The best of Las Negras, Cabo de Gata – Spain (2020)

Welcome to Las Negras

The peaceful Las Negras is another quaint white village on the Cabo de Gata coast. Considering that there are only about 350 inhabitants, there are a quite a few restaurants and bars. Most of the village developed in the 1970s when it became a haven for Bohemians and artists. Today, half of the population is made up of foreigners (mainly British, Italian & German). Although Las Negras beach is not one of the best in Cabo, there are a number of beautiful beaches to explore nearby. The famous hippie enclave of Cala San Pedro is best accessed from Las Negras either by boat of via a footpath (60 min).

Quaint street in Las Negras

There are many theories for why the town is called Las Negras (the blacks). One having to do with women wearing black after their husbands die in a fishing accident and another about a black family in the 1920’s living in the area. However, it seems most likely that the name originated from the mountain located next to town that is known as Cerro Negro (Black Mountain). The Cerro Negro is made up of dark volcanic material.

Las Negras Beach

Las Negras beach

650m long | dark sand and volcanic stones
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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Beaches South of Las Negras

CALA DEL CUERVO

Cala del Cuervo

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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EL PLAYAZO DE RODALQUILAR

La Calilla del Playazo

400m long | golden sand
Access by car all the way to the beach
Gorgeous beach featuring the San Ramon Castle (18^th 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

FULL GUIDE TO PLAYAZO DE RODALQUILAR

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UNDEVELOPED BEACHES SOUTH OF EL PLAYAZO

Cala Bergantín, Cala de la Polacra and Cala Carnaje
Series of small undeveloped beaches with difficult access from land
Mostly pebbles
Calm waters and great marine life

Beaches North of Las Negras

CALA SAN PEDRO

Cala San Pedro

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 16^th 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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QUAINT LITTLE COVES NORTH OF CALA SAN PEDRO

Cala Montoya, Cala Chumba and Cala del Puente
Coastline around here (from Rellana de San Pedro to Acantilados del Plomo) is rugged and irregular
Some cliffs hide quaint little coves such as the ones listed above

Top Accommodations in Las Negras

HOTELS

CALA CHICA CABO DE GATA

3-star hotel • 2 min walk to the beach of Las Negras • All rooms feature a large furnished terrace with sea, mountain or garden views • Some rooms also have a hot tub in the terrace • Outdoor swimming pool & beautiful gardens • Peaceful surroundings

HOTEL SPA CALAGRANDE

Stylish 4-star hotel • 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

EL JARDÍN DE LOS SUEÑOS

Located in Rodalquilar, 6 km from Las Negras • Boutique accommodation in a charming property over 100 years old • Outdoor swimming pool surrounded by beautiful gardens with olive trees • Traditional white washed buildings combined with modern finishes • Each room features a private terrace & garden • Suites also have a kitchen

ORO Y LUZ

Located in Rodalquilar, 5 km from Las Negras • 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.

MORE HOTELS IN CABO DE GATA

APARTMENTS

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

CASAS LA NORIA

5 min walk to the beach • 1 & 2-bedroom apartments • Each unit features a private terrace with barbecue facilities, making them feel more like a charming little cottage than an apartment • Simple traditional decoration with colorful finishes • Min 7 night stay in high season

CASA BLANCA

Located in a quiet corner of Las Negras • 20 min walk to the beach • Studios & 2-bedroom apartments • Each unit features a patio, fully equipped kitchen (incl. dishwasher and washing machine) • White washed buildings with traditional décor and wooden furniture • Min 7 night stay in high season

LAS NEGRAS

Welcome to Las Negras

Las Negras Beach