Carboneras in the past was a small industrial town but when the coal industry faded out the town turned to fishing. Nowadays Carboneras is establishing itself as an important center for producing cement and electrical energy and is also making its first steps into the tourism industry.
The word “carboneras” is Spanish for coal bunkers or mines. Carboneras is the entrance of the “Cabo de Gata” national park and with its forest surrounding the city beautifully contrasts the deep blue Mediterranean Sea.
Even though Carboneras is new in the tourism industry, it natural heritage can be seen in the beautiful beaches that spread over 16km of coast line. El Ancon is the central beach and an annual recipient of the prestigious blue flag that signifies that this beach complies with the highest international standards for beach safety and maintenance. The other beaches are just as attractive, Las Marinicas located near the port is the widest beach, Los Muertos is a nudist beach and El Algarrobico with its length of around 3km is the longest beach.