The virgin beaches of Cabo de Gata that are just a stone's throw from El Toyo (and almost no one knows about)

When thinking about the best beaches in Spain, many travelers still do not have the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park on the map, one of the last stretches of virgin coastline in the Mediterranean. And yet, staying in El Toyo means having that natural treasure practically at your doorstep.

Less than a twenty-minute drive away we find Playa de los Genoveses, an expanse of golden sand surrounded by dunes and native vegetation that can only be accessed on foot, by bicycle or by a limited shuttle service in high season. Its neighbor, Mónsul Beach, is just as photogenic and has been the scene of several film productions thanks to its volcanic formations.

A little further south, near the town of Rodalquilar, appears the Playa del Playazo, guarded by an old castle from the 18th century, and already at the end of the park, the mythical Playa de los Muertos, considered one of the most beautiful in Andalusia despite its disturbing name, which actually refers to the remains that the sea dragged to the shore in times past.

For those who prefer beaches with a little more services without giving up the natural charm, San José and Las Negras offer beach bars, umbrella rentals and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for spending the day with children.

The key to enjoying these enclaves in the middle of July is to get up early. Arriving before ten in the morning allows you to find parking and enjoy the beach before the temperature rises and the influx of visitors. Bringing enough water, sun protection and appropriate footwear is essential, since much of the park lacks shade and services.

After a day at the beach, returning to El Toyo has its own reward: a quick shower, a dip in the community pool and dinner on the terrace watching the sun go down. Few combinations sum up a summer holiday in Almería better than the mix of wild nature by day and total comfort at night.

If you are planning your first visit to Cabo de Gata, we recommend spending at least three or four days just exploring its beaches, alternating each day between a virgin cove and a beach with more services. This way you can rest between excursions, taking advantage of the fact that your accommodation is within walking distance of everything you need.

A practical fact that many first-timers are unaware of: access to Los Genoveses and Mónsul is restricted to private traffic in high season, so it is a good idea to plan in advance if you arrive by car, using the parking spaces available in San José or the shuttle service. Arriving by bicycle from El Toyo is, in fact, an increasingly popular alternative among those staying in the area, as it completely avoids the problem of parking and adds an added experience to the trip itself.

Another aspect to take into account is the conservation of the environment: since it is a protected natural area, there are no trash cans or services on most of the virgin beaches, so the unwritten rule is to take all the garbage back. This small gesture is what has allowed these beaches to maintain, year after year, their wild and practically intact appearance.

For those looking for an alternative even less known than Mónsul or Los Genoveses, Cala del Carnaje or Cala del Cuervo, both with more complicated access and without any type of service, offer an even more isolated experience, recommended only for those who enjoy short walks through irregular terrain in exchange for almost total solitude facing the sea.