The Cabo de Palos lighthouse on the rocky cape

Day trips

Cabo de Palos and Calblanque

A lighthouse on the cape, clear water in one of the most important marine reserves in the Mediterranean, and undeveloped beaches in the Calblanque nature park.

Lighthouse, marine reserve and unspoilt coast

Cabo de Palos lies at the southern start of La Manga, about 49 kilometres from the penthouse. The village is known for its 1865 lighthouse and for the marine reserve around the Islas Hormigas, with seamounts, reefs and historic wrecks.

Just to the west lies the Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas y Peña del Águila regional park, protected since 1992. It is known for its woodland of Tetraclinis articulata (sabina mora) and for beaches of fine golden sand.

Driving route

Itinerary

What your day looks like

A sample itinerary for spring and autumn. Opening hours and prices were checked in October 2026 and may change: check the official website before you go.

  1. 1

    09:30

    Drive to Cabo de Palos

    Via the AP-7 and the RM-12 towards La Manga you reach Cabo de Palos in about 45 minutes.

    • ± 49 km
    Open in Google Maps
  2. 2

    10:15

    Faro de Cabo de Palos

    The lighthouse was first lit on 31 January 1865. Its light stands 81 metres above the sea and is visible up to 23 nautical miles away. Since 2025 it has been protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Walk around the cape for the sea views.

    • About 45 minutes
    Open in Google Maps
  3. 3

    11:15

    Marine reserve and Playa de Levante

    Around the cape lies the Cabo de Palos – Islas Hormigas marine reserve, created in 1995. Diving is only allowed through authorised dive centres, with a daily quota. Levante beach, about a kilometre of fine sand, is accessible with an amphibious wheelchair and has lifeguards in summer. The Sendero Azul and GR-92 trails also start here.

    • Diving via authorised centres
    • Lifeguards 1 Jul – 31 Aug, 11:00–20:00
    Open in Google Maps
  4. 4

    13:00

    Lunch

    Have lunch in Cabo de Palos village, or take a picnic to Calblanque.

    • In the village or a picnic
  5. 5

    14:30

    Calblanque

    Drive via the MU-312 to the Calblanque exit. In the bathing season car access is restricted and you take the shuttle bus from a car park near the motorway or at Los Belones. The beaches are not wheelchair accessible and dogs are not allowed.

    • Bathing season: shuttle bus
    • Lifeguards 1 Jul – 31 Aug
    Open in Google Maps
  6. 6

    18:00

    Back to Pilar

    In about 45 minutes you are back at the penthouse.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive into Calblanque in summer?
Not freely. In the bathing season car access is restricted and you take the shuttle bus from a car park near the motorway or at Los Belones. Exact dates vary each year.
Are there lifeguards at Calblanque?
Yes: from 1 July to 31 August, 11:00 to 20:00, and until 19:00 from 15 to 30 June and 1 to 15 September.
Can I dive at the Islas Hormigas?
Yes, but only through an authorised dive centre, with a daily limit on the number of divers.
How far is Cabo de Palos from Pilar de la Horadada?
About 49 kilometres: roughly 45 minutes by car.

Your base on the Costa Blanca

After a day out, the roof terrace is waiting. See when the penthouse is available.

Availability & price