Rugged coastline Landscapes
Andalucia has over 1000km of coastline, along two seas: the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, which meet at the Straits of Gibraltar.
This coastline has many hundreds of wonderful beaches. While some areas of seaside are on flat, straight land, others are backed by high alcantilados (cliffs) which offer shelter to the stretches of sand or shingle at their foot - you can find many caletas (coves) along the coast. Some of these offer relatively easy access, with steps or paths, while others are more challenging, especially for the very young, old, or with decreased mobility.
Once you arrive, you will be rewarded with beautiful sheltered coves, often with great snorkelling opportunities. Due to their isolated locations, these caletas are often popular with naturists (nudists).
The regions with most extensive areas of this type of rugged coastline are the Costa Tropical, in Granada province, to the south-east of the region, and the Costa Almeria, to the extreme east, both on the Mediterranean coast, as well as the Costa de la Luz, to the west.
Many of the Almeria beaches are located inside the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, which has numerous cliffs, rocky headlands and other interesting features. A number of films have been shot on these beaches.
One of the most stunning beaches in Almeria's varied and fascinating landscape is Playa Los Muertos is enclosed by spectacular cliffs. A long, sandy beach which slopes down towards the water, it is naturally isolated and must be accessed by walking over the volcanic rocks. Thanks to this geographically remote situation, the beach is totally undeveloped and unspoiled. It was a filming location for
Agua Amarga beach has a rocky cliff with caves, and a nearby cove which can be reached by kayak around the headland. Other nearby calas (coves) include Cala Enmedio and Cala del Plomo to the south and Cala Arena, Cala Sorbas and Cala Castillo to the south.
This whole area of the rugged Cabo De Gata coastline is full of fascinating geological formations and astonishing landscapes - you can even take a specialist geology tour to further explore the extinct volcanoes.
On the Costa Tropical, a rocky coastline of isolated sandy coves between outcrops, La Herradura and Salobrena both have cliffs and coves to explore. Don't miss the Peñones de San Cristobal in Almuñecar.
Also in this area you will find the Alcantilados Maro Cerro Gordo Natural Area, a natural park with cliffs as well as some small, secluded beaches. Nearby, Nerja boasts many rocky outcrops and sheltered beaches.
You will also find many small calas/caletas to the north of Conil de la Frontera, on the Cadiz part of the Costa de la Luz. A series of sheltered calas known as 'Las Calas de Roche' (also known as 'Calas de Poniente'); some are renowned for the beauty of their colours.
