The best places in andalusia, southern spain. Resorts and beaches of Andalusia
In addition to the unique sights of world importance, picturesque beaches remain an important value of Andalusia. Here are the most prestigious and popular beach resorts in Spain, including the ultra-modern resort of Costa del Almeria (). This southern region of the Iberian Peninsula began to attract the attention of travelers relatively recently; today, local beaches have no equal in terms of equipment. The length of the Costa del Almeria is about 200 kilometers, it is an almost continuous series of beautiful sandy beaches.
The holiday season on the Costa del Almería begins at the end of May and lasts until November, during the high season the air temperature can warm up to +23 ° C, and in autumn it usually is at least +18 ° C. Special attention you should pay attention to the quiet beach of Mojacar (Mojacar), this stretch of coast is covered with fine white sand. A picturesque promenade with numerous restaurants and bars runs along the quiet beach. For vacationers with children, the beach resort of Roquetas de Mar is suitable, distinctive feature this stretch of coast is an abundance of gaming and sports grounds. The beaches here are incredibly beautiful, they are covered with a large White sand, in which you can find a lot of shells of the most different forms and sizes.
The Costa de la Luz coast is famous for its magnificent beaches with golden sands. Fans of water sports will definitely like to relax here. Here is the elite resort of Chiclana de la Frontera, which has long been chosen by windsurfers. Suitable for athletes and the beach of El Puerto de Santa Maria (El Puerto de Santa María), which is located on the territory of a vast nature reserve. For those who prefer to relax on "wild" beaches, the Huelva area is more suitable, this stretch of coast has managed to maintain its pristine beauty. Copyright www.site
The beaches of the Costa del Sol are known far beyond the borders of the country; travelers from all over the world come here to relax. The only drawback of this picturesque and well-maintained stretch of coast is the presence of cold Atlantic currents, which do not allow the water on many beaches to warm up above +21 °C. Fans of upscale recreation will like the beaches of the fashionable resort of Marbella (Marbella), their total length is about 30 kilometers. The beach resort of Torremolinos will appeal to fans of the most different types recreation.
It is noteworthy that all local beaches are free; there are both busy coastal areas with developed infrastructure and quieter recreation areas. Some of the warmest on the Costa del Sol are the beaches of the resort of Benalmadena (Benalmadena
Any tourist will find something to their liking here: surfing, windsurfing, diving, water skiing, fishing, tennis, golf and even horseback riding will help brighten up your leisure time in the Costa Tropical.
Costa del Sol
It ends near the Strait of Gibraltar. Costa del Sol is translated as "sunny coast", and this name was given to this area for a reason: all year round here the sun shines.
A variety of beaches, which are comfortably located between the sea surface and the mountains, can satisfy the needs of the most demanding tourist.
None of these beaches is like the other: some of them are noisy and crowded, while others, in turn, are calm and quiet. In the same way, you can find equipped beaches, or stumble upon completely wild places to stay.
The most popular among all tourists coming to Andalusia is the western part of the Costa del Sol. It is in this area that the tourist infrastructure is most developed, here you can find berths for pleasure craft distributed among 13 ports, yacht clubs, a huge number of golf courses, sports grounds, casinos, and, in general, services for every taste.
Costa de la Luz (Cadiz)
This area is located in the southernmost part of the Iberian Peninsula, and thanks to the excellent climate and picturesque nature, it has become the most desirable oasis for many tourists.
The change of peoples and eras has left an indelible imprint on the western part of the Costa del Sol, so for those interested in history, this place will be. But the main attraction of this area is still considered to be two hundred kilometers of coastline, which is washed by the ocean.
Rota, Chipiona, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Chiclana, Barbate, Tarifa and Conil are the main tourist centers this coast. Like all other Andalusian resorts, their main features are golden sandy beaches and crystal clear ocean water. The most popular beaches here are Cabo de la Plata, Lo Lances and Valdebaqueros.
Sand dunes, beautiful panoramic views, rocks and mountains, wild and beaches, large waves of the ocean and unique local flavor can excite even the most indifferent person.
) Huelva begins at the Guadiana River, which, in turn, is the border between Portugal and Spain. It ends at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, which separates the provinces of Cadiz and.
This area is characterized by spacious white sand beaches. Only this resort on the entire coast of Spain can offer a truly Baltic landscape: spacious beaches with dunes and pine forests. Such a picture, which is complemented by centuries-old pine trees, always creates a feeling of untouchedness and virginity of the area.
