Andalucia is known for its beaches. The Province is blessed with some of Spain’s most beautiful and most varied coastline.
From the desert-like, Mediterranean beaches found in the Province of Almeria to the windswept Atlantic coasts of Cadiz. When it comes to beaches – Andalucia has it all. So where to go?
Here are five of our favorite beaches for families with small children.
The beaches listed below are ones that we regularly visit and ones that were selected for ease of access, shallowness of water, cleanliness and swimming safety.
They are all ideal for families with small children.
La Cala del Aceite, Conil de la Frontera
La Cala del Aceite is situated in the beautiful village of Conil de la Frontera, on Spain’s ‘light coast’ – the Costa de la Luz. Most of the beaches along this stretch of coastline are known for their waves, wind and great surfing conditions. La Cala del Aceite is not one of those beaches.
Protected by the Atlantic swell from the local fishing port (see picture), the water is shallow and very calm. The beach is ideally suited to families with small children.
Access is OK. The road leading to the beach is fairly potholed and becomes a track, but it is easily passable. You need to park at the top and walk down to the beach
Amenities - one restaurant on the beach which was fairly expensive. The nearby campsite (500m walk) is a cheaper option and has shops and a restaurant
Additional information - Holiday homes in Conil de la Frontera, Spain Holiday’s Costa del Luz high definition video and a home-made video of La Cala del Aceite
La Herradura, Costa Tropical
La Herradura is situated on the Costa Tropical, 8kms from Almuñecar and 18kms from Nerja. The town’s main beach sits on a horseshoe-shaped bay that keeps the waters calm and protected.
The stretch of beach near the campsite is best for children. There are numerous rocks for them to explore and go crabbing. The water is clean,full of fish and offers great snorkeling.
During the summer months they often have a floating pontoon with a diving board and slide, which will keep children entrained for hours.
Access is brilliant. You drive and park right next to the beach
Amenities - everything you could hope for. Restaurants, shops and supermarkets are all within easy walking distance
Additional information - Holiday rentals in La Herradura and Spain holiday’s Costa Tropical high definition video
Bolonia beach, Costa de la Luz
Miles and miles of fine, golden sand is what you can expect to find on Playa de Bolonia.
Situated 25 minutes from Tarifa, Europe’s surfing capital, the sea can be rough and winds can pick up.
Being the Atlantic, the water is colder and more care should be taken when swimming….but the beach is spectacular. Children love it.
The village of El Lentiscal is very small, very quiet and very child friendly.
Access is very good. You can drive and park near the beach
Amenities - the village of El Lentiscal offers good restaurants, several shops and supermarkets.
Additional information - Holiday rentals on the Costa de la Luz, Spain holiday’s Costa de la Luz high definition video and a blog post about Bolonia beach
El Playazo Beach, Cabo de Gata
image credit @flickr trebol-a
Cabo de Gata National Park in Almeria, is a beach lover’s paradise. It is home to some of Spain’s – if not Europe’s – most beautiful coastline. A couple of the beaches within Cabo de Gata are consistently voted as being the ‘best in Spain.’
El Playazo beach, near the village of Rodalquilar is a firm family favourite. Unlike most in the National Park, access is very good, you can drive and park mere meters away from the beach itself. The water is crystal clear and very shallow.
Access is good (see above)
Amenities - there was one restaurant with sign reminding diners to please eat with their clothes on. The whole of Cabo de Gata seems to be clothing optional. The food was great though.
Additional information – Holiday homes in Almeria and a blog post about Cabo de Gata
El Cañuelo beach, Costa del Sol
Playa el Canuelo has often been referred to as the ‘Costa del Sol’s best beach,’ it is a very fine line between the Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical.
Playa el Canuelo seems to sit right on the border. Whichever coast it sits in, the beach is spectacular. It is very typical of all the beaches you can find in Los Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo National Park, with exceptionally clean water, shingle beaches and numerous hidden coves.
Access is restricted. In summer months you need to take a bus down from the parking near the main road (N340). The shuttle buses run regularly and are very reasonably priced – 2€ return per adult and children go for free.
Amenities - there are now two restaurants near the beach. The original one is a traditional chiringuito, specialising in fish and salads. The newer one is more vegetarian/organic themed. One important point to bear in mind, is there are no phone connections in the National Park, do not expect to pay by card – bring cash!
Additional information - Holiday rentals on the Costa del Sol, Spain Holiday’s Costa del Sol high definition video and a blog post about Playa el Cañuelo
