Aguilas to reinstate the Playa del Arroz as a dog-friendly beach

The Playa del Arroz is a picturesque beach just a couple of kilometres out of Calabardina

The Town Hall of Águilas has confirmed that the Paya del Arroz will once again become a dog-friendly beach as soon as work is concluded to install the signposting which is now required by law for such locations.

Located just a couple of kilometres west of Calabardina, just off the coast road to Águilas itself, the Playa del Arroz is neither the biggest, nor the sandiest, nor the best-equipped in the municipality, but for many it is one of the most pleasant. It is in a small cove and for a good few years one of the major attractions has been that it accepts dogs.

Although the beach is reached from the main RM-D15 road via a track which heads south, the track is normally in good condition and is relatively flat, so there’s little risk of doing any damage to the underside of the car. There is then a wide expanse of compacted earth where there is ample space to park, and a 60-metre-long sandy beach flanked by rocky headlands.

The combination of isolation, easy access and plenty of parking means that this beach is particularly attractive for those with camper vans, who have all the facilities on board to cater for themselves, and generally require more space than the average car in which to manoeuvre.

As a result there are often bathers enjoying the sun in this relatively protected cove out of the normal holiday season, but the location is one of the factors which prevent the Playa del Arroz becoming crowded except on occasions in the peak season of July and August.

The beach is not entirely sandy – there are some areas of fine pebbles – and services are restricted to rubbish bins, but nonetheless this is an easily accessible and picturesque venue for a few hours in the sun and the sea. The location between two headlands means that water conditions are generally calm, although a small reef in the centre of the beach means that getting into the water is slightly easier at either end.

A few trees at the back of the beach provide colour and shade, and if hunger or thirst set in the centre of Calabardina is little more than five minutes away by car.

Above all, its picturesque, and those who enjoy wilder-style beaches away from the crowds of urban areas will probably find it a good little beach to know about!

It goes without saying that those taking their dogs to Playa del Arroz are urged to make use of the facilities provided so that the beach is left clean for other users.

When visiting Águilas your first port of call should be the local tourist office (click here for map, telephone 0034 968 493 285, email turismo@aguilas.es).

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Águilas Today.