Zahara de la Sierra Beach: A Guide to “La Playita” in Arroyomolinos
When people think of the province of Cádiz, they automatically picture kilometres of fine sand, dunes and Atlantic waves. However, right in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park lies one of inland Andalusia’s best-kept secrets for escaping the summer heat: Zahara de la Sierra Beach, known by everyone as “La Playita”.
Located in the Arroyomolinos Recreation Area, right at the foot of Monte Prieto and beside the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir, this oasis covers more than 63,000 square metres. Here, the course of the river has been cleverly used to create a large swimming lake, surrounded by orchards, fruit trees and wide shaded areas.
If you are planning a summer escape along the White Villages Route, here is the ultimate guide with updated prices, opening times, facilities and practical tips for enjoying La Playita de Zahara.
Key Facts About Zahara de la Sierra Beach
Planning your route and need the key details right away? Here is a quick summary of what you should know before you go:
| Detail | Key Information |
| Location | Arroyomolinos Recreation Area (CA-2300 Road, Km 5) |
| Season | From 14 June to 14 September |
| Average Price | Between €3.50 and €4.50 (depending on the day) |
| Parking | Free (included with admission) |
| Ideal for | Families with children, couples and groups of friends |
| Facilities | Lifeguards, restaurant, beach bar and picnic areas |
Ticket Prices and Admission Fees
Entry to Zahara de la Sierra’s inland beach is very affordable, which makes it an ideal full-day plan without stretching your budget. Prices vary depending on the day of the week:
Monday to Friday Rates (Weekdays)
- Adults (12 years and over): €3.50 / day.
- Children (from 4 to 11 years inclusive): €3.00 / day.
- Pensioners: €3.00 / day.
- Babies (0 to 3 years): Free.
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday Rates
- Adults (12 years and over): €4.50 / day.
- Children (from 4 to 11 years inclusive): €3.50 / day.
- Pensioners: €3.50 / day.
- Babies (0 to 3 years): Free.
Group discount: If you are going with a group of at least 15 people, you can request a special weekday rate (€2 for children/pensioners and €2.50 for adults). This must be arranged at least 3 days in advance by email or phone through the complex.
Opening Times of La Playita
The site opens in mid-June and closes in mid-September. Keep in mind that the recreation area opening hours are slightly longer than the permitted swimming hours:
June and September
- Site and car parks: From 11:00 to 19:00.
- Swimming area: From 11:00 to 18:30.
July and August
- Site and car parks: From 11:00 to 20:00.
- Swimming area: From 11:00 to 19:30.
⚠️ Closing Days for Cleaning and Maintenance
To ensure that the treated water remains in perfect hygienic and sanitary condition, the complex closes completely on certain days during the summer. Make a note of them so you do not find the gates closed:
- 8 July
- 29 July
- 12 August
- 2 September
Available Services and Facilities
The Arroyomolinos Recreation Area is designed to offer complete comfort throughout the day. Once you pass the ticket office, you will have access to:
- Free parking: A large supervised parking area for visitors to the complex.
- Safety and lifeguard service: The site has staff specialised in water rescue and first aid right by the water.
- Plenty of natural shade: Thanks to the leafy trees surrounding the riverbed, it is easy to find a cool shaded spot.
- Restaurant and beach bar: There is a restaurant offering a very affordable daily menu (around €14) and a beach bar by the water where you can buy refreshing drinks, ice creams and snacks.
- Picnic tables: Perfect if you prefer to bring your own cooler with food from home.
[ Parking Gratuito ]
|
[ Control de Accesos ]
|
+--------------+--------------+
| |
[ Zona de Césped y Sombras ] [ Bar / Restaurante ]
| |
+--------------+--------------+
|
[ LA PLAYITA / BAÑO ] <-- Con Socorristas
Note: For maintenance reasons, the high-rope adventure activities known as “El Bosque Suspendido” and the zip line are suspended this season.
How to Get to Zahara’s Inland Beach
Getting there by car is quick and very clearly signposted. The Arroyomolinos Recreation Area is located on the CA-2300 road, the same scenic route that runs alongside the reservoir and connects Zahara de la Sierra with Ronda.
You will drive while enjoying views of the reservoir and, at kilometre 5, you will see the official signs for the complex directing you straight to the parking area. From Zahara de la Sierra itself, it takes only about 10 minutes.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
If you want your day at Zahara de la Sierra Beach to be perfect, keep these four tips in mind:
- Book your picnic area in advance: During weekends and public holidays in July and August, demand is extremely high. If you want to secure a picnic table for your group, you must book it in advance through the official website of the Town Hall / complex.
- Bring water shoes: Although the beach is very well maintained and the water is clean and treated, the bottom is still that of an inland river. Wearing water shoes will make moving around and getting into the water much more comfortable.
- Arrive early in peak season: On midsummer weekends, the site often reaches full capacity. Arriving a little before opening time (11:00) is the best way to park easily and get the best shaded spot under the trees.
- Combine it with the village: A fantastic plan is to visit the historic centre of Zahara de la Sierra and climb up to its Nasrid Castle early in the morning, then spend the whole afternoon relaxing and cooling off at La Playita once the heat starts to build.
