
Cala Cortina Beach
A charming, sheltered cove near Cartagena with calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, backed by rugged cliffs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds & heat

Cala Cortina Beach
Best Time
Avoid crowds & heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, sheltered cove near Cartagena with calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, backed by rugged cliffs.
"Beautiful beach, excellent for snorkeling. Gets VERY busy so arrive early."

🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 9 AM to secure a parking spot and avoid unofficial attendants.
🥾 Step-Free Access
Park on the opposite side of the road to bypass steep stairs from the main car park.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calm Waters for Swimming
Cala Cortina Beach
Enjoy the serene, sheltered bay perfect for a refreshing dip in clear, calm waters.

Snorkeling Paradise
Cala Cortina Beach
Discover vibrant underwater life in this excellent spot for snorkeling adventures.

Seaside Dining
Beachside restaurant
Savor fresh seafood with stunning views at the beachside restaurant.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Cala Cortina
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 9 AM to secure a parking spot and avoid unofficial attendants.
🥾 Step-Free Access
Park on the opposite side of the road to bypass steep stairs from the main car park.
☀️ Bring Your Own Shade
There's no natural shade, so pack an umbrella or canopy for comfort.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Ready
The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling; don't forget your mask and snorkel!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 9 AM to secure a parking spot and avoid unofficial attendants.
🥾 Step-Free Access
Park on the opposite side of the road to bypass steep stairs from the main car park.
☀️ Bring Your Own Shade
There's no natural shade, so pack an umbrella or canopy for comfort.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Ready
The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling; don't forget your mask and snorkel!
🍽️ Check Restaurant Hours
The beachside restaurant can be closed on Tuesdays, so verify if you plan to dine.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cala Cortina is a beautiful cove praised for its calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors appreciate its proximity to Cartagena and the scenic approach. However, some find the beach rocky with occasional trash, and the beachside restaurant has received mixed reviews regarding service and availability.
"Beautiful beach, excellent for snorkeling. Gets VERY busy so arrive early. Steep stairs from the car park beach side, but you can park on opposite side of road to avoid them. Restaurant closed on Tuesdays surprisingly, might change in August so check if you want food or drinks."
Ulrika Verrells
"Disgusting. Don’t believe the photos! First time visit and chose this because of the picturesque photos - I was wrong.
Upon arrival, the car park has unofficial attendants helping you park and looking for tips.
Walking down to the beach via the steep steps, we were immediately greeted by a shower/wash area with more wasps than I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
The stony beach was dirty and trash was also in the water’s edge. It was a negative experience and I won’t return. Very disappointing."
Kristin Hodgkinson
"The beach itself was gorgeous. The sand had too many rocks as a Cala should have, however the sea had too much trash accumulated and too rocky.
Bring food with you, because the restaurant nearby was horrible, the waiters were rude and if you are a tourist they will tell you that all tables are reserved (which is not true!).
If you want a beach day, is the perfect spot only 10 minutes away from the train station."
Cam S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cala Cortina is conveniently located about 4 kilometers from Cartagena's city center. You can reach it by car, cycling via a dedicated bike lane, or even skating. Some visitors mention it's about a 10-minute drive from the train station, making it an accessible beach day trip.
Yes, there is a car park. However, it can get very busy, and unofficial attendants may try to 'help' you park for a tip. Arriving early is recommended. For easier access, consider parking on the opposite side of the road to avoid steep stairs.
Yes, it's possible to walk or cycle to Cala Cortina from Cartagena. There's a bike lane that makes the journey pleasant, offering beautiful views of the harbor and lighthouses along the way.
Besides driving, cycling is a popular and scenic option due to the dedicated bike lane. Public transport might be available, but cycling or driving are the most frequently mentioned methods.
The main car park involves steep stairs to reach the beach. Parking on the opposite side of the road might offer a slightly easier route, but it's not fully accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cala Cortina Beach is a public beach, and there is no entry fee. You can visit and enjoy the beach freely.
As a public beach, Cala Cortina is accessible at all times. However, the beachside restaurant has specific operating hours and may be closed on certain days, like Tuesdays.
There is no entrance fee for Cala Cortina Beach. It's a public amenity for everyone to enjoy.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting the beach itself. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of local regulations and keep the area clean.
The restaurant's hours can vary, and it's known to be closed on Tuesdays. It's best to check their specific opening times before your visit if you plan to eat there.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cala Cortina is perfect for swimming and snorkeling due to its calm, clear waters. It's a great spot to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the coastal scenery.
The beach has a mix of sand and rocks. While some describe it as having too many rocks, others find the natural composition appealing for a cove beach.
Yes, there are public toilets and changing facilities available at Cala Cortina, which adds to the convenience for visitors.
The water is generally described as calm and clear, making it excellent for swimming and snorkeling. However, some reviews mention trash accumulation at the water's edge.
While the calm waters are good for families, the steep stairs can be a challenge with young children or strollers. Bringing your own shade is also essential.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a beachside seafood restaurant. It offers a place to dine with views of the bay.
The restaurant specializes in seafood, with paella being mentioned as looking delicious.
Some visitors have reported negative experiences with rude waiters and claims of reserved tables that weren't actually booked, particularly for tourists.
Given some mixed reviews about the restaurant, it might be wise to bring snacks or a picnic, especially if you're visiting on a Tuesday or want to ensure you have food options.
The primary dining option is the beachside restaurant. For other choices, you would need to travel back into Cartagena.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the picturesque cove nestled between rugged cliffs, the calm turquoise waters, and the scenic views of the harbor and lighthouses on your way there.
While not explicitly mentioned, the scenic coastal landscape and the cove itself could offer great drone photography potential, provided local regulations permit drone usage.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the serene beauty of the beach.
On the approach to Cala Cortina, you can photograph the beautiful views of the harbor and the lighthouses, adding to your coastal shots.
A wide-angle lens would be great for capturing the cove and surrounding cliffs. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Cartagena
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Cala Cortina: Access and Amenities
Once you're on the beach, you'll find public toilets and changing facilities, which are a welcome convenience. However, a crucial point to note is the lack of natural shade. Visitors are strongly advised to bring their own umbrellas or canopies to ensure comfort during sunny days. This preparation is key to enjoying the cove's natural beauty without being overwhelmed by the sun.
Experiencing the Waters: Swimming and Snorkeling
However, it's worth noting that some reviews mention an accumulation of trash at the water's edge, which can detract from the pristine experience. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the calm, clear waters provide a fantastic opportunity for both leisurely swims and underwater exploration. Bringing your snorkeling gear is highly recommended to make the most of this natural aquatic playground.
Dining at Cala Cortina: A Mixed Bag
Some reviews point to issues with service, including rude staff and claims of reserved tables that are not genuinely booked, particularly for tourists. Additionally, the restaurant has been known to close unexpectedly on Tuesdays, which can be a surprise for visitors planning their day. Because of these mixed reports, many visitors suggest bringing your own food or snacks as a backup, ensuring you have sustenance regardless of the restaurant's availability or service quality.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit