Cartagena beaches: Cala Mayor and Cala Botella in Cabo de Palos

Difficult access to craggy coves on the southern shore of Cabo de Palos

The southern coast of the headland of Cabo de Palos consists of a series of small coves nestling under the dark crags and cliffs, and among these spectacular features are the two coves known as Cala Mayor and Cala Botella.

The water which washes against these two small pebbly beaches is beautifully clear, and those snorkeling along the coastline often stop here in these coves, but for those visiting from on land access is more complicated. The way down from the clifftop path is via steep stone staircases which are not well maintained, and it has to be said that anyone venturing down them definitely has to be determined to visit the coves! 

Beaches in Cabo de Palos

Cabo de Palos lies at the eastern end of the municipality of Cartagena on the headland of the same name which juts out into the Mediterranean, and as a result the beaches and coves face south, east and north, depending on their location. 

It is also at the southern end for La Manga del Mar Menor, which acts as the land barrier between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, and just outside the town is "kilometre 0" of La Manga.

The beaches of Cabo de Palos range from tiny coves to long stretches of golden sand, many of them dominated by the imposing lighthouse or cliffs. There is also a marina, which is bustling with life all year round as it doubles as a fishing port. 

The coastline of Cabo de Palos lies on the edge of the Islas Hormigas marine park, one of the most important areas of protected coastline in Europe, teeming with marine life and hugely popular with divers, and the regional park of Calblanque.

Click for further local information about Cabo de Palos or Cartagena, or for an overview of the beaches of Cartagena.