Location
Spain
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Pebble
Best season
All year (mild winters); busiest November to April and in August
About Playa El Callao
El Callao is a short, stony beach on the eastern edge of Los Cristianos in Arona, on the south coast of Tenerife. It is about 400 m long and roughly 30 m wide, made of rounded boulders and gravel rather than sand, so the shoreline is uncomfortable underfoot and water shoes help. The water is normally calm, which makes swimming straightforward once you are past the stones. Despite sitting next to a busy resort, it keeps a reputation as a place where nude sunbathing is tolerated, and both the Spanish Naturist Federation and the InSpain beach guide list it as nudist. Expect a mix of nude and clothed visitors rather than a dedicated naturist crowd; use is moderate. There are no lifeguards and no showers on the beach itself, and there is little natural shade, so bring an umbrella and water. Shops, bars and restaurants are a short walk away in Los Cristianos.
Getting there
El Callao lies just east of the Los Cristianos seafront, so most visitors walk there from the resort along the coast. Los Cristianos is well served by buses from the rest of the south of the island and from Santa Cruz, and there is paid and street parking in town, which is busy in high season. The final approach is over stones and uneven ground, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or anyone unsteady on their feet.
Amenities
Legal context
Spanish law does not make simple nudity an offence (public-scandal offences were removed in 1988), so nude bathing is not illegal on Spanish beaches unless a municipal bylaw restricts it. No Arona bylaw or signage restricting nudity at El Callao was found; the beach is not officially designated, and its nudist status rests on tradition as recorded by FEN (checked 2026).
Naturism at Playa El Callao 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. 28.0151, -16.7063
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 allowed at El Callao?
Nudity is not illegal in Spain and El Callao has a tradition of nude use recorded by the Spanish Naturist Federation, though it is not an officially designated naturist beach.
Is it sandy?
No. The beach is made of boulders and gravel, so water shoes and a thick towel or mat make it more comfortable.
Are there facilities?
There are no lifeguards or showers on the beach; cafés, toilets and shops are in Los Cristianos a short walk away.
How do I get there without a car?
Take a bus to Los Cristianos and walk east along the coast to the end of the resort.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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