Cartagena beaches: Playa Calafría, Cabo de Palos

A small but spectacular beach looking out towards Islas Hormigas

It’s not the longest beach in Cabo de Palos, and the surface is not fine golden sand, but Playa Calafría is a must for those looking for spectacular locations and clear water. This north-east-facing cove at the far end of the Cabo de Palos headland lies on the southern side of the promontory on which the lighthouse is located, and is especially popular with scuba divers and snorkelers who use it as a beach launching site.

The water here is exceptionally clear as the waters around Cabo de Palos are part of the Islas Hormigas marine reserve, part of the reason why diving is such an important part of the local tourism activity.

The rocky outcrops of the islands can be seen just off the coast and this beach is the closest mainland beach to the reserve, so is often used for shore launching.

Playa Calafría lies below the main walkways and paths but access to the beach is easy via a concrete ramp and steps. It is not recommended for those with mobility issues as a result.

Ample parking is available next to the lighthouse approximately 100 metres away, as well as in the residential streets just behind the small cliff at the back of the beach.

Needless to say, the beach is un-serviced, and anyone seeking beach bars and foot-washes should head for nearby Playa Levante where the vast beach is fully serviced with lifeguards and ancillary services. Shopping and bar/restaurant facilities are a half-kilometre walk away, by either walking along the main road into the marina and centre of Cabo de Palos, or by the coastal path which winds its way along both the southern and northern shores of Cabo de Palos, running past a series of coves and small beaches to the area next to the marina and port.

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.