Here you can practice various types sailing, and, like everywhere else in Spain, there are tourists all year round.
The province is considered the land of Columbus, as it seems that America is somewhat closer. Isla Cristina, Ayamonte, Cartaya, Lepe, Matalascañas Mazagon and Punta Umbria are the most popular tourist destinations.
Once these places were just small fishing villages, but today they are real tourist oases.
The area is home to the national natural Park Doñana, which is also a local attraction. Here you can perfectly relax and unwind.
If you haven’t decided which of the Andalusian resorts you want to spend your vacation in, then you should definitely pay attention to the Costa de la Luz, as this is the sunniest Spanish resort.
A significant part of the Andalusia region lies in coastal zone. Conventionally, the coast of Andalusia can be divided into several zones - this is, or the Coast of Light, stretching from the borders with Portugal to the place where the Atlantic merges with the Mediterranean; from there begins the coast, or the Shore of the Sun. The Costa del Sol, unlike the Costa de la Luz, is washed by mediterranean sea and not the Atlantic. Also, sometimes the coast is distinguished into a separate zone. Costa de Almería, which is located in the very east of Andalusia. However, most sources consider the Costa de Almería to be a continuation of the Costa del Sol. At the heart of the division of the Andalusian coast into zones are the waters that wash it (the Atlantic Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea).
The beaches of the Costa del Sol
The main cities on the Costa del Sol are Malaga (the administrative center), as well as such well-known resorts as Marbella, Almeria, Nerja, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Mijas and Estepona. About the beaches of each of the cities in more detail below.
If we consider the Costa del Sol along its entire length from east to west, then the first beach resort can be called and its eponymous Costa de Almería. Almeria lies in the hottest part of Andalusia, as it is dominated by a desert or semi-desert climate, moderated by the waters of the Mediterranean. The relief of this region is somewhat reminiscent of Africa. It is not surprising that even the only European desert is located here - the Tabernas Desert. For beach holiday this means that there are some of the best sandy beaches here. These are desert sands.
The coast of the Costa de Almeria is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, the beaches here are white-sand, extensive, with a gentle entry into the water. The Costa de Almería has been rejuvenated relatively recently, so you can find a lot of modern entertainment here, such as catamarans, water skiing, jet skis and much more. The cleanliness of the beaches also exceeds all expectations; it is not for nothing that they are marked with the Blue Flag distinction. The best local beaches are Las Solinas and La Almadrava. Without exaggeration, the beaches of Almeria can be called the best beaches in Andalusia.
beach line significantly different from Almeria. Here the climate is typically Mediterranean, and the desert is left far behind. The beaches of Nerja are vast sandy bays, sheltered by a rather mountainous area. In some places, the mountains approach the very edge of the coast; it is not for nothing that here, on a rocky ledge, the so-called “Balcony of Europe” was formed - a unique observation deck from which the coast of Africa is visible.
Nevertheless, Nerja is great for a beach holiday, the sandbars and bays are quite extensive, have a golden sand cover, a gentle entrance to the sea, and the beaches themselves are equipped with everything you need from sunbeds and umbrellas to showers and toilets. The best beaches of the resort are Burriana, Carabeo, Chorrillo and El Salon. The beaches of Nerja are also marked with the Blue Flag insignia.
A little west of Nerja is a large port city , from where tourists most often begin their journey through Andalusia, since the international airport is located here. Quite a lot of historical and architectural sights have been preserved in Malaga, therefore, in terms of sightseeing holidays, the city does not go unnoticed, however, Malaga is usually not considered by tourists for a beach holiday. The glory of the port city is affecting. However, in fact, Malaga also has several excellent beaches located away from the seaport. Such beaches, in particular, are La Malagueta, Playa del Palo and Playa del Pedregalejo. The beaches are equipped with everything you need, there is a promenade area with many cafes and tapas bars nearby.
The closest resort town to Malaga is considered to be the notorious . Torremolinos has all the necessary tourist infrastructure, including a hotel and transport base, all kinds of entertainment, attractions and, of course, clean equipped beaches. Conventionally, the coastline of Torremolinos is divided into 2 beach areas - El Bajondillo in the east and La Carihuela in the west. The beaches are sandy in quality, with a gentle entrance to the sea, perfect for families with children. It is also worth noting that all the beaches of Andalusia are public and do not belong to any hotel chains.
