Cala la Manzanera Calpe

Cala La Manzanera is a small cove on the southern side of Calpe, close to Puerto Blanco.

Although its natural setting is attractive, the cove is best known for the extraordinary architecture overlooking the coastline. The colourful, geometric residential buildings designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill transformed La Manzanera into one of Calpe’s most recognisable locations.

The beach itself is approximately 100 metres long and just five metres wide. It combines coarse sand, pebbles and generally calm water with seagrass.

Images by @jsourire

Ricardo Bofill’s La Manzanera

The defining feature of Cala La Manzanera is the collection of buildings designed by architect Ricardo Bofill and his studio during the late 20th century.

Their bold colours, interlocking shapes, stairways and geometric forms challenged the appearance of conventional Mediterranean apartment developments. The best-known buildings in the wider La Manzanera complex include La Muralla Roja and Xanadú.

Calpe Town Council describes the buildings as examples of advanced 1970s architecture, notable for their colour and geometric design. 

The complexes are private residential properties. Visitors should admire and photograph them from public areas without entering private stairways, courtyards, terraces or residential land.

What is the beach like?

Cala La Manzanera is a narrow, natural cove rather than a developed urban beach.

Its shoreline consists of coarse sand and pebbles, while the surrounding landscape forms what the council describes as a natural amphitheatre shaped by the sea.

The five-metre width means there is limited space for beach furniture. The cove is therefore more suitable for a short stop, swim or rest during a coastal walk than for a full resort-style beach day.

Swimming

The council describes the water as generally calm, although conditions can change according to wind and weather.

Pebbles and underwater rocks may make entering and leaving the sea uncomfortable. Water shoes are recommended for additional protection and grip.

There is no shore-based lifeguard listed. Visitors should assess conditions carefully and avoid entering the water during rough weather or if returning across the rocks appears difficult.

Snorkelling

The cove’s rocky sections may appeal to snorkellers when the water is calm and visibility is suitable.

However, snorkelling is not specifically listed as an official beach feature. Visitors should therefore avoid guaranteeing excellent visibility or particular marine species.

Anyone snorkelling should remain close to the shoreline, watch for boats and avoid disturbing seagrass or marine habitats.

Facilities

Calpe Town Council lists:

• Waste bins
• Beach beaconing
• Boat surveillance

Visitors should bring drinking water and everything else they require.

Access

Cala La Manzanera can be approached using paths and steps through the surrounding residential area.

The Voramar-Borumbot walking route passes Bofill’s architecture before descending towards the coastline and La Manzanera cove.

Visitors should follow current public signs and avoid using private residential access routes. Some sections may be steep or uneven, making supportive footwear preferable to flip-flops.

Accessibility

The steps, slopes and natural pebble shoreline make Cala La Manzanera unsuitable for wheelchairs and difficult for visitors with limited mobility.

There is no accessible-bathing point, beach walkway or adapted facility listed.

Visitors who require assisted bathing should consider Arenal-Bol or La Fossa and confirm the current operating arrangements before travelling.

Parking

No dedicated Cala La Manzanera beach car park is listed by the council.

The surrounding area is largely residential, and available street parking may be limited. Drivers should follow local signs, respect private spaces and entrances and avoid blocking narrow roads.

See our Calpe parking guide for broader advice.

Photography

La Manzanera is one of Calpe’s most distinctive architectural photography locations.

Visitors should:

• Remain on public paths and viewpoints
• Respect residents’ privacy
• Avoid photographing through windows
• Never enter gated or private areas without permission
• Keep entrances and pathways clear
• Avoid climbing unstable coastal structures

The buildings are homes, not a public visitor attraction.

Dogs

Cala La Manzanera is not Calpe’s designated dog beach. Visitors wishing to take a dog onto the beach should use Cala Les Urques and check current municipal rules.

Nearby beaches and walks

Continue exploring this side of Calpe with:

• Puerto Blanco Beach
• Cala Les Urques
• Voramar-Borumbot walking route
• Arenal-Bol Beach
• Complete Calpe Beaches and Coves Guide