20+ best beaches in Andalucia (tips + pictures)

Best beaches in Andalucia - overview

7+ Best Beaches in Cabo de Gata 

#1 - Playa de los Muertos

• Location -
  North of Cabo de Gata Park, Just South of Carboneras
  Almeria to Los Muertos = 50min drive
• Why visit -
  It is one of the most famous beaches in the area with a straight beach over 1 km.
  And you can see how straight it is from the viewpoint! Plus, it is known to have the bluest water in the area...
  The most recognizable element is the huge rocks in the middle of the sand (on the right side).
• Beach type -
  Sand and rocks
• Access -
  Easy drive to the carpark (for a fee in Summer) but limited spaces.
  Easy walk to the viewpoint - but hike down to reach the beach, thus climbing back up after... (plan 2 hours to loop + explore the beach)
• Facilities / Good to know -
  No facilities
• Where to stay nearby -
  In Cabo de Gata, small town of Carboneras - check out the best rated accommodations

#2 - El Playazo de Rodalquilar

• Location - 
  South of Las Negras, middle of the Cabo de Gata Park
  Almeria to El Playazo = 55min drive
• Why visit -
  Playa de Playazo is wide with calm waters. But in my opinion, the main reason to visit this beach is the stunning fossilized dune around the San Ramon Castle.
  Take time to explore around the castle for magnificent rocks formations and cliffs.
  A great mix of scenery, rock formations and history!
• Beach type -
  Sand and rocks
• Access -
  Easy to access the carpark - easy to explore and walk around.
• Facilities / Good to know -
  None
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the accommodations in Las Negras

#3 - La Isleta del Moro (Penon Blanco)

• Location - 
  South of Rodalquilar 
  Almeria to La Isleta = 45min drive
• Why visit -
  Charming little seaside village surrounded by water: white houses, fishing boats, sea views...
  Stunning mix of rock formations, beach, mountains and village. One rock is especially surprising because of its white color
• Beach type -
  Sand and rocks
• Access -
  Easy drive and large carpark. Easy access to the beach (staircase)
• Facilities / Good to know -
  Restaurants and few accommodations 
• Where to stay nearby -
  Not far from San Jose, more options - check out accommodations

#4 - Playa de Monsul

• Location - 
  West of San Jose
  Almeria to Playa de Monsul = 1h drive
• Why visit -
  Playa de Monsul is the most famous beach in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.
  It offers beautiful natural features such as eroded lava formations and a dune.
  It is where a scene with Indiana Jones has been filmed.
• Beach type -
  Sand and rocks
• Access -
  4km of bumpy gravel road + 300m walk to the beach
• Facilities / Good to know -
  None
• In Summer, you must arrive before 10am to have a chance to get access to the carpark. Later you must take the bus from San Jose.
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in San Jose

#5 - Playa del Arco, Los Escullos

• Location - 
  South of Rodalquilar
  Almeria to Los Escullos = 40min drive
• Why visit -
  Los Escullos is home to several beaches. But its main point of attraction is the Fossil Dune Escullos at the end of Playa del Arco Beach.
• You can walk under it and admire the work of erosion. I also recommend climbing on it and walking to the right for more impressive rock formations.
• Beach type -
  Sand and rocks
• Access -
  Easy to reach the carpark right next to the dunes.
  Easy access to beach
• Facilities / Good to know -
  Restaurants by the beach
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in San Jose

#6 - Playa del Embarcadero

• Location - 
  South of Rodalquilar
  Almeria to Los Escullos = 40min drive
• Why visit -
  Most people visit Los Escullos (#5) and drive back. But you can keep driving South to reach Playa del Embarcadero.
  The beach itself is not the best one, but I recommend climbing on the promontory to the left for beautiful views of the bay on one side, and the back of the Escullos fossilized dune on the other side.
• Beach type -
  Sand and rocks
• Access -
  Last kilometer is unpaved with big holes (you can also walk from Los Escullos) around the fort
• Facilities / Good to know -
  None
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in San Jose

#7 - Cala Enmedio

• Location - 
  Near the town of Agua Amarga
  Almeria to Agua Amarga = 45min drive
• Why visit -
  If are looking for an isolated beach and are ready to hike, this is the place for you.
  The hike takes you over Agua Amarga with beautiful views of the bay from above as you approach.
  On both sides of the beach you can explore fossil dunes, that are beautifully eroded.
• Beach type -
  Fine sand beach
• Access -
  Only accessible on foot - hike from Agua Amarga with some steep sections - 45min walk one way.
• Facilities / Good to know -
  None
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in Agua Amarga

