Cartagena beaches: Playa del Descargador in Cabo de Palos

A small but picturesque rocky cove with spectacular views

The Playa del Descargador is a cove with grey sand and rocks at the very southern tip of the built-up area of Cabo de Palos, and is popular with both visitors and the residents in the new properties above it. 

The small cove – only 70 metres in length - is dominated by the islet which protrudes from the sea just offshore, and indeed the whole of this part of the coastline has spectacular black rock formations of this kind. Just to the south lie Cala Reona and the Calblanque y Monte Cenizas natural park, which are of considerable geological interest, and the rocks under the surface of the water, although potentially dangerous, are also attractive to divers as they are home to various types of marine life.

Those visiting Playa del Descargador will normally find parking easy on the road which runs down to it from the built up area above, and the last few metres walk is a ramp but with no steps. Visitors will almost inevitably find themselves climbing up the rocks to the east of the beach to admire the impressive views, both eastwards towards the lighthouse of Cabo de Palos and westwards along the coast towards Cartagena.

The Playa del Descargador is reached from the RM-12 dual carriageway by taking the exit at kilometre 13, then heading straight towards Cala Reona before turning left into the residential area. At the end of this road (Calle Cala Reona) turn right onto Calle las Calas or left then right onto Calle La Isla: these two streets run either side of the rambla which leads down to the beach (see map).

Logically, there are no facilities.

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

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.