Beaches in the south of Spain to spend unforgettable days this summer 2024

No trip to Southern Spain is complete until you pay a visit to one of its many gorgeous and colorful beaches. While this beautiful region is home to many different charming cities with wide-ranging attractions—such as Málaga and its historic landmarks or Marbella and its lively nightlife—the beauty of the beaches in the south of Spain is one of its most memorable and appealing features.

In this post, we outline a few Southern Spain beach towns, some of our favorite beaches in each of them, and the best hotels to stay at near them. Going through the previously mentioned cities of Málaga and Marbella as well as Murcia, Algeciras, and Huelva, we hope to lend you a hand in your coastal holiday planning. These stunning beaches, along with the region’s gorgeous weather, delicious cuisine, and plentiful cultural attractions, are sure to delight you during your visit.

Playa de Algeciras

Murcia is a gorgeous region in the southeast of Spain and a great alternative to other, more well-known major destinations in the country. Its cities—such as the historically-rich Cartagena and the region’s capital, also named Murcia—have loads going on, making it a great spot for a rewarding and exciting vacation. Visit Murcia to marvel at historical landmarks like the Roman Theatre in Cartagena, indulge in a delicious local cuisine that features plenty of seafood and dishes like the famous arroz meloso, and, of course, to enjoy some of its many stunning beaches, suitable for an afternoon of sunbathing, playing your favorite water sports, and everything in between.

Here's one of our favorite beaches in Murcia:

Cala Cortina

Located near the harbor in the city of Cartagena, Cala Cortina is one of the city’s most gorgeous places. Surrounded by cliffs, the beach is around 210 meters long and has several spots which are ideal for practicing different water activities, such as diving or snorkeling. The beach is also a perfect place where to relax while taking in the sun and the paradisical views of its golden sand and the different shades of blue of its waters. Last but not least, Cala de Cortina is also home to the famous Mares Bravas restaurant where you can enjoy exquisite seafood dishes while enjoying the equally exquisite views of the sea.

Our NH Cartagena is a four-star hotel that’s located just an eight-minute walk away from Cala Cortina. It’s a modern hotel with 100 spacious and tastefully decorated rooms, which include flat screen TVs and king-size beds where you can enjoy sound sleep through the night. Some of the hotel’s rooms feature a terrace along with mesmerizing views of the sea. Its privileged location is nearby many of Cartagena’s fascinating cultural attractions, including the Naval Museum, the Roman Theatre, and La Concepción Castle. You can also rest assured that the hotel features the fantastic amenities and facilities that MINOR HOTELS EUROPE & AMERICAS is known for providing. Book your stay at the NH Cartagena now and enjoy the vacation of a lifetime while exploring the lovely region of Murcia.

Playa Malagueta

Málaga is widely referred to as the capital of the Costa del Sol region, which covers the southern stretch of Andalusia and is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the south of Spain. Beyond its amazing year-round weather and its coastal beauty, Málaga is also one of the oldest port cities in the Mediterranean, with all the historical charm that comes with it. With landmarks like the 13th-century Alcazaba de Málaga and the Baroque Málaga Cathedral along with its quaint squares with cobblestone streets and plenty of shops and restaurants, the city is a joy to go sightseeing in. You can also visit some of Málaga’s many great museums when you are not too busy enjoying its gorgeous beaches.

Let’s take a look at some of the most stunning beaches in Málaga:

Playa de la Malagueta

The buzzing Playa de la Malagueta is Málaga’s most famous beach and the one located closest to the city’s historic center. Beyond its iconic Malagueta sign, you will find an idyllic setting featuring golden sand, palm trees, and a peculiar mix of locals and tourists engaging in beach activities like diving or playing beach volleyball. Playa de la Malagueta is around 1200 meters long and has many restaurants, bars, and shops in its surroundings. Its services and amenities include showers, hammocks, umbrellas and a children play area, making it a great choice for visiting with the entire family.

Playa de la Caleta

With mild waves and gorgeous dark sand, Playa de la Caleta is another very popular beach near Málaga’s city center. It has length of around 1000 meters and offers plenty of services, including its own free parking, a beach restaurant, and rental services for different equipment like hammocks, umbrellas, and paddle boats. It’s surrounded by the lovely Pablo Ruiz Picasso Promenade, which is ideal for going for a leisurely afternoon stroll, and it’s a great choice for visiting with children, thanks to its playground and surveillance services. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag certification, which attests to the quality of its waters and its environmental management.

Nestled in the heart of the city, the NH Málaga is a 245-room luxurious hotel with plenty of amenities and first-class services. It’s a great choice if you’d like to visit these beaches during your stay, since it’s located just a 10-minute and a 14-minute drive, respectively, from Playa de la Malagueta and Playa de la Caleta. Its range of facilities include an outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art gym, the incredible Tablafina Málaga Restaurant, and a terrace bar. The hotel’s enviable location means that some of its rooms offer gorgeous river views and that it’s nearby many shops and restaurants as well as some of the city’s top tourist attractions.

