Cartagena beaches: Playa La Chapineta (La Azohía)

Calm water and tranquility in the eastern corner of the bay of Mazarrón

The Chapineta beach in La Azohía takes its name from the hundreds of small shells which used to wash up onto the shore before over-fishing rid the bay of delicious cockles, and runs for 410 metres along the south-facing shore before the beach curves southwards to the village of La Azohía at the far eastern end of the bay of Mazarrón.

There are some sandy areas on this beach but most of it consists of pebbles, which may make for less comfortable sunbathing but help to ensure that the water is almost always clear, and is ideal for snorkeling.

The beach’s popularity in summer is increased by the fact that it is close to the only small supermarket in the village, a couple of dive centres and various bars and restaurants, which include two on the beach itself between late June and September. Official car parking is not provided, but it is normally possible to find a space on one of the side roads behind the beach or at the eastern end, where the road curves round to the right. Along this stretch of road there are always plenty of people enjoying the 5-kilometre seafront walk between La Azohía and Isla Plana.

Toilets are provided, including one for the disabled, and there is an access ramp, but this is not a Blue Flag beach and as such there is not always a lifeguard service.

This beach is part of the series of bathing areas at the south-westerly tip of the municipality of Cartagena in La Azohía and Isla Plana, an area which has been popular with Spanish holidaymakers for decades and still retains a characterful charm which gives it a pleasant, homely family holiday feel. It tends to attract those who prefer a welcoming air of community rather than mod cons and fashionable amenities.

This stretch of beaches is framed by the bulk of Cabo Tiñoso, and lies at the very end of the bay of Mazarrón, a run of “natural” beaches which stretch for kilometres along the curve of the coast. Visitors often mistakenly believe these beaches belong to Mazarrón, as they are so close to the Puerto de Mazarrón, rather than being the last outpost of Cartagena.

At the top of the headland is the Tower of Santa Elena, built to warn of impending pirate attack, and offering a fabulous viewing point from which to capture the essence of this bay, from this corner of shingle around to the crowded urban beaches of the Puerto de Mazarrón.

This beach is very popular with both visitors and residents in the village due to the ideal bathing conditions and proximity of services.

Click for further local information about Cartagena, or for an overview of the beaches of Cartagena.