Barcelo.

com Almería Our Destinations | Español

.Things to do .Itineraries .Districts .Experiences .Where to stay

Almería > What to see and do > The beaches of Cabo de Gata: where the desert meets the sea

The beaches of Cabo de Gata:

 The Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-Níjar is one of the Rating
most outstanding natural wonders in the province of
Almería. This protected area is nature at its nest, and 
it boasts some of the best beaches in Spain. 
Recommended time
The natural park stretches 65 km along the coast
Full day, Half day
through the municipalities of Almería, Carboneras and
Níjar (the latter has the most beaches). Cabo de Gata’s
Best season
54 sandy stretches include beaches, coves and other
bathing spots.  Summer

The semi-arid climate in this Biosphere Reserve

makes for a fantastic destination not just in summer
but in spring and autumn too, when good weather is
almost guaranteed. Remember that this is a protected
natural area, which means most beaches have no
facilities and minimal access points, except the few
urban beaches in the region. 
Experiences
Playa de los Muertos
Playa de los Muertos is one of the most famous
beaches in the Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-Níjar and
usually ranks among the best beaches in Spain. You’ll
nd it in the municipality of Carboneras, at the eastern
extreme of the natural park. The beach gets its name
from shipwrecked seafarers whose bodies would wash
up on this stretch of coast.  

Playa de los Muertos is what’s known as a ‘mixed’

beach and nudism isn’t frowned upon. Take care when
the eastern wind gets up – the waves can become very
dangerous. 

About Playa de los Muertos

Length: 1,160 metres  Stony columns in the Playa de los Muertos

Width: 30-70 metres 
Type: ne shingle and white sand 
Access: tricky (expect an arduous trek) 

Playa de los Genoveses

The virgin sands of Playa de los Genoveses provided the backdrop to some Westerns lmed in Almería. There are no modern
buildings on this wild beach, situated as it is beside a dune system and surrounded by small hills, all of which makes Playa de los
Genoveses astoundingly beautiful. This is undoubtedly one of the most famous beaches in the Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-
Níjar. The iconic volcanic rock formation called the Morrón de los Genoveses rises 85 metres above the horizon where the sea
meets the desert. 

Genoveses beach at Cabo de Gata

This beach in the municipality of Níjar is the most desert-like of all those in the region. Silence reigns supreme here (except in
summer of course) and getting to the beach requires a bit effort, but the seclusion you’ll nd there is worth it. During peak
season access by car is restricted and a bus service is put on from San José. 

About Playa de los Genoveses

Length: 1,180 metres 

Width: 40-50 metres 
Type: ne golden sand 
Access: poor. Consider using the public bus in summer.

Playa de Mónsul
Separated from Playa de los Genoveses by a series of hidden coves is Playa de Mónsul, also in Níjar. This is another of the most
secluded beaches in Cabo de Gata, and here the sand dunes and the craggy formation called the Peineta (or Comb) add a touch
of magic to the scene. 

The Beach of Monsul

Playa de Mónsul is another of Almería’s locations to feature on the silver screen, providing the setting for scenes from Indiana
Jones and the Last Crusade and Lawrence of Arabia. When you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why it’s so special and why
it needs to be protected. We recommend getting to Playa de Mónsul using the public bus from San José. 

About Playa de Mónsu

Length: 300 metres 

Width: 50 metres 
Type: dark sand 
Access: poor. Consider using the public bus in summer.  

Playazo de Rodalquilar
The small beach called Playazo de Rodalquilar has a colourful history. Keep your eyes peeled for historical relics, such as the
Batería de San Ramón, a small fortress built in 1764 during the reign of Charles III of Spain. Further inland, the Torre de los
Alumbres (1510) stands in ruins. 

Rodalquilar´s beach

The Playazo is a great beach for families. Access is easier than at other beaches in Cabo de Gata and there’s more protection
from the waves. Next to the fortress is a small sheltered cove for those looking to escape the crowds. 

About Playa del Playazo de Rodalquilar

Length: 400 metres 

Width: 30 metres 
Type: ne golden sand 
Access: easy

Playa de las Salinas

Playa de las Salinas, not far from the city of Almería, is the largest beach in the natural park. It runs along the straight stretch of
coastline that joins the cape with the capital of the province, and gets its name from the historical salt mines which are still
working today. 

