Cala de la Galera (Cala del Pato)

Cala de la Galera, known to everyone in Cabo de Palos as Cala del Pato, is a small rocky cove between Playa de Levante and the lighthouse, beside the path around the headland. It has no sand or space to lay out a towel: steps cut into the stone lead down to the water.

Where the name comes from

A rock near the shore has a silhouette like a duck with its head in the water. This gave the cove its popular name, used alongside Cala de la Galera and Cala Hierro, the name recorded by the Instituto Geográfico Nacional.

A good snorkelling spot

The seabed combines sand, rock and marine vegetation meadows, and the water is usually clear. Most visitors therefore recommend it for snorkelling and seeing fish close to shore. Bring water shoes: the entire access is rocky.

Getting here

You reach it on foot along the path around Cabo de Palos between Playa de Levante and the lighthouse. The same walk links other coves around the headland, leads up to the lighthouse or down to the harbour. If you enjoy this kind of swimming spot, take a look at the local beaches and coves.