Andalusia is full of magical spots, many of them yet to be explored. Its excellent climate, food, culture and unique scenery make this enclave in southern Spain the perfect blend of nature and fun for the whole family. Indeed, some of its coastal areas, such as Malaga, Cadiz and Huelva, are ideal for taking the kids. Want to discover the best beaches in Andalusia?
Each one has something special. Each one has something surprising up its sleeve: maybe an original chiringuito, which is a typical beach bar, (or several) where you can be waited on hand and foot as you gaze out at the ocean. After all, what would Andalusia be without its chiringuitos?
Others offer unbeatable sunsets the likes of which you’ve never seen before. Vivid golden tones casting a glow over everything coupled with a laid-back atmosphere and feel-good vibes means you’ll never want to leave. And once you do, you’ll dream of going back. The best beaches in Andalusia live long in the memory and will welcome you with open arms. And in return, practising responsible tourism will help you preserve them and keep them clean.
The prettiest beaches in Andalusia
Playa de la Barrosa
For beautiful beaches in Andalusia, head for La Barrosa. It’s located in Chiclana de la Frontera, in the province of Cadiz. Offering fine, golden sand and tranquil waters, it proudly bears the Blue Flag. It has received recognition as one of the best beaches in all of Spain for its ecological balance, having been awarded the Eco Beach flag and the ‘Q’ seal for tourist quality. It is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility and offers all the amenities you could possibly need to enjoy the seaside in comfort. Playa de la Barrosa stretches out in all its beauty next to the Iberostar Selection Andalucía Playa and Iberostar Waves Royal Andalus hotels, which stopped using single-use plastics in 2020 (as all Iberostar hotels have done). As dusk falls, with the little island of Sancti Petri in the background, strolls along the shore take on an almost unreal dimension.
Playa del Faro de Trafalgar
Before reaching the faro (lighthouse) of Trafalgar, in Barbate, Cadiz, you’ll find one of the most spectacular beaches on the coast. Set among dunes and native vegetation, this sweep of sand and scrub, with its air of wilderness and uncharted territory, is an experience in itself; as real and free as the scenery around it. Its sunsets are a feast for the senses, and even a meditation of a kind: at moments like these, the mind settles and the body returns to its innate state of happiness. And afterwards, there’s nothing quite like nosing around the lighthouse to see it at night.
Playa de La Caleta
Playa de La Caleta, in Cadiz, preserves the charm of bygone days, when Phoenician and Roman boats would weigh anchor here. Rather unusually, the beach is located in the city’s historical centre. It’s one of the best beaches in Andalusia and has inspired musicians, poets and artists down through the ages. Its creative, almost homely atmosphere, with its large contingent of local artists, shopkeepers and fishermen, bestows a friendly, warm neighbourhood vibe that is so hard to find. It’s easy to fall in love with Cadiz thanks to its warm water beaches. Iberostar’s hotels in Cadiz round off the experience.
Playa Punta del Moral
The Punta del Moral beach, in Huelva, is home to several natural pools. The coastline is long and wide, with few waves. It is located on Isla Canela, an old fishing settlement that has gradually grown to become a meeting point for families and a holiday paradise.
Beaches with crystal-clear waters in Andalusia
Playa de Maro
Yes, there are also beaches with crystal-clear waters in Andalusia. Like Playa de Maro, for example, located next to the cliffs of Nerja, in Malaga. It is surrounded by sierra landscape (mountain ranges), which is why you’ll find endless caves, passages and hidden nooks. Around it are some of the best coves in Andalusia. If you’re looking for a beautiful, unique beach, don’t miss this one.
Playa Río Torrox
Staying in Malaga, Playa Río Torrox shares its uniqueness with visitors: dark, magnetic sand and rocks; colours of heightened intensity contrasting with the crystal-clear waters flowing from the river to the sea. It’s not every day you get the chance to admire the mouth of a river. Beyond, the vastness of the ocean. The Iberostar Waves Málaga Playa hotel, in Torrox-Costa, offers attractive outdoor areas as well as catering areas, so you won’t miss out on this majesty.
Playa de Bolonia
Among the best beaches in Andalusia, and also among this selection of beaches with crystalline water in Andalusia, is the Playa de Bolonia, in Tarifa, Cadiz. A vast dune overlooks it. From the top, the views are magnificent. Amid low-growing pines and reeds, the bohemian, convivial, spiritual character of Bolonia shines through. A few exclusive chiringuitos (beach bars) are dotted around on the sand, where you’ll usually also find little markets for hand-crafted jewellery, sarongs and other artisanal goods. The clear sea also gives it a picture-postcard appearance (and soul).
