
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.
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
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.
Open in Google Maps - 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.
Open in Google Maps - 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.
Open in Google Maps - 4
13:00
Lunch
Have lunch in Cabo de Palos village, or take a picnic to Calblanque.
- 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.
Open in Google Maps - 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?
Are there lifeguards at Calblanque?
Can I dive at the Islas Hormigas?
How far is Cabo de Palos from Pilar de la Horadada?
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- Not on Mondays
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