A Gorgeous, Hideaway Beach in Spain – Cave, Cliff and Clothing Optional

Escape to paradise at this southeastern coast beach in Spain that’s worth the trip.

Cala del Moraig, Spain

There’s so much to be said about Spain’s southeastern coast fraught with many towns, resorts, beaches and coves right along the coastline. Each town has it’s own array of wonders in plain sight. A beach in Spain is around almost every corner and no two are alike. While, beaches in Spain are main attractions they can often be overrun with crowds, parking and vendors attributing to people-gawking, noise and all around busyness. Not the peaceful, serene, digitally unplugged beach trip you wanted after all, huh? Insert: Cala del Moraig, Spain.

The commute

Cala del Moraig is under a 2-hour drive from Valencia, Spain. I was fortunate enough to have joined a program called Valencia Language Exchange in Valencia, Spain that did weekend excursions or short trips around Spain. While this was not my first trip to a beach in Spain it was certainly highly anticipated and one I jumped at the chance to join. They are group trips traveled by bus and it was an enjoyable experience for the most part besides when I was almost left behind at Cala del Moraig, but I’ll leave that tidbit for the end. The drive there is easy and straightforward with well-paved streets and scenic countryside views of Spain. You will arrive at El Poble Nou de Benitatxell (The new town of Benitachell) and drive at an incline through a charming village atop a hill with artfully decorated homes indicative of “La Costa Blanca” including white facades, intricate spanish architecture, signature red tile roofing and picturesque views.

The trek

There is a parking lot atop a hill somewhat close to the beach which I was not privy to as the bus required a separate parking area. Visitors are advised to use the reservation system to secure parking in advance. It appeared that street parking was also available along Tr.ª Playa (see the map below), but in busy season it can require a longer walk to the beach depending on where you park. To avoid parking issues, a free public bus service will take you from listed pickup locations in town to Cala del Moraig and back. Once you arrive to the base of Cala del Moraig there is a shuttle service that runs from the nearest parking lot to the beach every 15 to 20 minutes for those who choose not to trek the steep slope which can be difficult to traverse especially on hot days. I didn’t think the walk downhill was too bad considering I wore sneakers, but the walk uphill on the return was difficult especially since I was pressed for time so it was even more challenging due to onset panic and anxiety to rush back.

There is an approximate 14 minute (700m) walk from the base of the hill or parking lot to the beach entrance near the cave (Cuevo de los Arcos).

The amenities

There is a great viewpoint on the initial walk to the beach which is pinned on the map as Nou mirador Cala Moraig (New viewpoint of Cala Moraig) to get a fantastic aerial view shot just like my featured image. The best reward at the end of the descent is Cueva de los Arcos, a gorgeous geological cave formed over 60,000 years ago by sea erosion. A favorite spot for divers, cavers and enjoying the sun shining through the many holes and arches. You can often spot risk-takers climbing down the rugged path to stand amongst the rocks and swim beneath the arches. Visitors are urged to excercise caution based on weather conditions. And speaking of weather conditions you can expect a lifeguard on duty to oversee swimmers and ensure public safety.

Cala del Moraig is a rocky beach so water shoes are a great option for in and out of the ocean. After making your way to the beach area you will likely be looking for the perfect spot to settle. While visitors may choose to layout on the rocky area, I chose a more comfortable lounge chair with accompanying straw umbrella. The chair vendor can be found sitting at a table ready to charge under $20 per chair. One major thing to remember is to bring cash for this transaction as cash is king in this setting or you’ll be circling the beach with arm outstretched trying to find one bar signal to use Paypal like I did. Trust me, the last thing you want to do is to be punished by laying on hard rocks as a well-earned reward when that is certainly not your beach style. Like many beaches in Spain there is a nudist spot in the far left corner of the cove. I witnessed nudists, but can’t for the life of me figure out how the locations are identified because I certainly didn’t see any nudist v.i.p. area; just nude and non-nude beachgoers frolicking up and down the beach. Despite having nudists, like most beaches in Spain you will still see plenty of families amongst them and for entertainment you can opt to ride a beach car made for 3-4 people that even has a slide fashioned atop.

Check out my story for more photos and videos.

How I almost got left

Though I was amongst a group of people, I was essentially a solo traveler because I didn’t know anyone in the group. So, when we arrived at the beach we all went our separate ways. The group leader advised us where to meet and when to return. Being the responsible person I am, I set an alarm with enough time for the uphill return to the bus. Once I got my lounge chair and settled in, ate my prepared beach snacks, frolicked and floated in the water, it was time to do my favorite thing at the beach…take a nap. And that I did. So much so that I didn’t hear my alarm. Unfortunately, it was in the last couple hours that my nap occurred and I truly believe that though I am a very sound sleeper this had everything to do with bad reception. My alarm is not a one-and-done; it will continue to go off until you turn it off. Not only that, I fell asleep with my earbuds in so there is no other possibility than the poor reception failed my phone because my alarm was not incessantly going off in my ear when I awoke. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Needless to say, when I awoke It was about 30 minutes past takeoff time and I was still lying in a loungechair at the bottom of a hill. I checked my phone and had 4 missed calls and 6 missed texts. That’s how I know I had no reception because there’s no way I slept through all of that noise and vibration. I got an angry, nasty and totally unempathetic call from the Owner as if my evil plan was to deliberately make everyone wait. I hastily threw all of my belongings together and huffed and puffed up the hill. Let’s just say, the bus ride back was awkward and quiet (for me)🫣.

---

Cala del Moraig Story:

---

My final take:

Cala del Moraig is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen and I’m so glad I went. If you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a coastal experience I would choose this beach in Spain in a heartbeat. I hope that my insight has been helpful and informative in making your decision in preparation for your trip.

5 things you need to know before going to Cala del Moraig, Spain

1. It’s a destination spot cove that’s set around mountains at the bottom of a hill.
2. There is little to no internet so unplug and chill.
3. The beach is rocky so bring water shoes.
4. You must pay for a beach chair so bring your own or bring cash.
5. Bring food and drinks since there are no nearby restaurants or bars.

Overview of Cala del Moraig, Spain

Beach/ View

Drive

Location/ Access

Amenities (wifi, bar/restaurant, shops)