Location
Spain
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
May to October; early morning in July and August
About Playa de los Genoveses
Los Genoveses is a broad, undeveloped bay inside the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, roughly 2-3 km south-west of San José. The beach runs for about 1.2 km and is around 50 m deep, with golden sand, low dunes and a stand of eucalyptus trees behind part of it. The volcanic headland of Morrón de los Genoveses closes the bay at one end and is worth the short scramble for its cliffs. The seabed shelves very gently, so the water is easy for weak swimmers, although a strong easterly (levante) wind makes the sand unpleasant while kicking up decent waves. Nudity has a long history across the whole beach, but in high summer, when the bay gets busy, nude bathers tend to gather at the northern end or move on to small coves nearby such as Cala del Príncipe. There is no cleaning service or beach bar, so take everything back out with you. The bay has appeared in several films, including spaghetti westerns and an Indiana Jones film.
Getting there
From San José, follow the dirt road south towards Los Genoveses and Mónsul; the beach car park is about 500 m from the sand. In peak summer the road is closed with barriers once the car parks are full and a shuttle bus runs from San José (about €1.50 a trip; around €5 to take your own car in when allowed). Walkers and cyclists enter free: a pleasant 3 km path leaves San José past the old windmill. The final stretch crosses sand and low dunes, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Amenities
Legal context
Spain has no national law against public nudity. Los Genoveses is a long-standing nudist-tradition beach, and Spain's official tourism site notes that nudism is practised in parts of it. Use is mixed clothed and nude; there is no specific local ordinance on nudity here (checked 2026).
Naturism at Playa de los Genoveses 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. 36.7446, -2.1220
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 Los Genoveses?
Yes. Nudity is legal on Spanish beaches and has long been customary here; in busy summer weeks nude bathers mostly use the northern end.
Can I drive to the beach in summer?
Only until the car parks fill. After that the access road is closed and a paid shuttle bus runs from San José; walking or cycling in is free.
Are there any facilities?
No bars, toilets, showers or lifeguards. Bring water, food and shade, and take your rubbish home.
Is it good for children?
The gentle slope into calm water suits children, but avoid days with strong levante wind.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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