Introduction
The map below provides a rough impression of the region to the north of Villaricos. Further below, we’ll zoom in on parts of this map to point out and describe (some of) the various beaches. We’ll leave it up to you to find the ones only mentioned by name or not mentioned at all - and the beaches to the south of Villaricos, like e.g. the nudist beaches of Vera.
Please note there’s a wide variety of beaches. Some consist of rocks, others of pebbles and many of sand. Some are crowded (well, relatively speaking) while others are pretty much deserted. There’s something for everyone!
If you’re into water sports, please note that the swells differ from beach to beach as a result of the various shapes of the sea beds leading up to the shore. The same applies to the currents which are said to be treacherous here and there.
On beaches with surveillance, safety for bathing is indicated with red, yellow and green flags. On other beaches please be cautious regarding your safety. Please observe how other swimmers (especially the locals) behave.
Details on 7 of the many beaches
| beach name | reference # | length / width (m) | conditions | sand type | occupation | degree of urbanisation | composition | access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cala del Invencible | 1 | 400 / 20 | moderate swell | dark | low | isolated | gravel | by car |
| Playa la Entrevista | 2 | 1000 / 20 | moderate swell | dark | low | isolated | gravel | by car |
| Pozo del Esparto | 3 | 1200 / 25 | moderate swell | dark | medium | urban | gravel | by car |
| Cala Panizo | 4 | 750 / 25 | quiet | golden | medium | semi-urban | gravel | by car |
| El Calón | 5 | 500 / 25 | moderate swell | dark | low | semi-urban | large stones | by car |
| Cala Cristal | 6 | 170 / 15 | quiet | dark | low | isolated | gravel | by car |
| Cala del Cabezo Negro | 7 | 50 / 15 | moderate swell | dark | low | isolated | gravel | on foot |
| reference # | description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cala del Invencible is a small cove formed by a large 300 m. straight strip of sand where there is a mixture of rocks and sand. It is situated at the foot of Sierra Almagrera, next to old baracks of the Civil Guard of Blanquizares, where there is an excellent viewpoint to enjoy the sea and the spike views. It is a rural place, full of cliffs, with a sea bottom rich in reefs and grassland of Posidonia. There are the remains of old mines around (chimneys, old piers) that recall the mining past of this area. |
| 2 | The beach La Entrevista is situated between the towns of El Pozo del Esparto and Bellavista. Not very touristy and a protected area. |
| 3 | This beach is around Pozo del Esparto town centre, next to the sea promenade. It is well over 1 kilometre long and has fine sand and crushed stones. Quiet beach, local tourists. |
| 4 | Cala Panizo is a beautiful town, sandy beach, with quiet waters, many reefs and rocky places. There is an important granular, yellowish sediment area, pleasant to touch, which makes it ideal for swimming. It has some facilities and accesses (ALP-116). Another feature of this cove are its wide abrasion platforms that emerge from the sea, as well as its excellent sea bottom full of reefs and rocks and colonized by grassland of oceanic Posidonia in a very good state. |
| 5 | El Calón is a large town cove. Its sea bottom is made up by rocks and a large grassland of Posidonia. It is a quiet place, mainly frequented by local tourists. A large part of the cove has a wide abrasion platform. |
| 6 | Cala Cristal is a small, thin sandy beach with very quiet waters, 100 metres from the road, between cliffs. From its viewpoint you can see many rocks sticking out from the sea and small sand banks. It is a rural area, not busy. Easy access (ALP-116) and limited car park. Ideal to enjoy a place far from conventional tourism. |
| 7 | Cabezo Negro is a small rocky cove that is rather difficult to access but it has beautiful clear water and it is tranquil. |
Other beaches on this part on the map, from north to south:
| name |
|---|
| Cala a la Tia Antonia |
| Playa Mar Rabiosa |
| Playa la Serena |
| Playa el Cipotón |
| Punta de la Galera |
Other beaches
On the other beaches along the coastal road, south of Cala Cristal and up to Villarícos, not that much detailed information is available. That does not mean that they are not beautiful and / or not accessible, on the contrary even! Most of the locations are indicated by a sign on the side of the road and many have dedicated (small) parking lots which are easily recognisable because they are covered with yellow sand.
Best to explore these gems yourself and be pleasantly surprised.
Here's a list:
| name |
|---|
| Cala Fragua |
| Cala del Pirata |
| Las Conchas (ruins) |
| Cala Peñon Cortado |
| Cala Concha |
| Punta / Cala el Mal Paso* |
| Punta de los Ratones |
| Cala de La Invencible |
| Cala de la Cueva |
| Cala Verde |
| Cala de Luis Siret (sand) |
*there are two beaches by that name in this area