Next June 3-23 we will rake our second trip to Spain. We’re taking one of our adult daughters and our 11 year old granddaughter- their first trip to Europe. Our plans and lodging are all mapped out - Barcelona, Cordoba, Seville and Madrid - with one exception. We want to spend three nights between our stays in Seville and Madrid with a beach trip. We’re thinking either Cádiz or Malaga. Looking for opinions as to ease of rail access from Seville and then to Madrid. These days will be midweek - will we find beaches crowded? Packed days full of sightseeing isn’t really what we’re looking for - just a relaxing time as our trip nears its end. Any advice would be appreciated.
Posted by
10425 posts
My only experience with the beaches in southern Spain was at Fuengirola, Spain in Malaga province.
We found the beaches there very disappointing. I grew up in South Georgia near beaches that were way nicer than the ones at Fuengirola.
Malaga has a better, more upscale reputation, but not sure about the beaches.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
1678 posts
Malaga has an international airport. Consider flying open jaw to Barcelona, train to Madrid, train to Cordoba/Seville, train to Malaga and fly home. This may reduce the amount of doubling back. Or are you planning to fly between some of the cities?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9591 posts
Just logistics wise, Cadiz is closer to Seville, and a direct train ride, in just over an hour and a half. Malaga would be about an hour more by bus or train.
As for beaches, Malaga has a long stretch of beach, with beach clubs and restaurants, with the city bigger, more things going on, busy with both locals and tourists. The beach area is located away from the city center, but not too far.
Cadiz is/seems smaller, more intimate, good food. There is a smaller crescent beach right in the old town, it probably can get crowded in June. There also is a long stretch of beach along the newer town and beyond (look at a map, you'll see). Overall, the crowds will be less in Cadiz.
One difference though, Cadiz is on the Atlantic side, so the water a bit cooler, Malaga in the Mediterranean. I do not either will be terrible for crowds, and probably not on the beaches, as they are long enough to find your own area. It really would be a toss of a coin for me.
Posted by
new york
1875 posts
The province of Cadiz has some of there best beaches in Spain and they will not be crowded at all in June.
The city of Cadiz itself has much prettier beaches than those of Malaga. Close to Cadiz you can choose from many beautiful beaches. You can take a train from Sevilla to Cadiz.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2691 posts
I have a friend who has lived in Madrid for 60 years. Her family's summer home is Cadiz.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8839 posts
If beached are of paramount importance, then Cádiz wins. If other sites are more important, then I’d go with Málaga.