On your journey through southern Spain, you will not only find wonderful Arabesque cities and hilltop whitewashed villages: there is a great variety of beaches in Andalusia, from the more touristically equipped ones on the Costa del Sol to the more secluded and, fortunately, still unspoilt ones on the Costa de la Luz and the Costa di Almería, not to mention the delightful seaside resorts of the province of Granada and the beaches of Huelva, visited almost exclusively by Andalusians (especially those from nearby Seville).
Anyway, in the summer months, the seaside resorts in Andalusia fill up at a dizzying rate: the beaches, especially those west of Malaga, are packed with tourists looking for a spot for their parasol or a free sun lounger. Beach parties are the order of the day (and night!), and restaurants and hotels with sea views are constantly sold out: everyone flees the extremely high temperatures of the inland areas.
Seville and Córdoba – classic stops on an Andalusia itinerary – but also Granada, which although it is an inland city, are harder to visit in summer because of the climate: bear in mind that the little town of Écija (not far from Seville) is called the “frying pan of Andalusia”, because, not infrequently, temperatures of 45°C have been reached. It is easy to see why the beaches of Andalusia are such a popular destination not only for the multitude of tourists holidaying in southern Spain, but also for the local people. Of course, this might seem obvious, but it is not, because it allows us to understand where Andalusians go to the seaside: who better than the locals can know the most beautiful places?
You really ought to follow them to find the places and beaches in Andalusia that have miraculously survived the heavy building works that took place in the middle of the last century, when it was realised in this region that mass seaside tourism needed ever better facilities. After all, there are also authentic corners where nature has remained untouched. As I was saying, the Costa de la Luz: from Tarifa to Cadiz, white beaches buffeted by the wind and caressed by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean; or little gems such as Nerja, east of Malaga, or the Costa Tropical, the Granada coastline rich in coves and beaches sheltered by high rock outcrops sheer to the sea. And finally, what about the Costa de Almería? The natural park of Cabo de Gata is an area of wild and rugged beauty that calls to be explored in depth: let’s leave the car on the surface and venture along the paths that appear among the steep acantilados, in search of the most solitary and spectacular beaches.
If, on the other hand, you do not want to give up experiencing the lively and captivating seaside life of Malaga and the Costa del Sol, all that remains is to book a hotel in Marbella, or in Torremolinos, where the dream of those who want to spend their seaside holidays in the sign of fun takes shape, amid private beaches, parties, VIPs and nightclub life: in spite of everything, even here, the sea remains one of the most beautiful in all Spain.
Below you’ll find our in-depth guides to the Andalusian beaches, with the towns divided by province:
Contents
The beaches of Malaga (Costa del Sol)
Whoever thinks of the Andalusian coast cannot help but think of the beaches of Malaga and the Costa del Sol. Back when postcards were still in use, you will surely have received one from a friend on holiday in Andalusia, and very probably it showed the large “Malagueta” sign on the beach, just a stone’s throw from Malaga’s historic centre! And in this, Malaga is a true one-off throughout the region: it is the only city that can offer sea and beach fun just a stone’s throw from the historic centre.
Cadiz and Almeria, the other two Andalusian cities facing the sea, cannot offer the kilometres and kilometres of equipped sandy beaches of the Costa del Sol, a veritable paradise for holidaymakers in swimsuits and flip-flops. Right within the city limits there are several beaches very popular with young people and families: not just the touristy Malagueta, but also the beaches of Pedregalejo and El Palo, where there is no shortage of fish restaurants, and Playa de Huelin, not far from the port. To find out more, read our in-depth guide to Malaga’s city beaches.
Torremolinos Beaches
The first stop you come to as you head south towards the Costa del Sol is Torremolinos, a small town that embodies all the typical features of seaside resorts in the province of Malaga: very long sandy beaches with beach clubs for families, groups of friends and all kinds of holidaymakers. Just behind the busy pavements of the promenade, you will see a line of large hotels, resorts and holiday villages. Plus restaurants, shops, nightclubs and everything you need for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and fun.
- If you like this kind of place, don’t miss our article dedicated to the beaches of Torremolinos, where you’ll find advice on the beach best suited to your needs.
