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The cove of Oropesa la Vella, Orpesa la Vella in Valencian, is a small cove with fine sand right in the heart of Oropesa del Mar. It is almost a southern extension of La Concha beach: it is separated from it by a rocky outcrop, which gives it a certain sense of seclusion, and is bordered to the south by the hill of Orpesa la Vella, where the town’s first settlement stood.
What is Oropesa la Vella Cove like?
- Size: 120 metres long and about 50 metres wide.
- Sand: fine and golden.
- Water: calm and shallow, with excellent conditions for swimming.
- Atmosphere: semi-urban, with a promenade and medium to low visitor numbers.
It’s a cove for a peaceful swim and ideal for children, who can play on the shore without any waves. It also has a unique feature: Spain’s first water swing is located here.
The Bronze Age settlement of Orpesa la Vella
The hill that encloses the cove is home to the first settlement of Oropesa del Mar. It is a Bronze Age settlement, protected by a wall, which was later occupied by the Iberians, Romans and Muslims. Remains of its walls are still preserved.
It was abandoned in the Middle Ages: the sea was too close and attacks were constant, so the population moved to a higher promontory that was easier to defend, where they built Oropesa del Mar Castle.
The site has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest and is currently closed to the public, but from the cove you can see the hill on which it stands.
How do you get to Oropesa la Vella Cove?
It’s very easy on foot: it’s just south of La Concha beach, so simply follow the seafront promenade to the end of the beach.
If you’re coming by car, you can reach Oropesa del Mar via the N-340 or the AP-7. You’ll find all the options for getting to Oropesa del Mar here.
Where can you park near the cove?
The most practical option is to park in the La Concha beach area, which is right next door, and walk the rest of the way. In high season, it’s best to arrive early. You’ll find all the details in our guide to La Concha beach.
What facilities are there at Oropesa la Vella cove?
- Showers and foot wash facilities
- Access walkways
- Bins
- Promenade
Information on the cove provided by the Oropesa del Mar Department of Tourism and Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, accessed in September 2026.
Things to do near the cove
La Concha beach, right next door, is the most central beach in Oropesa del Mar. To the south, the next cove is Cala del Retor. You can find the rest of the town’s beaches and coves in our guide to the best beaches and coves in Oropesa del Mar.
Frequently asked questions about Oropesa la Vella Cove
Where is Oropesa la Vella Cove?
In Oropesa del Mar, just south of La Concha beach, from which it is separated by a rocky outcrop.
What is the sand like at Oropesa la Vella Cove?
Fine and golden. The cove is 120 metres long and about 50 metres wide.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The water is calm and shallow, so it’s a peaceful place to swim.
Does the cove have showers?
Yes. It has showers, foot wash basins, walkways and a promenade.
What’s special about the cove at Oropesa la Vella?
It has Spain’s first water swing, and on the hill that borders it to the south lies the Orpesa la Vella archaeological site, the town’s first settlement, dating from the Bronze Age.
Can you visit the Orpesa la Vella archaeological site?
It’s currently closed to the public, although from the cove you can see the hill on which it stands.
The cove is a low-key stop on a wider itinerary. The large beaches, the castle and the old town are all featured in the guide to things to do in Oropesa del Mar.
If, after a day here, you’re thinking of staying a bit longer, we’ll show you our apartments in Oropesa del Mar.