Cala Mosca nude coves, Nude Beach near Torrevieja

Cala Mosca nude coves: what to expect

Between Cala Mosca in Playa Flamenca and the beach at Punta Prima runs about a kilometre of low cliffs and little coves, the last stretch of the Orihuela coast where buildings did not reach the water. The Spanish Naturist Federation lists Cala Mosca in its beach guide and notes that several of these coves have been used by naturists for years. Cala Mosca itself is a busy Blue Flag family beach, so the nude coves are the small sandy bays a short walk north of it, past the Cabo Peñas dog beach.

This is a small, intimate spot rather than a long naturist beach. Reviewers describe a handful of sun worshippers on most days, warm clear water and soft sand, with the caveat that the strip of sand is narrow and can disappear at high tide. The way down is a steep path and rough concrete or stone steps from the clifftop, so wear proper shoes and travel light. The coastline sits inside the Cabo Roig marine Natura 2000 area and the clifftops shelter protected plants and a rare endemic snail.

There is nothing on the coves themselves, but Cala Mosca, two minutes back along the path, has lifeguards in high season, a beach bar, public toilets, foot showers and sunbed and umbrella hire, and the Playa Flamenca promenade above it has cafes and restaurants. That makes it an easy half day: swim nude in the morning, then walk back for lunch.

Our tip: park for free on Calle Los Claveles or the streets around the Playa Flamenca promenade, walk to Cala Mosca and follow the coast path north. The access from the Cala Mosca side is much gentler than the steps further along. A large new development and a seafront promenade are being built behind this coast, with fenced protection zones, so stick to the open paths and arrive in the morning to claim one of the few good spots on the sand.