BEST BEACHES in Cabo de Gata

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The Beaches of Cabo

The Cabo de Gata Natural Park is a beach and nature lovers paradise. It contains some 63 km of protected coastline full of sandy bays surrounded by sand dunes and volcanic rock. There is a huge diversity of marine life and the nature park’s waters are considered to be some of the richest of the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

Outside of the few villages in Cabo de Gata, the beaches are undeveloped and virgin. With so many beaches and coves it would be impossible to list them all. But here is a list of the best beaches in Cabo de Gata followed by a comprehensive list of beaches in the park.

Best Beaches in Cabo de Gata

1

PLAYA DE LOS MUERTOS

Views of Playa de los Muertos, one of the best beaches in Cabo de Gata – Spain
Playa de los Muertos, one of the best beaches in Cabo de Gata
  • 1.2 km long | small pebbles
  • One of the best beaches in Cabo de Gata and also probably the most famous
  • Located halfway between the towns of Agua Amarga and Carboneras (15 min drive to each)
  • It’s necessary to park and then walk downhill for 15 min to reach the beach
  • Features a huge free standing rock and beautiful water
  • Nudism is common
Link to full guide about Playa de los Muertos  FULL GUIDE TO PLAYA DE LOS MUERTOS

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2

PLAYA DE LOS GENOVESES

Playa de los Genoveses – Cabo de Gata, Almería
Playa de los Genoveses
  • 1.2km long | dark golden sand
  • One of the most popular beaches in Almeria
  • However, it’s so long that it feels far from crowded
  • 3 km away from downtown San Jose following the dirt path (about 10 min drive or 40 min walk)
  • Calm shallow waters
  • Fossilized dunes
  • Virgin landscapes (no buildings, no facilities, etc.)
  • From the southern end of the bay it’s possible to hike to some small coves
Link to full guide about Playa de los Genoveses  FULL GUIDE TO PLAYA DE LOS GENOVESES

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3

PLAYA DE MONSUL

Playa de Monsul – Cabo de Gata
Playa de Monsul in Cabo de Gata
  • 300m long | dark sand
  • Another one of the best beaches on the Costa de Almeria
  • Features an impressive sand dune at one end which is one of the most characteristic images of Cabo de Gata
  • 5 km away from downtown San Jose following the dirt path (about 15 min drive or 1 h walk)
  • Undeveloped, no amenities
  • 5 min walk to the beach from the parking
  • Scene from Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade movie was shot here
Link to full guide about Playa de Monsul  FULL GUIDE TO PLAYA DE MONSUL

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4

PLAYAZO DE RODALQUILAR

La Calilla del Playazo – Cabo de Gata, Spain
La Calilla del Playazo
  • 400m long | golden sand
  • Access by car all the way to the beach
  • Gorgeous beach featuring the San Ramon Castle (18th century) and some fossilized dunes
  • Calm bay
  • Great for snorkeling & scuba diving
  • No amenities but there is one small chiringuito on the beach
  • Right before the San Ramon Castle is the charming Calilla del Playazo which is a smaller bay at the end of the main beach
Link to full guide about Playazo de Rodalquilar  FULL GUIDE TO PLAYAZO DE RODALQUILAR

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5

CALA DEL PLOMO

Cala del Plomo – one of the best beaches in Cabo de Gata, Almeria
Cala del Plomo, one of the best beaches in Cabo de Gata
  • 250m long | fine dark sand and some small pebbles
  • Beautiful area but difficult access: follow the road from Agua Amarga direction Fernán Pérez, turn left at the sign “Cala del Plomo.” From there, follow the rough unpaved road for 8km. It’s a couple minutes walk from the parking area to the beach
  • Although access is a little complicated, it is still one of the best beaches in Cabo de Gata
  • Cristal clear water, shallow
  • Good for families with children
  • Perfect for swimming & snorkeling
  • Nudism is common
  • Although there are a couple of houses around, there are no services or amenities
  • Considering its remote location, it is quite popular
Link to full guide about Cala del Plomo  FULL GUIDE TO CALA DEL PLOMO

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More Beaches in Cabo de Gata

Here is a list of all the main beaches in Cabo de Gata from North (Carboneras) to South (San Miguel de Cabo de Gata).

