🌊 Introduction: a spectacular beach, but one that has to be earned
If you come to Cabo de Gata and don’t go down to Playa de los Muertos, it’s like visiting Rome without seeing the Colosseum.
But here, to see this jewel, you have to walk a little, sweat a little… and prepare yourself well.
Located between Carboneras and Agua Amarga, in the heart of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, this beach is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Spain.
Turquoise water, unspoilt landscape, total silence (off-season, since all tourists are looking for this postcard).
That’s right: it’s not for everyone. And I’m going to tell you all about it, without filters.
📍 Where is the Playa de los Muertos?
It is located about 5 km south of Carboneras, on the AL-5106 road towards Agua Amarga.
🅿️ There are two car parks:
- One next to the viewpoint (more stairs)
- Another a little further down (direct path, steeper)
💰 In summer, parking is paid (about €4-5). Out of season, free.
🥾 Access: don’t underestimate the descent
You have 3 routes to get down to the beach:
- From the visitor centre (700 m, stable but steep path)
- From the lower car park (shorter, steeper)
- From the viewpoint (irregular stone steps)
⏱️ Descent: 15-20 min
🧗 Ascent: 20-30 min (watch out for the sun!)
🚫 Not suitable for:
- People with reduced mobility
- Very young children
- Flat sandals or flip-flops
💡 Nico’s advice: wear sports shoes, take water with you and avoid the hottest hours of the day.
🏖️ What is this beach like?
- 1 km long, about 30 m wide
- Pebble beach, not really sand
- Transparent, turquoise blue water
- Deep water: not ideal for small children
- No facilities: no lifeguard, no showers, no bar, no toilets
You come here for pure nature. Nothing else.
🌬️ Beware of the Levante
The sea may seem calm, but when the Levante wind blows:
- The waves grow fast
- There are dangerous currents
- Sometimes swimming is prohibited (red flag)
💡 Check Windy or similar apps before you go. And if you see a red flag: don’t go in.
🐠 Snorkelling and photography: a natural paradise
Playa de los Muertos is a gift for:
- Snorkelling enthusiasts
- Photographers
- Lovers of silence in the off-season
🐟 There are fish, sea urchins, rock formations and dreamy sea beds.
📸 Best light:
- At dawn (soft colours)
- At sunset (magical golden light)
The immense rocky spur standing by the beach is the main subject of all Instagram photos.
🌞 When to go?
| Time of Day | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Before 10 AM | Few people, pleasant temperature |
| 11 AM – 4 PM | Much hotter, more visitors |
| After 5 PM | Milder temperature |
📅 Avoid weekends in July and August if you want peace and quiet.
🧺 What to bring?
Essential list (Nicolás approved):
- Water (minimum 1.5 L per person)
- Sunscreen + cap
- Food or snacks
- Closed-toe shoes for the trail
- Thick towel or mat (the stones hurt)
Light umbrella or awning
- Light umbrella or awning
- Snorkelling goggles
- Bags for rubbish → take it with you!
❌ No shade, no drinking water, no reliable mobile coverage.
🧭 What to do nearby?
👀 Just above, the Mirador de los Muertos offers a spectacular view (accessible on foot from the car park).
🥾 You can walk to:
- Cala del Peñón Cortado: small, sheltered, very quiet
- Cala de las Salinicas: less well known, perfect for couples
🗺️ Or follow the road to the Mesa Roldán lighthouse, an incredible place with views of the entire coast, with a small museum inside the lighthouse. The tower next to it was used as a set for the Game of Thrones series.
🧑🤝🧑 Who is this beach for?
- 👙 Nudism: yes, especially at the back on the left
- 🐶 Dogs: not officially allowed, but tolerated out of season
- 👨👩👧 Families: only if the children can walk well and swim
Not recommended for:
- Older people with mobility problems
- Those who bring their whole house with them (forget about large refrigerators!).
🚗 Access and parking
📍 AL-5106 road
🅿️ Paid parking required
💰 Payment only in summer (controlled by park volunteers)
🚶 Trail of at least 15 to 20 minutes to the shoreline
🚫 No access by boat or jet ski
💬 Real opinions from visitors
“Beautiful but the climb is tough. Not for everyone.”
“Incredible for swimming and snorkeling. Totally worth it.”
“One of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, no doubt.”
“The views from the viewpoint are breathtaking.”
“The access is tricky, but once you get there… wow.”
✅ Practical info – Playa de los Muertos
| 🌍 Location | Between Carboneras and Agua Amarga, Almería |
|---|---|
| Length / Width | 1,000 m / 30 m |
| Ground type | Gravel |
| Nature | 100% unspoilt, no construction |
| Services | None |
| Access | Sloped trails, medium difficulty |
| Ideal for | Snorkeling, photography, relaxing, peaceful nudism |
| Prohibited | Dogs (in theory), fires, camping, littering |
| Best time of day | Early in the morning, a magnificent sunrise, or at dusk |
| Best season | April – June / September – October |
✉️ Nico’s word
Playa de los Muertos is not for everyone.
It’s not very comfortable, nor easily accessible, and the entry into the water is not a gentle slope.
But if you take the time to walk down the long steep path, if you respect the place and experience it with open eyes…
It’s one of the most impressive beaches you can find in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.
Here, you don’t come to put on a show: you come to feel, to float on your back looking at the horizon, and to remember why we love nature.
📲 Want me to send you:
- the exact map?
- a combined walking route?
- a place to eat afterwards?
Give me a sign.
And if you come to my accommodation, I’ll give you personalised advice.
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! |