Playa de Río Verde
At Playa de Río Verde, the sand is a pinkish hue and the water is clear, with hints of turquoise, even though Puerto Banús, one of the busiest and most bustling areas of Marbella, is a mere stone’s throw away. That’s why it’s also perfect for anyone looking to soak up the malagueña culture of summer and sunshine, with nearby streets teeming with typical shops and restaurants, always brimful of energy. The Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach hotel is located right in this hub, yet retains all the advantages and luxuries of an All-Inclusive by the sea.
The best beaches for children in Andalusia
Playa de Isla Canela
There are beaches for children in Andalusia that seem like they were made especially for them. This is certainly the case for Playa de Isla Canela, in Huelva. It’s surrounded by sugar cane plantations and marshland, which simply call out for a family trip, whether hiking or cycling. Plus, the sea is always calm and easy to access, which makes it a great beach for bathing. It has toilets and chiringuitos (beach bars) as well as shady areas for added comfort. Want more reasons to visit? Its Blue Flag – the measure of success.
Playa de la Bajadilla
Situated in the city of Marbella is Playa de la Bajadilla, highly popular among families. Indeed, among all the many other services and facilities on offer, this beach also boasts a large recreational zone. The water is clear, calm and not too deep. And being slap bang in an urban hub, there are no parking or accessibility issues. It’s also been awarded the Blue Flag. Thinking about spending your holiday around here? You’ll be surprised by the range of Iberostar hotels in Malaga, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs (and those of your family).
Playa de Matalascañas
In Huelva, Playa de Matalascañas has a number of appealing features for a trip with the kids – its fine white sand, gentle swell and excellent environmental credentials (it’s been awarded the Blue Flag for over two decades in a row). Located in the surrounding area, you’ll find the natural protected area of Doñana: exploring it after a day at the seaside can be an exciting adventure during which the whole family can learn about the unique local wildlife and indigenous plants – in an ecosystem that is like no other anywhere else in the world.
Playa de Tarifa
Lastly, for families heading for Cadiz, Playa de Tarifa is another entertaining option, especially for people who love outdoor sports. This beach offers the opportunity to enjoy some water sports as a family or tuck into a delicious lunch at a surf-style chiringuito, or beach bar. The surfing schools and instructors can teach the little ones how to ride the board. For this reason and many others, it’s considered one of the best beaches in Andalusia for children.
Hotels located on the beach in Andalusia
Iberostar Selection Andalucía Playa
The Iberostar Selection Andalucía Playa hotel is next to the masterpiece designed by Severiano Ballesteros, a thirty-six hole golf course. It boasts direct access from the hotel to Playa de la Barrosa, one of the loveliest beaches in Andalusia, and gastronomy services that are second to none. The restaurant Cataria, headed by prestigious chefs Pablo Vicari and Aitor Arregui, who specialise in grilling, stocks over twenty-five wines from the finest bodegas. And, if you want to sample the local cuisine, the Restaurante La Bodega offers dishes such as gazpacho and arroz caldoso (rice stew) with seafood sourced straight from the bay.
Iberostar Waves Royal Andalus
If you’re looking for charming beachfront hotels in Andalusia, there’s a good chance that the Iberostar Royal Andalus hotel, in Sancti Petri, will captivate you. It’s a family-friendly hotel that offers a kids’ programme called Star Camp, with activities tailored to three different age groups that are inspired by taking care of the planet, and encourage the children to join in. Its pools have water slides, dragons and Viking boats that will delight the whole family. It is situated at Playa de la Barrosa, on the seafront. As well as playing golf, you can also try your hand at tennis or paddle tennis, as there’s a sports centre with eleven courts right by the hotel. Treatments at the Spa Sensations will help you switch off after a busy, active day or to deepen your feelings of relaxation after a day on the beach.
Iberostar Waves Málaga Playa
Surrounded by picturesque villages such as Ronda and Nerja, the Iberostar Málaga Playa hotel boasts a strategic location in Malaga, Torrox-Costa, just an hour away from Granada. A pioneer in responsible tourism, like all other Iberostar hotels, it does not use disposable plastics and has even received ten prizes and accolades celebrating its quality, sustainability and service.
Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach
The Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach hotel is an All-Inclusive beach resort you won’t want to leave, because in it you’ll find everything you need and more. Just a kilometre away from Puerto Banús, it offers themed rooms so you can pick the one that best matches your personality. Penthouse, Sharing Pool, Sharing Jacuzzi and Do Nothing are just some of the intriguing names. Plus, The Origin Beach Soul Marbella, which is part of the hotel, isn’t your typical beach club: in it, you can travel the world through its tapas, sushi, tartar dishes and salads; its tacos, pizzas and hummus, then come home to local cuisine with a selection of local meat and fish.
Iberostar hotels are waiting at some of the best beaches in Andalusia to welcome you to a new, ever-moving holiday world. A sunny world of sea breezes and dunes, where luxury and sustainable tourism invite you to live in the here-and-now in complete harmony with nature and with yourself.
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