6

PLAYA DEL ALGARROBICO

Playa del Algarrobico – Carboneras, Cabo de Gata (Spain)
Playa del Algarrobico in Cabo de Gata
  • 1.4 km long | golden sand & some stones
  • Located 4km north of Carboneras town
  • The first beach of the Cabo de Gata Nature Park
  • Great snorkeling
  • Nudism is common
  • In the early 2000’s the construction of a macro hotel started in this beach. After many local campaigns, the construction was stopped in 2003. Currently there are plans for its demolition
  • Used as movie set for Lawrence of Arabia (1962). A replica of the city of Áqaba in Jordan was built in the beach, made up by around 300 houses. Over 400 extras were hired & over 400 horses + over 150 camels were brought from the Sahara
  • Following the road a couple of kms north of Playa del Algarrobico is the Mirador de la Granatilla (Granatilla look out point) with great views over the beach
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7

CALA LA GALERA

Playa La Galera – Carboneras, Cabo de Gata (Almeria)
Playa La Galera
  • 800 m long | some dark sand but mostly pebbles
  • Located 2km north of Carboneras town
  • Undeveloped, no services or amenities
  • Great snorkeling
  • Located off the same dirt road that goes to the Torre del Rayo
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8

BEACHES OF CARBONERAS

Bars & restaurants along the beachfront promenade – Carboneras, Cabo de Gata
Bars & restaurants along Carboneras beachfront promenade
  • The town of Carboneras features several kilometers of fine golden sand beaches
  • Playa El Ancón & Playa de los Cocones y Barquicos are the main beaches downtown. They have all basic amenities and are surrounded by a promenade with plenty of bars/restaurants
  • South of downtown are Playa de las Marinicas & Playa de Cueva Alta.
  • At the northern end of Carboneras is Playa los Roncaores. The Hotel CH Cabo de Gata is located next to this beach.
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9

AGUA AMARGA BEACH

Beach in Agua Amarga – Cabo de Gata, Almeria
Beach in Agua Amarga
  • 550m long | fine dark gold sand
  • Stretches along the oceanfront of Agua Amarga, surrounded by rock cliffs on both sides
  • Family beach with easy access (incl. for people with reduced mobility)
  • Basic services: lifeguard, WC’s, showers, trash cans
  • Several bars and restaurants right next to it
  • Can get quite busy during the summer months
  • Variety of water activities: kayaks for rent, snorkel, dive, wakeboard, paddle surf
  • Also possible to rent a boat to explore the coast
  • Some small caves in the western end of the beach. Legend has it that they were inhabited in the past
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10

CALA DE ENMEDIO

Cala de Enmedio – Cabo de Gata, Spain
Cala de Enmedio
© MdeVicente
  • 150 m long | fine golden sand
  • Beautiful cove in Cabo de Gata surrounded by cliffs on both sides
  • Crystalline water
  • Great for swimming (but be careful with waves and currents)
  • Very isolated – difficult access by foot
  • 30 min walk from Agua Amarga or from the parking of Cala del Plomo
  • Another option: rent kayaks in Agua Amarga to get there
  • Nudism is common
  • Great views from the beach of the Agua Amarga village with Mesa Roldan & its castle in the backdrop
  • Undeveloped, no services
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11

CALA SAN PEDRO

Cala San Pedro – Cabo de Gata, Spain
Cala San Pedro
© Carlos Ingala
  • 225m long | golden sand
  • Historically very quiet because of the difficult access
  • Hiking from Las Negras takes 60 - 90 min
  • Community of nudist hippies living there
  • Until not long ago, it was very isolated because of the long walk there, nowadays boats transport people constantly from las Negras to this beach (12€ round trip)
  • Calm waters, great for snorkeling & scuba-diving
  • Fresh water spring next to the beach
  • Nudism is common
  • There is remnants of a defensive structure from the 16th century
  • People often camp on the beach, especially during high season
  • The beach can get packed and unfortunately full of trash
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12

LAS NEGRAS BEACH

Las Negras beach – Cabo de Gata, Almeria
Las Negras beach
  • 650m long | dark sand and volcanic stones
  • The beach in Las Negras is a mix of rocks and sand. Not bad, but not worth getting out of your way to come to this beach
  • Great place to start a boat excursion (e.g. to Cala San Pedro)
  • Sometimes it can be windy with strong water currents
  • Basic services and amenities in the village (bars & restaurants, etc.)
  • Nice views of the Cerro Negro (“Black Mountain”) that separates Playa de las Negras from Cala San Pedro
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13

CALA DEL CUERVO

Cala del Cuervo – Cabo de Gata, Spain
Cala del Cuervo in Cabo de Gata
  • 130m long | dark golden sand with some stones
  • Small cove among cliffs with a camping site on it (Camping La Caleta)
  • 1 min drive from Las Negras
  • Great for snorkeling & scuba diving
  • Great panoramic views
  • From here, it is possible to hike along the coast to el Playazo de Rodalquilar (60 min one-way). It’s a beautiful hike and pretty easy
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14