Extra - Almeria Beaches

If you are heading to this region, but are looking for a beach in the town of Almeria, you can enjoy:

• The series of beaches in town: Playa de San Miguel, Playa del Zapillo, Playa Ciudad Luminosa...
• Playa de la Gorafa, a little to the West

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) in my Travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your road trip around Andalucia:

6+ Best Beaches in Costa de la Luz

#8 - Playa de Bolonia

• Location - 
  West of Tarifa
  Cadiz to Bolonia = 1h15 drive
• Why visit -
  It is one of the most famous beaches in the region because of the giant sand dune at the end and the mountains around it.
  The dune is over 30m (98ft) high and 200m (656ft) wide and surrounded by beautiful vegetation.
  Plus, right by the beach are the roman ruins of Baelo Claudia. The combination is fascinating!
• Beach type -
  Sand
• Access -
  easy drive to the beach - can be very crowded on weekends
  Wooden platform to avoid walking in the sand to view the dune. But for the view on top, you still need to climb the dune in the sand
• Facilities / Good to know -
  Some restaurants and bar (In Summer and shoulder season)
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in Tarifa

#9 - Playa de Valdequaros

• Location - 
  West of Tarifa, not far from Bolonia
  Cadiz to Valdequaros = 1h10 drive
• Why visit -
  The dunes Valdevaquaros are smaller than those o Bolonia Dunes, but I found them very pretty.
  Plus there is a road at the top allowing people who can’t climb on sand to see them better.
  It is a charming beach with beautiful views.
  Famous with windsurfers.
• Beach type -
  Sand
• Access -
  Easy access to the carpark and to the beach
• Facilities / Good to know -
  Summer bars and restaurants
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in Tarifa

#10 - Cape Trafalgar

• Location - 
  Midway between Cadiz and Tarifa
  Cadiz to Cap Trafalgar = 50min drive
• Why visit -
  The area around the Trafalgar lighthouse offers stunning golden sand beaches.
  The headland, where the lighthouse stands, is easy to access. It will please geology and photography enthusiasts with fascinating rock formations.
• Beach type -
  Sand
• Access -
  Easy access to the carpark, some walking to read the beaches
• Facilities / Good to know -
  Summer bars and restaurants by the carpark
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in Vejer de la Frontera

#11 - Playa de Los Lances (Tarifa Beach)

• Location - 
  Tarifa, West of Cadiz
  Cadiz to Tarifa = 1h20 drive
• Why visit -
  Tarifa is a charming coastal town with a laid-back atmosphere.
  It is a great place to stay overnight in order to enjoy both sunrise and sunset in the strait of Gibraltar.
• Beach type -
  Sand
• Access -
  Easy to walk around the town and beaches
• Facilities / Good to know -
  Many accommodations and restaurants (ferry to Africa)
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in Tarifa

#12 - Playa la Caleta (Cadiz beach)

• Location - 
  In the town of Cadiz
• Why visit -
  Founded by the Phoenicians in 1100BC, Cadiz is one the oldest settlements in Europe that has been continuously inhabited. The town is built on a narrow land almost entirely surrounded by water.
  The old city has long and narrow alleys with stunning architectural pieces and around you can enjoy a few sandy beaches.
  This one is near the fort of San Sebastian and offers great views.
• Beach type -
  Sand
• Access -
  Easy to walk around the city and to the beach
• Facilities / Good to know -
  All you need in town
• Where to stay nearby -
  See the best rated accommodations in Cadiz

#13 - Chipiona 

• Location - 
  West of Cadiz
  Cadiz to Chipiona = 50min drive
• Why visit -
  Chipiona is a charming coastal town with white sand beaches. A great place to wander and relax. It dates back to the Roman times.
  It has an impressive the lighthouse, at Punta del Perro, which is 69m (226ft) high (the third tallest in the world) and beaches on both sides.
• Beach type -
  Sand rocks on one side of the lighthouse, sand only on the other.
• Access -
  Easy access to the beach from town and walkable city with waterfront promenade
• Facilities / Good to know -
  Restaurants and bars
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in Chipiona

Extra - Cadiz Beaches

If you are heading to this region, but are looking for a beach in the town of Cadiz, you can enjoy:

• Playa de la Caleta, already listed above
• Playa de Santa Maria del Mar
• The long sandy beach Playa de la Victoria

