Lorca beaches: Cala Siscal

A wild sandy beach on the unspoilt coastline of Lorca

Cala Siscal is the last of the three beaches in the municipality of Lorca which are accessed by car along a track which is unsurfaced but perfectly manageable (except in times of heavy rain), and offers a highly attractive location, clear water a chance to experience the natural and unspoilt surroundings of the foothills of the mountains of La Loma de Bas.

Many people venturing along the track to this part of the Costa Cálida are content to stop at the first two beaches, especially that of Calnegre, which in 2017 became the first Lorca beach to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag as a sign of quality bathing and services. But the track is wide and easy to drive all the way past the Baño de las Mujeres, and from there it is just a short way over the next hill to Cala Siscal.

If the Baño de las Mujeres represents a step away from the relatively large crowds who go to Calnegre, then Cala Siscal is another step in that direction. Here there are no facilities apart from a wooden walkway across the sand and a rubbish bin, and those who choose to spend time here do so in order to “get away from it all”: this means bringing their own provisions, being self-sufficient for the day and, in some cases, opting not to wear clothes or swimming costumes.

This is not officially a nudist beach, but over the years, due to its location away from the nearest buildings, it has become a favourite among bathers aiming for an all-over tan, and visitors who are not of this persuasion should be prepared either to turn a blind eye or to run the risk of heated arguments by reporting offenders to the authorities. There is an officially recognized nudist beach in the municipality of Lorca at La Junquera.

The beach is listed as being 155 metres in length and 22 in breadth, and consists of fine sand and some areas of pebbles, although at some points the dividing line between the beach and the vegetation behind it becomes rather blurred! This is indicative of the relaxed frame of mind which the location inspires, and although there are signposts warning bathers to take care and not to park in front of an area which is allegedly used by boats the entire feel is one of informality.

However, camping and motorhomes are not allowed, and the lighting of barbecues is not permitted.

As is the case of the neighbouring beach of Baño de las Mujeres, Cala Siscal falls into the relatively unusual categories of isolated but accessible, and wild but sandy. The whole of this small part of the Lorca coastline is quite different from almost anything else along the Costa Cálida, and is well worth a visit.

How to reach Cala Siscal

The track which leads to the beaches of Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres and Cala Siscal is accessed from the RM-D-21 road which loops south from the RM-332 between Mazarrón and Águilas, and which end of the loop drivers take use will depend on where they are approaching from.

Those coming from Águilas are advised to take the AP-7 motorway heading towards Cartagena and exit at kilometre 857, from where it is relatively simple to follow the signs to Puntas de Calnegre. Anyone with time on their hands and a strong desire to avoid motorway toll charges will prefer the RM-332, although this will take considerably longer: again, Puntas de Calnegre is signposted shortly before reaching Ramonete.

The track to the beach of Calnegre (as well as the Cala del Baño de las Mujeres and the Cala de Sical) leaves the RM-D21 on the right around half a kilometre before reaching Puntas de Calnegre, and although it is unsurfaced and steep in parts it is well maintained. Normal cars will have no problem, passing space for two vehicles is available, and the only problem is that the amount of dust raised will mean washing your car once your visit is over!

First the track passes the Playa Calnegre, and then over the next rise is the access to Baño de las Mujeres before the last climb and descent takes you to Cala Siscal, where there is space for 20 or 30 vehicles to park.

Anyone heading to this beach from Mazarrón, on the other hand, is likely to prefer taking the RM-D21 at the other end, and approaching Puntas de Calnegre via Cañada de Gallego. This takes drivers on a trip through the tomato-growing greenhouse fields of the Mazarrón countryside before hitting the coast in time to follow the beach of Parazuelos and enter the village from the north.

In this case the track to the Playa de Calnegre and the beach of El Baño de las Mujeres is half a kilometre past Puntas de Calnegre, rather than before reaching the village (click for map location).

For more local information visit the home page of Lorca Today.