Playa Cantarriján

Situated just west of La Herradura, Playa Cantarriján is comprised of two areas of sand divided by a large formation of rock that looks almost as if it has tumbled from the surround of stunning tree-covered cliffs.

One of Andalusia’s more virgin beaches, Playa Cantarriján lies within the boundaries of the Paraje Natural de los Acantilados de Maro Cerro Gordo nature reserve, limiting the amount of development that can take place here. Though part of the region’s Costa Tropical, it is also located close to where the Mediterranean coastline becomes the much more famous Costa del Sol.

The seclusion of the cliffs makes Playa Cantarriján popular with nudists, and it is also known as a hangout for the LGBT+ community. However, the beach is firmly a family-orientated one, with people of all ages regularly coming down to the dark sands mixed with shingle to enjoy the calm seas here.

Despite being located within a nature reserve, there are two restaurants on the beach. It’s also possible to hire sunbeds for the day. The light blue waters come closer to something many would expect in the tropics rather than Europe, while at around 380 metres long by 40 metres wide, the beach itself is large enough for everyone even on the busiest of days.

Playa Cantarriján is best reached by car, and there is an onsite car park. During the summer months, parking is limited to a higher parking area or along the N-340 access road, with an inexpensive shuttle bus completing the journey to the beach.