Last Updated: June 2022
With the year-round sun as well as long and hot summers, when the weather starts heating up in Seville the best thing to do to cool off is to head to the closest beach! And fortunately, Seville has some amazing beaches all within relatively close distance to the city. Here’s a little overview of the different coastal destinations nearby as well as my top picks for the best beaches near Seville!
Which Andalusian provinces are on the coast? Not Seville!
Before going into my top picks for the best beaches near Seville, remember that Seville itself doesn’t actually have any beaches at all, so here is the low-down on the different nearby areas that do! There are four main areas with beaches near Seville that are no more than 2-3 hours drive from the city, giving you some great options for both day trips and overnight or weekend trips. While I mention all of the nearby areas here, the specific recommendations further below are all in the Huelva and Cadiz province given that these two provinces are the closest to Seville.
Cádiz
The western part of Costa de Luz in the Cadiz province, stretching from Tarifa to the west and finishing is another popular summer destination, but more laid back than the neighbouring Costa del Sol. You’ll still find a range of beaches, some more popular than others and even some totally off the beaten track, though there is one important thing to know that characterises this part of the Costa de la Luz – the wind!
The levante is the famous easterly wind that blows along the coast in Cadiz, causing high swells and a flurry of sand on the beaches. it is strongest through the Strait of Gibraltar, where Tarifa is located (Tarifa is the windsurfing capital of Europe for a reason!) but can be felt along all the beaches on a windy day. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit here (you should!) but it’s a good idea to check the weather before heading down.
Huelva
My personal favourite, Huelva has a few popular beach town areas where you’ll have restaurants and other services on or near the beach, but the best part about the Costa de la luz in Huelva is the long stretch of rugged coastline that forms a part of the Doñana National Park with many totally natural beaches where even on the busiest summer day you can find a relatively quiet piece of beach for yourself.
This is also one of the closest beach areas to Seville, meaning that you can easily justify heading down every weekend during summer if that’s what takes your fancy!
Malaga
Malaga, home to the Costa del Sol, is the most famous beach destination in Andalusia and is especially popular among British and Northern European travellers. You’ll find both Malaga city as well as popular beach resorts along the coast. With an array of different beach towns and activities, it’s a popular option among families, although the summer crowds make it the least desirable option, in my opinion.
Depedmomg where you go in Malaga you can find a bit of everything, from long sandy beaches with bustling beach towns to rocky cliff-backed bays further along the coast to the west.
Algarve, Portugal
So while not Spain, it’s actually quicker to get to the western part of the Algarve region in Portugal than it is to get to Malaga! There are no border crossing procedures nor checks, so it is super easy to pop over to the nearby beaches for the day, or even make a weekend trip out of it.
Closest to the Spanish border you’ll find long sandy beaches with beach towns that are full of places to stay (and great places to devour the amazing Portuguese seafood specialties!), with the beaches getting more rugged and wild, the further to the east you head. In fact, the far eastern part of the Algarve, around Lagos and Sagres is one of my favourite beach destinations in Europe.
Photo Credit: Carlos ZGZ
The Best Beaches Near Seville
1. Bolonia Beach, Cadiz
22 kilometres away from the popular coastal town of Tarifa, and two and a half hours drive from Seville, is the beautiful Bolonia beach. Its 4 kilometres of fine white sand, crystal clear blue water, and the fact that it is somewhat sheltered from Cadiz’s strong levante wind, make it one of the best beaches near Seville for a weekend getaway.
At one end you’ve got a small town with shops, restaurants, beach bars and places to stay. And for the more adventurous types, you can walk along to the other end of the beach and climb up the 30m high and almost 200m wide sand dune where you’ll get spectacular views overlooking Bolonia beach – and even views out to Africa in the distance!
Also recommended: After you’ve finished sunning yourself on the beach, check out the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia. One of the most well-preserved examples of a Roman town, this is a total must for history lovers. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday and free for visitors from the EU (or €1.50 for non-EU visitors).