Fuengirola Beaches
Fuengirola also ranks among the most sought-after destinations on the Costa del Sol: in addition to its 7 km of fine sandy beaches with beach clubs equipped for every need, it is well worth spending a bit of time taking a lovely stroll through the historic centre and along the seafront on the Paseo Maritimo Rey de España, which runs from Castillo de Sohail to Torreblanca. There is no shortage of options for an overnight stay here either, given the wide range of hotels overlooking the sea.
- Here is an in-depth look at the beaches of Fuengirola.
Mijas beaches
Mijas is one of the most charming hilltop white villages in the province of Malaga, not only for its ancient monuments, the Plaza de Toros and the white houses, but also for the splendid sea views. In the area of Mijas there are also some beaches worth making your way to if you want a bit of peace and quiet. An interesting feature of the seafront is the presence of the Senda Litoral, a wooden boardwalk that runs along the whole town coastline and offers the chance to enjoy relaxing sea-view walks.
- Here is an article dedicated to the beaches of Mijas.
Beaches of Marbella
Marbella is the most famous and sought-after town on the western Costa del Sol: VIPs, actors and footballers show off their yachts in the nearby marina of Puerto Banus, and spend their evenings in stylish venues just steps from the sea. Marbella also attracts people with a more modest bank balance: the historic centre is pretty and full of tourist attractions, the town beaches are renowned for their beauty and convenience, and the Sierra Blanca mountains in the background turn the place into a postcard.
- Discover the best beaches in Marbella.
Nerja Beaches
The stretch of the Costa del Sol east of Malaga is a little more nondescript than the western one. An exception is Nerja, a town full of character where it is well worth spending a few days alternating between bathing and sightseeing in the surrounding area (above all, the village of Frigiliana). There are beaches to suit every taste: beneath the phenomenal Balcón de Europa (a large panoramic terrace overlooking the sea) you will find pretty coves hidden among the rocks, while along the coast there is no shortage of equipped beaches (for example the famous Playa Burriana).
- To find out more, read our article on the beaches of Nerja.
The beaches of Cádiz (Costa de la Luz)
The defining feature of the province of Cadiz is that all its beaches face the Atlantic Ocean, which has a decisive influence on the kind of experience you can have here. In the characteristic little towns of the Costa de la Luz, Tarifa above all, you are more likely to find surfers than bathers: the water is colder than along the Mediterranean coast, and the presence of waves invites enthusiasts of the sport to take up their surfboard.
Of course, there are days when the sea is like a mirror on the beaches least exposed to ocean currents: you can plant your umbrella on one of the many vast, unspoilt beaches, often characterised by dramatic high dunes waiting to be explored, as in the case of the famous dunes of Valdevaqueros and Bolonia. The seaside villages south of Cadiz offer excellent fish cuisine and, in the case of Conil de la Frontera, an exciting nightlife.
The city of Cadiz offers only a small and crowded beach to the west of the historic centre, called La Caleta: the other city beaches are found along the new town and the outskirts, in the southern part of the peninsula, where there is no shortage of sea-view hotels. In Cadiz Bay you will also find the beaches of El Puerto de Santa Maria and, a little further north, the beaches of Sanlucar de Barrameda. The two towns are known for the production of local wine: sherry.
Tarifa Beaches
The southernmost resort on the Costa de la Luz is no ordinary place: it is Tarifa, a charming frontier town overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, right opposite Morocco. Its very ancient history is reflected in the architecture of the monuments you will come across as you stroll through the streets of the old town. Not far away, on the western side of the town, you will find the famous Playa de los Lances. If you are expecting to see an endless expanse of brightly coloured parasols, you will be only partly disappointed: there will be plenty of colour, yes, but it will mostly be from the kitesurfers whirling through the sky.
- Here is what to expect from the beaches of Tarifa.
Beaches of Conil de la Frontera
Conil de la Frontera is an ancient fishing village that has managed to preserve its authenticity despite developing a strong tourist vocation. In addition to a historic centre in perfect Andalusian style and plenty of places for dinner and an evening out, Conil de la Frontera offers visitors many kilometres of beaches of various kinds: not only the vast urban beach near restaurants and tourist hotels, but also small coves hidden among the cliffs to the north of the centre.
