🧭 A beach between transparent sea and forgotten ruins
Welcome to Playa de la Galera, a beach full of contrasts located a few kilometres north of Carboneras, right on the border with the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.
On the one hand, you have breathtaking surroundings: clear waters, volcanic mountains, absolute tranquillity.
On the other, a giant, illegal and abandoned hotel that ruins part of the landscape.
And even so, believe me: it’s worth coming. Because it’s a special place, where beauty endures despite the damage.
📍 Where is Playa de la Galera?
It is located about 2 km north of Carboneras, on the AL-5107 road towards Mojácar. It lies just before Playa del Algarrobico, due to the sadly famous hotel of the same name.
📍 To get there, take an unmarked road to the right, just before a sharp bend and before the abandoned hotel. If you can’t see it, ask me and I’ll give you the exact GPS location.
🏖️ What is this beach like?
A long, open beach, with a mixed ground of grey sand and volcanic gravel, no services, very few people and an incredible view of the volcanic mountains. A small garden of stacked stones creates a hippie-romantic atmosphere.
- Length: about 1,000 metres
- Width: between 10 and 30 metres
- Frequency of use: low to medium, even in summer
- Type of user: quiet families, fishermen, discreet nudists
The water is clear, there is usually little surf, and the atmosphere is relaxed, even with the hotel as a backdrop.
🏚️ The ghost of El Algarrobico
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather: about the illegal hotel of El Algarrobico.
A concrete complex built in a protected area of the natural park. The project was halted, but the building is still there, abandoned for years.
🏗️ A monument symbolising the ravages of uncontrolled urbanisation.
🌱 But also a symbol of resistance: thanks to activists and associations, its construction was halted. The latest decision is said to have definitively ruled in favour of its demolition.
💬 My opinion: it must be demolished and dignity restored to this spectacular coastline.
🐠 What is there to do at Playa de la Galera?
1. Snorkel in clean water
Despite the context, the water is clean and clear, ideal for snorkelling in the rocky areas. You will find small fish, seaweed and corners with underwater life.
🧴 Bring:
- Mask and snorkel
- Plastic sandals (for the stones at the entrance)
2. Picnic with a view
No bars, no music, no hurry. You come here with your rucksack, your parasol and your desire to rest. What you need:
- Water and food
- Thick towel (the ground can be hard)
- Sunshade or cap
3. Photography and contemplation
The mixture of pure nature and urban ruin creates a unique atmosphere. The light is beautiful in the morning and at sunset, and the photos that come out of here are spectacular.
📸 Tip: if you have a drone (and respect the rules), this place gives unforgettable images.
🚗 Access and parking
Very easy to get to by car from Carboneras. But the road to the beach is not signposted.
- Look for a turn-off before the abandoned hotel
- Park at the side of the road
- You can also leave your car near the hotel (it’s not pretty, but it’s practical)
🅿️ Free parking, unguarded
♿ Not suitable for people with reduced mobility (uneven terrain)
🐾 What about dogs? What about nudism?
- Dogs: welcome out of high season (better if on a lead)
- Nudism: tolerated, especially in less visible areas
- Atmosphere: peaceful, non-judgemental, each to their own pace
📅 When is the best time to go?
| Season | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Few people, mild weather | Water still a bit cold |
| Summer | Warm sea, good light | Strong heat, no shade |
| Autumn | Still warm water, less tourism | Shorter days |
| Winter | Perfect for walking, thinking, observing | Swimming not always possible |
💡 Tip: avoid days when the east wind is blowing, as there may be seaweed or choppy water.
🎒 What to bring (and what you won’t find)?
✅ What to bring:
- Water and something to eat
- Sun cream
- Hat or cap
- Flip-flops
- Snorkelling mask
This place is 100% self-sufficient. Either you come prepared… or you won’t go home happy 😄
💬Real opinions (with which I agree)
“A beautiful beach if you can ignore the abandoned hotel.”
“A great place to be alone, meditate, or enjoy a peaceful swim.”
“Clean water, ideal for snorkeling, although the access is not well marked.”
“The building ruins the landscape… but the beach still has its magic.”
“I’d love for it to be torn down. The beach deserves it.”
✅ Practical summary – Playa de la Galera
| 📍 Key Information | 📝 Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 2 km north of Carboneras (AL-5107 road) |
| Access | By car + unmarked path |
| Beach type | Grey sand, volcanic gravel, volcanic landscape |
| Length | Approximately 300 metres |
| Visitor frequency | Low to medium |
| Nudism | Allowed (discreet areas) |
| Dogs | Allowed in the off-season |
| Services | None |
| Parking | Free, unattended |
| Recommended activities | Snorkeling, picnic, photography, relaxing |
| Best time to visit | April to October |
✉️ Nico’s word
Playa de la Galera is one of those beaches that makes you feel lost at the end of the world… just 3 km from the apartment where you’re staying.
And if you’re among those who take care, respect and value authenticity and nature, then you have to come.
Not for Instagram.
Not for fashion.
But for you.
To reconnect with the real sea.
📲 Need the exact GPS location? A route to combine with another cove? A good place to eat afterwards?
You know where to find me. I’m here to help you discover a more genuine, less touristic Andalusia.
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! |
