Almunecar is beautiful village on Andalusian coast in Spain. It has very long flat promenade that continues for many kilometers along several peble beaches. In addition to variety of water sports, cultural sites, it is also close to Granada and Sierra Nevada mountain range. If you are lucky, you might spot dolphins while walking along the promenade.
GETTING THERE
Barcelona – 920km (9h 40min)
Granada – 80km (1h)
Malaga – 80km (1h)
By car: Park anywhere along the coastline
By public transport: Take direct bus from Malaga to Almunecar. You can also travel from Granada.
Camper/ Van overnight stay:
Paid – Area de Autocaravanas de Almuñecar “Alclub” is affordable and great campsite. If travelling in high season, best to make reservation in advance (in Spanish). More about the campsite HERE
Free – Parking the area towards center after the Aquapark seem to tolerate campers. This is right by busy road, park here at your own risk.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
There is no navigation available, however it is easy, just walk along the paved promenade.
If you want to go all the way to Marina del Este, the navigation might be trickier after reaching Cotobro beach. Keep reading Trail details for exact navigation
TRAIL DETAILS
Promenade
Start anywhere along Almunecar promenade and head towards Cotobro. Enjoy flat wide paved path all the way along the coastline. It is easy terrain but it can be very busy with locals and turists. If walking from the recommended campsite, it is about 6km to Cotobro.
Make sure to make quick stop to visit view point Penones de San Cristobal.
During your stay in Almunecar, enjoy the village, visit the castle or many of the restaurants and shops.
Alternatively you can take a dip at one of the many pebble beaches along the way.
Hike up
The part after Cotobro beach is of medium difficulty as it is more challenging for navigation as well as for steep and more technical terrain in some sections.
To reach Marina del Este continue along the beach towards Playa El Muerto. Please note that this is nudist beach, so respect privacy and do not take pictures and pass by quickly. Around the middle of the beach, there are stairs heading steeply up. Take the stairs and make sure to turn left to the first trail which will open up. Continue along the trail.
By taking this route, you will pass by small “homeless commune” with some tents. I felt safe as solo female hiker, but this might be uncomfortable to some. After the commune the trail goes steeply up, but its fairly short section and you reach the top quickly. From here take the wide trail to your left.
Marina del Este
From the top of the hill, you will see the village and Marina del Este clearly. Follow the wide trail and then take the zig zag descent path down all the way to the marina. Enjoy walking along the village. It is small but very beautiful area. At the end you can also continue to the next beach, which is also beautiful and very picturesque area.
Dolphins
During my walk toward Cotobro, I have spotted dolphins in the bay. They were far away but could see them clearly. Speaking to some people who are staying longer in the area, they mentioned, they seem to come everyday around 11am-1pm. I have come to this area two days and both times around noon. The hill top between Playa el Muerto and Marina del Este seems to be good location for dolphin spotting especially if you have binoculars.
But even if you do not wish to hike the hill or dont have binoculars, just try to walk along this area at that time and you might be also lucky. I was visiting the area early February 2025.
OTHER DETAILS
Tree coverage: No tree coverage, no shade on hot days. Bring sun protection.
Geocaching: There are some geocaches and no Adventure labs along the trail.
Dogs: It is possible to the trail with a dog, recommended to keep the dog leashed.
Shoes recommendation: Can be completed in any sports shoes, but preferably in hiking specific, especially if you walk all the way to the marina
Hiking poles: Not necessary and not adviced to be used along the promenad part, but might be usefull for the ascent and descent of the hill.
Trail running: Good for road runners, only small portion is on trail.
FACILITIES
There are many facilities along the way.
Restrooms: Several clean public restrooms along the beach.
Restaurants: Many various restaurants along the promenade
Shops: Many various shops along the promenade
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed this hike in February 2025 on Friday. I had sunny and warm conditions. The promenade was very busy. The hike and marina were busy but not as crowded.
