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Playa Cantarriján
La Herradura

Playa Cantarriján - Top Nudist Beach

Playa Cantarriján

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Playa Cantarriján, a secluded playa naturalista in southen Spain, is absolutely stunning... residing in a completely undeveloped Nature Reserve definitely adds to its charm!

If you're looking for a new and relaxing place to spend the day while being completely surrounded by beauty and nature... then this is the place!

Playa Cantarriján - MOST Popular Nude Beach in Spain!

The beautiful beach of Playa Cantarriján derives its name from the high soaring cliffs surrounding it. These cliffs fall dramatically into the sea at its shoreline, isolating and protecting it... which is why it is such a great choice for a playa naturalista or nudist beach!

Playa Cantarriján

Note: Although Playa Cantarriján is a nudist beach, it's considered to be family-oriented and very clean. Bathing attire is OPTIONAL which means it's also ok to wear it... only about half of the sunbathers on the beach are completely nude.


Where is Playa Cantarriján

Playa Cantarriján is located in Andalucia about 45-minutes east of Malaga.

Tucked away between the cliffs of La Herradura and Nerja along the old N-340 highway and within the borders of the Paraje Natural de los Acantilados de Maro / Cerro Gordo you will find this hidden gem. It lies just along the border of the Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical... and is un-known to most...

Playa Cantarriján


Getting There

To access Playa Cantarriján drive east from Malaga on the A9. Once you reach the town of Nerja, exit the highway and follow the signs towards Maro and the N340. Continue on the old highway for about 15-minutes, there will be a parking area on your right just before the La Herradura tunnel. Playa Cantarriján is the last beach on the old highway before you reach the village of La Herradura.

From the parking area at the top, take the newly paved road that runs from the N340 down to the beach. The road is in great condition and has guard rails for added protection. Another large parking lot can be found at the bottom just before you reach the beach.

  • Due to an increase in popularity during the summer months driving access is limited.
  • From mid-June until September you must park in the upper parking area, or along the N340 highway, and take a shuttle down.
  • The ticket price is €2 (roundtrip).

Playa Cantarriján - 5 Fun Things to Do

If you're planning to spend the day at Playa Cantarriján here are a list of things to do... as if relaxing on this gorgeous beach wasn't enough...

1. Check out the Local Artist

Because the area is so natural and designated as a ‘Playa Nudista’ many bohemian types gather here. On any given day you will see various artists selling their jewelry and other crafts on the beach.

You will also see people selling beach wraps and colorful tapestries strutting up and down the beach showcasing their garments... and how best to wear them!

Playa Cantarriján


2. Get a Massage!

If you're really at the beach to relax... then why not get the full treatment. Massages are available daily. There is usually a massage table set up just in front of the La Barraca restaurant with curtains for privacy.


3. Go for a Hike

If you need to stretch your legs there is an amazing hike that starts just opposite the lower parking area. If you walk along the dry riverbed, going north, you will see a gravel path.

Follow this rocky path up and around some rocks and a fallen tree until you see a turn off on the left-hand side of the path (be careful as this is EASILY missed). Climb up the mountain path for about 10-15 minutes until it flattens out a bit.

From there, you will hike across the beautiful cliffs of the nature reserve, the views along this part of the hike are spectacular. The path will take you past one of the old roman towers, which you can hike up to if you'd like, and eventually to the next beach in the reserve, Playa Canuelo.

4. Rent a Kayak!

Another option for getting to Playa Cantarriján is by kayak. During the summer months the waters along the Maro cliffs are filled with colorful kayaks and sailboats. Most of these boats can be rented from La Herradura beach or Burriana Beach in Nerja. Read more about kayaking in the Maro Reserve!

You will find interesting caves, small coves, and bays to explore... most of which are only accessible by sea. You can rent a kayak and go out on your own, or join a tour...


5. Rent a Boat and Explore the Coast!

If you don't feel like paddling yourself but still want to explore the coast there are several other options as well...


Playa Cantarriján, Playa de Maro
Playa Cantarriján, Playa de Maro Playa Cantarriján, Playa de Maro
** Views of Playa Cantarriján - La Herradura, Spain


Playa Cantarriján - Where to Eat

There are two restaurants / bars located here... La Barraca and La Bola Marina. Both are excellent and are open most of the year.

Both restaurants are right on the beach and are very convenient for a mid-day lunch break or tapa... then back to the sand... They will even serve drinks to you on the beach.

  • Make sure to make a reservation during the summer months as they will both be packed!

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS - Playa Cantarriján

Playa Cantarriján - La Barraca
La Barraca - Sitting right on Playa Cantarriján, the views can't be beat. They offer typical Andalucian dishes and a lot of seafood, the food is high quality and reasonably priced.

- Reservations are recommended. Phone: +34 958 34 92 87

Playa Cantarriján - La Bola Marina
La Bola Marina - A Mediterranean style restaurant located in the beautiful setting of the Cantarriján Nature Reserve. Outdoor seating is available overlooking the sea.

- Reservations are recommended. Phone: +34 958 64 04 80


Playa Cantarriján - Available Services

  • Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for around 5.00 Euros / day.
  • Showers and toilets are also available at the La Barraca restaurant.

Playa Cantarriján - AAPNC Logo
Association of Friends of the nudist beach Cantarriján - The Association of Friends of the nudist beach of Cantarriján (AAPNC) is a non-profit association "destined to promote the nudist/naturist culture in the beach of Cantarriján (Almuñécar-Granada) and outside of it"... Click here to read more about this group...

Recommended Beach Hotels Near Playa Cantarriján

Thinking of visiting this area? The hotels in La Herradura, Almunecar and Nerja are all close enough to spend the day at Playa Cantarriján.

Check out the Hotel Guides for each village:

Playa Cantarriján

Beach Information

Type: Playa Naturalista
Length: 350 Meters
Surface Area: 13,600 m2
Max Capacity: 2,779 users
Sand Type: Fine to coarse sand and pebbles
Facilities: Parking, Showers, Restrooms, Restaurants, Massage, Umbrellas & Sunbeds
Access: Via the curvy road off the main N-340.

photo of Darsey and Izzy

Who are we? An American expat with over 20 years of experience living and traveling in Spain, specifically in Malaga and Granada. Darsey is a seasoned explorer of Andalucia. Drawing from decades of immersive experience, she offers deep insights into this enchanting region of Spain, including off-the-beaten path destinations, the best places to stay, and the top bucket list activities to try! More...

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Playa Cantarriján - La Herradura - Andalucía - Spain