Tourism in Andalusia The best beaches from Huelva to Málaga

PLAYA DE MAZAGÓN

Let me take you to the beach. The song says it all. These sunny places are the epicenter of the summer, the playgrounds of the world. If an inventory were taken of the best beaches in the world, Andalusia would deserve a chapter all its own, based on the quality and variety found here. For those seeking new sights and those who want to see the same sights again, these beaches are the best and most characteristic—and those that go best with a luxury vacation, in one of Iberostar's hotels in Andalusía. Without a doubt, Playa de Mazagón in Huelva deserves a spot on the list. This beach is a long, wild stretch between Doñana National Park and the Atlantic where the only manmade construction is the barely surviving Torre del Oro, stoically dominating the landscape.

PUNTA UMBRÍA

Punta Umbría is, as its name suggests, a kind of natural breakwater carved out by the Odiel River as it meets the sea. The beach is a long strip of wild sand that includes urban and natural areas, both of which are peaceful and never overcrowded. This beach is a great choice for seaside nomads who like changing location throughout the day. That said, if you want to stay in one place, all you have to do is watch out for the tides and let the westerly breeze cool you off.

PUNTA DEL CAIMÁN (ISLA CRISTINA)

Isla Cristina and Isla Canela are separated by a river, the Carreras, that divides the coastline. On both sides, the beach is quiet, long and surrounded by dunes that fade away into the marshes. Despite giving beachgoers the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere, it's actually a very accessible beach, filled with various services and fun leisure activities. The western side invites you to walk until you reach the Guadiana. In the east, the beach ends at Punta del Caimán, where the sunset’s glow blends the water with Isla Cristina’s far-off rooftops.

PLAYA DE LA BARROSA (CHICLANA DE LA FRONTERA)

This beach may be one of those secrets that, despite having been revealed to many travelers, have maintained their essence. Its dunes and sandy stretches reach from Chiclana de la Frontera to Roche, crossing Novo Sancti Petri, where in recent years hotels and beach clubs have managed to provide exquisite services without impinging upon the calm essence of the place. This beach offers golf, seaside strolls, dips in the sea and cocktails until nightfall without any activity interfering with another; there’s enough space on this wide, sandy beach for everyone.

LOS CAÑOS DE MECA (BARBATE)

Who says there aren’t deserted coves in Andalusia? These charming beaches, accessible via wooden walkways, are hidden between the cliffs of Cape Trafalgar on the Atlantic coast of Cádiz, and are perfect for those who enjoy solitude. They offer incredible natural splendor, with crystalline waters and a natural border formed by rocks and grassy knolls. These beaches’ bohemian atmosphere leads to lively surfer evenings that make for unique and incomparable experiences.

PLAYA DE BOLONIA (TARIFA)

Imagine a calm, blue, photogenic ocean from which a stretch of sand ending in a dizzying dune emerges. At the top, bushes and rocks frame the view, while off to one side the remains of a Roman city, Baelo Claudia, suddenly appear. It’s a scene from a dream come to life, which has become the Playa de Bolonia; its unique juxtaposition of culture and nature make it absolute must on the coast of Cadis.

PUNTA PALOMA (TARIFA)

Next to Valdevaqueros, the beach par excellence for water sports in Tarifa, this hidden beach leaves sails and surfboards aside to offer days of sun, salt and silence instead. Its beauty lies in the contrast of its golden sand with the waves and rocks from which the surrounding cliffs emerge. The feeling of seclusion is enhanced when the wind drags the dunes until they hide the road, and when you peep into bars full of fishermen who have resisted the professionalization of fishing.

PLAYA DE LA RADA (ESTEPONA)

The Costa del Sol is practically synonymous with fully equipped, comfortable and lively urban beaches. However, although they may seem similar, many of them stand out for successfully integrating the city without getting infected by the fast pace of urban life. This well-equipped stretch of sand, which is a blue flag beach and has been awarded the “Q for Tourist Quality,” has all kinds of amenities and sports facilities—and above all, it smells like grilled sardines and summer.

PLAYA DE RÍO VERDE (MARBELLA)

The lively rhythm of life in this coastal town beats a little slower in this hideaway, located between Puerto Banús and the historic old town. It’s a peaceful oasis where everything is well taken care of, from the clean sand to the crystalline waters and the surrounding hotels in Marbella. As if that weren’t enough, its size and views of the Sierra Blanca turn it into a kind of visual detox, making it easy to understand why this paradise in Málaga has been seducing locals and foreigners for years.

PLAYA DE TORROX COSTA

A study published several years ago stated that Torrox has the best climate in the world; it has only a few days of rain each year and a perfect average temperature for getting through the winter without being overwhelmed by summer heat. On top of that, it has a long beach, fine dark sand and a path that leads to a lighthouse. It’s a composition of pure beauty that doesn’t usually appear in coastal photos of Málaga.