Águilas beaches: Playa del Rafal

The Playa del Rafal is one of a string of undeveloped beaches in Aguilas

The Playa del Rafal is one of a long series of unspoilt and picturesque beaches and coves which lie on the eastern coast of the municipality between the headland of Cabo Cope in the south and the Playa de la Galera, which marks the boundary with Lorca a few kilometres further north. 

Like almost all of the dozen or so wild natural beaches on this stretch of the coastline, its location and the lack of easy access goes hand in hand with there being no serviced facilities.

For shops, beach bars or other facilities in the vicinity it is best to head east over the ridge of the isthmus which connects Cabo Cope to the mainland and visit the town of Calabardina.

It lies close to the RM-D15 road which loops around from the RM-D-14 and takes motorists to Cabo Cope and Calabardina, and access is off-road but not difficult. Parking is to be found at the back of the beach itself: the best advice is not to become too adventurous and risk wheels getting stuck in the fine sand which predominates nearer the shore. The easiest access is from the point where the RM-D-15 heads back inland approximately 1.5 kilometres north of the Torre de Cope. 

In 2016 the Playa del Rafal was designated as the official nudist beach of Águilas, meeting all of the recommendations specified by the Federación Española de Naturismo for an official classification, although it has been known as a naturist beach and used by those who prefer to bathe without the impediment of clothing for many years.

The Playa del Rafal is listed as being 100 metres long but in fact appears a good deal longer, and at its northern end are a couple of small coves which are even more secluded than the main beach. 

All of the beaches in this area are definitely for lovers of nature and landscapes which are practically untouched by man. While the land immediately behind the coastline has been exploited by agricultural concerns over the last few decades, the coast itself has remained remarkably undeveloped.

This is the twenty ninth beach in the series of 36 Águilas beaches which run along the 28 kilometres of Águilas coast, working from the Almería coastline in the west down to the Lorca municipality and offer both urban and wild beaches.

Click for full list of Águilas beaches

More information about Águilas including beaches, what to see, what's on and tourist information can be found on ÁGUILAS TODAY