Playa del Inglés is the naturist beach at the south western end of Valle Gran Rey, past the last houses of La Playa. A small road runs out to the valley's football pitch, then the way turns into a sandy path. The walk from town takes ten to fifteen minutes.
The sand is dark and volcanic. A steep cliff wall stands behind the beach, with dunes and broken rock below it. People build low stone windbreaks and use the rock niches, which is what makes a whole day here workable once the trade wind picks up. Clothing has been optional for decades, and the beach has been part of the island's alternative and hippie scene since the seventies.
It has a steady gay following. Part of the reason is that it manages to be genuinely secluded and still only a short walk from the bars and shops of Valle Gran Rey, which is rare on a beach this quiet.
Swimming is dangerous. The surf is strong, the currents pull, and accidents have happened here, particularly in winter. There is no lifeguard, no kiosk and no shade, so bring water and something to sit under. Winter storms take the sand away and the sea usually puts it back.
The people in this picture are AI-generated.
