Águilas beaches: Playa de la Carolina

An attractive Blue Flag beach with calm bathing conditions and views out towards Águilas 

The Playa de la Carolina, at the western end of the coastline of the municipality of Águilas, is one of four beaches which are included in the Cuatro Calas area, which is an officially protected part of the landscape in Águilas and the neighbouring municipality of Pulpí. The other three beaches in this area are Cala Cerrada (or Cala de los Cocedores), Playa Higuerica and Calarreona.

Playa de la Carolina is an east-facing beach, looking out towards the town of Águilas and Cabo Cope, and is protected from waves and currents on the northern, western and southern sides. This means that the abundant fine golden sand is complemented by calm bathing conditions, and these factors, along with the easy access via off-road tracks from the RM-333 road which leads out of Águilas to the west towards San Juan de los Terreros in Almería, make it a popular destination for bathers in summer. There are enough visitors here to ensure that the restaurant which stands next to the ample car parking area is busy throughout July and August, although it closes in the off-season.

The same car park is used by those visiting the neighbouring beach of Cala Cerrada, which lies on the other side of the headland of Punta Parda and is partly in Águilas and partly in Pulpí. 

Those spending a day here may be tempted at some point to climb to the top of the headland and admire the views out towards Cabo Cope in the east and Mojácar and Carboneras to the south-west.

Outside July and August the whole of the Cuatro Calas area, which features dunes, rocks sculpted into unusual shapes by the wind and protected plant species, is popular with walkers and camper van tourists who are looking to sun themselves in unspoilt and relatively isolated locations. Various of these, particularly middle-aged men, are of the opinion that in order to truly enjoy the landscape it is necessary to remove all items of closing, so don’t be too surprised by unexpected encounters of this nature!

Due to its rural setting and the protected status of the land the facilities at the Playa de la Carolina are somewhat sparse, despite the presence of the restaurant, but efforts have been made to improve them and it now enjoys Blue Flag status. Apart from the restaurant, the proximity of the road means that the eating establishments of Calarreona and Águilas itself are within easy reach. Public toilets, bins, wooden walkways, bathing area, medical services and a lifeguard are provided in summer, and access is possible for those of limited mobility. However, this area is not recommended for those who require wheelchairs, as getting from the car to the beach would be a problem.

The beach is approximately 250 metres long and at an average of 17 metres width, is wide enough to accommodate a large number of visitors without becoming too overcrowded.

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