2+ Best Beaches in Costa del Sol

I must admit that most of the Costa del Sol is not my type of beaches. There are too many buildings around them.
But they are really famous for those who enjoy lying on the beach and enjoying local activities.
However 2 still stand out:

#14 - Nerja coastline

• Location - 
  Town of Nerja, between Malaga and Motril
  Malaga to Nerja = 50min drive
• Why visit -
  Nerja is a popular coastal town at the Eastern limit of the Costa del Sol. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and has not been damaged by tourism construction like the other towns around.
• The old quarter of the town is typical with narrow streets and white houses.
  Its most famous feature is the Balcony of Europe, a promenade on the edge of the cliff.
  Here you can find small beaches at the bottom of the eroded cliffs.
• Beach type -
  Sand 
• Access -
• Easy to walk around Nerja - old center is well maintained
  staircases to beaches
• Facilities / Good to know -
• Many accommodations and restaurants
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in Nerja

#15 - Marbella area beaches (the most famous)

• Location - 
  Around the town of Marbella, West of Malaga
  Malaga to Marbella = 1h drive
• Why visit -
  If you are looking for a beach holiday, this is where you will find the best beaches. They are long and wide, with activities and all the facilities at your fingertips.
• Beach type -
  Sand
• Access -
  Easy to walk around
• Facilities / Good to know -
  All you could need
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in Marbella

Extra - Malaga Beaches

If you are heading to this region, but are looking for a beach in the town of Malaga, you can enjoy:

• Playa de la Malagueta
• Playa nudista Guadalmar
• Playa de los Alamos
• Playa del Bajondilo
• ...

3 Best Beaches in Costa Tropical

#16 -  Playa de Calahonda, Costa Tropical

• Location - 
  Careful there is another playa de la Calahonda in costa del Sol
  This one is East of Motril
  Motril to Calahonda = 20min drive
• Why visit -
  For the subtropical climate and the very different vibe from the other beaches in Andalucia.
• Beach type -
  Small grey pebbles
• Access -
  Easy access to carpark and easy access to beach
• Facilities / Good to know -
  Restaurants in town
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in Calahonda

#17 - La Rijana

• Location - 
  East of Calahonda
  Motril to la Rijana = 25min drive
• Why visit -
  This is the most famous beach of Costa Tropical. 
  This one is not in a town. And you as you drive by, you would not know it is here, hidden at the foot of the cliff.
• Beach type -
  Small grey pebbles
• Access -
  Access via a tunnel under the mountain
• Facilities / Good to know -
  None
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in Calahonda

#18 - La Herradura

• Location - 
  Town of La Herradura, West of Motril
  Motril to La Herradura = 35min drive
• Why visit -
  From the tropical vibe and the colors
• Beach type -
  Small grey pebbles
• Access -
  Easy access to town and beach
• Facilities / Good to know -
  Restaurants
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodation in La Herradura

Extra - Motril Beaches

If you are heading to this region, but are looking for a beach near the town of Motril (which is not right on the shore), you can enjoy:

• Playa del Poniente
• Playa de Torrebueva
• Playa de la Charca / Salomar
• ...

Andalusia Lake Beaches

Andalucia has also a few lakes and reservoirs. Not many have beaches to enjoy the water though.

#19 & #20 - South and North Lake Negratin beaches

• Location - 
  North East of Guadix
  Granada to Lake Negratin = 1h10
• Why visit -
  The Negratin reservoir is, in my opinion, the most beautiful lake in Andalucia in terms of scenery.  You can drive around it for many different views.
  The color of the lake varies from deep blue to turquoise. And it is surrounded by great rock formations and Mount Jabalcon (1494m - 490ft) at one end.
• Beach type -
  Sand and rocks
• Access -
  Easy access to the South Beach - Freila Beach
  More of a drive to reach the North shore facing mount Jabalcon
• Facilities / Good to know -
  Not much - few restaurants in the area of the lake in Summer.
  The North shore beaches are for naturists.
• Where to stay nearby -
  Check out the best rated accommodations in Guadix

Want to see more of the best Andalucia has to offer?

• Best landscapes in Andalucia in 40 pictures - read article
• 24 Best things to do in Andalucia - read article (to be published)
• 21+ Best cities and towns in Andalucia - read article
• 17 Most beautiful white villages in Andalucia - read article
• Best castles and forts in Andalucia - read article (to be published)
  
• Sevilla vs Cordoba vs Granada - the city battle - read article
• Tips to plan a road trip around Andalucia - read article
• 16 best castles and palaces in Andalucia - read article

Planning a trip to Andalucia?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan: