The park lies south of the Cabo de Gata's volcanic mountain chain in the province of Almería, covering both land and sea. With its isolated landscapes, wild beaches and creeks, this desert-like area only grows aloes and prickly pears. It's a popular haunt for scuba diving enthusiasts. The park's visitors' centre is near the Cabo de Gata lighthouse.

The superb stretch of fine sand nestles between hills jutting out into the sea. On the left of the beach is a shifting sand dune and on the right a way through to the cove at Medina Luna. Not a building in sight - total bliss.

The 19C town hall has a stone portal. Inside, the plenary chamber displays the banner given to the city by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabel, who brought the Christian Reconquest of Spain to an end in 1492.

Several rooms in the museum devoted to Vera's history contain archaeological collections. Others focus on the region's ethnography.