few days’ time!