Living in Mojácar year-round gives us a unique perspective on this corner of Almería. Many visitors know the area “just” for its beautiful beaches and summer sunshine. However, in addition there’s a wealth of hidden treasures waiting just beyond the coastline.
One of our favorite discoveries is the walk to the source of the Río Aguas, starting from the remarkable Sunseed Desert Technology community near Sorbas. The Sunseed community welcomes visitors to learn more about off-grid living and ecological practices.
How We Discovered This Hidden Gem
Our journey to the Río Aguas began with a book. The book is Kevin Borman’s Flamingos in the Desert. There’s a brief mention on page 176 of a sustainable community nestled in the karst region. That small reference was enough to spark our curiosity. It set us on a path to explore this unique corner of Almería.
About Sunseed Desert Technology
Sunseed is more than just a starting point for a lovely walk — it’s a fascinating destination in its own right. This hands-on sustainable living community operates completely off-grid. They embrace low-tech solutions powered by solar energy, natural water sources, composting systems, and local materials.
The community sits within the Karst en Yesos de Sorbas Natural Protected Area. It’s a landscape defined by dramatic gypsum caves, sparkling quartz crystals, and mysterious sinkholes. Despite the semi-arid conditions that characterize much of inland Almería, this area is home to a rare permanent river that flows throughout the year — remarkable in such a dry climate.
The Walk to the Source
The trail from Sunseed to the nacimiento (spring) of the Río Aguas is an accessible adventure suitable for most fitness levels. Here’s what you can expect:
The Route
Starting from Sunseed, follow the path toward the spring. While the route is generally clear, it’s not always formally marked, so keep your eyes open and don’t hesitate to ask locals for directions if needed.
Distance and Duration
The round-trip covers approximately 2.7 kilometers — a gentle, easy walk that typically takes under an hour. That said, we’ve found ourselves taking much longer when walking with our daughter, stopping frequently to examine interesting rocks, observe wildlife, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings.
What You’ll See
Along the way, you’ll encounter rocky outcrops glittering with quartz deposits. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, these sparkling formations are sure to catch your eye.
Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes / sandals
- Bring plenty of water, especially in warmer months
- Pack some snacks for energy
- Consider bringing a camera — the landscape is stunning
- For more detailed route information, visit senderosdealmeria.es/rio-aguas (the site offers language options)
Why We Love This Walk
This trail represents everything we cherish about living in this region year-round. It’s a reminder that beyond the well-known beach resorts lies a landscape of surprising contrasts. Where desert meets oasis, where ancient geology meets innovative sustainability. And where a short walk can transport you to a completely different world.
The walk to the source of Río Aguas is perfect for families, curious explorers, and anyone seeking to experience a different side of Almería. It’s the kind of hidden gem that makes living here so rewarding, and the kind of adventure that reminds us why we chose to make Mojácar our home.
Plan Your Next Adventure
Discovering places like the Río Aguas source is one of the joys of living in or visiting this region for an extended period of time. Whether you’re planning weekend explorations or need a productive space to work between adventures, Deskspace Coworking Mojácar provides the perfect balance. Learn more about the benefits of shared workspaces in our guide to Mojacar’s coworking scene.
Our coworking space gives you the flexibility to stay productive while maintaining the freedom to explore what makes Almería truly special. Drop by for a visit (or have a sneak preview of the DeskSpace Coworking Interior vibe — we’d love to share more of our favorite local discoveries with you.
We’ve written a few more blogs with ideas for day trips from Mojacar