The Most Beautiful Wild Beaches in Andalusia for an Unforgettable Vacation with Kids
Our Experience on the Wild Beaches of Andalusia with Kids
Spain has always had a special charm for us, especially for me: I love the food, the people, and the climate! After 4 months of a fake spring in Portugal, arriving in Andalusia was like being reborn.
We had actually visited this part of Spain a few months earlier… and I have to admit that as soon as I arrived in San Jose, in the heart of Cabo de Gata, I stated that as far as I was concerned, I could have stayed there forever.
The rest of the family didn’t agree, so we ended up temporarily in Portugal. (If you want to read about our adventures in this part of Europe, here’s the link to Portugal section)
Why Choose Andalusia for a Family Vacation
Ideal Climate and Conditions
Andalusia offers a perfect summer vacation climate, with long sunny days and warm, inviting waters, ideal for kids. With about 100 ml of rain per year, Cabo de Gata is the driest place in Europe and the only one in continental Europe with a desert climate.
Activities for Kids
Among the activities for kids, building sandcastles, exploring dunes, and snorkeling are just a few of the adventures they can enjoy on these beaches. Despite the arid terrain, the flora and fauna of Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park are incredibly rich, with over 1000 animal and plant species.
The Most Beautiful Wild Beaches in Andalusia
- Bolonia Beach, Tarifa
This beach is famous for its spectacular sand dunes and the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia. Although relatively well-known, it offers more isolated spots perfect for adventurous families.
- Cala de Enmedio, Almería
A hidden beach between cliffs, accessible only on foot or by boat. Its crystal-clear waters and tranquility make it ideal for a day of family exploration and relaxation.
- Playa del Cañuelo, Tarifa
Located in the Strait Natural Park, this beach is accessible only on foot, ensuring an escape from the crowds. Perfect for those seeking a direct connection with nature.
- Cala del Plomo, Almería
A remote cove with turquoise waters and white sand, ideal for families wanting a wild and authentic experience.
- Playa de los Muertos, Carboneras
Known for its breathtaking beauty and clear water, this beach is accessible via a steep path, perfect for a day of adventure. A surreal landscape awaits at Playa de Los Muertos, a long beach of fine white pebbles at the foot of dark, unusually shaped hills.
- Playa de la Rijana, Granada
A hidden gem along the coast, perfect for snorkeling and diving. The beach is accessible with a short walk, offering a more intimate and peaceful experience.
- Playa de Castilnovo, Conil de la Frontera
A long stretch of golden sand, far from urban centers. It’s ideal for those looking for a quiet beach where kids can run and play freely.
Cala del Barronal, Almería
Located in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, this isolated beach is perfect for nature lovers. It’s reachable with a short hike.
- Playa de Monsul, Almería
Famous for its unique rock formations and clear waters, this beach offers a wild and fascinating environment for families who love adventure. Playa Monsul is one of the most iconic images of the Cabo de Gata park: on one side, a stunning “living” sand dune, on the other, a massive tongue of lava rock that touches the beach and the sea.
- Cala de San Pedro, Níjar
This beach is accessible only on foot or by boat, offering a total isolation experience. It’s the ideal place for families who want to enjoy a day of exploration in a natural setting.
The Wonderful Beaches of Cabo de Gata
A special mention must be made for the wonderful beaches of Cabo de Gata: a magical and unique place.
A Secret to Reveal
Here’s a secret: one of the most beautiful corners of Andalusia is the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, where Europe’s only real desert meets some of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean. Despite its “desert” label, don’t expect a flat and monotonous landscape: the rock formations and headlands within the park have spectacular shapes and colors. Additionally, despite the arid terrain, the park’s flora and fauna are incredibly rich, with over 1000 animal and plant species adapted to the high temperatures and water scarcity.
The Beaches of Cabo de Gata and Surroundings
Along the coast of the Cabo de Gata headland are some of the most beautiful beaches in Andalusia… and some say in the entire Mediterranean. The number of beaches in Cabo de Gata and surroundings is truly impressive: there are over 40, all enchanting. The coast falls almost entirely within the natural park area: it is therefore a protected area, allowing you to enjoy hours of relaxation immersed in unspoiled nature. Topless and naturism are quite common. On many of these beaches, you won’t see any buildings, power lines, bars, or roads. These are wild, unserviced beaches, often requiring you to leave your car in a parking lot and continue on foot along steep paths. Finding a beach kiosk is rare, so it’s important to remember to bring plenty of water and something to eat. There are also very few opportunities for shade: protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and a hat.
These inconveniences are more than compensated by the emotions you’ll feel at the sight of these wonderful beaches. It would take a month or more to explore them all leisurely, but if you don’t have that much time, head straight to the most beautiful beaches of Cabo de Gata and surroundings that we recommend below.