Next comes , another developed resort town in the west of the Costa del Sol. Benalmadena, perhaps like no other resort on the Costa del Sol, has concentrated a huge amount of entertainment - these are excursions to local castles, and a cable car to Mount Calamorro, and several entertainment complexes, and natural parks and much more. Complete this series of excellent local beaches. The beaches of Benalmadena are public, equipped with everything you need, and here you can always find equipment for water sports. The beaches are covered with sand, with a gentle entrance to the sea. The best beach areas in Benalmadena are Malapesquera Torrebermeya, Bil Bil, Arroyo de la Miel, La Viborilla, Las Yucas.
The beach line of the Costa del Sol from Benalmadena smoothly into , another resort on the Mediterranean coast of Andalusia. The local beaches stretch for 8 km along the city, are public, equipped with everything you need, with a gentle entrance to the sea, and therefore suitable for families with children. In addition, the beaches of Fuengirola are marked with the Blue Flag distinction as the cleanest beaches in Andalusia. The best beach holidays in Fuengirola can be found at the beaches of Los Boliches, Las Gavitolas, San Francisco and Torreblanca.
A little further is the resort. with the beach area of Mijas Costa. The properties of the beaches of Mijas are similar to the beaches of Fuengirola. In addition, here, in the Mijas Costa area, there is the famous water park - Aquamijas, which attracts tourists from all over the Costa del Sol, as one of the best entertainment complexes. In this regard, the coast is always crowded during the season, but this does not affect the quality of the beaches. They, as well as in neighboring Fuengirola, are clean and equipped with everything you need.
Also on the Costa del Sol is perhaps the most famous beach resort of Andalusia - .The resort infrastructure of the city is considered extremely developed, and snow-white yachts regularly moor in the local port of Puerto Banus, which indicates that holidays in Marbella are considered elite and in demand. The beach line of Marbella is not much different from neighboring resorts - sandy beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea provide space for relaxation various types- from youth to family. Marbella is also famous for its seaside boulevard, where you can find everything your heart desires, from cafes and tapas bars to various parties and discos.
- the last resort on the Costa del Sol. This town is a little less popular and not everyone has heard about it, the place is more suitable for a leisurely family vacation or seclusion. The snow-white houses of old Estepona are set in a peaceful mood, and local attractions such as Botanical Garden orchids or the Selwo-Aventura Zoo remind you of the importance of getting close to nature. The beaches of Estepona stretch for as much as 22 km around. These are vast sandy areas with excellent golden sand. The entrance to the sea is gentle, breakwaters have been built, so swimming and relaxing with children is very comfortable here. From the coast in the distance you can see the coast of Africa, which gives a special charm to the rest on the "edge of Europe" - in Estepona.
Ken Yamaguchi/Costa del Sol
The beaches of the Costa de la Luz
The resorts of the Costa de la Luz are less known to the general public than the resorts of the Costa del Sol, but this does not affect the quality of a beach holiday. On the contrary, in the resorts of the Costa de la Luz, you can find many secluded sandy beaches stretching for many kilometers along the coast. In addition, in this part of coastal Andalusia, travelers have the opportunity to swim in the ocean - in the town of Tarifa, the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic and further to the very borders with Portugal, the coast is washed by ocean waves. chief resort town, besides with rich history, here considered Cadiz. But we also want to talk about less famous resorts such as Tarifa, Huelva, Chiclana de la Frontera and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Many of the travelers rightly claim that the best beaches in Andalusia are located in – and partly it is. Vast sandy areas stretch along the Gulf of Cadiz for many kilometers to the east and west. Local beaches are marked with the Blue Flag distinction as one of the cleanest beaches in the world. The quality of the local coverage - fine golden sand, as well as a gentle entry into the water are considered the best combination for a beach holiday. Most of the beaches are located in the new part of Cadiz. These include, in particular, the long sandy beaches of Playa Santa Maria del Mar, Playa Victoria and Playa Cortadura. In the old part of the city you can find the wonderful beach of Caleta. All the beaches of Cadiz are equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, there are observation towers and breakwaters that will protect you from ocean waves.
- This is the westernmost Andalusian town, located not so far from the border with Portugal. Tourists rarely visit Huelva, hidden in the very corner of Southern Spain, but in vain. In Huelva you can get acquainted with the history of Spanish naval victories (the house of Christopher Columbus is located here), from here you can also visit the wonderful Doñana Natural Park. And of course, the city is famous for its beaches. The beaches of Huelva are not crowded, and this makes them even more charming. On the coast, endless sandy expanses open up to the eye. It is nice to walk and just relax here. But lovers of water entertainment, extreme sports, as well as those who love active nightlife, in Huelva can seem boring. The best beaches Huelva is located in the Punta Umbria region.
