Platja de Canyadell — also known as Cala dels Capellans — is the smallest beach in Torredembarra, a sheltered cove of fine golden sand framed by Mediterranean cliffs just 2.5 km from Camping La Noria. With Blue Flag water quality, a marine ecology trail along the rocks and the Torredembarra lighthouse a short walk away, Canyadell rewards visitors with a quiet, nature-rich alternative to the bigger beaches along the coast.
Canyadell sits on the border between Torredembarra and Altafulla, tucked between cliff walls that shelter the cove from wind and currents. The beach measures roughly 60 metres long and 35 metres wide — intimate enough to feel like a private discovery, yet large enough for a comfortable family day. The sand is fine and golden, the seabed flat and gently shelving, and the water consistently earns an 'Excellent' quality rating from the Catalan Water Agency, which monitors it fortnightly during the bathing season.
What sets Canyadell apart from other Costa Dorada beaches is the natural environment that surrounds it. The cliffs on both sides are covered in aromatic Mediterranean scrub, and the rocky shoreline at either end of the sand supports a rich variety of marine life visible without diving gear. The bathing area is marked with natural biotope buoys rather than conventional floats — an unusual detail that reflects the area's ecological sensitivity.
The Itinerari Marí pel Roquer, a guided marine shore trail, starts at the eastern end of Canyadell beach and follows the rocks toward the Torredembarra lighthouse. The trail covers about 50 metres of rocky coastline and takes roughly 1.5 hours with stops to observe three distinct intertidal zones: the supralitoral (splash zone), mediolitoral (where algae associations of Cladophora and Enteromorpha, coral communities of Corallina and Ceramium, mussels and crustose Lithophyllum thrive) and infralitoral (permanently submerged, with optimum conditions down to about 50 cm depth). Free guided tours depart from the Cal Bofill Environmental Activity Centre on the first Sunday of each month at 9:00 AM.
Canyadell is a natural waypoint on the GR-92 Mediterranean coastal path. The popular Camí de Ronda walk from Altafulla to Torredembarra (4.6 km, about 1 hour 30 minutes, easy grade) passes through the cove, winding along red rock cliffs past the Roca Bramadora formation before reaching the lighthouse with panoramic views of the port and coastline. Train stations at both ends make this a convenient circular route by public transport. An alternative approach, the Estany del Sol route, leads from the Sol pond through coastal landscapes past Platja dels Capellans to Canyadell, covering about 6.5 km at moderate difficulty.
About 500 metres toward Altafulla from the beach lie the remains of the Roman Villa of Els Munts, a luxurious 1st–5th century AD residence built for imperial officials of the Tarraconensis province, declared UNESCO World Heritage as part of the archaeological ensemble of Roman Tarraco. In summer, dramatised guided tours with costumed characters bring the villa's history to life.
Why Visit Platja de Canyadell
Canyadell delivers the intimate, cliff-framed cove experience that many visitors imagine when they think of the Mediterranean. Unlike busier resort beaches, it rewards quiet observation — of the rock pools, the marine life on the shore trail, the lighthouse silhouette on the cliff above. For families staying at Camping La Noria, it is an easy walk along the GR-92 with a genuine sense of discovery at the end.
How to Get There
From Camping La Noria, walk south-west along the GR-92 coastal path for about 30 minutes (2.5 km). The route follows the Torredembarra promenade, skirts the El Roquer cliffs and descends to the cove. Alternatively, the urban bus has a stop directly in front of the beach. By car, limited parking is available near the Urbanització dels Munts. You can also approach from Altafulla along the Camí de Ronda coastal path (about 30 min from Altafulla train station).
Walk via GR-92 coastal path (30 min) or urban bus
Best Time to Visit
The bathing season runs from June to September, with lifeguard service from July 1 to August 26. Early morning arrivals secure space on the small beach and offer the best light for photography. Spring and autumn are ideal for the marine shore trail and the coastal walk without summer crowds. The free guided marine itinerary runs on the first Sunday of every month year-round.
Tips
The beach is small — arrive before 10:00 in summer to guarantee a good spot on the sand.
Bring snorkelling gear: the rocky edges of the cove are excellent for observing marine life without going far from shore.
Combine the beach with the full Camí de Ronda walk from Altafulla for a scenic half-day outing — take the train one way and walk the other.
Join the free guided marine shore trail on the first Sunday of the month (9:00 AM from Cal Bofill) for expert commentary on the intertidal ecology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Platja de Canyadell from Camping La Noria?
Canyadell is about 2.5 km from Camping La Noria — roughly 30 minutes on foot along the GR-92 coastal path, or 5 minutes by car. An urban bus stops directly in front of the beach.
Is Platja de Canyadell suitable for families with children?
Yes. The cove has calm, shallow water with a flat sandy seabed, Blue Flag quality certification, lifeguard service in summer, an accessibility ramp, toilets and a drinks and ice-cream kiosk. Its sheltered position makes it one of the calmest bathing spots on this stretch of coast.
What is the marine shore trail at Canyadell?
The Itinerari Marí pel Roquer is a guided walk along the rocks at the edge of Canyadell beach, covering three intertidal ecological zones. It takes about 1.5 hours and is offered free on the first Sunday of each month at 9:00 AM, starting from the Cal Bofill Environmental Activity Centre.
