🌅 Introduction: Welcome to another world
Let’s start with the obvious: if you come to Andalusia just for the beach bars with music and the beaches full of sunbeds, you’d better look elsewhere. But if what moves you is pure nature, tranquillity and unfiltered beauty, then Playa de los Genoveses is the place for you. And I don’t say that lightly.
Located in the heart of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, this unspoilt beach is a hidden gem. A large curve of golden sand, with no hotels or roads, just the sea, the dunes and you. Every time I come, I feel like I’ve discovered a piece of the world that mass tourism hasn’t spoiled yet.
📍 Where is Playa de los Genoveses?
The beach is located about 2 km south of the town of San José, in the province of Almería. It is accessed via the AL-3108 road, within the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.
GPS coordinates: 36.7527° N, 2.1165° W
Simply search for ‘Playa de los Genoveses’ on Google Maps, and it will take you straight there.
🚗 Access and parking: what you need to know
You have two options for getting there:
- By car: a fairly accessible dirt track takes you to the official car park. In high season, access is regulated and you have to pay around €5-6 (cash only).
- On foot: from San José you can walk there in about 20-30 minutes along a very beautiful path surrounded by lavender, thyme and typical Cabo de Gata landscapes.
💡 Nicolás’ tip: in July or August, arrive before 10:00 to find a space. Otherwise, park in San José and take the walk. I assure you it’s worth it.
🏖️ A 100% natural beach
No beach bars.
No sun loungers.
No noise.
And honestly… thank goodness!
Playa de los Genoveses is a 1.2 km long bay, with no buildings in sight, golden dunes and native vegetation. An unspoilt paradise with views of the Morrón de los Genoveses, an 85-metre volcanic hill.
🧭 From the water you can see the mountains of the park, and behind the beach there are palm trees, eucalyptus trees and agaves that complete the landscape.
🐾 What to do at Playa de los Genoveses?
1. Relax, but properly
The beach is perfect for families: fine sand, shallow sea, no strong waves. Children can play without any problems.
💡 Bring a sun umbrella or tent, as natural shade is very scarce except for a small forest at the beginning (which fills up quickly).
2. Snorkel and swim
The water is crystal clear, and there is marine life in abundance. Bring your diving goggles to see fish among the rocks on the sides of the beach.
🔸 Swimming is safe and very pleasant, although there are areas with underwater dunes where the bottom changes suddenly, so be careful with the little ones.
3. Spectacular hiking trail
Hiking enthusiasts have a gem here.
📍 There is one of the best routes in the park, from Playa de los Genoveses to Playa de Mónsul (about 7 km round trip). You walk between cliffs, unspoilt coves and rock formations that look like they’re from another planet.
🎬 The best thing? It’s the real-life setting for films like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade!
⚠️ Some areas are slippery or go right down to the sea. Wear good shoes and check the tides before you go.
4. Photos and total disconnection
In the morning, the light is soft and golden.
In the afternoon, the sky is stained volcanic orange.
If you like photography or just sitting and looking at the horizon, this place is pure visual poetry.
📸 History and curiosities
- The name ‘Genoveses’ comes from a landing of Genoese fleets in 1147, which helped the Castilians to conquer Almeria.
- Many films have been shot here: The Wind and the Lion, Exodus, Indiana Jones…
- It is possible to find fossils in the rocks (look, yes, take, no!).
🍴 Services? No. Charm? Everything!
🛑 There are no services. No beach bars, no showers, no toilets.
And that’s fine, but you have to come prepared for it:
✅ Water (lots of it!)
✅ Food or a picnic
✅ Umbrella or cap
✅ Bag to collect your rubbish
✅ Sun cream
✅ Closed shoes if you are going to walk
💡 Tip from Nicolás: buy supplies in San José before you come.
👪 Who is this beach for?
✔️ Families with young children
✔️ Romantic couples
✔️ Nature lovers
✔️ Photographers and explorers
❌ Not recommended for people with reduced mobility
❌ Not suitable for those looking for comfort or services
📅 When to go?
- ☀️ Summer: lively atmosphere, intense heat, busiest beach
- 🍂 Spring and autumn: ideal climate and fewer people
- ❄️ Winter: excellent for hiking or being alone in the world
💡 My favourite time: September. Warm waters, soft light, and everything is much quieter.
🚿 And when you get back?
If you can’t stand sand between your toes, stop by San José, where you can rinse off and end the day with a good meal.
🍽️ Personal recommendation: ‘Casa Miguel’ in San José. Order yourself some grilled fish with a cold beer… and thank me later 😉
❤️ Why do I love Genoveses Beach so much?
Because it’s one of those places that no longer exist. Nature without a filter. Beauty without concrete. Silence without posturing. Here you reconnect with yourself, with the land, with the sea.
And I’ll tell you something: if this beach is for you, you’re going to fall in love with it.
✅ Practical summary
| 🏖️ Useful Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Playa de los Genoveses |
| Location | Cabo de Gata Natural Park, Níjar, Almería |
| Car access | Yes, dirt road (regulated parking) |
| Access on foot | Yes, from San José (20–30 min) |
| Beach services | None |
| Natural shade | Very limited |
| Ideal for | Families, couples, photographers, hikers |
| Not suitable for | Camping, reduced mobility, mass tourism |
| Best time of year | May to October, or winter for walks |
| Bonus | Film location and volcanic setting |
✉️ A final message from your host, Nicolás
As always, I’ll tell you straight: Playa de los Genoveses is not for everyone. But if it’s for you… it will change your soul.
And if you’re staying in Carboneras or the surrounding area, count on me. I have maps, routes, secrets, and always a smile (and a coffee) to share.
👉 Do you want the GPS track of the route to Monsul? Or to know where to take the best photos? Just ask me.
Welcome to authentic Andalusia, the kind that really makes you fall in love.
| Other recommended beaches (click the beach name) | Why this beach is great |
|---|---|
| Playa del Algarrobico | A spectacular, vast, peaceful and little-frequented beach |
| Playa de las Marinicas | A beach to settle in… and never want to leave. Playa de las Marinicas is a favorite among local families. |
| Playa Cala del Enmedio | A natural paradise for those truly seeking it |
| Playa del Sombrerico | A beach at the end of the road… but close to everything |
| Playa de La Galera | A peaceful haven near Carboneras |
| Cala San Pedro | A unique spot in Cabo de Gata-Níjar |
| Cala del Plomo | A hidden gem in Cabo de Gata Natural Park |
| Playa Bordenares | A hidden treasure near Mojácar |
| Cala de los Toros | A secluded paradise in Cabo de Gata |
