There are about 100 different watchtowers along the coast of Southern Spain. Some are of Moorish origins, whilst others date from the later Christian period, and all with the purpose of looking out for invaders from the South. These were primarily lookouts against Barbary Pirate raids from North Africa. The Barbary Pirate raids concentrated on shipping, but later escalated to land raids and included capturing young people for their slave trade.
Our walk includes a visit to two such towers; the Torre de Caleta and the Torre Vigia de Cerro Gordo. Both have been restored and are in commanding locations from which we will also be able to see the other towers along the coastline.
These two watchtowers are in the Alcantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Area, a unique stretch of near-virgin coastline which runs for 12km and covers an area of 1,815ha, including a protected part offshore. These dramatic rocky steep cliffs (acantilados) plunge down to the sea, leaving a few sheltered bays with beaches in-between, which we will access on tracks. Located on very edges of the Sierra Almijara, these limestone outcrops have been eroded by the sea and weather into fantastic shapes, with offshore stacks and arches and undersea caves.
We start the walk at the car park above El Cañuelo beach. After a short descent we arrive at the shoreline and head east, to the first of our short climb-out. The climb up can be slippery, with the path quite steep and loose, but fortunately it is a small section. Once at the top the path levels out and we can enjoy a view towards our first watchtower and admire the crystal-clear blue water lapping against the secluded bay.
We continue our way through the pine trees, leaving behind the Torre de Caleta, and eventually descend into the beach at La Cantarrijan. Here we have chance for a refreshment stop, which may be needed as the road out from this beach is steep! Our destination is the Torre de Cerro Gordo, perched upon a rocky promontory, and with just spectacular views all-round. We return along the old coast road and back to where we started!