Migratory birds in the beach of the Salinas

Families will love this beach: there are plenty of facilities in the nearby towns and villages as well as public transport and lots of
space. Together with Playa de La Almadraba and Playa de La Fabriquilla, there are more than ve kilometres of sand.
Windsurfers will also be quite at home here. 

About Playa de las Salinas

Length: 2,500 metres 

Width: 100 metres 
Type: white sand and small pebbles 
Access: reasonable. There’s a road by the beach.  

Playa de San José

If you prefer the comforts of an urban beach, this is the one for you. It’s the main beach in the San José area, not far from Playa
de Mónsul and Playa de Los Genoveses. 

Playa de San José

Playa de San José is popular and often busy. Choose from a range of activities including diving, scooter hire or kayaking. The
beach has all the facilities you’d expect from an urban beach, such as showers, bars, lifeguards, football areas and a marina. 

About Playa de San Jos

Length: 850 metres 

Width: 40 metres 
Type of sand: golden. 
Access: adapted for people with reduced mobility. 

Playa de las Negras

To the north of Playazo de Rodalquilar is the town of Las Negras and the beach of the same name, with crystalline waters and lot
of shelter. Playa de las Negras is another urban beach in the Cabo de Gata area and it has a range of services nearby including
accommodation, supermarkets, restaurants and tourist activities. 

If you prefer something a little off the beaten track there are several hidden coves nearby. Try Cala del Cuervo, Cala Hernández
or Cala de San Pedro. 

About Playa de Las Negras

Length: 800 metres 

Width: 25 metres 
Type: sand and small pebbles 
Access: adapted for people with reduced mobility. 

Coves in Cabo de Gata

Aside from the few beaches we’ve highlighted so far, the area also has more than 50 spectacular sandy stretches between
Almería, Níjar and Carboneras. The unique landscape of the province of Almería means there’s all sorts of beaches to choose
from, whether the 5-km stretch of Las Salinas or small coves with just a few tens of metres of sand. 

The “Cala de Enmedio”

Hidden between headlands are some really special places, such as the tiny Cala de los Motores or the spectacular Cala de
Enmedio, perhaps the most beautiful cove in the whole of Almería. For something really unique, head to the Arrecife de las
Sirenas (Mermaid Reef) and experience a feeling of true remoteness in Cabo de Gata.

These are just a few examples, and the coast around the Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-Níjar has plenty more small beaches and
coves where you can enjoy sun, sand and sea in tranquillity. 

Nudist beaches in Cabo de Gata

Nudism is widely accepted on many of the beaches in Cabo de Gata, and the choice of coves and long sandy stretches means
the coast in this part of Spain caters to all. 

Cala Higueras

The Playazo is considered one of the best nudist beaches in all of Europe, and Playa de los Muertos, Playa de Los Genoveses
and Playa de Mónsul all have designated nudist areas. However, there are plenty of other places where you can feel completely
at ease. Here are a few: 

Playa de la Media Luna: Near Playa de Mónsul. 

Playa del Barronal: Between Mónsul and Los Genoveses. A spectacular beach hidden between the rocks. 
Cala Higuera: This cove is next to Playa de San José though enjoys some separation from the urban hub. 
Coves in the Vela Blanca area: Cala Arena, Cala Rajá and Cala Carbón. These are some of the most secluded coves along the
coast and afford the utmost privacy. You’ll nd them close to the Cabo de Gata lighthouse.  

Nearby plans
Map Satellite

2
3
4

41

Map data ©2020 Inst. Geogr. Nacional Terms of Use Report a map error

Related plans

 
Sea and Beaches Sea and Beaches

The best beaches in Almería: from The Beaches of Almeria: The best
wild shores to urban sands sands of the city

 
Sea and Beaches Nature

El Palmeral, the urban beach of Diving in Almeria: Poseidon’s

Almería Hidden Kingdom

GUIDES CONTACT CORPORATE Follow us on social media...

Guide Granada Help us to improve Barceló Group

Guide Bilbao Contact Barceló Jobs
     
Guide Lanzarote Barceló Foundation
Guide Madrid Blog
Barceló Stories
Vacaciones Barceló
Our brands
Sitemap

© 2018 BARCELÓ HOTEL GROUP | BARCELO.COM

Now with users reviews of Tripadvisor
Privacy Policy Terms and conditions Información general