Cartagena beaches: Cala Reona in Cabo de Palos

Spectacular scenery and soft sand next to the Calblanque nature reserve

Cala Reona lies at the south-western end of Cabo de Palos, at the edge of the Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas y Peña del Águila nature reserve, and is a popular starting point for those undertaking walks along this spectacular part of the Costa Cálida coastline.

It is also a very attractive, largely unspoilt beach, popular with both bathers and divers due to the picturesque scenery, the clear water and the 200 metres or so of soft sand.

These waters form part of the important Islas Hormigas Marine reserve, one of the most important marine reserves on the European coastline.

It’s hard to spend any time here without being tempted to start climbing either the mountain to the west or the headland which separates Cala Reona from the Playa del Descargador to the east: from both sides the views are spectacular, and to the south-west the black cliffs extend all the way to Portmán, 12 kilometres away, before the next seafront buildings can be found. This is the Costa Cálida at its wildest and, some would say, at its very best.

Access from outside Cabo de Palos is from the exit at kilometre 13 of the RM-12 dual carriageway which serves La Manga del Mar Menor: head south from here rather than towards the town of Cabo de Palos, keeping the residential area on your left, and the road runs down towards the cove of Cala Reona. Off-road parking is not hard to find, and it’s a stroll of just a few yards to the beach itself, which is endowed with foot showers and rubbish bins but little else in the way of services. However, there is a lifeguard service in July and August, and the first aid point is manned from mid-June mid-September between 11.00 and 20.00.

The beach is very much a natural one, and is not suitable for those with limited mobility.

A beachside restaurant and bar also opens during the summer, but there are no other shops or restaurants within walking distance: for those spending the day in the area, either a picnic or a short drive to the centre of Cabo de Palos is advisable.

Behind the beach, the residential properties enjoy some of the finest views in this part of the Costa Cálida, especially those perched on the hilltop overlooking the beach and the Islotes del Descragador.

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.