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Best secret beaches & coves in Spain for wild swimming

100 Praia Arnela-4075

Lola Culsán and John Weller spent a year campervanning, walking, swimming and exploring Spain’s secret coast to bring you their new guide book Hidden Beaches Spain. They are very keen wild swimmers, and authors of Wild Swimming Spain, and this is their selection of some favourite locations for coastal wild swimming (this is their selection for coastal walkers).

PRAIA DAS MARGARITAS, OLEIROS

The cosmopolitan Daisies’ Beach sits on the Ría da Coruña estuary opposite A Coruña. Clear, calm water – splendid for swimming at low tide and diving at high tide. Chilled, urban vibe. Zona nudista to the right of the steps. Camping Velo-Mar – campingvelomar. com. Friendly, family-run, eco.

Moderate 10 mins 43.3631, -8.3463

 

LA COVA TALLADA, COSTA BLANCA

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The Carved Cave is at the end of a long,  winding cliff path or you can access it by kayak or SUP. Open on two sides to the sea and sky, this cathedral-like cavern is part naturally eroded sea-cave and part quarry, and its size and beauty left us open-mouthed. Park anywhere you legally can in Les Rotes, SW of Dénia, then walk R (facing sea) up Carrer de la Vía Lactea, following coast path to cave. Alternatively, launch your craft from Playa les Rotes and head R down coast. Parking 38.8229, 0.1594. Also opening article image.

Mod 45 mins 38.8175, 0.1673

 

PRAIA ABELLEIRA, COSTA GALICIA NORTH

89 Praia Abelleira-3856

 

Golden sandy beaches, languid lagoons and wild peninsulas where Celtic castles overlook picture-postcard coves. Enjoy mouth-watering seafood and world-class local wine in whitewashed fishing villages. BEEKEEPER BEACH is in a profoundly beautiful cove, hidden and sheltered beneath the canopy of ancient pines. Crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming.

Easy 5 mins 42.7922, -9.0351

 

CALA MASET, COSTA BRAVA

277 Cala Maset-6734

 

Pocket-sized beach hidden beneath pines and oaks. There are large rocks in the cove to jump from, but always watch a local jump first. Camping Treumals – campingtreumal.com

Easy 5 mins 41.7863, 3.0447

 

CALA ESTRETA

618b Cala Estreta-0599

 

Thin Cove is big on charm and beauty, with calm turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. From Cala Mitjana (5) walk along road
for five mins to next cove on L.

Moderate 30 mins 39.7542, 3.4115

 

PLAYA DE TORIMBIA, COSTA VERDE ASTURIAS

208a Playa de Torimbia--3

 

Pristine yellow-sand beaches and pure golden cliffs. Discover dinosaur footprints and unique inland beaches, then sample delicious blue cheese with local cider. PLAYA DE TORIMBIA is simply magnificent; a perfect croissant-shaped beach at the foot of sloping leafy, green hillsides covered with purple heather and yellow gorse.

Easy 15 mins  43.4429, -4.8537

 

CALA DEL POZO DE LA AVISPA, COSTA CÁLIDA

429 Cala del Pozo de la Avispa--4

 

Limestone cliffs, fossilised 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. Backed by layers of yellow fossilised dunes, this isolated cove has clear blue water. Adventurous swimmers can swim round to Cala de las Chapas.

Moderate 70 mins 37.5539, -1.1264

 

CALA DES TALAIER, MENORCA

654 Cala des Talaier-8788

 

Menorca’s beaches are impressive. In the south, you’ll find exquisite Caribbean-style coves and dazzling turquoise water. In the north, the coast is wilder, with idyllic coves sheltered by rocky headlands and forested hillsides. CALA DES TALAIER is a gorgeous white sandy cove under low rocky headlands. The sea is intense turquoise and shallow. The perfect lovers’ hideaway. The famous Camí de Cavalls bridle path trail passes behind the beach.

Moderate 45 mins 39.9268, 3.9028

About the authors / book

 

Lola Culsán And John Weller are the authors of Hidden Beaches Spain and Wild Swimming Spain (Wild Things Publishing, £18.99 & £15.99 – also available as an ebook and app for Android and iOS / Apple iPhone).

Hidden Beaches Spain book

Wild Swimming Spain

 

Hidden Beaches Spain 3D vlr

Wild swimming spain

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