Cartagena beaches: Playa La Caleta (Isla Plana)

A picturesque cove next to the church and neighbours' association in Isla Plana

The municipality of Cartagena has several series of beaches and this one falls within an area which lies at the far south-westerly tip of this large municipality, La Azohía and Isla Plana.

This area has been popular with Spanish holidaymakers for decades, and still retains a characterful charm which gives it a pleasant, homely family holiday feel, tending to attract those who prefer a welcoming air of community to those who demand mod cons and fashionable amenities.

This stretch of beaches is framed by the bulk of Cabo Tiñoso, and lies at the very end of the bay of Mazarrón, a run of “natural” beaches which stretch for kilometres along the curve of the coast. Visitors often mistakenly believe these beaches belong to Mazarrón, as they are so close to the Puerto de Mazarrón, rather than being the last outpost of Cartagena.

Isla Plana is the first village encountered when heading along this stretch of road from the Puerto de Mazarrón and is an attractive corner in which to stop off for a drink or a meal.

Behind the neighbour’s association is a picturesque corner with the little church dedicated to the patrón saint of fishermen, the Virgen del Carmen on the headland, an area of partially excavated Roman ruins, an interesting ruin called the Baños de la Marrana and the little beach of La Caleta nestled in a seashell-shaped cove between the hermitage and neighbours’ association.

These are all linked by a decked walkway, creating a harmonious and attractive corner of the municipality which is very popular with visitors to the area.

La Caleta is tiny, measuring just 30 metres by 5, and has soft grey sand. Occupancy is generally low as it is overlooked by the terraces of the neighbour’s association above, and there is a much larger beach nearby.

There are no services on the beach.

Parking is generally easy here, either on the main road or one of the little side streets, but in the height of summer it may be more difficult and a short walk might be needed from the car. It’s worth it, though: this is a great place to enjoy the clear waters of the Mediterranean, and a snorkeling excursion around the small island which gives the village of Isla Plana its name can be extremely enjoyable.

Half a dozen or so bars and restaurants are within no more than a couple of minutes’ walk from the cove, as are a chemist’s, a bank, a general store and a supermarket.

Above the beach, outside the church, is one end of the 5-kilometre path which leads from Isla Plana to La Azohía, a beautiful flat walk which runs right along the coastline.

Click for further local information about Cartagena, or for an overview of the beaches of Cartagena.