Best Beaches in Andalusia and the Resorts to Stay in

April 8, 2019
gran hotel miramar malaga resort hotel beach spain andalusia coast southern destination
A week ago, we turned another pager of the calendar, summer is closer than we think! I’m sure many of you are thinking of where to go for your summer vacation. We like to spend a week every year on a beach resort in the Spanish coast of Andalusia. Endless beaches, fresh seafood and fish, warm breeze, lots of R&R…we all crave some pampering after months of hard work, right?

On this post, I’ve put together a list of southern Spain resorts and playas -beaches- my family, my husband and I have visited throughout the years. Beach hotels in Spain are high quality and affordable -most of the ones here are 4 star- and we've always had great experiences. I’ve also included places to visit because we like spending the morning at the beach and doing some sightseeing after lunch and siesta. I haven’t included any restaurant recommendations as we always book half board. These hotels and resorts offer excellent all-you-can-eat buffets so it’s a no brainer. If you prefer to eat out, most of them are on the seafront which is usually lined with tapas bars, seafood restaurants and nightlife.

Here’s my list of best Andalusia destinations, resorts and beaches.
elba estepona resort hotel beach spain andalusia coast southern destination

Best Beaches in Andalusia and the Resorts to Stay in

Best of Andalusia: HUELVA

Located in the south-west corner of Andalucia, Huelva is known for its immaculate empty beaches and a huge national park, Doñana. It is also close to the Algarve in Portugal. Huelva’s Costa de la Luz -Coast of Light- has an impressive 75 miles of coastline.

Best hotels and beaches


Places to visit

  • Doñana: salt marshes, dunes, scrub and pine forest make up this world heritage national park. It is also home to endangered species such as the Iberian lynx.
  • El Rocio: picture a church in the middle of the desert, the setting looks like a western movie with people riding horses. Every year on May 1st a million pilgrims arrive in wagons and horses to pay homage to Our Lady of El Rocio.
  • Ayamonte is one of the most popular towns in Costa de la Luz, it’s vibrant and full of life. If you prefer a more secluded hotel, you can find a Parador in Ayamonte.
  • La Rabida Monastery and the replicas of Columbus ships.
  • Lagos, a charming coastal town in Portugal.

Read What to Do in Southern Spain and Portugal
Read Melia Atlantico Isla Canela

Best of Andalusia: CADIZ

The region of Cadiz is also part of the Atlantic coast, Costa de la Luz, or coast of light. It’s known for miles-long beaches where you will find more people than in Huelva but less than in Malaga.

Best hotels and beaches

  • Zahara de los Atunes is one of the Cadiz’s prettiest fishing villages is home to the wonderful Playa del Carmen. Melia Atlanterra Hotel is one of the most beautiful beach resorts I’ve stayed in, the Arabic influenced decor was my favorite part.
  • Playa de la Fontanilla in Conil de la Frontera, 2km-long beach which includes the beautiful coves Calas de Roche. Fuerte Conil-Costa Luz Hotel.
  • Sancti Petri: Valentin Sancti Petri Hotel

resort hotel beach spain andalusia coast southern destination melia atlantico isla canela huelvaresort hotel beach spain andalusia coast southern destination melia atlantico isla canela huelvaPlaces to visit

  • The unspoilt beach of Caños de Meca
  • If you like surfing, windy Tarifa is the place to go
  • Vejer de la Frontera, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and the equally stunning Medina Sidonia
  • Sotogrande has a pretty marina, beaches and golf courses and five star hotels. It’s a lovely place for a promenade.
  • The coastal towns of Sanlucar de Barrameda, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Jerez are a must. If you are a wine enthusiast, I recommend you visit the sherry wineries.

Read Instagram Worthy Spots in Spain
Read White Towns of Andalusia
resort hotel beach spain andalusia coast southern destination fuerte conil

Best of Andalusia: MALAGA

Let’s move to Costa del Sol -Coast of the Sun. Malaga is probably the most popular beach holiday destination in Spain and therefore the most crowded. But crowds come here for a reason. The water is warmer and calmer than in the previous destinations.