Photo Credit: Manuel Acebedo
2. El Palmar, Cadiz
If I’m looking for a beach where I can go to the beach and then wander across the road to the town for a cerveza and tapa, this is my go-to place! El Palmar has a charming surfie town feel a number of surf shops, bars and shops running parallel to the beach on the other side of the road and totally comes alive in summer. The small town bustles all day long and well into the night with many cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs – there is something for everyone.
And in winter, it’s a surfer’s paradise! Whether you’re a keen surfer or a willing beginner, with multiple different surf shops along the beach-front road, it is easy to hire all the gear required to spend a day or more surfing or pick up some surf lessons.
Not to be missed: The sunsets at El Palmar are magical! Have your camera ready as the sky changes colour and the sun drops down over the ocean. Even better with a cold drink in hand!
Photo Credit: Jose A.
3. Matalascañas, Huelva
The nearest beach to Seville, Matalascañas is a favourite choice for many sevillanos to head to in the summer – I’ve heard it being referred to as the “playa de Sevilla” (Seville’s beach) more than a few times!
The quick hour-long drive or bus ride, numerous beach bars and restaurants along the seafront promenade and kilometres of fine, golden sand are what make this beach one of the best beaches near Seville. However, my personal favourite is not Matalascañas itself, but rather the neighbouring beaches between Matalascañas and Mazagón (more on that below!).
Fun Fact: The old guard tower Torre de la Higuera; one of seven defensive towers built in the 16th century by Phillip II, stands peculiarly in the water after toppling over in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
4. Cuesta Maneli, Rompeculos and Torre de la Higuera, Huelva
If you really want to get off the beaten track and find a piece of beach for yourself even in the height of summer, one of these beaches in the Doñana National Park, in between the more popular and busier beach towns of Matalascañas and Mazagón is for you! These beaches are hands down, my favourite beaches near Seville and true hidden gems that locals love. And while not officially being dog beaches, they are all dog friendly so bring your four-legged friends along for the day!
Cuesta Maneli
If you spend long enough in Seville you’ll hear locals talk about this beach as being one of the most beautiful and best beaches to visit near to the city, but getting there it’s not for the faint-hearted. Park your car in the parking alongside the road then set off on a 15-20 minutes over the wooden boardwalk and down the sand dunes – but trust me, it’s worth it!
Torre de la Higuera
This is the busiest of the beaches mentioned here, but that’s because access to the beach is the easiest. Put “Heidi Banana” in Google Maps and it’ll take you to the beach parking for this beach. Parking is €5 a day and fills up in summer so get there early! In just a couple of minutes from the parking, you’ll be on the sand. For fewer crowds, turn right when you hit the sand and walk a few minutes along, past the boating area. The only chiringuito, Heidi Banana, is a great option for lunch and a fun place to wind down with a gin and tonic in hand as the sun is going down.
Rompeculos
Located in between the Parador and Camping Donaña, this is the next beach along from Cuesta Maneli and is for true nature lovers! like its neighbour, being totally isolated with nothing but the trees, sand and ocean around means that even on the busiest summer day you can find some peace and quiet down here. Anything goes on this beach, and if you are keen on getting totally in touch with nature, clothing is optional.
Fontanilla
Located at the far end of the national park near the other beach town, Mazagón, this is my personal favourite on the list. Why? Because its far enough away from one of the towns (in this case, Mazagón) that parking is easy and the beach doesn’t get too crowded, but the path down to the beach – while being a bush track – is shorter and easier than Rompeculos and Cuesta Maneli. Once down on the beach, the vibe is similar though, with not much apart from the beautiful nature. More fishermen do tend to frequent here, so once you hit the beach it’s worth walking 5 minutes or so to your left to get out of the main fishing area.
Photo Credit: jmarchena
5. La Caleta Beach and Santa Maria del Mar, Cadiz
An easy journey by train, Cadiz is a great city to visit for a beach day and a popular option if you don’t have a car handy. Start off your morning soaking up the sun at this famous city beach La Caleta. With fishing boats bobbing gently in the water and views of San Sebastian and Santa Catalina castles, the picturesque small bay is great for the whole family with calm, shallow waters.
In the afternoon walk along the promenade (paseo del Vendaval) towards Santa Maria del Mar beach. Soft white sand and transparent water make this beach a popular option in the city and the perfect spot to spend the afternoon swimming and sunbathing. As the sun begins to set, grab a table at Tirabuzón beach bar and enjoy the spectacular sunset with a beautiful view looking towards the Cadiz cathedral and old town.
