Do you dream of taking adventurous hikes to wild and unspoiled beaches? Lola Culsán & John Weller spent a year campervanning, walking, swimming and exploring Spain’s secret coast to bring you their new guide book, Hidden Beaches Spain. Join them on the slow road, with diversions along paths less travelled to remote shores, pristine coves and secluded swimming spots. Immerse yourself in Spain.
Lola and John get off the beaten track to share some of their favourite beaches:
CALA DE LOS AMARILLOS, COSTA ALMERÍA
A wild coastline with dramatic volcanic rock formations, magical pools and secret coves. Cactus-strewn paths on the Cabo de Gata coast lead to remote sandy beaches where countless feature films were shot. CALA DE LOS AMARILLOS is a ravishing beach, set beneath cliffs of fossilised dune and lava, from which YELLOW COVE gets its name. Rocky islets and gin-clear water complete the picture. Low visitor numbers are guaranteed owing to the difficult and dangerous descent down the cliff – not for the faint-hearted, this beach is one of our favourites.
CALA DEL POZO DE LA AVISPA, COSTA CÁLIDA
Limestone cliffs, solidified dunes and double-sided sandy coves line the Warm Coast. Hike along rosemary-scented paths to remote beaches overlooked by rugged mountains and soaring eagles. WELL OF THE WASP COVE is at the end of an enjoyable hike through the Cabo Tiñoso y Roldán with sweeping views over the bay and Sierra de la Muela. Follow a path bordered by dwarf palms, wild flowers and masses of rosemary while listening to the melodic whir and hum of bees. This isolated cove has clear blue water.
CALA SA SABOLLA, COSTA BRAVA
Follow ancient smugglers’ paths to secret coves. Discover rock pools teeming with marine life and swim in crystalline waters beneath rock formations that inspired Surrealist art. CALA SA SABOLLA is one of the most secluded and tranquil coves on the Rugged Coast. The water here is deep, calm and clear. Swim out for 100m or so to discover a tiny cove to your right. A youthful Salvador Dalí visited this cove where he entertained his close friend, the poet Federico García Lorca.
PLAYA SAN JULIÁN, COSTA CANTÁBRICA
Enjoy golden beaches with aquamarine water that border fragrant meadows. PLAYA SAN JULIÁN is a small, crescent-shaped, sandy cove with spectacular views along the craggy Cantábrian coast and the Bay of Biscay. Wild fruit, gorse and heather adorn the surrounding hillsides. We watched acrobatic wild goats scrumping juicy, fat figs and cows roam across an almost perpendicular rock face. Daring local youths jump from a small pointed rock into the sea.
CALA MAGRANER, MALLORCA
Sinuous trails lead through forests of pine and oak to heavenly turquoise coves. Explore the coast on horseback, cycle to the top of the island, or relax at remote fincas offering yoga and delicious local food. Bring suitable shoes for the longish hike to POMEGRANATE COVE, a wide, shingle beach with
tall red cliffs – popular with swimmers and climbers. Take plenty of water and snacks as you won’t find a shop or restaurant for miles.
About the authors / book
Lola Culsán And John Weller are the authors of Hidden Beaches Spain and Wild Swimming Spain (Wild Things Publishing).
Hidden Beaches Spain is available to buy for £18.99.