ISLETA DEL MORO BEACH

Playa del Peñón Blanco in Isleta del Moro – Cabo de Gata, Almeria
Playa del Peñón Blanco
  • 250m long | fine golden sand
  • Beach in the village of Isleta del Moro, also called Playa del Peñón Blanco
  • Receives its name from the big white rock (peñón blanco) that divides the beach in two
  • Parking right next to the beach and it’s a short walk into the village
  • Often visited by people in camper vans
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15

PLAYA DEL ARCO

  • 350m long | mix of fine golden sand and stones (changes throughout the year)
  • Also called Playa de los Escullos
  • 5 min drive south from La Isleta
  • Also possible to walk from La Isleta: follow easy 1.5 km path (one way) along the coast
  • At the south end of the beach is the largest fossilized dune in the nature park. Next to it is the neighborhood of Los Escullos including a restaurant, bar, campsite and even a nightclub
  • Castle of San Felipe is located pass the houses. Built by Carlos III in the 18th century as part of the defensive system of Almería’s coast. Offers great views of the park’s coastline
  • Pass the castle there are a couple of small undeveloped coves
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16

PLAYA DEL EMBARCADERO

Playa del Embarcadero – Cabo de Gata, Almeria
Playa del Embarcadero
  • 300m long | some golden sand, but mostly stones
  • Also known as Playa de Piedra Galera
  • Located past Punta del Esparto (Esparto Point)
  • “Embarcadero” means “wharf, pier.” Here ships were loaded with esparto grass and other goods in the past
  • Great diving
  • Not the most comfy beach because it’s mostly stones
  • Undeveloped, no amenities
  • Parking right next to the beach
  • Next to the highest point of the park (Cerro del Fraile, 500m high)
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17

UNDEVELOPED COVES SOUTH OF PLAYA DEL EMBARCADERO

Cala Grande – Cabo de Gata, Spain
Cala Grande
  • Cala Cortada, Cala Chica, Cala Grande
  • Undeveloped, very quiet, surrounded by beautiful rock cliffs
  • Difficult access from land: not the easiest way down, not for everybody
  • Mostly rocks
18

SAN JOSE BEACH

Playa de San Jose – Cabo de Gata, Almeria
Main beach in San Jose
  • 250m long | fine sand
  • San Jose's main beach has all basic facilities & amenities: lifeguard, showers, trash cans, lounge chairs & parasols for rent, kayak rent, children’s playground, etc.
  • Family friendly,
  • As one of the most popular beaches in Cabo de Gata, it gets fairly crowded in high season
  • Easy access (accessible for wheelchairs)
  • It’s next to the marina & surrounded by a promenade with a variety of bars/restaurants
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19

PLAYA DEL BARRONAL

Playa del Barronal – Cabo de Gata
Playa del Barronal
  • 250m long | dark sand
  • 10 min walk to the beach from the parking
  • Calm waters
  • In our opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches in Cabo de Gata
  • Nudism is common
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20

CALA RAJÁ

Cala Rajá – Cabo de Gata
Cala Rajá
  • 120m long | golden and dark sand
  • Beautiful isolated cove, very quiet
  • To get there, right before reaching the lighthouse, follow the road to the left
  • Although most of the time there isn’t a physical barrier, cars aren’t supposed to pass further than the lighthouse. Many however do but you risk getting a fine
  • If you leave the car by the lighthouse, it is a 30-min walk to Cala Rajá
  • Between the lighthouse and Cala Rajá there is a row of beautiful quaint little coves
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21

CALA ARENA

Cala Arena – Cabo de Gata
Cala Arena
  • 70m long | golden sand
  • One of the many little coves between Cala Rajá and the lighthouse
  • Tiny but extremely beautiful
  • Quiet & isolated
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22

CALA DEL CORRALETE

Cala del Corralete – Cabo de Gata
Cala del Corralete
  • 600m long | white sand
  • Also known as Playa Ancón de Cabo de Gata
  • Located right before the lighthouse (when driving from the saltworks)
  • Easy access
  • Great sunset views which can be enjoyed from the bar
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23

PLAYA DE LA FABRIQUILLA

Playa de la Fabriquilla – Cabo de Gata
Playa de la Fabriquilla
  • 600m long | sand
  • Between here and the western end of the natural park is a straight stretch of over 12 km of sandy beach
  • The road runs along the beachfront, making for very easy access
  • The beachfront around the village of La Fabriquilla is known as Playa de la Fabriquilla. It has some services (bars/restaurants)
  • Located next to Cerro San Miguel (San Miguel Mountain) – it’s a bit more protected from the wind than further west
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23

PLAYA DE SAN MIGUEL DE CABO DE GATA

Church and local boats at Playa de San Miguel de Cabo de Gata
Church and local boats at Playa de Cabo de Gata
  • 2.5km long | sand
  • Beach of the town of San Miguel de Cabo de Gata also known as Playa de las Salinas
  • Promenade along the beach with a variety of bars/restaurants
  • Several chiringuitos right on the beach
  • Many amenities & facilities (lifeguard, showers, school & rent of equipment for water sports, etc)
  • Check out Reservas las Salinas saltworks next to the beach – there are several birdwatching huts just off the road
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Top Accommodations in Cabo de Gata

HOTELS

FROM
89€

HOTEL CH CABO DE GATA

4-star hotel in a quiet corner of Carboneras  •  5-min walk from the beach  •  Swimming pool, restaurant & bar  •  All rooms have a balcony, most with great ocean view  •  Private parking on site (10€/day)  •  Usually free street parking can be found
FROM
55€

HOSTAL DEL CABO

Located next to San Jose's marina and restaurants  •  The town's main beach is just steps away  •  Light and fresh beachy decor  •  All rooms feature a balcony or terrace with sea views
FROM
114€

HOTEL SPA CALAGRANDE

Stylish 4-star hotel in Las Negras  •  4 min walk to the beach  •  Modern room décor in white and grey tones  •  Outdoor swimming pool  •  All rooms offer a furnished terrace, some with sea views  •  The hotel also features a gym & a spa with sauna, Turkish bath and heated indoor pool  •  Surrounded by gardens  •  Restaurant on site serving regional cuisine
FROM
130€

BOUTIQUE HOTEL EL TÍO KIKO

3-star boutique hotel in a quiet corner of Agua Amarga  •  2-min walk from the beach  •  Elegant traditional décor with beautiful wooden furniture  •  All rooms feature a private balcony & hot tub  •  Outdoor swimming pool surrounded by gardens & sun terrace  •  Free private parking  •  Adults only hotel during high season (last week of June - first week of September)  •  2 night minimum stay
FROM
100€

EL TRÉBOL BAR & HOTEL

Probably the most stylish accommodation in Carboneras  •  Newly built  •  Scandinavian décor with warm colors and white furniture  •  1-min walk from the beach  •  Free street parking in the area

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APARTMENTS

FROM
100€

EL FARO DE LOS GENOVESES

1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments in San Jose  •  Contemporary and comfortable interiors  •  Shared pool  •  Quiet location in the southern most point of the town: 20-min walk to the center, 10-min walk to the closest beach (Playa de los Genoveses)  •  Free private parking on site  •  2-night min stay in high season
FROM
190€

CORTIJO LA JOYA DE CABO DE GATA

1 & 2 bedroom apartments  •  3.5 km from the village of Agua Amarga and its beach  •  Set on 1 hectare of beautiful gardens  •  Occupies a country house with warm rustic interior décor  •  Outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and small poolside bar  •  Terrace with barbecue facilities  •  Great for bikers: property offers bike rentals, storage room and personalized routes  •  Free private parking on site  •  5 night minimum stay
FROM
124€

BITÁCORA

Apartment complex in the outskirts of Las Negras  •  17 min walk to the beach  •  Modern, comfortable and spacious 1 & 2-bedroom apartments  •  Swimming pool  •  Modern interior décor with beautiful wooden furniture  •  Great views of the Mediterranean Sea
FROM
84€

ORO Y LUZ

Located in Rodalquilar, 6 km from La Isleta  •  Outdoor saltwater pool  •  Both hotel rooms & 1-bedroom apartments  •  All units feature a balcony with sea or mountain views  •  Simple modern décor in white featuring posters that pay homage to the movies filmed in the region: Lawrence of Arabia, Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones, Clint Eastwood, etc.
FROM
54€

APARTAMENTOS EL GALÁN II

Seafront apartments (up to 5 adults and 1 kid) in Carboneras town  •  Basic, clean & comfortable  •  Shared terrace with sea views  •  Playground for children  •  Shared laundry room  •  Some apartments have sea views

MORE APARTMENTS IN CABO DE GATA

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