🧭 A charming hidden beach
If you are one of those who flee from crowded beaches, lined with umbrellas and shouting street vendors, you will love Sopalmo Beach.
Located between Mojácar and Carboneras, very close to the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, this wild naturist beach is a small coastal refuge for those seeking nature, silence and freedom.
📍 Where is Sopalmo beach?
Sopalmo Beach is located about ten kilometres before Mojácar, in a beautifully preserved area known as Sopalmo. It’s framed by cliffs and surrounded by volcanic rocks.
🚗 Access and parking
🚙 By car:
- From the AL-5105 road towards Mojácar, right at the entrance to Sopalmo, 5 metres after the Ruta Transcabrera sign, take the dirt road going down. Just follow the old riverbed for 4 km.
- You can park just a few metres from the beach.
A string of stunning beaches awaits you to the left after the first cove at the foot of the car park. - Parking is free of charge, unguarded, and has a capacity of about 50 spaces.
🥾 On foot:
- Once you’ve parked, it’s just a few minutes‘ walk along an easy path.
If you park up in the village, it’s about an hour’s walk (4.5 km) down to the beach. - Not suitable for people with reduced mobility, but great for families and relaxed hikers (with impressive multicoloured rock formations).
💡 Nicolás’ tip: if your car is very low, park before the end of the track and walk down. Better safe than sorry!
🏖️ A naturist beach, but for everyone
Bordenares is a beach officially recognised as nudist by Mojácar Town Council. But there are no strict rules here: textile and naturists coexist with total respect.
- Length: between 600 and 1000 metres
- Width: between 15 and 60 metres
- Type of sand: mixture of golden sand and volcanic rock
- Atmosphere: calm, relaxed, with good vibes
- Access to the sea: rocky bottom, it is advisable to wear
🗣️ Visitor review: ‘One of those beaches where you can breathe freedom. You can be yourself, without strange looks.’
🐠 What is there to do at Sopalmo beach?
1. Spectacular snorkelling
Thanks to its rocky seabed and crystal-clear waters, Bordenares is ideal for snorkelling. There are lots of fish, areas of seaweed and rocks that create nooks and crannies to explore.
🎒 Don’t forget: goggles, snorkel and flippers
2. Sunbathing and swimming
The water is usually calmer than at other beaches in the area, and there is less wind. It is ideal for a relaxing swim, but always with caution: there is no lifeguard and sometimes there is a current.
3. Walks and viewpoints
From the beach you can climb up to a natural viewpoint to enjoy spectacular views. You can also walk towards Sombrerico or Macenas beaches. There are no official paths, but it is easy to find your way around.
4. Observe nature
The flora and fauna of the area are spectacular: cacti, rosemary, agaves, sea birds… If you like photography or just sitting and looking at the landscape, this is the perfect place.
🧴 What should you bring to enjoy yourself to the full?
There are no beach bars, showers or toilets here. So come prepared with:
✅ Water (minimum 1.5 L per person)
✅ Sunscreen
✅ Hat or cap
✅ Sunglasses
✅ Goggles and snorkel
✅ Booties
✅ Food or picnic
✅ Bag to carry your rubbish (please)
🐾 Dogs are allowed outside of the bathing season (avoid bringing them in summer).
🍽️ Where to eat nearby?
Although the beach is wild, there are options not too far away:
- Chiringuito Manaca (on Macenas beach): good food and reasonable prices
- Mojácar Playa: more variety, but more touristy
- Or, pack a picnic and enjoy it at the Pirulico Tower with incredible views
🛏️ Where to stay?
If you want to stay close by, I recommend:
Accommodation in Carboneras or Mojácar Playa (I can help you find a charming place)
📅 When is the best time to go?
| Season | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Few people, ideal weather | Water a bit cold |
| Summer | Warm sea, beautiful light | More people, very hot |
| Autumn | Warm water, good light | Shorter days |
| Winter | Perfect for walking and meditating | Not suitable for long swims |
💡 In July and August, come early in the morning or at sunset. You’ll avoid the heat and enjoy the beach almost to yourself.
⚠️ Important things to bear in mind
- There are no lifeguards or emergency services
- It is not wheelchair accessible
- dirt track can be slippery after rain
- Don’t leave any rubbish, respect this unique environment
✅ Practical info – Sopalmo beach
| 📌 Fact | 📝 Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Mojácar, Sopalmo area, near Torre del Pirulico |
| Access | 2 km dirt road from AL-5105 |
| Parking | Free, unattended (approx. 50 spaces) |
| Nudism | Allowed (official nudist zone) |
| Beach size | 600–1000 m long, 15–60 m wide |
| Beach type | Medium-grain sand and volcanic rock |
| Recommended activities | Snorkeling, walks, contemplation, photography |
| Services | None (no showers, toilets, or bars) |
| Pets | Allowed outside high season |
| Best time of year | May to October |
| Ideal audience | Couples, naturists, hikers, photographers |
✉️ Final message from Nicolás
Bordenares Beach is not famous, nor is it full of posturing. It is discreet, natural and full of character. If you like the sea without filters, real contact with nature and that feeling of freedom that doesn’t fit in an app… this place is for you.
And as always, if you come to Carboneras or Mojácar and want to know the best time to go, the state of the road, or a place to eat afterwards, drop me a line.
I’m here to help you have an authentic Andalusian experience, uncomplicated and with soul.
Some of our photos
| Other beaches we recommend (click on the beach name) | Advantages of this beach |
|---|---|
| Playa del Algarrobico | A spectacular, vast, quiet, and little-visited beach |
| Playa de las Marinicas | The beach at the foot of both apartments, the favourite of local families and children |
| Playa Cala del Enmedio | A lost paradise, reserved for those who truly seek it… a short hike required! |
| Playa del sombrerico | A beach at the end of the path… yet close to everything |
| Playa de La Galera | A haven of peace near Carboneras |
| Cala San Pedro | Lose yourself in its unique turquoise waters in Cabo de Gata Natural Park |
| Cala del Plomo | A hidden treasure in Cabo de Gata Park |
| Playa Sopalmo | Our favourite landmark spot near Mojácar |
| Cala de los Toros | An oasis… and then the sea! |
