A hidden cove loved by local nudists and clothed tourists alike is tucked down a winding path less than a mile from a busy Benidorm beach.
If you've ever spent time in the Spanish resort, then you've probably soaked up the rays on Platja de Llevant, Platja de Ponent or Playa del Albir.
As warm as the water, soft the sand and nearby a handy bar may be from these popular spots, during the high summer months they can become a little overcrowded.
If you are looking for somewhere a little more peaceful with a higher concentration of locals than tourists, and where throwing caution to the wind and shedding your trunks is considered socially acceptable, then Cala Tio Ximo may be the place to go.
"This hidden gem is a must see and only located 1.4km from the end of Levante Beach in Benidorm…via a rather curious yet stunning route!" TikToker Benidorm Explorer wrote beneath a recent TikTok video.
In the clip the Alicante veteran films the walk from the end of the popular Levante beach, back towards town and then down a winding path between craggy rocks where local cats stop to enjoy the shade.
After what looks like a slightly demanding hike they find themselves overlooking the beach, which sits in a small bay that protects the sand from the waves with rocks that are perfect for sunbathing or scrambling over.
The water is particularly clear in the bay and ideal for spotting the shoals of fish that live within it.
"It was a bit of a walk to get to and the last part of the walk is down hill and rocky, but worth the treck if you like sun bathing nude and if you like to snorkel," one happy beachgoer recently wrote on Tripadvisor.
"The beach is not that big but every one respected each other's space. There was a live guard on duty at all times I was there."
Another recent convert described it as a "wonderful peaceful place just around the corner from the hustle bustle of Benidorm's Levante beach."
"Many days I took my book down there to just simply enjoy the stunning views and tranquillity it afforded.
Bit of a rocky, uneven climb up and down, but so worthwhile," they added.
Lauren in Leicester, a travel blogger, said the beach is perfect for those who like to get away from the hubbub for a while.
"If you like a beach bar or a few beach shops, then Cala Tio Ximo won’t be for you, but if being surrounded by steep cliffs and natural greenery is your type of getaway, then give this cove a try," she wrote.
"This small cove, 70 metres in length, combines sand and stones and is highly recommended to those who want some privacy from the long stretching beaches of Levante and Poniente."
"The water is clear and crystal-like, making it an ideal spot for underwater sports and snorkelling. Getting into the water proves a little bit of a challenge though, climbing rocks is required."
