This is the 'most nudist' beach in Cabo de Gata, the only one with easy access where almost everyone is naked. It is one of the series of beaches and coves you can find to the south of San Jose.
From San Jose, drive along the unpaved track to Los Genoveses and Monsul beaches. There is a bus stop and a small parking area between these two beaches. Here is where the path to El Barronal start. You should arrive early if you want to park there. Of course, in the summer you can use the bus.
You have to walk 500 m to the beach following a well marked path. You will see a house were somebody wrote 'Playa Nudista' (nude beach). When you reach another sign with the rules that apply in the Natural Park there are only a few meters down to beach.
If you don't want (or can't) park so close, you can also get walking to El Barronal. The shortest way is along the road, but the coastal trail it is much more interesting. From Los Genoveses you have to cross several coves (Cala del Principe, Cala Chica, Cala del Lance...), walking up and down for several kilometers. The way from Monsul is shorter, but not less complicated. Take into account the lack of shade, so take plenty of water.
You have to walk 500 m to the beach following a well marked path. You will see a house were somebody wrote 'Playa Nudista' (nude beach). When you reach another sign with the rules that apply in the Natural Park there are only a few meters down to beach.
If you don't want (or can't) park so close, you can also get walking to El Barronal. The shortest way is along the road, but the coastal trail it is much more interesting. From Los Genoveses you have to cross several coves (Cala del Principe, Cala Chica, Cala del Lance...), walking up and down for several kilometers. The way from Monsul is shorter, but not less complicated. Take into account the lack of shade, so take plenty of water.
The beach
People arrive to El Barronal through the dunes on the left side of the beach. The right side is a smaller cove surrounded by cliffs. With high tide, only a narrow strip of sand remains on this part. Fortunately, the cliffs and even the plants in the dune offer some shade.
You can get to the top of the cliffs using the paths that start in the dunes. They are quite easy at the begining, but then become step and narrow, very close to the edge of the cliff. However, the view from there is awesome.
You will probably find here wreckage from 'pateras', the fragile boats used by african immigrants to reach Spain from the Moroccan coast.
You can get to the top of the cliffs using the paths that start in the dunes. They are quite easy at the begining, but then become step and narrow, very close to the edge of the cliff. However, the view from there is awesome.
You will probably find here wreckage from 'pateras', the fragile boats used by african immigrants to reach Spain from the Moroccan coast.
Video by: banyuken
Facilities
Nothing at all, as in the rest of the beaches in this section of the Natural Park.
Nudism
Nudism is not only tolerared, but suggested. Given the large number of beaches in the area, it makes sense that there is at least one reserved for those nudists that don't like sharing it with textiles, and that doesn't require a long walk.
Everybody seems to understand this, and even if nudity is not compulsory, and the day I visited El Barronal all of us were naked.
Everybody seems to understand this, and even if nudity is not compulsory, and the day I visited El Barronal all of us were naked.
Links
Other nude beaches in the area
- Mónsul, Cala de la Media Luna, Cala Carbón
- Cala Chica, Cala de los Amarillos, Los Genoveses
- And the rest of non urban beaches in Cabo de Gata
I like:
- Easy access, but the beach is never overcrowded
- There are some shaded areas
I don't like:
- Not the best option in the area if you are looking for a secluded beach
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