Discover the best beaches in the Spanish Algarve
Summer is synonymous with good weather, salt water and free time, and beach tourism is one of the best options when planning a summer holiday. Spain's extensive coastline has a large number of beaches that can rival film destinations such as the Fiji Islands or the Amalfi Coast.
The beaches of southern Spain are characterised by their great beauty, the quality of their waters and the enormous variety of landscapes to be found along the different coastal communities. From the coves of Cadiz, in the heart of nature, to the tropical beaches of Malaga, with their striking palm trees, the unspoilt sandy beaches of Almeria and the marshes and dunes of Huelva, Andalusia is full of surprising landscapes.
Among them, today we would like to highlight the best beaches on the coast of Huelva: The more than 120 kilometres of beaches on the Costa de la Luz in Huelva are highly appreciated for their calm, crystal-clear waters, their fine sands and the surrounding vegetation, as well as for the great culture and gastronomy of the coastal towns, which make these paradisiacal places very interesting cultural destinations.
Matalascañas Beach
Considered one of the best beaches in Spain, it is also one of the largest beaches on the Costa de la Luz, as it has more than five kilometres of coastline. There is a historical element of great beauty that sets it apart from all the others: the Torre de la Higuera or the "cap" of Matalascañas, the remains of this historic tower that rise up in front of the sea in a curious shape.
It is an urban and family beach with excellent accessibility and services, where you can swim, practice water sports or sunbathe, but if you are looking for peace and quiet, you can move away to the south of the beach, where you will find a more unspoilt area, close to the limits of the Doñana National Park and the Lunar Park. Take the opportunity to visit these Natural Parks and make the most of all that Matalascañas has to offer.
Matalascañas beach has been awarded the Q for Tourist Quality distinction.
El Parador Beach - Mazagón
The Parador beach is located in a paradisiacal space of incomparable beauty, in the Doñana Natural Park. This idyllic setting, surrounded by a huge pine forest, frames one of the quietest beaches in Huelva, isolated from the urban section and where you can relax and enjoy unparalleled sunsets.
Undoubtedly, the best time to visit is during periods of low tide, as hundreds and hundreds of metres of white sand are uncovered, allowing us to stroll along the endless coastline, play sports or admire the scenery.
The Parador Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag and the Q for Tourist Quality.
This beach, with its golden sands and calm waters, is considered one of the outstanding beaches in Huelva, as it is surrounded by the Laguna de El Portil Nature Reserve, as well as by the nearby Paraje de los Enebrales and Marismas del Odiel Nature Reserve, making it the perfect destination if nature and adventure tourism is your thing. If you are a history buff, we recommend a visit to the remains of the bunkers built during the Second World War.
Islantilla beach, on the border between the municipalities of Isla Cristina and Lepe, and only 20 kilometres from Portugal, is classified as one of the best beaches in Huelva, being the first place in the province of Huelva to receive the Q for Tourist Quality seal thanks to the services it offers and the excellent quality of its waters.
Its one and a half kilometres of fine golden sands open out onto the Atlantic in a totally accessible spot, with a pleasant climate all year round and unparalleled views. Come and enjoy the nautical activities on offer for children and adults, take a dip in its fresh waters or have an aperitif in one of the beach bars in the area.
Central Beach - Isla CristinaThis urban beach, with fine sand and transparent waters, is linked on both sides to other natural beaches, and stands out for its accessibility and its variety of services, including its access ramps, its large car park and activities such as the boat trip from the marina to the fishing port. It is precisely this variety of services that makes it perfect for family tourism, as you will find everything you need if you are travelling with children or the elderly.The Central Beach of Isla Cristina is located in the Public Mount Dunas de Isla Cristina, full of autochthonous fauna, among whose animal species the common chameleon stands out.
La Redondela Beach - Isla CristinaLa Redondela Beach, in Isla Cristina, is located in a natural enclave of extensive pine forests, among which there is a picturesque hermitage. Every June, a pilgrimage is held in honour of the Virgen de La Esperanza de la Redondela.
Its white sands, surrounded by forest, make it a very well preserved natural enclave, part of the Monte Público Dunas de Isla Cristina, not to be missed.
Close to the mouth of the Guadiana River, and with views of Portugal, this white sandy beach stretching for some six kilometres along the coast of Huelva is one of the most spectacular beaches in Ayamonte.
Los Haraganes Beach - Ayamonte
Located between Isla Canela and Punta del Moral, Playa de los Haraganes is separated from the promenade by the dunes. It is a wide and quiet beach, where you can relax in its high quality waters, enjoy the sun on the golden dune sands or practice water sports such as sailing or surfing. It also has a floating water park that children can enjoy during the summer.
There are many more charming places on the coast of Huelva, but we are sure that some of these suggestions have made you fall in love and inspired you for your next getaway.
If you want to know all the details of the best beaches on the coasts of Huelva and Algarve, which one to choose if you go with your family, where to go with your pet, etc., don't miss our Beach Guide, where you can find all the information you need:
List of the best beaches in Huelva and Algarve, and a recommended route to make the most of your holidays.
Characteristics of the beaches: accessibility, activities, services, access for pets,...
Recommendations for visits to nearby towns, natural sites... not to be missed.
Typical gastronomy of the region, with a selection of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy high quality dishes.
Accommodation suggestions, so that you can find the hotel or flat that best suits your needs.
Curiosities, legends and secrets of the towns and cities you will find in the region.
Do you want to know more? Enter our shop and discover our Beach Guide.
Did we leave any must-see beaches off the list? Tell us more about your favourite in the comments section below.
