Playa de Cantarrijan

Matt & Megan
Nude Beach Map. Visited 2025

It had been two years since our last visit to this beach and it was even more beautiful than we remembered. We absolutely LOVE everything about Playa de Cantarrijan. It’s the only beach in the Costa Tropical region we make sure to schedule two days to truly enjoy it.

A big difference for us during this visit was we had our almost-one-year-old with us and came better equipped to provide some shelter from the scorching sun. It’s an absolute necessity here as there isn’t much for natural shade and the pebbles on the beach just soak up that sunlight. If you didn’t pack an umbrella, there are loungers and umbrellas available to rent for around 15 Euros.

The two restaurants run different setups with loungers. Both are relatively close to facilities, and you can also get some more privacy on the fringes. Away from the main beach to the left is an almost totally nude beach which is more spread out – it seemed more Spanish families were in this area. The days we were here I’d guess roughly 70-80 per cent of people were naked at the main beach and obviously everyone else was totally accepting.

Playa de Cantarrijan has two restaurants serving up traditional Spanish cuisine and you’ll be spoilt for choice if you choose to eat here. There is Bola Marina Bar & Grill and the slightly more upscale Restaurante La Barraca. We tried both and were not disappointed. You could also choose to bring your own snacks and drinks like the locals – either way the view is epic and the water crystal clear. We were surprised the water was so cold! After visiting other European nude beaches you’ll definitely notice how close to the cold Atlantic Ocean this place is.. makes Greek or French beaches feel like bath water but it is refreshing.

Late afternoon is when this place really comes alive and we mean that in sleepy-relaxing vibe kinda way, definitely not a party vibe. The sunset at the beach is perfect, and the sky glows in colours that seem to change each minute. Playa de Cantarrijan is one of those places where you can take a dozen pictures and it doesn’t do it any justice. You’ll just have to come here and see how beautiful it is for yourself!

We stayed in sleepy La Herradura which is about a 10 minute drive away from the beach. Unfortunately there are no clothing optional hotels nearby but we can recommend Hotel Pena Parda – it has a chill vibe and is the closest hotel to the beach. Airbnb is also an option although Spain has recently cracked down on Airbnbs so they may not remain a good option in the years to come. We found La Herradura very friendly with a wide range of accommodation and food options – highly recommended! Locals told us the shoulder seasons here in May/June and Sept/Oct were the best times to visit the beach – it’s still hot but you don’t have crazy crowds plus you can still park your car at the beach, without waiting to take the shuttle up and down the steep hill.

Put Playa de Cantarrijan on your list of beaches to visit! The pebbly beach, the surprisingly chilly water, the top-notch grub, and that next-level sunset make it a place you won’t forget in a hurry. Come with an open mind, an adventurous spirit, and a readiness to bask in Spanish beach culture – and you’ll have an experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.