The excellent location of Carboneras in Almeria may be reason enough to want to visit it. If you are planning to go from Malaga to Carboneras we will not only take you there, we will suggest ideas and places to visit to make it an unforgettable experience.
First of all, let’s get to know Carboneras and then we will suggest things to do.
Discovering Carboneras
Located next to the Cabo de Gata – Nijar Natural Park, Carboneras is an excellent starting point to discover its wonderful natural surroundings. It is the destination chosen by thousands of tourists every year, not only during the summer to enjoy its natural beaches but all year round.
Beaches in Carboneras
In Carboneras, as in most of Almería, the natural beaches are outstanding. The seabed is very rich, making it ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts.
There are numerous coves with difficult access and very low occupancy, if you meet anyone at all. We will name the most popular ones, although you can always venture into the area and discover new places to spend a quiet day at the beach.
Los Muertos Beach
This is undoubtedly the most popular beach in the area. Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead) is an unspoilt beach with a paid car park and a short hiking route to get there. With clean, turquoise waters, you can see the seabed, although it is advisable to wear snorkelling goggles.
Its striking name is due to the number of lifeless bodies that washed up on this beach from shipwrecks caused by the sea currents that converge here.
It is a mixed beach, so nudism is allowed. The nudist area is located to the left of Los Muertos beach, facing the sea.
The area around the beach stands out, with hiking areas that start at Punta de los Muertos and the viewpoint that offers a wide view of the whole area.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iY1Fap37JdbLt1QEA
Corral Beach
Another of Carboneras’ popular beaches, with crystal clear and transparent waters right next to the shore. On the negative side, there is a cement factory nearby, which some bathers say could attract dirt from the water if we move away from the shore.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sgBnmV72k4d7B7vD8
Carboneras Beach
Urban beach with all services, from restaurants to playgrounds, lifeguards and showers. Some bathers complain about the proximity of the cement factory, but it is generally well rated.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JsRFXG6obTsMRZGM8
Cocones Beach
It is an ideal urban beach for bathing and it also has a promenade adorned with palm trees. It has all the services and its shallow waters and fine sand make it a good option for those who go with children.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tuG2n3zoRfJZ6FM6A
Algarrobico Beach
Located within the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, this rocky beach is perfect for those looking for a quiet, uncrowded spot. Part of the beach is suitable for nudists and as a curious note, there is a half-finished abandoned hotel that is in the process of being demolished. This hotel was declared illegal 2 months after its opening.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HaaJccE22MzNhSDv7
Things to do in Carboneras
There are many things to see and do in Carboneras, we are going to name a few in case you would like us to take you to any of these places.
Boat trips
The coast of Carboneras is undoubtedly one of its most popular attractions. If you like the idea of a boat trip, you can find in the port of Carboneras a service of boat trips and boat rentals.
It is an excellent way to enjoy the turquoise waters of Carboneras if you visit during the summer. You will also discover some interesting routes by sea and get to know the beautiful coves of the Cabo de Gata coastline.
- Sailing in Cabo de Gata: https://g.page/NaveGata-cabodegata?share
- Catamaran excursions: https://goo.gl/maps/GF2qxxVxCkaD6mro6
Diving and seabed diving
If you like diving you can rent all the necessary equipment and join one of their instructors for an unforgettable underwater experience. These dive centres know the best areas to dive in Carboneras and have good customer reviews.
You don’t need to be a practised diver, there are those who dive for the first time and have an excellent experience.
- Diving Carboneras: https://goo.gl/maps/Dd7Q6yAbbSzmzUiC7
- Branquias Diving Centre in Carboneras: https://goo.gl/maps/enCovrhPe8WHqTWD6
Visit the interior of an old mill
It is a well-preserved old mill from the 19th century. Next to it is the Museo de la Cultura de los Molinos, although at the time of writing it is temporarily closed.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EJxgmZRMRCnQYnWB9
Parque Andaluz
This beautiful park is located in the heart of Carboneras, next to the beach. All kinds of activities take place in this park throughout the year and it also has a children’s play area.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Vm7sThstgGtBZ9RN8
Lawrence of Arabia Statue
This bronze statue is a tribute to the Lawrence of Arabia film which was partly shot on the nearby Algarrobico beach. This beach was transformed into the city of Aqaba for the filming of the movie.
Localización: https://goo.gl/maps/nFVUuvxavw4CZTCC7
Michelangelo’s hippie temple
Many go here to connect with nature. It is a stone temple facing the sea and is not expected to last very long, although it is common for visitors to restore it as much as they can.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HZNqXDF9RfyCV72i7
Viewpoints in Carboneras
Visit some places from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Carboneras coastline.
- Playa de los Muertos viewpoint
If you want to enjoy breathtaking views of Los Muertos Beach, you should not miss the opportunity to visit this viewpoint.
https://goo.gl/maps/9qAaEPdcD2kou4Su9 - Torreón de Mesa de Roldán
If you visit the Mesa Roldán lighthouse or the remains of the old tower in the area, you can also enjoy wonderful views of the coast. The sunsets are particularly outstanding.
https://goo.gl/maps/3kY8JDHDo43cnVxY8 - Rayo Tower
An old tower from the Nasrid period which is still in good condition and can be accessed. From this tower you can take some of the best photographs of the coast of Almeria.
https://goo.gl/maps/5qxddrWpiEWgXR1p7
Carboneras Lighthouse
The construction of this lighthouse was decided in 1857, although it was not until 1863 that the lighthouse would illuminate the coasts for the first time. From then on, the old watchtower located nearby would no longer be used. The range of the lighthouse was 22 miles and it used oil and a rotating base, later modernised to use oil or paraffin, giving it a whiter shade of light. In 1973 the lighthouse switched to using only electricity for its operation and was also modernised.
Today the lighthouse is still in operation and can be visited both inside and out. The lighthouse keeper is also friendly and seems to love his profession, so if you are lucky enough to meet him, don’t hesitate to ask. The lighthouse house houses a beautiful historical museum about this profession.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZfRYoymcM5nKjywq8
Hiking trails
There are many hiking trails in the area, from the one that leads to the Carboneras lighthouse to the one that leads to the Playa del Muerto beach.
Transfer from Malaga to Carboneras
We can take you whenever you want from Malaga to Carboneras and then bring you back. If you want to know a different place and you are on holiday, contact us and book your transfer from Malaga, you will get to Carboneras in the most comfortable way possible.
We have several models of cars and minibuses, so we will adapt to your space needs. Our drivers are bilingual, we encourage you to try our service to go to Carboneras from Malaga.
Plan your visit, we’ll take you there!
Route to Carboneras
The road route is quite scenic, so you’ll enjoy the surroundings as you drive in the direction of Almería. The A-7 passes through places like Nerja, Maro and the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park before heading into Cabo de Gata and arriving at Carboneras.
The approximate duration of the journey is 3 hours. We recommend a spacious vehicle to be comfortable and rested at all times, although you can choose the one you like the most among those we have available.