La Herradura & Almuñécar Beaches – Almuñécar Playas

With over 19 km of coastline, the La Herradura & Almuñécar beaches (Almuñecar playas) are for everyone.  Of course, some of the most popular are those which are easily accessible and right in the urban area of town.  There are also several which are secluded or offer small coves or cliffs, for a little variety.  Many of the beaches are covered with stones or pebbles, there are even some with dark sand.  We think these are some of the best beaches in Granada, playas de Almuñecar.

The beaches located near the towns of La Herradura, Almuñécar, and Velilla Taramay, are equipped with a wide range of accessibility, health and security.  Some of them have a flag displayed to show how safe it is to swim (red is no swim, yellow is caution, and green is good).

Read about el tiempo en Almuñecar (the weather in tiempo en Almuñecar).

All of them are safe for swimming at any time of year, though a bit chilly for most in the winter months.  Do keep a lookout in the summer and fall for jellyfish warning (medusa).  We also have information on what to do with a jellyfish sting.  There are 26 beaches on the coast and we highlight some of the Almuñécar Beaches, from west to east below.

Almuñecar Playas

Almuñecar Playa Cantarriján (Cantarriján Beach) Naturist / Nude Beach

It is a small naturist / nude beach, which can get pretty crowded in high season.  It can be difficult to access and there are some facilities available.  It is also used by non-nudists and it faces south-west.  For more info about Cantarrijan Beach, click here.
More info about the clothing-optional beaches or nude beaches in Spain, Click Here.
Length = 385 m , surface area = 13.400 m2, capacity = 2970 users

Four kilometers from the town of Almuñécar, you’ll find the very picturesque bay of La Herradura.  It protected both flanks by the hills of La Punta de la Mona and Cerro Gordo.  It is very busy in the high season with many foreign tourists.  There are several water sports available (scuba diving, bouncy floats, kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boards, jet ski rentals, and more).  This is a family-friendly city beach. Is well equipped and has a high level of services and faces the south-west, for beautiful sunsets.  Read more about Playa La Herradura.
Length = 2.200 m, surface area = 110.050, capacity = 21.960 users

 

This is a small and narrow beach in an urbanized area with buildings scattered over the mountainside.   There is one restaurant and one hotel.  This is the turnaround point for the local city bus, line 1.  This is a south-facing beach has more semi-coarse sand.
Length = 410 m, surface area = 10.000 m2, capacity = 2.150 users

China Beach (Playa China)

The dive center uses this beach to enter the water/boats.  It is also nice for snorkeling.  There are a few restaurants across the street from the beach.  This is a south-east-facing beach.  The beach has coarse sand and pebbles.

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Caletilla Beach  (Playa Caletilla)

A wonderful bay next to the east of Penones Santo.  It is nice for snorkeling.  This is a south-facing beach with semi-coarse sand. It is just an extension of Puerta del Mar beach.

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Puerta del Mar Beach (Playa Puerta del Mar)

Located in the center of Almuñécar this is likely the busiest beach in town.  It is easily accessible and is close to the shopping areas.  It is also right in the heart of the nightlife, near many bars and clubs.

There are several water sports available (bouncy floats, kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboards, jet ski rentals, and more).  This is a family-friendly city beach and is handicap accessible.  There are umbrellas and lounge chairs available to rent.  It is well equipped and has a high level of services and faces the south, for beautiful sunsets. The beach has more semi-coarse sand.
Length = 760 m, surface area = 32.100 m2, capacity = 6.450 users

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Velilla Beach (Playa de Velilla)

It is one of the main beaches of Almuñécar and perhaps the most extensive.  It is protected from the westerly winds, and is packed during the summer months with tourists.  This area is full of high-rise holiday rentals.

There are several water sports available (bouncy floats, kayaking, windsurfing, stand up paddleboards, jet ski rentals, and more).  This is a family friendly city beach and is handicap accessible.  There are umbrellas and lounge chairs available to rent.  Is well equipped and has a high level of services and faces the east, for beautiful sunrises.  There is a dedicated bicycle path along the paseo as well.  The beach has more semi coarse sand.
Length = 1.540m, surface area = 96.700 m2, capacity = 18.730 users

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Tesorillo Beach (Playa del Tesorillo) 

Surrounded by rocks and in the east of Almuñécar, you’ll find the cove of El Tesorillo.  It is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches for youth.  It is located near one of the ancient watchtowers of Arab surveillance and gets its name because it appeared on the shore with a few gold coins.  This is an east-facing beach.  The sand is grey and fine, so ideal for the kids to play and make castles.
Length = 94m, surface area = 3.450 m2, capacity = 680 users

