The 7 Best Costa de Almería Beaches
If you're looking for beaches with plenty of wriggle room, then the Costa de Almeria is just the ticket. Unlike some of Andalusia's better-known coastal stretches, like the Costa del Sol, this 200km+ stretch of shoreline is relatively untouched when it comes to tourists, meaning traditional villages and laidback beaches are the norm.
The biggest resort in these parts is Roquetas de Mar. This once quiet fishing village has expanded enormously over the years, and its expansive strip of coast stretches for around 13km. There's a good choice of beaches too - Aguadulce and Urbanizacion are the main sandy ones, Playa de las Salinas is a big hit with watersports lovers, and Playa de Cerrillos is a remote spot that's popular with naturists.
If you're looking for somewhere even quieter, then around 90 minutes up the coast you'll find the quaint town of Vera. This history-filled spot that dates back to the Middle Ages is growing as a tourist destination, but for now it remains relatively crowd-free. The town's main beach is a white sandy swathe that's popular with families. For somewhere a little livelier, the nearby El Playazo is one of the best beaches along the Costa de Almeria. This mile-long stretch of golden sand has a picturesque mountain backdrop and a whole host of watersports to try out. A word to the wise though, the northern end of this beach is particularly popular with nudists.
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1. Playa de Mónsul
Seryam Playa de Mónsul is one of the most popular beaches in Almería's Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Known for its golden sand, volcanic rock formations, and crystal-clear waters, it is often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
The beach is bookmarked by volcanic cliffs and features a large, smooth rock formation in the middle of the sand, shaped by wind and waves over time.
The… read more »
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2. Playa de los Muertos
isol Great for:- Snorkeling
Situated between two coastal villages, Carboneras and Agua Amarga, and roughly 55 minutes by car from Almeria, Playa de los Muertos has appeared more than once in lists of not only the best beaches in Spain, but also the best beaches in all of Europe.
Despite its sinister name, the "Beach of the Dead", which stems from the time of pirates and shipwrecks, Playa de los Muertos is a haven for… read more »
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3. Playa de los Genoveses
Kevin Pacheco Great for:- Kitesurfing
Found on the Costa de Almeria, around three kilometres from the town of Nijar, Playa de los Genoveses forms perhaps the most stunning vistas of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. With smooth yellow sand stretching the length of an entire bay, and surrounded on its inland side by virgin dunes, there are no facilities or amenities on Playa de los Genoveses. Visitors therefore need to bring all they will need… read more »
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4. Playa de las Negras
© Jerzy Górecki Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
This shingle and dark sand beach is right at the centre of life in the town of the same name, on Andalusia's eastern coastline. It takes its name from the black sea cliff, Cerro Negro, to the eastern side of this small inlet of the Mediterranean Sea.
Situated within the confines of Parque Natural Cabo de Gata, Playa de las Negras is approximately 850 metres in length. It is easily reached… read more »
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5. El Playazo de Rodalquilar
Sofía Cos Great for:- Snorkeling
El Playazo de Rodalquilar is a wide, unspoiled beach set in Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. It is known for its golden sand, clear waters, and scenic backdrop. The beach is about 400 metres long and has shallow waters, making it a good spot for swimming and snorkelling.
Unlike more developed beaches, Playazo has no bars or restaurants, so visitors should bring their own food and water.
One of its… read more »
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6. Vera Playa - Playa El Playazo
Seryam Vera Playa is located at the northern end of Playa El Playazo, a beach measuring two kilometres in length and up to 100 metres wide. It fronts a relatively developed and well-catered for section of Spain's eastern Almeria coastline.
The first official site for nudists in Europe, it has developed into something of a naturists resort, as well as holding the Guinness World Record for the largest mass participation skinny dip… read more »
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7. Cabo de Gata (San Miguel)
José Antonio JG Great for:- Kitesurfing
Playa de San Miguel is a located in the town of the same name in Cabo de Gata. It is one of the more accessible beaches in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, and offers a mix of natural beauty and convenience. The shoreline is long, with fine pale golden sand mixed with some pebbles, and the Mediterranean waters are generally calm, making it a good spot for taking a… read more »