Location
Spain
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to September
About Cala Cantalar
The Cabo de la Huerta (Cap de l'Horta) is the low rocky headland that separates Alicante's Albufereta and Postiguet side from the long Playa de San Juan, a few kilometres north-east of the city centre. Its shore is broken into a string of small coves (Cala de los Judíos, Cala Cantalar and Cala de la Palmera, the last within sight of the lighthouse) with patches of golden sand between flat limestone shelves. The city's tourism office lists a naturist area among the services of these coves, and Spain's national tourism portal notes that some of them are naturist. Press and travel guides consistently name Cala Cantalar (Cantalares) and Cala de la Palmera as the coves where nude bathing happens, usually on the flat rocks rather than the sand. The setting is semi-urban: villas and apartment blocks sit right behind the coves, and footpaths run along the cape through protected native scrub. The water is generally calm and clear, and the rocky bottom makes it a popular snorkelling and diving spot. The coves are small, so space on the rocks is limited on summer weekends, and nude and clothed bathers share the area.
Getting there
The cape is in Alicante city, between Albufereta and Playa de San Juan. By public transport take TRAM line 4 to the Cabo Huertas stop or city bus 22, then walk a few minutes down residential streets to the coastal path. By car, the coves are reached via Calle Océano; the tourism office lists parking, but street spaces are scarce in summer. A walking path follows the cape between the coves; getting down to the water means short scrambles over uneven rock, so wheelchair access is poor.
What visitors say
Guides and press describe the cape's coves as the closest naturist option to Alicante city, with nude bathers mostly on the large flat rocks at Cala Cantalar and Cala de la Palmera, and calm, clear water good for snorkelling. The flip side is that the coves are tiny and backed by housing, so they feel busy and mixed with clothed swimmers on summer weekends. Visitors suggest bringing a mat or cushion for the rock and water shoes.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Public nudity is not an offence under Spanish national law, and Alicante's municipal tourism office lists a naturist area among the services of the Cabo de la Huerta coves (checked 2026). The tourism listing does not mark the exact limits, and the coves are shared with clothed bathers, so nudity is customary rather than compulsory.
Naturism at Cala Cantalar sits under Spain's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Spain public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 38.3537, -0.4203
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity allowed at the Cabo de la Huerta coves?
Yes. Alicante's tourism office lists a naturist area at the Cabo de la Huerta coves, and nudity is not illegal in Spain. Expect a mix of nude and clothed bathers.
Which cove is the nude one?
Most sources point to Cala Cantalar (Cantalares) and Cala de la Palmera, mainly on the flat rocks.
How do I get there by public transport?
Take TRAM line 4 to Cabo Huertas or bus 22 and walk down to the coastal path.
Are there facilities?
Very few at the coves themselves; Playa de San Juan and Albufereta nearby have bars and services.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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