The Alhambra of Granada, the Alcazar of Cordoba, the Giralda of Seville
...
If Andalusia makes you dream, its sometimes excessively concrete coast can inspire much less.
And yet!
Fine golden sand or ashy pebbles, clear or turquoise water, urbanized spaces or natural parks… There is something for everyone if you know the region well.
Our ten favorite beaches to dive this summer.
¡Vamos a la playa!
To discover
Trips to Spain: tailor-made tours, hotels and stays from our partners
Read alsoWhen to go to Andalusia?
Weather, temperatures… The best time to travel by season
The beaches near Alme
ría
MÓNSUL BEACH
This lava rock characterizes a beach that has served as the setting for many filmings.
Antonio Burgos
Its 400 meters sheltering a strip of fine sand with ash ocher shades, overhung by a huge rock of eroded lava, has been the setting for filming like
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
, and
Lawrence of Arabia
.
The crystal clear waters of this beach in the
Cabo de Gata Natural Park
invite you to discover the seabed.
Go
From the village of
San José
, take the ALP-822 southwest for 5 km.
In summer, there is a charge for parking (€5).
It is advisable to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon.
CALA DE SAN PEDRO
This cove looks tropical.
VEOy.com
In the Cabo de Gata
Natural Park
, this cove offers a tropical panorama with its white sand that gives turquoise glows to the water.
Dominated by the ruins of a 15th century castle and surrounded by hills, the place benefits from a water source which has favored the vegetation, more than elsewhere in the park.
Note: some bathers practice naturism there...
Go
From the village of Las Negras, drive 25 minutes (4 km) northeast.
Park when the road ends and walk 45 minutes along sublime scenery.
If you leave from Las Negras on foot, count about 1h15 one way (5 km).
Hiking not recommended for children.
Read alsoAlmería: beaches, hikes and gastronomy, our must-sees in beautiful Andalusia
The beaches near Granada
PLAYA DE CANTARRIJAN
This beach surrounded by cliff offers many caves to visit.
Patronato de Turismo de Almuñécar La Herradura / Photo press
Thick sand and pebbles: this is the setting for this beach surrounded by cliffs in the
Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve
.
On its turquoise waters sail kayaks ready to venture towards the caves only accessible by sea.
Take mask and snorkel!
When the sun goes down, a short hike on the path that overlooks the cliffs is a must.
It leads to an old 16th century tower and a naturist beach where swimsuits are tolerated.
Go
From Nerja, take the N-340 east (or west if you come from La Herradura) and follow the signs to turn.
In summer, you have to park in the small car park near the road and take a shuttle (3 € round trip) to the beach.
The rest of the year, you can drive to a large car park near the seaside.
PLAYA DE LA RIJANA
This discreet cove seems hidden in the rocks.
Paco Parra
This discreet cove is surrounded by cliffs with rocks spilling out into the sea where there are the remains of a tower built around 1600. Its carpet of ashy pebbles makes its waters an ideal place for snorkelling and diving.
In summer, the Paddle Surf Kayak company offers on-site kayak and paddle rental, from €12 per person.
Go
The beach is 5 minutes from the village of Castell del Ferro, on the N-340 westbound.
The car park is well indicated, but it is advisable to arrive early because it is quickly full!
The beaches near Malaga
PLAYA DE ARTOLA - CABOPINO
A small oasis in the very concrete environment of Marbella.
Alicia
The so concrete
Marbella
is home to an oasis of fine sand, transparent waters and golden dunes declared natural monuments.
The western part is mainly frequented by those who practice naturism, the more "family" beach being in the eastern part.
Go
From Marbella, take the A-7 towards Málaga and therefore towards the East.
After 15 km, the exit is well indicated and parking is free and monitored in high season.
A tip to the caretaker is welcome.
PLAYA DE MARO
This beach is surrounded by vegetation.
Council of Nerja / Photo press
A magnificent but small thick sand spit, and very popular in summer.
We advise you to arrive there for sunrise or sunset.
Nestled within the
Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo
natural site , this beach surrounded by vegetation, cliffs and crops is overlooked by the remains of a 16th century watchtower.
Ideal for kayaking to the waterfalls under the surrounding cliffs.
Go
From Nerja, take the A-7 towards Almería.
After the hamlet of Maro, turn right at the roundabout and continue along a road bordered by greenhouses.
There is free parking near the beach, but at rush hour, it is better to park upstream, on the side of the road.
The beaches near Cadiz
BOLONIA PLAYA
Intense winds sweep across this vast expanse of sand.
Council of Tarifa
4 km long and 70 meters wide, this natural beach is located in the
Parque Natural del Estrecho
.
The winds are often intense there, favoring the practice of windsurfing.
On site, you can learn in one of the schools, such as Bolonia Windsurf Center.
Near the water, we visit the Roman ruins of Baelo-Claudia.
The extreme northwest is home to a 30-meter golden dune, colored by the green of the pines and declared a natural monument.
The summit offers a view of Africa.
The south side is quieter and has natural pools.
Go
Take the N-340 towards Tarifa.
After the Facinas crossroads, take the exit at km 70 and continue 8 km on a narrow road to the car park.
In summer, prefer weekdays to avoid traffic jams.
PLAYA DEL CAÑUELO
A small paradise very difficult to access.
Jose Maria Caballero
A military base has spared real estate speculation this wild beach, little frequented because of difficult access.
This little paradise of lush vegetation and turquoise waters is so cut off from the world that your smartphone will become useless without a network!
Ideal for disconnecting.
Go
Park at the beginning of the
camino
Faro de Camarinal and take it on foot.
Be careful: halfway, a very rocky path leads to this oasis of fine sand.
Route time: 30 minutes.
Read alsoSeven reasons to discover Cadiz and the south of the Costa de la Luz
The beaches near Huelva
ASPERILLO BEACH - CUESTA MANELI
This wooden path from Cuesta Maneli winds for 1 km in the Doñana National Park to lead in about twenty minutes to the beaches.
Diputacion de Huelva / Photo press
In the Doñana National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a wooden footbridge over a kilometer long winds through a sea of golden dunes that swells over 12 hectares.
At the end, the Asperillo cliff serves as a belvedere.
Further down, the vast Asperillo beach has two types of frequentation: the very family-oriented eastern part, and the younger and "alternative" western part.
Go
From the town of Mazagón or that of Matalascañas, take the A-494 following the indications.
After a 15-20 minute drive you will reach the paid parking lot (2€/day).
TORRE DEL LORO BEACH (OR PICO DEL LORO)
These vestiges give a particular character to this beautiful beach.
Diputacion de Huelva / Photo press
The remains of a 16th century watchtower still stand on the golden sand.
This beach, which has retained its natural appearance, is very popular, but you will always find a quiet place to put your towel down.
Go
Take the N-494 which connects Mazagón and Matalascañas.
It can only be accessed through Camping Doñana.
