Location
Spain
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to September
About Playa de la Joya
La Joya is a cove on the Costa Tropical just east of Torrenueva, below the N-340 coast road, in what was part of Motril until Torrenueva Costa became its own municipality. It is about 300 m of dark sand and fine shingle tucked under cliffs, with clear water and moderate waves. Because the only way down is a long flight of steps, the beach stays quiet compared with the town beaches nearby. It was once an entirely nude beach; guides now describe it as a mix of nude and clothed bathers, with nudity still common. There are no services and no lifeguard.
Getting there
Turn off the N-340 just east of Torrenueva, where there is a small parking area for about 50 cars, about 20 m from the road. From there a long staircase leads down to the beach; guides count around 200 steps and report that it has not always been in good repair, so take care and expect a tiring climb back up. Buses stop in Torrenueva. There is no adapted access.
What visitors say
Visitors describe La Joya as a small, attractive cove that stays quiet because of the steps. Several mention that it used to be purely nude and is now mixed. Recurring complaints are the steep climb back up and the state of the stairway.
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. La Joya is used nude by custom and is listed by the Spanish Naturist Federation; we found no municipal ordinance.
Naturism at Playa de la Joya 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. 36.6960, -3.4733
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 La Joya still a nude beach?
Nudity remains common, but it is now a mixed beach with clothed bathers too.
How do I get down to the beach?
Park in the small lay-by off the N-340 east of Torrenueva and take the long staircase, around 200 steps.
Are there facilities?
No. There are no bars, toilets or lifeguards.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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