Expansive Beach Landscapes
Andalucia has over 1000km of coastline, much of which is beautiful sandy beaches. You can find many long, straight, flat stretches of coast which are popular with families, swimmers, and watersports enthusiasts all around the region, although a large proportion of such playas are on the Costa de la Luz, specifically in Cadiz province, although also in the Huelva part too. Some are completely undeveloped, without even a chiringuito beach restaurant, while others are in towns.
From Tarifa up to Conil de la Frontera, you're spoilt for choice with beaches which are many kilometres long and are often frequented by windsurfers and kitesurfers. Be aware that such beaches may be windy - which is why the boarders love them! The western part of the "Coast of Light", in Huelva province close to Portugal, also has wonderful beaches, such as Isla Cristina and El Rompido with its long spit of land.
Tarifa has two beaches which fit this description: Valdevaqueros (5km) and Los Lances (10km) - both are very popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with international events being held here, as well as schools for those starting to learn the sports.
Playa del Palmar, south of Conil near Vejer de la Frontera (also known as Vejer Costa) is 5km long, and lined with palm trees, hence the name.
In Conil de la Frontera itself, La Fontanilla beach is an extensive area of golden sand, perfectly placed in front of the town centre, and stretches 2km - it continues to the south as Playa Los Bateles.
Located partly on the banks on the river Guadalquivir and partly on the Atlantic coast, the beach of Sanlucar de Barrameda looks across the river to Doñana Park. Its beach is home to famous horse races in August, and its manzanilla sherry is world-famous.
Crossing the river into Huelva province, the closest beach to Seville city is Matalascañas, which has one over-developed section (to the right as your arrive), but northwards is backed by sand dunes and southwards extends to the edges of Doñana Park. Heading north is Playa de Castilla, a staggering 20km long, which can be accessed at Cuesta Maneli, a hill with a boardwalk.
Further towards the Portuguese border, you will find El Rompido, with 4 km of sandy beaches. Two long, open stretches of sand are located opposite each other on the estuary of the Rio Pedras: La Flecha, on a spit that runs parallel to the mainland, served by small boats; and El Rompido itself on the mainland, protected from the winds by the spit.
Isla Cristina has 8 kilometres of beach divided into various sections, some busier and with more facilities than others.
