Águilas beaches: Cala de la Tortuga

Access is not easy to this well-hidden cove close to the beach of Calarreona

The Cala de La Tortuga is a small, out-of-the-way cove which nestles on the western side of the headland separating the beach of Calarreona from the one at Matalentisco.  

It is the fifth in line of 36 beaches in the Águilas municipality, running down in line from the border with Almería to the Lorca border, along 28 kilometres of coastline.

The beach is a small, wild cove, only 60 metres long  and 8 metres wide but it’s rarely crowded, with access being either from the sea or via rocky paths from Calarreona or Matalentisco and no easy parking in the immediate vicinity. It is possible to find a path through the shrubs on top of the headland and park at the top of the small cliff behind the beach, but those in normal cars will prefer to leave their vehicles in more conventional areas a little further from the sand. No signposting is in place. 

Although the water is clear and bathing conditions are as attractive as at any of the beaches of Águilas there are no facilities for visitors, and this is a destination for those seeking privacy and tranquility rather than  services during their day on the Mediterranean shoreline.

The sand is more greyish in colour here than at other beaches in this part of Águilas, and the lack of cleaning even in summer means that posidonia sea grass can accumulate. A barrier of small rocks form a kind of mini-lagoon in the centre of the beach and it could be an idyllic place to spend a couple of hours with young children, in spite of the nearest ice cream being a good walk away. However, if you enjoy peace and quiet away from the crowds, then this could be a good choice.

More information about Águilas including beaches, what to see, what's on and tourist information can be found on ÁGUILAS TODAY