Playa de Cabría: the neighbouring cove in Almuñécar, and where to eat beside it

On foot is the nicest way: the coastal path starts at Playa del Calabajío and leads round to Cabría, with the watchtower in view the whole way. It's the walk half of Velilla-Taramay does in the morning.

By car, come off the A-7 at the Almuñécar exit and drop down to the N-340; the turning for Velilla-Taramay is signposted and the Camino de la Galera runs down to the seafront promenade with the sea straight ahead. From the centre of Almuñécar it's about five minutes east. Without a car, the Almuñécar town bus links the bus station with Taramay. And one thing worth clearing up, because it comes up often: Cabría is not in La Herradura. La Herradura is on the far side of town, to the west, twelve to fifteen minutes away through Almuñécar.

You park in the surrounding streets and in the areas beside the Velilla-Taramay promenade, then walk down. Out of season there's almost always a space close by.

In July and August, and especially for the evening service, it's worth allowing a little extra time or leaving the car a few streets uphill: it's a couple of minutes on foot and saves you circling.

Calabajío Restaurant sits right on Playa del Calabajío, the cove next door, on Camino de la Galera, and has done since 2007. There's a dining room, a terrace, a bar and a chill-out area, all facing the Mediterranean, so the sea stays in front of you at the table too.

The cooking is Mediterranean with a fusion streak, with Asian and Italian touches: fish of the day, bluefin tuna, slow-cooked rice dishes, aged meats, vegetarian and vegan options, a children's menu and full allergen information to hand. The cellar runs to more than sixty wines. We open every day of the year, 13:00–16:30 and 20:00–24:00, so the usual plan still stands: a morning in the cove and lunch back here with the sand still on your feet.

The old centre of Almuñécar is about five minutes west by car, with the Peñón del Santo, San Miguel castle, the Roman remains and an old quarter that's easily covered on foot. Eastwards lie Salobreña, with its rock and castle, and a little further on Motril; westwards, past the town, La Herradura, its bay and Marina del Este.

And one particularity of this coast: Almuñécar's subtropical microclimate grows custard apples, avocados and mangoes a few kilometres from the sea. You notice it in the seasonal fruit, and at the table.