Even if you already know this region of southern Spain well, there is still plenty to discover and enjoy on the 1,000km of Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts
The word “Andalucía” conjures images of endless sunshine, whitewashed villages and spectacular coastal scenery. The 1,000km (620-mile) coastline is punctuated with bays, coves, clifftops and marshes, while warm waters teem with diverse marine life and flora just beyond.
But it is this southern Spanish region’s legendary beaches that draw visitors in their millions, from the watersports centres of the Costa de la Luz to the buzzy urban beaches of the Costa de Sol and Almeria’s unspoilt sands.
Even if you already know Andalucía well, there is plenty more waiting to be discovered. Here are some of the finest beaches the region has to offer.
Matalascañas (Costa de la Luz, Huelva)
Surrounded by the dunes, wetlands and pine forests of the Doñana National Park, Matalascañas is one of the best-located beach resorts on the Costa de la Luz.
The sandy beach has ample facilities, including lifeguards, deck chairs, showers and chiringuitos (beach restaurants), as well as plenty of shady areas and calm waters for paddling, making it a great choice for families with young children.
Playa de los Lances, Tarifa (Costa de la Luz, Cádiz)
On the southernmost tip of Spain, the ancient town of Tarifa abuts a stretch of sand 10km long, known as Playa de los Lances.
Because of the perfect prevailing wind conditions here, the uncrowded northern end is renowned as a windsurfing, kiteboarding and surfing destination. The more lively southern end, nearer town, has several restaurants and bars.
Malagueta (Costa del Sol)
Around 20 minutes’ walk from the historic centre, the man-made beach of Malagueta is one of Málaga’s best-known spots.
Just east of the port, the urban strip is backed by a palm-fringed promenade lined with benches and children’s play areas, while the beach itself has plenty of shady green areas, along with seafood kiosks and bars.
Playa de Maro (Costa del Sol)
A brilliant beach for active families, pebbly Playa de Maro offers sea kayaking, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding and lies off a winding coastal road near the resort town of Nerja.
The waters here are among the clearest in Andalucía, especially in the coves beneath the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs Natural Area, all easily accessible on a guided kayak tour.
Calahonda (Tropical Coast)
Between the Costa del Sol and the Costa de Almería, the Costa Tropical has a subtropical climate and more than 320 sunny days a year. The lively resort of Calahonda, south of Granada, has some of the best beaches along this stretch, with one – Playa de Calahonda – known as a top spot for diving because of its deep, clean waters and abundant marine life.
Playa Serena (Costa de Almería)
With part mountainous, part desertlike terrain, the beaches of the Costa de Almería range from windswept and wild to vast, sandy and serene.
A fine example of the latter (and only accessible by foot) is Playa de los Muertos, one of the few beaches in Andalucíawith genuinely white sand and aquamarine waters. Open to everyone, including naturists, it is a totally unspoilt haven said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain.
Ventanicas beach (Costa de Almería)
Near the whitewashed town of Mojácar, the wide, tranquil sands of Ventanicas beach – almost 200m from promenade to shoreline in places – attract young families and retired people alike. There are excellent facilities here, including amphibious beach chairs and wheelchair access directly on to the sands.
Breezy conditions make it another hotspot for kitesurfing, while its beach bars and restaurants provide respite if it gets too blowy.
Exlore Andalucía
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