Location
Spain
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
July to September, around low tide
About Playa de Covachos
Covachos is a tiny beach on the Costa Quebrada in Soto de la Marina (Santa Cruz de Bezana), part of the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Liencres y Costa Quebrada west of Santander. At low tide a strip of fine golden sand emerges between the shore and the rocky Castro islet, so you can walk across with the sea breaking on both sides. The islet has an opening like a small cave, which gives the beach its name, and a thin waterfall drops from the cliff onto the sand. At high tide there is very little dry beach left: FEN gives about 50 m by 10 m. It is surrounded by cliffs, has no mobile coverage, and has a long nudist tradition; one guide places the nude area in the eastern sector under the cliffs. There are no facilities. FEN lists a lifeguard, but a 2025 press report says there are none, so assume there is no lifeguard. The Atlantic swell can be strong.
Getting there
A narrow lane with very few parking spaces ends near the beach. From there the way down is a dirt path with stepped sections and fixed ropes, and it is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Many visitors instead park at neighbouring Arnía beach (by the El Cazurro bar) and walk the clifftop path along the Costa Quebrada to Covachos. That route is spectacular but exposed, so avoid it if you suffer from vertigo. Plan your visit around low tide.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently call Covachos one of the most beautiful spots in Cantabria, mainly for the tidal sandbar to the islet and the cliff scenery. They warn that the descent is steep and rope-assisted, parking is very scarce, and the beach almost vanishes at high tide. The coastal walk from Arnía is widely recommended.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Spain has no national law against nudity in public. Covachos is used nude by long custom and is listed by the Spanish Naturist Federation. It lies inside a regional natural park, where environmental rules apply; we found no nudity ordinance or access closure as of 2025.
Naturism at Playa de Covachos sits under Spain's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Spain public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 43.4724, -3.9114
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 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 accepted at Covachos?
Yes. It has a long nudist tradition and is listed by the Spanish Naturist Federation.
Is it easy to get down to the beach?
No. The path is steep, with steps and fixed ropes, and is not suitable for limited mobility.
When should I go?
At low tide, when the sandbar to the islet appears. At high tide there is hardly any beach.
Where should I park?
Spaces by the beach are very few; many people park at Arnía beach and walk the coastal path.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…