Costa Tropical Beaches
Your guide to the best beaches
The Costa Tropical has 28 kilometres (18 miles) of beaches. The mountains run right down to the sea in this area, creating a series of coves and promontories along the coastline, and making this one of the most picturesque sections of the southern Spanish coast. It is also one of the least populated, as the beaches here are less known to foreign visitors than those of the Costa del Sol further along the coast to the west. For the time being, at least, the Costa Tropical is still off the beaten tourist track.
Barranco de Enmedio Beach – Almuñécar
A small but pleasant beach of dark sand and pebbles. An enviable setting due to its location surrounded by mountains. A popular swimming spot. You will have access to umbrella rentals and a small parking area, as it can be accessed by car.
Cabria Beach – Almuñécar
Located away from the bustling crowds, Playa Cabria provides a sense of seclusion and intimacy, making it a favored spot for those in search of tranquility. The rugged cliffs that surround the beach add a touch of natural grandeur, enhancing the breathtaking coastal scenery. Beachgoers can also enjoy the convenience of amenities such as beachside restaurants and facilities, ensuring a comfortable day by the sea.
Calabajio Beach – Almuñécar
This small 300 m long beach has fine dark sand, of the kind that is perfect for building sandcastles, and areas of pebble. The water here is shallow, making it an ideal beach to bring children. Rarely crowded. Some of the services provided to beachgoers include umbrella rentals, parking, showers, cleaning crews, and surveillance.
La Caletilla Beach – Almuñécar
Small, narrow beach located in the main area of Almuñécar, adjacent to San Cristóbal Beach. It is approximately 100 meters long with coarse sand. Situated next to the promenade, it tends to be quite crowded. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of nearby restaurants and cafes, providing a taste of local cuisine and refreshments.
Cotobro – Almuñécar
A small beach at the foot of the Cotobro hills, surrounded by rocks. Rarely crowded, even at high season. A popular sea-fishing spot.
Curumbico Beach – Almuñécar
A small cove located in one of the less developed areas of Almuñécar. Due to its somewhat remote location from the main town center of Almuñécar, the influx of visitors is moderate. A very nice cove with fine dark sand, accessed via a path through the rocks from neighbouring Cabria Beach.
El Muerto Naturist Beach – Almuñécar
Secluded cove beach surrounded by rocks which can only be accessed on foot from the Cotobro beach (at the western end of the Almuñécar promenade). Officially designated a nudist bathing area. It has a kiosk that serves home made vermout, cold drinks and food (pizzas and roscas). We reccommend their salad of tomato, anchovies and avocado salad.
Playa Pozuelo – Almuñécar
Small beach in an urbanized area, with a high number of visitors. It is located next to Tesorillo Beach. It has a length of only 250 meters and is composed of sand and gravel. It has a beach bar and other amenities.
Puerta del Mar – Almuñécar
One of Almuñecar town’s two main beaches (the other being the Playa San Cristóbal). The two beaches are separated by the cliffs of the Arab citadel, and three large rocks extending out into the sea.
Puerta del Mar Beach is one of the largest beaches in the municipality of Almuñécar. Along with Velilla and San Cristóbal beaches, it is one of the most frequented and popular in the town. It is located very close to the historic and commercial center, between Peñon del Santo and the mouth of the Verde River. From the mouth of the Rio Verde to Velilla, it is known as Fuentepiedra Beach. Puerta del Mar Beach measures approximately 1200 meters in length and is 50 meters wide. It is made up of dark sand and gravel, with calm and transparent waters.
The name “Puerta del Mar” originates from the fact that not far from the shore, roughly where the current Plaza de la Rosa is located, there was one of the gates that led into the city. This gate provided access to the eastern cove, where the Paseo del Altillo now stands. Since the 13th century, it was the customary and busiest port in Almuñécar. Along the lower part of Paseo del Altillo, you’ll find many bars, restaurants, and pubs where you can have a drink during the day or enjoy the nightlife.
San Cristóbal Beach – Almuñécar
A fine sand beach to the west of Almuñécar town. The promenade has shops, bars, restaurants and hotels along its length. San Cristóbal Beach is located between El Peñón del Santo and Cotobro Promenade. In the final stretch, where Cotobro Promenade begins, it is called Playa de la China. It is a 1 km long and 50 meters wide beach with dark sand and clear waters. The beach offers all kinds of amenities such as showers, sunbeds, lifeguard service, etc. During high season, this beach tends to be very crowded.
El Tesorillo – Almuñécar
A fine sand inlet framed by rocky promontories. It’s name derives from the fact that gold coins were once found at the water’s edge. There is an ancient Morisco watchtower at one end. It measures 80 meters in length and 55 meters in width. It has a beach bar, other amenities, and facilities for disabled access. The beach is composed of gravel and dark sand.
Velilla Beach – Almuñécar
A long, fine brown sand and shingle beach located just one kilometre east of Almuñecar, just beyond Aquatropic (see Things to do page). There are shops, bars, restaurants and hotels all along the seafront. There is a water sports centre on the beach, in addition to various other services and facilities including showers, equipment hire, diving excursions etc. Velilla is a Blue Flag beach.