Cartagena beaches: Cala del Muerto in Cabo de Palos

A gravel beach near the lighthouse in Cabo de Palos

This south-facing, gravelly beach is not among the most densely inhabited in Cabo de Palos, but for those who enjoy clear water and tranquil sunbathing this only adds to its attractiveness: a small public parking area is available just to the right of the lighthouse at the end of the road which leads up onto the headland, and for those who have no problems negotiating the stone steps down to the shore the reward is fifty metres of grey sand and small pebbles which are sheltered by the cliff behind and offer crystal clear waters for scuba divers to enjoy.

Until relatively recently this part of the coastline was not built-up, but now detached chalets and a row of townhouses run along the other side of the footpath which leads all the way back down into the centre of the village and the port of Cabo de Palos. This is the route to take for those going to and from the shops and restaurants: there are no such facilities in the immediate surroundings of Cala del Muerto.

This is almost the furthest east of all the beaches on the Costa Cálida - only its neighbour Playa Calafría beats it in this respect (see map) – and like many others in Cabo de Palos is very popular with both professional and amateur divers.

Beaches in Cabo de Palos:

Cabo de Palos lies at the eastern end of the municipality of Cartagena on the headland of the same name which juts out into the Mediterranean, and as a result the beaches and coves face south, east and north, depending on their location. 

It is also at the southern end for La Manga del Mar Menor, which acts as the land barrier between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, and just outside the town is "kilometre 0" of La Manga.

The beaches of Cabo de Palos range from tiny coves to long stretches of golden sand, many of them dominated by the imposing lighthouse or cliffs. There is also a marina, which is bustling with life all year round as it doubles as a fishing port. 

The coastline of Cabo de Palos lies on the edge of the Islas Hormigas marine park, one of the most important areas of protected coastline in Europe, teeming with marine life and hugely popular with divers, and the regional park of Calblanque.

Click for further local information about Cabo de Palos or Cartagena, or for an overview of the beaches of Cartagena.