Playa de la Fontanilla

Marbella is a vibrant town on the Andalusian coast where hundreds of excited tourists spend their holidays every year. As part of the region’s famous Costa del Sol, Marbella is home to many of the best beaches in the south of Spain. With choices including Playa de Linda Vista and Playa Guadalmina, you simply cannot go wrong with a trip to Marbella if you’re looking to spend a relaxing beach holiday. The city has plenty more attractions as well, as it is also known for its stupendous golf courses, for having a very lively nightlife, and for its gorgeous architecture, which is perhaps best exemplified by the Plaza de los Naranjos square, located in the city’s lovely Old Town.

Here are some of the most stunning beaches in Marbella:

Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara

With its calm crystal-clear waters, the Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara is one of the most tranquil beaches in Marbella. It features a spacious promenade, which is lined with palm trees and plenty of beach bars and restaurants. During the summer the beach can get a lot of visitors, however, its free parking makes it very convenient and simple to access. The Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara is a good option if you’re travelling with children and has had the Blue Flag certification for over 20 years now.

Playa de Linda Vista

Playa de Linda Vista is a lovely beach with crystal-clear waters and a great place where to take in the sun. With a length of around 650 meters and an average width around 30 meters, Playa de Linda Vista features plenty of services and facilities, including showers, a first-aid station, hammocks and umbrellas for rent, as well as plenty of beach bars and restaurants. Many parking spots are available just a few meters away from the beach and, during certain times of the year, you can visit the beach with your dog. This beach also boasts of having been awarded the Blue Flag certification.

Playa Guadalmina

Playa Guadalmina is packed with all the services and facilities you could ask for to enjoy a day out at the beach. These include showers, cleaning services, hammocks, a playground, and several beach bars. It’s also a must-visit for fans of history and archaeology as it boasts of a 16th-century watchtower and Roman ruins. Playa Guadalmina has a length of around 1600 meters with an average width around 25 meters and features mild waves and beautiful golden sand. Additionally, the beach waves the Blue Flag and has over 100 parking spots available.

With 55 rooms and 5 Junior Suites, the NH San Pedro de Alcántara is the right choice if you’d like to explore the Costa del Sol in luxury. Connecting rooms are also available, which are ideal if you’re visiting with different family members. One of the hotel’s highlights is its rooftop bar, where guests can enjoy refreshing cocktails and unparalleled views of the sea and the mountains. What’s more, the hotel is within six minutes by car from all three of these wonderful beaches. Located in the heart of a major shopping area, the hotel’s also near several restaurants and bars. What are you waiting for? Book an accommodation now and discover the charm of the Spanish coastal cities.

Playa Nagüeles

Marbella is a vibrant town on the Andalusian coast where hundreds of excited tourists spend their holidays every year. As part of the region’s famous Costa del Sol, Marbella is home to many of the best beaches in the south of Spain. With choices including Playa de Linda Vista and Playa Guadalmina, you simply cannot go wrong with a trip to Marbella if you’re looking to spend a relaxing beach holiday. The city has plenty more attractions as well, as it is also known for its stupendous golf courses, for having a very lively nightlife, and for its gorgeous architecture, which is perhaps best exemplified by the Plaza de los Naranjos square, located in the city’s lovely Old Town.

Here are some of the most stunning beaches in Marbella:

Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara

With its calm crystal-clear waters, the Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara is one of the most tranquil beaches in Marbella. It features a spacious promenade, which is lined with palm trees and plenty of beach bars and restaurants. During the summer the beach can get a lot of visitors, however, its free parking makes it very convenient and simple to access. The Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara is a good option if you’re travelling with children and has had the Blue Flag certification for over 20 years now.

Playa de Linda Vista

Playa de Linda Vista is a lovely beach with crystal-clear waters and a great place where to take in the sun. With a length of around 650 meters and an average width around 30 meters, Playa de Linda Vista features plenty of services and facilities, including showers, a first-aid station, hammocks and umbrellas for rent, as well as plenty of beach bars and restaurants. Many parking spots are available just a few meters away from the beach and, during certain times of the year, you can visit the beach with your dog. This beach also boasts of having been awarded the Blue Flag certification.

Playa Guadalmina

Playa Guadalmina is packed with all the services and facilities you could ask for to enjoy a day out at the beach. These include showers, cleaning services, hammocks, a playground, and several beach bars. It’s also a must-visit for fans of history and archaeology as it boasts of a 16th-century watchtower and Roman ruins. Playa Guadalmina has a length of around 1600 meters with an average width around 25 meters and features mild waves and beautiful golden sand. Additionally, the beach waves the Blue Flag and has over 100 parking spots available.

