Hello Forum - I am starting to plan a family beach trip to Andalucia. We will be 2 adults in their 60's, 2 adults in their 40's and 2 children (7 and 11). We have done a few of these trips in Europe with great success. None of us have been to this area. We plan on renting a villa on or near the beach. We did the same in the Algarve and found a small village to stay in. That would be our preference in Andalucia. I am looking for guidance on a town(s) to look at. We will have a rental car to get around. The kids love the pool and spending some time at the beach. That will be the focus. My husband will arrive before the younger family and do our own cultural activities before we get to the villa. Could someone suggest some areas to look at? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Sevilla
1292 posts
Since you have a hire car, I'd look east of Almeria city, for example in Cabo de Gata natural park area. San Jose would be one coastal village to consider.
But, just to be clear, so I don't mislead you - this is not a convenient base for visiting Andalucia's western attractions like Sevilla or Ronda which I know many Americans only focus on. On the other hand, from San Jose, for example, day trips to Granada or Cartagena are, just about, practical. So would be visiting Sierra Nevada park, Almeria city itself (which I don't like, but it's worth a day, I suppose), and various smaller towns and villages in Almeria province or western Murcia region. Cabo de Gata is a beautiful area, both inland and the seaside beaches.
I'd avoid basing in Las Negras which is full of German hippy nudists (unless that's your thing, of course).
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I personally avoid anything on the Mediterranean side. It's too many condos and golf resorts though the park area mentioned might not be as bad.
My favorite is Costa de la Luz because it's miles of sand beaches that are relatively isolated from Europe. I visited in April and shared miles of beach with maybe one other family. There are a few smaller cities along the stretch between Tarifa and Cadiz where you can find services (Barbate, Zahora, Conil). The area isn't inconvenient to many white towns. Jerez and Cadiz are close. Seville isn't too much further but you would need a fast train (from Seville) to visit Cordoba or at least one overnight to visit Ronda or Granada.
Posted by
New York, NY
1582 posts
Hey Lacey,
You can target Nerja and Marbella Spain as towns to stay in Andalucia. Both places have great beaches. Also Malaga has nice beaches. You will be in central area to explore other towns.
Posted by
Washington DC
27111 posts
I know nothing about beaches, but it has been reported on this forum that there is a significant water-cleanliness issue in or near Nerja, so that's something to check out carefully if you're interested in that area and expect to spend time on the beach, not just in a pool.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks for the information. Question -- is the Atlantic side colder (water and/or air) than the Med side? Is there much climate difference
Posted by
Portsmouth
5262 posts
I would suggest Estepona. It is less built up than many of the other resort areas on the Costa Del Sol and doesn't suffer with the proliferation of some of the more uncouth sections of the British travelling public who mainly congregate around Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola. There's a nice long stretch of sandy beach and a pleasant old town with plenty of excellent restaurants dotted around. It's a small town and ideally located for day trips to Ronda, Gibraltar, Malaga and beyond.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Looks lovely
Posted by
New York, NY
1582 posts
Estepona looks like an undiscovered gem in Andalucia. Charming little town indeed.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5262 posts
Estepona looks like an undiscovered gem in Andalucia.
It is, even most Brits haven't heard of it even though they'll know of it's more famous neighbour Marbella. I like the fact that it has one of the nicest old towns in Andalucia and it's right on the sea, the best of both worlds.
Posted by
New York, NY
1582 posts
Thanks for the recommendation JC, I will put that on my bucket list for when i return to Andalucia in June. Andalucia is my favorite region in Spain.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6534 posts
Following Nick, we enjoyed Mojacar that is east of Almeria. I also like the Costa de la Luz idea. Along it are, Rota, Chipiona, and Sanlucar de la Barrameda. Rota is popular with German tourists, but is close to Puerto de Santa Maria, Jerez de la Frontera, a ferry ride away from Cadiz, and an hour drive from Sevilla. A very nice hotel in Rota is the Duque de Najera.