- Discover all the beaches of Conil de la Frontera by reading our dedicated article.
Beaches of El Puerto de Santa Maria
On the Bay of Cádiz lie the peaceful and relaxing beaches of El Puerto de Santa Maria: yes, the very port from which that Santa Maria set sail, before departing from Palos de la Frontera together with the other caravels under the command of Christopher Columbus. Not far from the pleasant town centre, and with handy parking, is Playa de la Puntilla, a large beach that is fairly busy in high season, but one must by no means overlook the calm and unspoilt beaches to the north-west of the centre: Playa de Santa Catalina and Playa De Fuentebravía.
- To find out more, read the article we have dedicated to the beaches of El Puerto de Santa Maria.
Spiagge di Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Together with El Puerto and Jerez, Sanlucar de Barrameda is part of the Sherry triangle, so if you are here it is very likely because you want to do a bit of tasting. Well, here it is possible to sample Andalusia’s typical wine in one of the many bars overlooking the mouth of the Guadalquivir river, right opposite the coast of the unspoilt Doñana National Park, which can be reached by boat departing from the town beach called Playa Bajo de Guía. If you do not like beaches set within an urban environment, you can retreat to Playa de la Jara.
- Here is an article dedicated to the beaches of Sanlucar de Barrameda.
The Beaches of Almeria (Costa de Almeria)
One of the best-kept natural secrets in Andalusia is the coastline in the province of Almeria, the easternmost stretch of coast in the whole region. While the city of Almeria offers visitors its classic city beaches, what awaits you inside the Cabo de Gata Natural Park is a striking, entirely untouched landscape of volcanic rock headlands: cliffs plunge dramatically into the sea, you are struck by the most bizarre rock formations rising from the beach, you explore mysterious coves, and reach viewpoints that are literally… straight out of a film! The landscapes of Cabo de Gata have featured in numerous American films (and not only!), from Indiana Jones to Game of Thrones.
There are many beaches in Almeria that are worth a visit: starting with the Arrecife de las Sirenas (which is not exactly a beach, but a fairytale view), we could mention Playa de Mónsul (with its petrified “wave”), the huge Playa de los Genoveses and the picturesque Playa de los Muertos. The fishing villages tucked away among the cliffs are small and welcoming, making them a good starting point for exploring the area. There are beaches that are easy to reach and coves that take a bit of effort to enjoy: it all depends on what you mean by a holiday! To find out what the area has to offer, read our article on the beaches of Almeria.
Discover the beaches of Almeria
The beaches of Granada (Costa Tropical)
When you think of Granada, beaches are certainly not the first thing that comes to mind: the wonderful city of the Alhambra sits in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada and has very little that is maritime about it. However, the province of Granada stretches all the way to the sea and offers visitors a rather interesting stretch of coastline, known as the Costa Tropical. It is not the best-known destination among tourists – who often opt for the beaches of Malaga or Cadiz – but perhaps precisely for that reason it can be appealing to those looking for a bit of peace and quiet in front of a stunning sea.
The reference towns for discovering the beaches of Granada are the peaceful Almuñécar and Salobreña, which offer some pleasant beaches to suit all tastes. Nor should the stretch of coastline in the Maro area be underestimated: you can set off to discover the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo, dramatic cliffs dropping sheer into the sea that hide secluded little coves where tranquillity reigns. Start getting to know the Costa Tropical by reading our article dedicated to the beaches of Granada.
Discover the beaches of Granada
The beaches of Huelva
Where do Seville locals go to the beach? To Huelva! Exactly: the province perhaps least geared towards tourism in Andalusia, alongside Jaén, hides beaches much loved by Andalusians, who often and gladly choose them for their summer holidays. It is not easy for tours in Andalusia to include the Huelva area, but if you have the stuff of explorers you can venture into the far west of Andalusia to visit the places from which Columbus set off for the Americas.
Facing the small and welcoming fishing villages of the province of Huelva are vast, inviting beaches of fine golden sand, easily accessible and never too crowded. Nature lovers can go and discover the incredible dunes of Matalascañas, within the Doñana National Park. We have dedicated an article to the beaches of Huelva, you can find it below.
Discover the beaches of Huelva