With 55 rooms and 5 Junior Suites, the NH San Pedro de Alcántara is the right choice if you’d like to explore the Costa del Sol in luxury. Connecting rooms are also available, which are ideal if you’re visiting with different family members. One of the hotel’s highlights is its rooftop bar, where guests can enjoy refreshing cocktails and unparalleled views of the sea and the mountains. What’s more, the hotel is within six minutes by car from all three of these wonderful beaches. Located in the heart of a major shopping area, the hotel’s also near several restaurants and bars. What are you waiting for? Book an accommodation now and discover the charm of the Spanish coastal cities.

Playa de Algeciras

Located in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, near the Strait of Gibraltar, the city of Algeciras is another Southern Spain beach town option to stay in summer. Algeciras is home to some of the most sought-after beaches, where visitors go to enjoy relaxing, sunny days regardless of the season. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Algeciras is also a joy to visit thanks to its historical landmarks—such as the Moorish Castle—and a lively cultural life, which you can get a glimpse of at the charming Plaza Alta square or at one of the city’s colorful open-air street markets. With a great historical importance as a major port city, Algeciras continues to be popular with visitors from all over the world, in no small part due to the beauty of its beaches.

These are some of the most recommended beaches in Algeciras:

Playa de Palmones

An urban beach but with a quiet atmosphere during the early afternoons, Playa de Palmones is famous for its clean golden sand, its clear waters, and the bright sun that shines upon it. If you’re looking for a place to sunbathe and get that tan you’ve been looking for, you have found an ideal spot. It’s also a good beach for surfing. There are several bars and restaurants nearby where you can indulge in the delicious local cuisine. The beach has a length of around 750 meters, features a promenade, and has plenty of services available, including parking, showers, and a rescue team.

Playa de Guadarranque

A gorgeous beach with small natural dunes, Playa de Guadarranque is perfect for visiting with the whole family. Its waters are calm, and it features a lovely promenade along with beautiful golden sand. The beach’s location is also a plus, as it’s located near the ruins of the Phoenician and Roman town of Carteia, a stunning tourist attraction. With a length of around 600 meters and an average width around 60 meters, Playa de Guadarranque also has plenty of services and facilities to offer its visitors, including parking, showers, a rescue team, and a children’s area.

Playa de El Rinconcillo

Playa de El Rinconcillo is one of the most frequented beaches in Algeciras, particularly by locals. It’s a tranquil beach with an even bottom, which makes it suitable for children. Near its promenade you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants where you can indulge in the local cuisine. El Rinconcillo is a very large beach—with a length of 4 kilometers of golden fine sand and an average width of 30 meters—and you’ll find plenty of services and facilities along it. Among them we can highlight a children play area, a surveillance team, showers, and hammocks.

The NH Campo de Gibraltar is an easily accessible hotel that boasts of having a very central location in Algeciras and 100 well-furnished rooms. It’s located just a 9-minute drive away from Playa de Guadarranque and a 12-minute drive from Playa de El Rinconcillo. In addition, its guests can enjoy room service, private parking, and many more first-class amenities. You can also rest assured that you’ll be treated with the personalized service and attention that has come to be expected from MINOR HOTELS EUROPE & AMERICAS. If you wish to feel at home during your holiday in Algeciras, this is the hotel for you.

Playa de la Bota

Huelva, a port city with wide-ranging attractions, is home to the last of the beaches in the south of Spain that we’ll be highlighting today. Besides the beaches located near the city, Huelva also features historical landmarks—including a famous statue of Christopher Columbus and the Catedral de la Merced—the gorgeous Odiel river, green spaces like the Parque Zafra, and plenty of great restaurants where to indulge in the renowned regional cuisine. It truly is one of Andalusia’s hidden gems. With its natural beauty and its many diverse cultural attractions, Huelva proves to be a delight for all kinds of travelers.

The following is one of our favorite beaches to visit during a trip to the city:

Playa de la Bota

Surrounded by pine trees and dunes, Playa de la Bota is a large beach in a gorgeous setting that receives plenty of visitors, specially during the summer. With a length of 3800 meters and a width that reaches up to almost 300 meters, the beach features plenty of convenient services and facilities. These include showers, cleaning services, food and drinks, as well as rental services for equipment like umbrellas and hammocks. With its fine white sand and beautiful blue waters, it’s hard to think of a more beautiful area where to enjoy a leisurely stroll or simply take in the sun.

Playa de la Bota is located just 15 minutes by car from the NH Luz Huelva, a four-star hotel right in the heart of Huelva. This central location will have you just steps away from a wide choice of restaurants and bars as well as some of the city’s top tourist attractions. The hotel features 106 spacious rooms with modern décor, most of which have their own private terrace. Among the hotel’s fantastic facilities, guests are able to enjoy two open-air terraces (ideal for having drinks while breathing in some fresh air), a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a convenient work area. Book a stay and discover all the Huelva has to offer.

Don’t miss the opportunity of discovering the amazing beauty of these beaches in the south of Spain. Book an accommodation at one of the fantastic options that MINOR HOTELS EUROPE & AMERICAS has for you at each of these cities and experience the vacation of a lifetime. All through southern Spain, we’re here to help you have a wonderful stay!