To the east of Cadiz you can find one amazing town - this is ,and it is surprising in that here, on its coast, the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Most of the beaches of Tarifa - Valdevaqueros, Playa de los Lances, La Caleta - are sandy, but the city is known for its winds, so the best way surfers feel here. Also in Tarifa is another natural wonder - the dunes of Punta Paloma. And Tarifa is also famous for the fact that from its coast you can closely see the coast of Africa, which are located on the other side of the narrow Strait of Gibraltar. With all these features of the city in mind, Tarifa will be a non-trivial option for traveling around the Costa de la Luz.
There are also elite resorts on the Costa de la Luz, which few people know about, so it can be comfortable to retire here in one of the villas on the coast, away from the hustle and bustle of people's eyes. These resorts include and especially its district - St. Petri. The beaches here are extensive, sandy, some of them are included in the protected area. Beyond St. Petri good beaches can be found in the La Barrosa area, but it will be more crowded here.
Another interesting town on the Costa de la Luz that deserves the attention of tourists is .The city is located at the confluence of the Guadalquivir River with the Atlantic, across the river bay is the eastern wing of the Doñana National Park, but the best local beaches are Bajo de Guía, Calzada, Piletas and La Jara, as well as beaches in neighboring Chipione.
Beach holidays in Andalusia are extremely diverse - here you can find beaches fully equipped with entertainment and equipped with everything you need, but you can also retire on sparsely populated spacious sandy shores; you can swim in the Mediterranean Sea, or you can swim in the Atlantic; you can escape from human eyes, or you can, on the contrary, find very busy places - it all depends on your personal preferences. Read more about the beaches of the country in full
.
Andrew Nash/Costa de la Luz We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!
Going on a trip to Spain, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of obtaining a tourist visa. You can take out insurance on your own without leaving your home. For this, there are special services, such as , and others. You can buy a policy online and then print it on a regular printer.
Photo at the beginning of the article: Andrew Nash
1 day Malaga - Costa del Sol: Torremolinos
Departure from Moscow to Malaga on the selected flight. Arrival in Malaga. Meeting with a sign, group transfer to the resort of Costa del Sol (Torremolinos). Accommodation at the hotel. Rest on the sea or time for excursions. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. *On one of the days of arrival - there is an opportunity for an additional fee. fee to book FLAMENCO SHOW (check the schedule with the guide).
2 day Torremolinos - Seville - Torremolinos
Breakfast in the hotel. Excursion to Seville without lunch - the capital of Andalusia. Seville is one of the most grandiose and beautiful cities in Spain. Excursion to Seville is designed for the whole day. The bus leaves the resort towns early in the morning and on the way passes the Andalusian cities of Antequera, La Roda, Estepa and Osuna. You can also admire the views of the Golden Tower and pavilions built for the world exhibition EXPO-92. Sightseeing tour in Seville: Cathedral of the 15th century, which is the third largest Gothic cathedral in the world, Maria Luis Park, Plaza de España and the Santa Cruz quarter with its unique narrow streets. Free time and return to the hotel along the same road. The schedule of excursions may vary depending on the configuration of the groups. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
3 day Torremolinos - Granada* - Torremolinos
Breakfast in the hotel. Free day or extra excursion for an extra charge to Granada, the dream city of romantics and poets. Departure from the hotel at the time indicated by the guide. A short stop on the way to Granada. Arrival and walking tour of the central part of the city (Catholic Kings Square, Alcaseria, Coal Yard), free time for an independent visit to the Royal Chapel. Next, by bus, we go to the Alhambra - the most striking work of Arabic art in Spain, an impressive combination of palaces and fortifications. We will visit the "Hall of the Two Sisters" and the famous "Courtyard with Lions", which will take you to the XIV century, the Palace of Charles V and amazing gardens Generalife with many fountains. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and see the typical gypsy quarter of Albaicin. Free time and return to the Costa del Sol. The schedule of excursions may vary depending on the configuration of the groups. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 Torremolinos - Ronda - Torremolinos
