The 800 km long coast of southern Spain is home to the best beaches in Andalusia so you can choose from several options on your summer holidays. From beaches with rounded edges, sandy beaches, isolated natural beaches, nearby urban beaches to take a bath after sightseeing, beaches for parties or quiet well-connected family beaches with good infrastructure and facilities.
The only question is: Atlantic or Mediterranean? The Costa del Sol and the Costa del Almería show panoramas with an authentic Mediterranean landscape, while on the wild Atlantic coast of Cádiz there are sand dunes and cliffs through which the Atlantic breeze blows, with winds that attract many surfers to the zone. The Mediterranean coasts have an almost tropical feel, especially around Marbella.
Three coasts with different beaches in Andalusia
Andalusia’s beaches are located on three separate coasts and they couldn’t be more different from each other. The Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean coast offers a temperate climate and sheltered, shallow waters. The Atlantic coast of the Costa de la Luz is altogether more rugged and wild.
Also in the Mediterranean and adjacent to the Costa del Sol is the Costa de Almería, dotted with many beaches and bays to discover. Tourism has bypassed this region and focused more on the Costa del Sol and the popular resorts of Marbella and Malaga.
The Caleta de Maro
La Caleta de Maro is, without a doubt, one of the best beaches in Andalusia. Located east of Malaga, right next to Nerja , La Caleta de Maro is next to a charming little fishing village of the same name and really is the ideal place for those looking for the best of the Spanish sun.
Surrounded by incredible landscapes, from rock formations and mountainous landscapes to the beautiful Maro waterfall , this spectacular beach will impress you. In addition, it is one of the best places to dive , as its turquoise and transparent waters allow you to easily see the incredible marine life of this area.
Bolonia Beach
If you are looking for fine white sand on the best beaches in Andalusia, those of Cádiz are ideal for your holidays. In this province, the Bolonia beach stands out, without a doubt, a beach located in an enclave with a dreamlike landscape and a lot of things to see and do.
This immaculate beach with its endless white sand will delight all members of the family , from those who want to spend hours sunbathing to children who want nothing more than to play in and out of the turquoise water. There is also a huge sand dune that has proven to be a must-see attraction, as is the fascinating Baelo Claudia museum with Roman ruins, conveniently located right next to the beach.
Tarifa beach
For those interested in windsurfing or kitesurfing , heading to the beach of Tarifa (also in the beach paradise that is Cádiz) is one of the best options. Tarifa is known as one of the most popular destinations in the world for water sports thanks to the strong winds that perfectly permeate this beautiful white sand beach.
Los Lances Beach is the most famous stretch of sand in the area, which begins in the city and stretches for 10 km to the forests of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park . There are also excellent facilities nearby, with public restrooms, showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, restaurants and beach bars, providing everything you might need for an unforgettable day at the beach.
Beach of the Dead
Almería is another area of Andalusia known for its wonderful beaches. Playa de los Muertos is, without a doubt, one of the most outstanding, proving to be the most paradisiacal enclave in Almería. Taking its name from the men who used to wash up on the shore after shipwrecks, this idyllic 1km -long stretch of sand is certainly not a tourist spot, as to get to this isolated area you have to walk a 20-minute walk. .
Thanks to its hidden location, the beach has been kept in a natural state, surrounded by beautiful views . Once you arrive at this enchanting place, the crystal clear waters of the Almería coast will be waiting for you; You can hardly find a better setting for a relaxing day in the sun.
Genoveses beach
One more jewel of the Almería beach scene is the majestic Playa de los Genoveses . This beach next to the town of San José , once again, is truly off the beaten track, making it a quiet and peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of tourists.
At this hidden beach you can enjoy the unspoiled surroundings and truly appreciate the tremendous climate of this part of Spain. It is the longest beach in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park at 1,200 meters, without buildings, without bars, without roads, just the natural wealth of the Almeria landscape.
This is one of the best beaches in Andalusia suitable for all members of the family , with its shallow waters and beautiful shady places among the eucalyptus forest.
If for your summer holidays you are looking for a beautiful remote beach, this is the one. The beach itself is an arch of golden sand that borders a turquoise sea, which stands out even more against the rough brown of the surrounding dry hills and mountains. The desert meets the beach and it is breathtaking. So much so that it has appeared in popular movies like Indiana Jones.
There is a restroom and changing room further up the dirt road that lines this part of the coast, but you will need to bring your own food and drink, if you plan to stay all day, and some shade. You will need a car to access this beach or prepare to walk from the nearby town of San José. However, once you are there, you can enjoy a calm paradise, swim, have a picnic and enjoy the views .
