We almost couldn’t believe our luck when we found Cala del Cañuelo – a gem that had been hiding in plain sight while we frolicked at Playa de Cantarrijan. Our initial reaction was a mix of wonder and a twinge of regret for not discovering it sooner, “there are naked people here?!”. You won’t find this beach listed as a nude beach anywhere.
Cala del Cañuelo has a discreet charm, with tourists being a rare sight. As for nudity, it’s not openly obvious that anyone is nude here. The locals, those who do prefer to bare it all, tend to keep to the outskirts of the beach. It’s a dance of decorum, a soft-spoken rule that everyone seems to understand and follow without needing to be told. We’d describe it as a part-time naturist beach – so when you’re there, follow suit and respect the unspoken boundaries.
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The crowd here is wonderfully diverse, a blend of all ages and stages of life. A place where local families mingle with solitary visitors, yet all of them sharing a connection with the community around the beach. We didn’t notice any tourists and it definitely wasn’t the same vibe here as Playa de Cantarrijan, more of a ‘wild beach’ that just happens to have some amenities if you need.
As for amenities, there are a couple of beach bars that serve as the beach’s heart and soul. To our pleasant surprise, they were slightly less pricey than those at Cantarrijan. A small victory for us beach bums on a budget!
Cala del Cañuelo provides an ideal setting if you’re a newcomer. The atmosphere is a relaxed mix of sun-worshippers, providing an unintimidating entry point for the uninitiated. There are no airs or pretenses here; instead, the vibe is welcoming and undemanding.
The beach does have its own unique quirks. For one, there’s Pablo – the self-appointed guardian of the beach. A local character with a sun-kissed complexion and quick to share a story or a joke. He’s become something of a fixture, known for his warm welcomes and blunt advice on the best spots to set up your beach towel.
Vendors are not a common sight, but do look out for Luis with his makeshift cooler. His chilled sangrias are the talk of the town, a must-try that’s become synonymous with a day at Cala del Cañuelo. And if you can, aim to be here for sunset. The golden hue bathing the cliffs and sea transforms the place into a realm of tranquility and beauty, an experience worth a thousand pictures.
It’s essential to know that, unlike its neighbour Playa de Cantarrijan, Cala del Cañuelo isn’t a fully serviced beach. If you’re hoping for a sundry of watersports and beach loungers, you might find yourself a bit let down. What it offers instead is untouched charm and peace, a trade-off many find more than worth it.
During peak summer, parking can be a bit of a hassle. The top of the cliffs holds limited spots that get occupied swiftly. Our advice? Arrive early or be prepared for a bit of a hike. Or better yet, use the shuttle service – it adds to the charm and provides some stunning views along the way.
Remember, Cala del Cañuelo is a place to unwind, soak up the sun, and connect with nature. It’s not about action and adventure, but serenity and simplicity. With that mindset, you’re bound to fall in love with this tucked-away paradise, just as we did. We can also recommend nearby Hotel Pena Parda as a great non-nude option.
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