And if you didn’t pack a picnic lunch, swing by my favourite seafood restaurant in the city centre, Taberna el Tío de la Tiza, but get there early! It’s definitely a local’s favourite so tables fill up pretty quickly.
6. Chipiona, Cadiz
If the sevillanos aren’t heading to Matalascanas beach, they’re on their way to Chipiona. With a beach boardwalk that follows the entirety of Chipiona’s coastline, this old fishing village is a popular summer destination.
The long white sandy beaches are perfect for both beach bums and water sports lovers with surfing, kiteboarding and sailing all activities on offer, making it one of the best beaches near Seville for all types, no matter what your interests are!
Things to do in Chipiona (aside from lazing on the beach):
- Lighthouse: Chipiona’s lighthouse is an impressive landmark of the town. At 69m tall it is the tallest lighthouse in Spain and the 3rd tallest in Europe. It is still a working lighthouse and there are guided tours available through the tourist office, where after climbing the 350 spiralling steps you are rewarded with stunning 360° panoramic views.
- Fishing corrals: Another must-see is the town’s famous fishing corrals, an ancient fishing technique still used in Chipiona. The corrals are man-made walls that stand 1.5 metres tall made out of stones, oysters and shellfish which capture the animals trapped by the walls when the tide goes out. At low tide, a handful of registered fishermen wade the shallow waters collecting the catch. A visit can be arranged through the tourist office.
- Eat the local specialities: Lastly, indulge in some of the freshest seafood in one of the small bars or local restaurants scattered throughout the white-washed walls of Chipiona’s old town or near the beach. El Faro or Casa Laura are two local institutions that are well-loved among locals for lunch, otherwise, I love heading to the Despacho de Vinos Bodega Católico Agrícola (Avendia Nuestra Señora de Regla, 12) for a glass of the local tipple, sweet Moscatel wine, paired with simple traditional tapas such as anchovies or cheese.
7. Punta Umbria, Huelva
Not too far from the city of Huelva lies Punta Umbria, a small town located next to the banks of the Odiel River and a long coastline of golden sandy beaches. Some of the best and most popular beaches near Seville are found in Punta Umbria, such as:
Punta Umbria Beach
Close to the town centre and with an abundance of bars and restaurants along the avenue behind the beach, Punta Umbria is one of the most popular beaches in the summer. Head to the far western end near Mosquito Club, a bar on the beach sand, and you’ll find a big parking lot which costs €2 to park for 24 hours. And since you’re down that way, Mosquito Club is a fun place to catch live music and DJs in the late afternoon and evening, or simply relax with an afternoon beer, too.
Los Enebrales Beach
- Tucked away in a pine tree forest, this virgin beach is the perfect place to relax.
La Bota Beach
Another idyllic beach to relax and enjoy the sun, La Bota beach can be accessed via a path running parallel to the sea, perfect for biking or walking. There are several beach facilities and it’s popular among kitesurfers and windsurfers.
El Portil Beach
Found at the end of La Bota beach and at just 40m wide, El Portil is a small beach that stretches alongside El Portil lagoon. With remnants of old military bunkers, this natural reserve is an ideal beach to spend the day in the sun
8. Los Caños de Meca, Cadiz
Last but definitely not least, Los Caños de Meca (or simply Los Caños) is one of my favourite places to spend a weekend in summer, as well as being a beach that is near to my heart. If you blink you’ll miss this tiny and fairly unspoiled beach town, which is found a little bit further along the coast from El Palmar, but in my opinion is got exactly just what you need for a fun beach weekend away!
Set up your tent at the Camping Camaleón (you can’t book so make sure you get there early on Friday afternoon to get a spot), sip a cool manzanilla sherry poured straight from the barrel and eat the best tortilla ever in La Borracheria – my favourite little bodega found on the main road, dance the night away in one of the two chiringuitos (beach bars) on the beach – all in between beach siestas and ocean swims, of course! This truly is one of the must-see beaches near Seville, perfect for a weekend getaway!