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Pozuelo Beach (Playa del Pozuelo)

Pozuelo Beach is located on the east side following Velilla Beach and Tesorillo Beach.  Shallow beaches are ideal for children.  There is a park nearby and a couple of restaurants.  In the summer there is usually a kiosk that sells various snacks and drinks.  Just here you have the Hotel Bahia Almuñecar in the city center and the Hotel Bahia Tropical at this beach.  This is an east-facing beach.  The sand is grey and fine, so ideal for the kids to play and make castles.
Length = 270 m, surface area = 6.950 m2, capacity = 1.350 users

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Calabajio Beach (Playa de Calabajio)

This is part of a series of small beaches in the least developed area of Almuñecar: Calabajío Cabria, Curumbico, and Barranco de Enmedio.  This is more of a local beach rather than a tourist beach.  That said, during high season, the people staying in the urbanization and hotels above will likely walk down to this beach.  This is a south-facing beach.
Length = 190 m, surface area = 8.700m2, capacity = 1.650 users

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Cabria Beach (Playa de Cabria) 

It is set away from the main beaches and is quite small and moderately popular.  There are three restaurants and a little hotel.  This is a less developed part of town and access is either through the dry river bed or at the end of the road, which passes Almuñecar Playacalida Spa Hotel.   There is gravel and sand on the beach, with a washing shower.  This is a south-facing beach.
Length = 240 m, surface area = 9.800 m2, capacity 1.950 users

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Curumbico Beach (Playa de Curumbico) 

This beach is more gravel and rock.  It is set away from the main beaches and is quite small and more secluded.  It is often nice in the high season to escape the crowds.  There is some interesting tide pooling when the water is calm.  This is a less developed part of town and access is either through the dry river bed or at the end of the road, which passes Playacalida Spa Hotel.  You may park near Playa de Cabria and then walk over to Playa Curumbico.   This is a south-facing beach.
Length = 135 m, surface area = 5.100 m2, capacity = 1.000 users

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Example of stones on Costa Tropical Beaches

Example of coarse sand at Almuñécar Beaches

Example of semi-coarse sand at Almuñécar Beaches

If you are looking for golden sandy beaches in Spain, this is not the area for you!  You would like to do your best on the Atlantic coast.

Colored Flags on Almuñécar – La Herradura Beaches

In Spain, colored flags are used on beaches to indicate the swimming conditions and ensure the safety of swimmers. Here are the meanings of the most common flags you will see on Spanish beaches:

1.Green Flag: Safe to swim. The water is calm, and there are no significant hazards present. Swimmers can enter the water with normal caution.

2. Yellow Flag:Caution is advised. Conditions are not ideal, and there may be moderate hazards such as strong currents, waves, or other potential dangers. Swimmers should be cautious and stay close to shore and at a shallow depth where they can stand.

3. Red Flag:Swimming is prohibited. Conditions are dangerous due to strong currents, high waves, or other serious hazards. Swimmers should not enter the water.

4. Blue Flag: Indicates that the beach meets high standards for water quality, safety, environmental management, and services. This flag is part of an international program recognizing beaches that are safe, clean, and environmentally friendly.

5. Black Flag: The beach is closed. This could be due to extreme weather conditions, severe pollution, or other significant dangers. Access to the beach is restricted.

6. Orange Flag: There is pollution in the water. Swimming is not recommended due to potential health risks.

7. Flag with a Jellyfish;  This means jellyfish or medusas are present in the area, take caution.

These flags are put up by lifeguards or beach authorities to help ensure the safety of beachgoers. Always pay attention to the flags and follow the guidelines they indicate to enjoy a safe and pleasant time at the beach. More information on Andalucia Today.

Surfboard Showers Almuñécar & La Herradura

Cowabunga!  Surfboard showers have made their way onshore on the Almuñécar & La Herradura beaches!
Read more about the surfboard shower locations and share your photos!

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Playa Granada (Beaches of Granada)

Don’t just stop at the Almuñécar beaches, there are so many more to enjoy in the province!  Playa Granada is one of the most popular of them all and it is located in Motril.  Here you will also find large beaches near the Playa Granada Club Resort and sweet little coves near Playa la Rijana!   The custom map we have at the top include all of the beaches in Costa Tropical and we are sure you will find one to fall in love with.

• Motril Playa Granada (10 beaches in Motril)  read more about the popular spots in Motril
• Salobreña Playa (4 beaches in Salobreña)
• Playa de Torrenueva (3 beaches in Torrenueva)
• Playa Carchuna (3  beaches in Carchuna)
• Playa de Calahonda (4 beaches in Calahonda)

 

 

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Remember to pack your beach products!

 

 

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