Must-See Beaches in Cabo de Gata
Playa de Los Muertos and Playa de los Genoveses
Playa de Los Muertos and Playa de los Genoveses vie for the title of “most beautiful beach in Cabo de Gata.” It’s really hard to determine which is the most beautiful: in doubt, better see both. A surreal landscape awaits you at Playa de Los Muertos, a long beach of fine white pebbles at the foot of dark, unusually shaped hills. The beach is bordered by two rocky capes, to which it owes its sad name: from the top of these rock spurs, shipwrecked sailors brought by the sea were spotted. The crystal-clear waters invite a swim, but beware of the currents because they are quite strong in this area. If you prefer calm, shallow waters where you can swim safely, go to Playa de Los Genoveses, a magnificent sandy beach set in a crescent-shaped bay surrounded by a large dune area. More than a kilometer long and 80 meters wide, it owes its name to a Genoese fleet that found shelter here in the 12th century. On low tide days, you can admire the rocks on the seabed, which darken the turquoise color of the waters.
Playa Monsul
Playa Monsul is one of the most iconic images of the Cabo de Gata park: on one side, a stunning “living” sand dune that changes shape and size with the wind, making you dream of being in the Sahara desert; on the other, a massive tongue of lava rock that touches the beach and the sea; all around, bizarrely shaped volcanic rock walls. Due to its particular beauty, this beach has been used as a location for numerous films, including some scenes from “Lawrence of Arabia.” It’s easier to reach than other beaches in the park, and for this reason, it’s very crowded in the summer months, though still much quieter compared to the beaches of more fashionable seaside resorts.
Cala Grande
Less known but in our opinion worth seeing is Cala Grande, a dark sand beach bordered by a peculiarly shaped rock spur, like a bullet shot from the earth upwards and embedded in the ground. Despite its name, Cala Grande is only 200 meters long and 30 meters wide.
Cala Chica and Cala Los Amarillos
The ideal place for those who want to enjoy nature in total peace is Cala Chica, a very difficult beach to reach and therefore not very frequented. It is a small golden sand beach at the foot of impressive vertical rock walls. Cala Chica, along with Cala Grande, is part of the so-called Calas del Barronal, four small beaches connected to each other by footpaths. The other two are El lance del Perro and Cala Principe. Another isolated beach, at the foot of rocky walls, is Cala Los Amarillos, which boasts crystal clear waters and fine sand.
Other Must-See Beaches
If you have time, check out these beautiful beaches as well: Playas de San José, Playa Cabo de Gata: these are the city beaches, the only ones offering services and amenities. Playa San Pedro: a sandy beach with a large green area behind it. Cala Tomate: a mixed beach of sand and pebbles dominated by vertiginous white cliffs overlooking an incredibly blue sea. Cala Carnaje: a pebble and rock beach, very narrow and 450 meters long, famous for the Cerro de Los Lobos, a rock spur from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the cove. Playa del Arco y El Esparto: one of the few red sand beaches in the area.
The Cabo de Gata Lighthouse
A must-see attraction within the park is the solitary Cabo de Gata lighthouse, which stands on the southern tip of the headland. In this area, the coast is rugged and jagged, and the scenery is truly impressive: the waves crash noisily against the rocks, and the lighthouse stands out against a blue backdrop where it becomes almost difficult to distinguish the sea from the sky. It is reached by a winding road that winds along the steep cliff. From the lighthouse viewpoint, you can admire the enchanting Sirens’ Reef (Arrecife de las Sirenas) of volcanic origin and imagine for a moment being at the edge of the world. If you’re not yet satisfied with sea views, you can take a walk and reach the Torre Vigía Vela Blanca, an observation tower built in the 18th century located about 3 km away.
If you want to visit Cabo de Gata with your family and want to go beyond just the beaches, here’s an article dedicated to What to See in Cabo de Gata with Kids.
Trekking and Sports Activities in the Cabo de Gata-Ninjar Natural Park
The Cabo de Gata-Ninjar Natural Park is a dream place not only for lazy afternoons on the beach but also for outdoor sports. Trekking is certainly the most popular activity: the park’s area is crossed by numerous paths immersed in a beautiful natural setting. There’s something for everyone: from easy seaside walks to challenging hikes that require a full day. In theory, you could walk all 60 km of coastline from Retamar to Agua Amarga, but for those who don’t feel capable of such an adventure, here are some recommended treks:
- San José – Los Escullos (the path starts from Cala Higuera)
- Cabo de Gata Lighthouse – Vela Blanca Tower
- Los Escullos – Cerro Penones: via Barranco del Negras (easier) or via Los Alboricoques (challenging: about 23 km)
- Los Escullos – Isleta del Moro
Given the high temperatures, it is dangerous to undertake a hike with kids during the summer period
Conclusion on the Wild Beaches of Andalusia
The wild beaches of Andalusia with kids offer a unique and adventurous experience for families. Exploring these remote places not only allows you to enjoy breathtaking landscapes but also creates unforgettable memories, making kids more aware of the beauty of unspoiled nature.
Ready for the adventure?
Digitally Yours
☀️ Sara ☀️
