Cartagena beaches: Cala Galera in Cabo de Palos

A pretty rocky cove in Cabo de Palos but no beach to speak of!

La Galera is an unusual “playa”, because strictly speaking there’s hardly any beach here at all. This is a small rocky cove with steps running down to the water from the coastal path which runs along the northern side of the Cabo de Palos headland, but those who are looking for somewhere to spread out the beach towel and soak up the sunshine will head further east to the Cala Túnez  or west to the sandy Playa de Levante. 

Those coming here by car will park in the residential streets just inland from La Galera (see map), and among the items they might wish to take down the steps to the water with them are goggles and a snorkel: as is the case all around Cabo de Palos the water is extremely clear, and the area is popular with both amateur and professional divers.

Facilities on the 30-metre “beach” of La Galera itself are non-existent – there isn’t room for any – but the shops and restaurants of the centre of Cabo de Palos are just a few minutes’ walk along the coastal path.

Click for further information regarding the beaches of Cabo de Palos or the town of 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 the start point for La Manga del Mar Menor,which acts as the land barrier between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean and Cabo de Palos is considered as km 0 of the "La Manga Strip" as it is generally known by holidaymakers..

All of the Cabo de Palos beaches are Mediterranean coastal beaches.

The beaches of Cabo de Palos range from tiny coves to long stretches of golden sand, the coastline dominated by the imposing lighthouse which provides the perfect backdrop for the cliffs, aqua sea and golden beaches, and the marina, a busy bustling area still used for fishing today.

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.

Click for further information regarding the beaches of Cabo de Palos or the town of Cabo de Palos.

Click for introduction to the Cartagena beaches

Click for more information about the Cartagena municipality