Best hotels and beaches

  • Malagueta is the beach of the city of Malaga. The luxurious Gran Hotel Miramar is nearby, but if you don’t mind being a bit further and get spectacular views of the city, Parador de Gibralfaro is the place to stay. 
  • Torremolinos is regarded as the Andalusian equivalent to Benidorm. Its six main beaches are connected by a long promenade lined with palm trees. Riu Nautilus a +18 hotel
  • Estepona is one of the few towns which has kept the village charm despite the tourism craze. Elba Estepona Gran Hotel & Thalasso Spa
  • Fuengirola was once a fishing village but it has become a beach resort town. The village isn’t pretty but the hotels and beaches are good. Hotel IPV Palace & Spa
  • Playa Burriana in the charming fishing village of Nerja. Parador de Nerja

Places to visit

  • Marbella and Puerto Banus, one of the most expensive and luxurious places in Spain. It’s a favorite among millionaires from all around the world with a port where you will find the biggest yachts you’ve ever seen. 
  • The coastal town of Benalmadena. Here you can visit the impressive Castillo Monumento Colomares. A modern day castle that pays homage to Cristopher Columbus and the discovery of America.
  • Guadalmina, a picturesque village with colorful houses.

Read Day Trips from Nerja
Read Things to do in Nerja
resort hotel beach spain andalusia coast southern destination parador nerja malaga
resort hotel beach spain andalusia coast southern destination parador nerja malaga
resort hotel beach spain andalusia coast southern destination playa burriana nerja malaga
resort hotel beach spain andalusia coast southern destination malagueta malaga playa

resort hotel beach spain andalusia coast southern destination gran hotel miramar malaga

Best of Andalusia: ALMERIA

This is the least known -and least favorite- beach destination. The beaches in Costa Tropical aren’t as good as the previous ones and it’s the hottest region because part of it is desert. Still, there are some beaches and resorts worth visiting.

Best hotels and beaches


Places to visit

  • Cabo de Gata natural park
  • The Alcazaba in the city of Almeria is a former Mulsim fortress which is one of the Spanish settings of Game of Thrones.

SPANISH BEACH RESORTS MAP
WEAR THIS THERE

Like this post? Pin and share it!
resort hotel beach spain andalusia coast southern destination

21 comments

  1. Tiffany MontgomeryApril 8, 2019 at 5:42 PM

    Oh my goodness this looks so relaxing! This is a spot I'd love to visit!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow- these places look amazing and divine!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would love to visit Spain one day! All of these resorts look so inviting and dreamy. I'll def refer back to this when I finally get around to planning a trip

    ReplyDelete
  4. They all look like wonderful places to stay for a vacation. Pinned!

    ReplyDelete
  5. They are all beautiful. I like how you put a map in the post! Thanks for linking up with Hello Monday! Tanya - The Other Side of the Road

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow! What a wonderful trip. All these places to visit while vacationing sure sounds like a wonderful trip.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tom The Backroads TravellerApril 10, 2019 at 3:26 AM

    ...this sure is a gorgeous place by the sea. Thanks for taking me there!

    ReplyDelete
  8. These are GORGEOUS! And I can't believe the beach hotels in Spain are that beautiful AND affordable!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh these all sound wonderful. I would love to visit Spain one day. I often go to Paris as my step family lives there but want to visit other parts of Europe too

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. So many great resorts! I have never even heard of Andalusia before but it sounds like a slice of heaven!

    ReplyDelete
  11. For some reason Andalusia wasn't even on my radar as a travel spot until now. Looks beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm literally dreaming that I'm somewhere tropical right now! This looks really gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This plac look amazing! What a beautiful spot to visit!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Christa Del GiornoApril 11, 2019 at 3:12 PM

    These beaches are the stuff dreams are made of! I haven’t yet explored this part of the world and am adding it to my bucket list!

    ReplyDelete
  15. That all white resort looks like a dream!! I love the chairs all lined up and the clean vibe. Both are lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Goodness, they all look so inviting! Thanks for the info, too. Thank you so very much for making My Corner of the World a success!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow all of these look amazing! Especially the white one!

    ReplyDelete
  18. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comApril 12, 2019 at 4:56 PM

    I do like Andalucia! Your shots are gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  19. These beaches and resorts do sound amazing! Thank you for sharing.

    https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a gorgeous paradise, and your photos are stunning dear, especially the sunset pic. Also, you're absolutely rocking the bikini!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. This post is paradise, Cristina! Thanks for sharing. Hope you've been well! :)

    -Lor
    hyggememories.com

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking out the time to leave a comment!