🧭 Introduction: a spectacular beach… with a concrete elephant on the edge.
There are places in Andalusia that take your breath away.
Playa del Algarrobico, 4 km north of Carboneras, is one of them.
But not only for its natural beauty.
On the one hand:
- an immense and almost virgin beach
- crystal clear and clean waters
- a peaceful, silent and natural environment
On the other hand…
- the most famous ghost hotel in Spain, a symbol of the illegal destruction of the coast.
And yet, believe me: it’s worth the trip. Because nature keeps gaining ground. And because this place makes you think about the right balance between tourism and nature. After years of legal battles, the hotel is supposed to be demolished and the coastline restored.
📍 Where is Playa del Algarrobico?
It is located between Carboneras and Mojácar, within the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.
📌 Access via the AL-5107 road, just 5 minutes by car from the centre of Carboneras.
There is a dirt track leading down to the beach:
- Passable with a normal car (be careful after heavy rain)
- 📍 Free, unguarded car park next to the beach (approx. 50-100 spaces)
🏖️ A huge, quiet and uncrowded beach
Algarrobico Beach offers:
- 1,350 metres long
- Grey sand, volcanic gravel and some pebbles
- Clear, shallow water at the shore
- Plenty of space, even in August
- A corner frequented by discreet nudists at the far end, towards the east
Ideal for:
- People looking for tranquillity
- Lovers of nature without filters
- Travellers in vans or campers
- Snorkelling and photography
fans 🏚️ The illegal hotel: El Algarrobico
We can’t talk about this beach without mentioning its most visible wound:
a mammoth hotel, 21 storeys, just 14 metres from the sea.
🏗️ A quick summary:
- 2003: construction begins
- 2005: work is halted (95% complete) following a complaint from environmental groups
- 2016: the Supreme Court confirms that it is illegal
- 2025: the building is still there, abandoned, empty, rusting
💬 My opinion:
An eyesore that should have been demolished years ago. But also a symbol of citizen resistance, and a place that invites reflection.
🐾 Naturism, dogs and vans: all with respect
- 🏖️ Nudism: tolerated, especially in the more remote areas
- 🐶 Dogs: allowed, as long as they don’t disturb
- 🚐 Motorhomes: you’ll see them frequently, some stay overnight without any problems
⚠️ But beware:
- 🚫 There are no toilets, showers or services
- 🚫 There are no beach bars
- 🚫 There are no lifeguards
- ✅ And that’s precisely what keeps it wild
🐠 Snorkelling and swimming
The sea here is ideal for:
- Bathing safely (gentle entrance, no currents)
- Snorkelling near the rocks
💡 Bring flip-flops to walk on the pebbles without pain.
🧺 What to bring (and what you won’t find)
✅ The essentials:
- Water (minimum 1.5 L per person)
- Food or something to snack on
- Sunscreen, cap, sunglasses
- Thick towel or mat
- Sandals + snorkelling gear
❌ What’s not there: Shade Public services Reliable mobile phone coverage Food or drink for sale This is a 100% self-sufficient place. Come prepared and you’ll know how to enjoy it as it deserves.
❌ What is not available:
- Shade
- Public services
- Reliable mobile coverage
- Food or drink for sale
This is a 100% self-sufficient place. Come prepared and you will know how to enjoy it as it deserves.
📅 When to go is key
| Season | The Best | The Less Good |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Ideal temperature, few people | The water is still cold |
| Summer | Warm sea, beautiful light | Extreme heat, no shade |
| Autumn | Very quiet, still pleasant weather | Shorter days |
| Winter | Peaceful walks and total calm | Not suitable for swimming |
💡 Nicolás recommends:
Early morning or after 18:00. Magical light and less heat.
🏞️ Bonus: walk to the beach and beyond
There is a coastal path from Carboneras to Algarrobico, ideal for:
- Walking or running
- Taking spectacular photos
- Observing birds, native plants and volcanic rocks
- See the Torre del Rayo, an old watchtower with breathtaking views
A slower and more poetic way to get to the beach.
💬 Opinions of those who have been
“It’s a wild, quiet beach with no services… exactly what I was looking for.”
“It’s a shame about the building, but the beach is still beautiful.”
“Ideal for dogs and snorkeling. Very spacious and clean.”
“The hotel is imposing, but it also makes you reflect.”
“Hopefully they’ll tear it down one day. In the meantime, I keep coming back.”
✅ Practical info – Algarrobico beach
| 📍 Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 4 km from Carboneras, on the AL-5107 |
| Access | Paved road + dirt track (regular car is fine) |
| Size | 1,350 meters long, 37 meters wide |
| Sand type | Grey sand, gravel, pebbles |
| Nudism | Yes, tolerated area |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Camper vans | Yes, as long as no furniture is set up |
| Services | None |
| Natural shade | None |
| Recommended activities | Swimming, snorkeling, photography, reflection, hiking |
| Best season | From April to October |
| Visitor frequency | Very low, even in August |
✉️ Nico’s word
Playa del Algarrobico is not perfect.
It has an open wound in the form of an abandoned hotel.
But it also has something that other beaches have lost:
space, calm, clean sea and a story that makes you think.
Come and see it. Walk. Dip your feet.
And I hope that when you come back in a few years, the hotel will no longer be there.
📲 Need info?
- the exact location?
- tips for spending the night in your campervan?
- a hiking map from Carboneras?
- Or a PDF sheet for friends?
Just ask me.
Here we continue… defending beauty.
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! |
