Theresa O'Shea
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Connect with nature on the Costa del Sol |
Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is jam-packed with lively urban beaches and laidback semi-urban beaches, more than a few of which cater to the naturist fun and sun-seeker.
Costa Natura, Estepona
Costa Natura, near Estepona, opened in 1979 and was Spain's first naturist resort. Although the surrounding area is now heavily built-up, once you step inside the gates it's a total oasis – a village of whitewashed apartments set among lush lawns and palm trees and a riot of jazzy geraniums and bougainvillea. Facilities include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, massage room and tennis courts. Day passes are available. Part of the grey-sand Arroyo Vaquero beach in front of the complex is signposted as naturist.
To reach the Costa Natura beach, turn off the N-340 after the roundabout with the large sign saying ‘Estepona’ and take the turning that leads down to the beach (about 1km).
Cabopino, Marbella
If you're looking for a long sandy nudist beach backed by dunes and pine trees, then try Playa de las Dunas to the west of Cabopino marina in Marbella. The water is shallow, so it's safe for kids and good for wading. At weekends the textile to naturist ratio is fairly even. The non-nudist side of the beach has restaurants, showers, first aid and the usual urban beach facilities.
Coming from Fuengirola on the N-340 coast road, take the Cabopino turnoff, continue through two roundabouts and follow the signs for parking. Access is on the right.
Benalnatura
A tiny naturist paradise near the casino in Benalmádena, Benalnatura has everything you need to spend a relaxing naked day in the sun. There are showers, toilets, a barbecue area, and a great little chiringuito (beach restaurant) doing everything from filled rolls to fried fish to a daily menu. Although the naturist beach is sandwiched between apartment blocks, as you walk down the steps through the shaded, wooded entrance, you almost feel as if you're on a jungle desert island. All around there are aloes and cacti, palm trees, pampas grass and bamboo, and the sandy beach itself is 100 per cent spotless. It's also 100 per cent nudist. You can't get served at the bar unless you're in the buff!
On the N-340 from Málaga to Fuengirola turn off at the roundabout just after the Torrequebrada Casino and follow the road to the right for 50 metres.
Gaudalmar
Less than ten minutes from Málaga capital, you'll find the city's only official naturist beach, next to the mouth of the Guadalhorce River in the San Julian neighbourhood. Near the entrance you get a textile-naturist mix, but round to the right it's more fully naturist. Mostly Spanish, lots of families and a great laid-back atmosphere – as long as you don't mind the low-flying aircraft overhead (It's situated right under the flight approach to Málaga airport!). The beach is long, wide and sandy, and there are showers, toilets and beach bars.
Coming from Málaga towards Torremolinos on the N-340, take the San Julián-Guadalmar turning at Km 232. Follow the road that runs parallel to the dual carriageway and down to the beach car park.
Almayate beach, Torre del Mar
This semi-urban beach is throughly naturist, has relatively clean water and boasts purple mountains as a backdrop. It also has a great little chiringuito (beach restaurant) where nudity is the norm and where you can get an excellent value menu del día for €8 or a seafood paella for two for less than €14. Mostly Spanish naturists at weekends and in July and August, with lots of Germans and English and French the rest of the year. Behind the beach and the restaurant you’ll find the excellent Almanat naturist camp-site. Like most naturist camp-sites, Almanat also has ‘bungalows’ or mobile homes for rent.
Almayate beach is situated 2km from Torre del Mar along the N-430 heading towards Málaga. Turn left at the watchtower, go past the ‘naturist beach’ sign and head towards the beach. The car park belongs to the camp-site and costs around €3. Alternatively, take the next turnoff after the watchtower and follow the sign for the ‘Chiringuito’. Off season parking is free here; the rest of the time it’s €1.
Cala del Pino, Maro
Beyond Nerja, as you near the Granada coast, the beaches become wilder and more rugged. Cala del Pino nudist beach is at the bottom of a verdant cliff-side and form s part of the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Area. Access is down a rough track: five minutes to get down, 15-20 to puff back up. But if you're after the nature in naturism and you're happy to haul your picnic and beach gear, then this is the place for you. Although it's mostly stony, there is a narrow sandy strip, so get there early to claim your spot. The sea can be rough, which makes it great fun for wave-jumping, less so for swimming. Mostly a youngish Spanish crowd.
Coming from Nerja on the N-340, once you've passed Maro, look out for the signposts for the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park and Cala del Pino. Leave your car there and walk down, preferably NOT in flip-flops.
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