Latest update: 27 July 2023
It’s really not more than a street with a few houses on top of a cliff. Los Caños de Meca is a hamlet but a mecca for windsurfers and wave surfers. And for people who just want to chill out. Because in Los Caños de Meca, you can let go of everything and do a lot of nothing. Love it!
Los Cańos de Meca: from hamlet to mecca
Los Caños de Meca is one of the coastal spots on the Spanish Costa de la Luz. In the sixties, many hippies came to Los Caños de Meca, and you can still notice that: the atmosphere is über relaxed, and there are plenty of nudist beaches. In the summer, the hippie hamlet is popular with Spanish celebrities. During that period, you can regularly listen to live music at Camping Cameleón (here).
The name Los Caños de Meca means as much as ‘the pipes (or conduits) of Mecca’. A bit strange, right? The name comes from the natural water pipes in the cliffs that run down to the naturist beach Pequeña Lulu.
To the beach in Los Caños de Meca
The most popular beaches of Los Caños de Meca are Playa de los Caños de Meca (Google Maps location) and Playa del Faro (Google Maps location). At the latter, you’ll also find the lighthouse of Trafalgar. The Battle of Trafalgar was fought here on the beach and in the sea. The British defeated the Spanish-French troops with Napoleon in 1805 but at the cost of 5,000 lives and 4,000 wounded. The British war hero Lord Nelson was also killed in the fights: he was shipped back to England in a barrel of rum – an interesting preservation technique.
Keep in mind that it can be windy all year round on the Costa de la Luz and also in Los Caños de Meca. A cooling breeze is lovely in the summer, but getting sandblasted is less fun.
Things to do in Los Canos de Meca
Sights? There are actually none in Los Caños de Meca. There are Roman ruins, but that’s just one remaining wall. Not that impressive (Google Maps location). There are rocks, dunes, beaches, sea, and pine forests. That’s it. In winter Los Caños de Meca is a ghost town. Only when the temperatures rise, Los Caños de Meca comes to life.
Discover the cliffs and the La Breña park
But what you can do in the winter (or at a cool moment in the summer) is to take a nice walk on the cliffs. The La Breña Natural Park connects Los Caños de Meca with Barbate. Expect forests, beautiful views, and high cliffs. The Sendero de Acandilado route is about 7 kilometers long and takes you to Barbate – the trail starts here. Of course, you can also turn around halfway through. 😉
The first part from Los Caños de Meca is tough because you walk through loose sand and go up and down. The second part is a mostly paved path. Halfway you will come across the watchtower Torre de Tajo. It has been there since the 16th century and is an excellent place for a short break. Would you rather go with a guide so that you also get some information about the region? You can. Try this walking tour.
This is also a good area for mountain biking. See if this tour is for you.
Hotels in Los Caños de Meca
Los Caños de Meca is tiny. You will only find small-scale accommodation. Many people choose a campsite in Los Caños de Meca. Try Camping Cameleón or Kampaoh Los Caños, for example. You can stay in beautiful pre-set tents at both. If that’s not for you, take a look at:
- Mandala Bungalows: simple, clean bungalows.
- Las Casas de las Flores: nice apartments with a private garden.
- Fortuna: beautiful, freshly decorated rooms right by the sea.
- El escondite de Noah Y La Sirena: studios and apartments, swimming pool by the ocean.
- Hotel – Restaurante La Breña: nicely decorated rooms, and the restaurant is good according to the reviews!
More Spain inspiration?
Helpful links for your Spain trip
- Accommodation. Booking.com is always a popular choice. But you could also check Homecamper | campspace or Hostelworld for more options. HostelWorld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. You can also check out WithLocals. Book ‘free’ walking tours at Freetour.com or GuruWalk and try Baja Bikes for bike tours.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Bus and train. If you want to travel by bus or train to or in Spain, Busbud and Omio are excellent companies for planning your transportation.
- Boat. You can take a boat from Barcelona to the Balearic Islands, or take a ferry between the islands. Check out the options at Direct Ferries.
- Car rental. Compare your options at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could try Expedia or CheapOair.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Amazon, among others.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Spain.
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