Breakfast in the hotel. Excursion to Ronda without lunch. We leave the coast and cross the foothills of Ronda, where amazing landscapes open before you. In these places there is a huge variety of flora and fauna. Only in this zone grows the Spanish spruce "pinsapo" and only here you can see wild mountain goats. Upon arrival in Ronda, we will explore the city where the Celts, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs left the richest historical heritage. Then visit the Mondragon Palace - a real masterpiece of Andalusian architecture. A walk through the old quarter of the city with charming streets, a visit to the colossal natural canyon and the bullring, built entirely of stone in 1784 and considered the oldest and most prestigious in Spain. Free time and return to the coast. The schedule of excursions may vary depending on the configuration of the groups. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 Torremolinos - Cordoba - Torremolinos
Breakfast in the hotel. Excursion to Cordoba without lunch. Departure from the hotel at the specified time. Short stop en route. A visit to the Mosque-Cathedral, which has become an example of an amazing mixture of styles and religions. Founded in the 8th century, this mosque is considered one of the largest in the world. In 1236 it became a Christian Cathedral. It is difficult to convey the feeling of this mixture of styles and symbols of different faiths in one building of the mosque-cathedral. There is something mysterious in the atmosphere of the place where representatives of such different religions. Impressed by the majestic building, we enter the narrow streets of the former Jewish quarter of Khuderia, where we visit the medieval Synagogue, built in 1315 in the Mudéjar style. Next, a walk through the old city and a visit to the Roman Bridge, the construction of which is attributed to Emperor Augustus. Free time and return to the coast. The schedule of excursions may vary depending on the configuration of the groups. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Transparent sea and a variety of landscapes. And in order not to succumb to the autumn melancholy and enjoy the still warm sunny days like in summer, we suggest you take a trip to the best Andalusian beaches.
The beach part of Andalusia is usually divided into three zones. The first stretches from Portugal to the city of Tarifa, where the Atlantic Ocean joins the Mediterranean Sea. The coast is called the Costa de la Luz, or the Coast of Light, here you can relax on sandy beach Chiclana and on the beaches of ancient Cadiz. Another area most famous among tourists is the Costa del Sol. It is on Sunny Beach that the party Marbella, beautiful Malaga and picturesque Estepona are located. And another conditional zone is the eastern coast of the region, which the locals call the Costa de Almeria. In the province of Granada, between the Costa del Sol and the Costa de la Luz, is the Costa Tropical, one of the hottest places in Spain. We will tell you more about each coast so that you can easily decide on the travel route.
The beaches of the Costa del Sol are known for their developed infrastructure and high level service. This coast is considered to be the most fashionable and prestigious in all of Spain. Luxurious hotels stand right on the shores of the azure sea with white sand, and here you will find a wide range of leisure activities: diving, surfing, excursions, parties, hiking in picturesque national parks... There is one feature that should be taken into account when planning a trip: sea currents on the coast are so unpredictable that sometimes even in summer the sea can be cold.
If you expect endless fun, new acquaintances, proximity to fashion boutiques for successful shopping, to the best beauty salons and restaurants with high ratings, then you should go to the coast of Malaga, to Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella, Estepona.
The beaches of this coast will seem especially pleasant to you if you want to enjoy the cleanest sea and relaxing atmosphere, and also get to know provincial Spain. The coast of light passes through two provinces - Cadiz and Huelva.
On the beaches of Huelva - Ayamonte, Punta Umbria, Isla Cristina, Mazajon - tourists are offered excellent conditions for sailing, diving and families with children. White clean sand, no big waves, a calm current, thanks to which the water on the Costa de la Luz warms up very quickly - all this makes for an ideal family vacation.
Cadiz beaches such as Puerto de Santa Maria, Chipiona, Barbate, Chiclana and Puerto Real will especially appeal to adrenaline hunters. The wind is always blowing here, which is perfect for windsurfing, kitesurfing and skydiving. And if you yearn for big cities, then from Cadiz you can go to explore the museums and galleries of Seville, walk around the famous white villages of Andalusia and take a walk through the national parks.
This is one of the youngest and most modern resorts in the Kingdom. Many beaches are covered with fine white sand, and most of the holiday destinations are marked with Blue Flags - an international quality mark. Look out for beaches like Aguadulce, Roquetas del Mar, Carboneras and Mojácar if you want to spend your holiday among the Spanish elite.
The infrastructure of the Costa de Almeria is the most fashionable hotel complexes with their own pools, spa boutiques and restaurants with a great menu. In the suburbs of Almeria, you can visit the Spanish film studio "Fort Bravo" and the town of Tabernas. It is here, because of the similarity with the landscapes of the Wild West, that many American westerns were filmed.
Costa Tropical
The warmest place in Andalusia is the Costa Tropical. The coast is protected from cold winds by mountains.
