Playa Marques

Stretching away as far as the eye can see, a vast surreal expanse of fine sandy beach, washed by the exceptionally clean, clear local waters of the Mediterranean.

Closest to the resort, this is El Playazo, the grand beach of the Almanzora, that stretches a total of 7 Km. down from the mouth of the Rio Almanzora, and Boca del Rio Beach in Villaricos, as far as the harbour town of Garrucha.


 

The beaches at Villaricos

The village sits at the very top of El Playazo, the 7 km long great sandy beach of the Almanzora coast, to which it is connected by the Boca del Rio beach that stretches across the mouth of the Almanzora River.

Villaricos has several beaches along its seafront, all within a few minutes walk:

 

La Fabrica del Duro

The closest part of El Playazo, named after the “money factory”, the mint that was situated here in the time of the silver mining boom. Very tranquil and little frequented, with a series of small sandy bays.

La Boca del Rio

This is the broad stretch of sand that cuts across the mouth of the summer dry Rio Almanzora, again very quiet with few tourists, but popular for beach fishing.

Las Brisas Beach

This long curved sandy beach is more frequented being closer to the village and being served by the popular Las Brisas Beach Bar, which is great for paella, sardines and long relaxed beach lunches.  There is a children’s play area near the Castillo de Cristal at the village end.

El Castillo de Cristal Beach

Just the other side of the Castillo and reached from the Maritime Paseo, is this small sand beach, bounded by rocks on one side and the tiny La Balsica harbour on the other, where there is a delightful 'chiringuito', serving excellent tapas. 

Cala Verde

This is a black pebble beach, right in front of the village, with exceptionally clean bright water.  Somewhat uncomfortable under foot, it is nevertheless the beach of choice for the local villagers.  Excellent for snorkelling, the remains of the old iron 'embarcadero' of the mining days are still visible on the sea bed beyond the mirador.


 

Garrucha

Garrucha has a harbour beach. The water here is very calm due to the break water. The beach has facilities for table tennis and has a children's play area. There are many restaurants and bars on the promenade, and is a popular place to stroll or stop for an ice cream.


 

Mojacar

Playa Marina de la Torre

One of three Blue Flag beaches in Mojácar, this gem is the first stop when arriving from the east and is easily accessed by way of the neighboring town, Garrucha. It offers a number of water sports such as kayaking, sailing, banana boating and wake boarding. Laguna del Río Aguas, a protected natural area, is located at the end of this beach where the river meets the sea.

Playa la Rumina

This short stretch of shingle, situated between the lagoon of the Rio Aguas and the popular Playa Descargador, is visited by few tourists and is a place where tranquility and relaxation are always to be found. A nice little beach bar is located here where you are sure to interact with the locals.

Playa Descargador

This is the second beach where the Blue Flag flies in Mojácar Playa. In June, traditional equestrian events are held here as part of the annual Moros y Cristianos celebrations. The beach is long, wide, and covered with light grey sand which is coarse to fine and very clean.

Playa Piedra Villazar

A small hill sloping down between the beach road and the sea protects this stretch of shoreline from prying eyes and provides an additional amount of peace and quiet. The beach is easily identified by the rocks protruding into the sea just off the coast. Playa Piedra Villazar is the third beach in Mojácar to be awarded the Blue Flag.

Playa Vista de los Angeles

One of the lesser visited beaches of Mojácar, the “View of the Angels” can be reached easily and is surprisingly central. Parking is found effortlessly and a ramp provides convenient access for strollers and wheelchairs. Members of the local sailing club launch their small boats here while undisturbed swimming can be enjoyed in many places.

Playa del Cantal

Approximately 2,800m long, this beach in the heart of Mojácar is a sort of themed attraction, but in the best possible sense. There are many great chiringuitos where you can grab a bite to eat while remaining just a few steps away from the refreshing waters of the sea. The beach is regularly frequented during summer months but is empty by October.

Playa del Lance Nuevo

Fishing boats were once pulled ashore here to protect them from rising waves of the sea. Today the only vehicles touching the sand would be pedal boats, kayaks and surfboards. The beach was redesigned in 2016, after the Paseo Mediterraneo (promenade) was extended. Beautiful and wide, there are many nice places for children to play.

Playa Cueva del Lobo

This short area of coast is hidden beneath a cliff and is rarely visited. A newly built promenade runs along the hilltop above, however the beach with its small caves and coves can hardly be seen from there. On some days the sea comes lapping very near to the cliffs, leaving a little sandy area to lie upon.

Playa de las Ventanicas

The longest sandy beach in Mojácar Playa, it’s also one the most calm. Here, a nice place can always be found to set up an umbrella and get comfortable for a day of seaside relaxation along a stretch of sand which is not only long, but also up to 80m wide in places.

Playa Macenas

This 1,400m long natural beach in the southernmost part of Mojácar is especially popular among locals who seek more seclusion. A short drive away from more frequented areas, the beach is identified mainly by its large stone watchtower, Castillo de Macenas.

Playa del Sombrerico

Another natural beach, outside of town, arrived at by a beautiful coastal path by car or, even better, by mountain bike. The enchanted, rugged coastline makes this beach, which resides within the Natural Park Cabo de Gata, a real insider tip.

 


 

Los Muertos

Los Muertos is a totally straight huge beach over a kilometer in length, and has the clearest and bluest water of the Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve. The sand is composed of pebbles that are becoming thinner as we approach the water. The shore has enough slope and covers quickly.

Access to the beach is not easy, and is not suitable for children, elderly or people with mobility problems. It is accessible by two paths, the first comes from the information point and is 700 meters with quite a slope, the second path starts at the end of the parking area and although it is 100 meters shorter it is much steeper.


 

Monsul

The most famous beach of the Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve, having appeared in many films and commercials. This beach owes its uniqueness to the lava formations eroded around it, the beauty of its fine sand and its crystal clear water.

As like other reserve beaches, Mónsul is a pristine beach, so you will not find anywhere to buy drinks, you must go prepared and be respectful of the environment to preserve the beauty of the untouched beach. Its beauty seduces visitors, as happened to film director Steven Spielberg who decided to use this beach, and other locations of Almeria, to film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, among other films.

The beach is reached from a forest track of 4 kilometers from San José, the route can be completed by car or public transport. At 200 meters from the beach there is a parking area. In summer to park cost 4 euros, and there are very limited spaces. The best way to get there is with a shuttle bus that leaves San Jose.


 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Desert Springs Resort can arrange activities on your behalf, but does not accept any responsibility for any risk, liability, damage or any other consequence resulting from the carrying out of this activity.