The Cadiz coast is a magical part of Spain that still hides small, almost secret spots where time and the world seem to stand still, letting you breathe in nature in its rawest form. One of those paradises is the Roche Coves, seven small unspoilt beaches between cliffs, just north of Conil, where you can truly forget everything.
- Natural setting of the seven Roche Coves
- The seven Roche Coves, a path to paradise
- Recommendations for your visit: everything you need to take with you
- How to get there
Natural setting of the seven Roche Coves
These seven wild little beaches lie between tall cliffs that offer a unique shelter when the Levante wind hits this stretch of coast and makes it impossible to stay on the beach.
Altogether, there are 1,800 metres of cliffs, dotted with small paths leading down to a sea that’s much calmer than in other parts of the Cadiz coast, mainly because these are small sheltered spots, hidden from the wind.
Only four of the seven coves have access from above, but you can often get from one to the next when the tide is low and coastal paths open up. When the tide comes in, some of the beaches disappear underwater and can’t be used.
Along the cliff edge, there’s a network of trails linking the different coves, scattered with scrub and fennel, offering incredible views of the beach and the sea. It’s a walk that’s well worth doing.
The seven Roche Coves, a path to paradise
These seven gems are considered the best coves in all of Andalusia. They are walkable when the tide is low. They also tend to be fairly quiet, as parking is limited and access can be quite tricky. Still, they’re the perfect refuge on windy Cadiz days when other beaches are unusable, especially Duck Cove, which is the most sheltered of them all.
The first cove you’ll reach from Conil is Lighthouse Cove, which has a small bathing area and is difficult to access. Even so, it’s often busy because it’s closest to town. Next comes Tío Juan Medina Cove, which is close to one of the four car parks along the road. It’s fairly sheltered and easier to reach, just bear in mind that it’s a nudist beach.
Same goes for the next one, Duck Cove, one of the most popular as it’s close to the parking facilities. Access is tricky, but there are stairs carved into the rock. It’s one of the most sheltered from the wind, and its name comes from a duck-shaped rock on the left of the beach.
You can reach Enebro cove via the same access point. It’s small, but no longer so commonly used by nudists, just like the next bathing spot, El Frailecillo, which is completely unspoilt, easier to get to, and closer to some of the hotels near the Roche residential area. That also makes it the trickiest place to park.
Almost at the edge of the residential area is El Áspero Cove, it doesn’t have quite the same charm as the smaller, pinker coves, but it’s the easiest to reach thanks to a dirt path that ends in a wooden walkway. There aren’t large cliffs here, but some rocky outcrops hint at what the other coves are like.
The last one is Encendida Cove, right in the residential area, with a stunning red sunset that draws plenty of visitors. It’s the only one with places to eat nearby, but finding a place to park, especially in summer, can be mission impossible.
Recommendations for your visit: everything you need to take with you
Bear in mind that in most of the coves, except the last few, there’s no phone signal, so pack everything you’ll need, like water, food, towels…everything. That means if you forget something, you’ll have to head back and get it yourself.
Wear comfortable shoes for the walk down. Some paths are tough, and you may slip if you wear flip-flops.
Don’t forget sun cream, as the sun is strong in these coves.
How to get there
You can get to the coves from Conil either on foot or by car. If walking, you should know that the route from La Fontanilla in Conil takes about an hour, then you’ll need to make your way to whichever cove you want, but the views are stunning if you’re up for the walk.
By car, take the Puerto road (CA 4202) towards the Roche residential area. From the lighthouse, there are four car parks near the access points to the different coves, but from there on, it’s all on foot.
