Andalucia has over 800 Km of coastline most of which is sandy beach. No wonder going to the beach is the single most popular recreational activity for tourists and residents alike.
The sunbathing on beaches generally becomes popular from late May until late September. This is when the Chiringuitos (beach bars) start to open. The sun beds are set out and the paddle rafts and jet skis are prepared for the season. There is a noticeable increase in beach popularity during the school holidays and especially in July and August when many residents from Madrid and other cities in Spain arrive on the coast for their annual holiday.
| Costa de la Luz |  |
Costa del Sol |
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The Costa del Luz (Huelva) beaches tend to be long and wide, with fine golden sand.
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The Costa del Sol is the most developed part of the Coast. The Mediterranean water is warm and safe.
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| Costa Tropical | |
Costa Almería |
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The least well-known of the Costas, probably because the name is a recent creation for the coastline of Granada Province. Nevertheless it should not be overlooked.
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Perhaps the most diverse of all the Costas. Everything from popular resorts to rocky coves which include some of the least visited beaches in Southern Spain.
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| Blue Flag | |
Beach Bars |
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The Blue Flag Campaign started in 1987. Today you can find the Blue Flag at beaches and marinas in 18 countries in Europe. Here you'll find information and a list of the Blue Flag Beaches in Andalucia and the Blue Flag Marinas in Andalucia.
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Chiringuitos are bars on the beach or sea front. They serve cold drinks and delicious food. Here you'll find a guide to the Beach Bars along the Andalucian Costas.
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| Beach Clubs | |
Naturist Beaches |
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Beach Clubs are emerging as a new lifestyle concept in up-market resorts
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A guide to naturist beaches in Andalucia.
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Golden sands in Andalucia.
During the winter season the beaches are enjoyed mainly by walkers, joggers and fishermen. Sunbathing is sometimes possible in the winter months as well. On one of the frequent blue sky and non-windy days it will be warm enough to sunbathe and you will have the beach to yourself. Of course, in the most popular resorts like Torremolinos you won't be alone.
Relax on the glorious beaches of Andalucia
There are no private beaches in Spain, you have the right to walk the entire coastline. Recent laws prohibit construction too close to the coast. "Acceso público a la playa" is a sign you may see. It means 'public access to the beach' probably a right of way over private land leading to the beach.
The coastal strips or costas have been given names. General information about them can be found on the following pages. The Mediterranean seaboard is graced by the Costa de Almeria, Costa Tropical and the glamorous, cosmopolitan Costa del Sol, while the Costa de la Luz lies along the Atlantic shore to the west of Gibraltar.
Andalucia has beaches for all tastes. Wide open golden sandy beaches backed by sand dunes are typical of the Costa de la Luz. Popular bathing beaches with showers and beach bars are typical of the Costa del Sol. Hidden coves reached by paths or tracks down from the cliffs, excellent for snorkeling and diving are typical of the Costa Tropical. Open beaches and hidden coves, some of the quietest around are typical of the Costa de Almeria.
Many popular beaches have trained life guards in the summer. You will notice them watching out with binoculars in lookout towers. The international sea safety condition flag warning system is in force:
Green = safe
Yellow = caution
Red = danger
