San Nicolás
Spain: Excellent water quality
Gross Sand Urban Beach is located on the city's east side, near the Natural Reserve of Adra's lagunes.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to San Nicolás
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is San Nicolás?
Gross Sand Urban Beach is located on the city's east side, near the Natural Reserve of Adra's lagunes.
It is part of a wider group of other Blue Flag beaches in Spain that meet FEE's annual standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
San Nicolás faces west toward Alboran Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 16°C | Low |
| Feb | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
| Mar | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 16°C | Low |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Jun | 25°C | 20°C | Med |
| Jul | 28°C | 23°C | High |
| Aug | 28°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 23°C | Med |
| Oct | 21°C | 20°C | Low |
| Nov | 16°C | 18°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 17°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit San Nicolás?
The best time to visit San Nicolás is June. Air temperatures peak around 27.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 22.8°C in July.
How crowded does San Nicolás get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Spain, San Nicolás sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is San Nicolás open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (15-06 – 10-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at San Nicolás
Is San Nicolás safe to swim?
San Nicolás is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent.
What is the water temperature at San Nicolás?
Peak water temperature at San Nicolás reaches around 22.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.2°C.
What is the beach like at San Nicolás?
San Nicolás of Spain. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
San Nicolás sits on the Alboran Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Transport
Getting to San Nicolás
How do I get to San Nicolás by car?
San Nicolás is located in Spain. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to San Nicolás?
The nearest airport is Almería Airport (LEI), approximately 58.1 km away.
Can I get to San Nicolás by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Spain. The nearest recorded bus stop is 612 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near San Nicolás
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of San Nicolás. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Parking near San Nicolás
- Parking Parking 126 m
- Parking Parking 148 m
- Parking Parking 257 m
- Parking Parking 262 m
- Parking Parking 270 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at San Nicolás
- Lifeguards
- Yes, during the certified season
- Wheelchair access
- Accessible site facilities and water entry
- Visual assistance
- No
- Toilets
- No
- Showers
- No
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking). 90 m away
- Entry
- Free to enter
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | 15 Jun – 10 Sep |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Rocky shore |
| Nearest supermarket | 620 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 612 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 36.7424°N, 3.0100°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Spain |
Frequently Asked Questions
San Nicolás FAQ
Is San Nicolás suitable for children?
San Nicolás has a child-friendly score of 6/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Spain. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is San Nicolás free to access?
Access to San Nicolás is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Spain, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit San Nicolás?
The best time to visit San Nicolás is June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 22.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at San Nicolás?
San Nicolás is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent.
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to San Nicolás?
San Nicolás is located in Spain. The nearest airport is Almería Airport (LEI), 58.1 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there parking near San Nicolás?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 126 m from San Nicolás, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Spain, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for San Nicolás
- ADEAC (Asociación de Educación Ambiental y del Consumidor)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.