National Geographic: These 3 Beaches In Andalucía Are Among Spain’s Best

National Geographic España has recently announced the top 20 beaches in southern Spain’s Andalucía. The beaches stretch for more than 7,000 km (4,350 mi) between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. All along the region’s coast, beautiful beaches offer every amenity and a unique wealth of biodiversity and historic features for sun worshippers and nature lovers alike.

Meanwhile, the prestigious magazine has deemed the following three beaches the best in Andalucía, while also being among the best in Spain. As southern Spain gears up for the spring and summer season, these are the beaches that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

3 Best Beaches in Andalucía according to National Geographic

La Playa de los Genoveses, Almeria Province, Andalucía

One of the three top beaches, La Playa de Los Genoveses has starred in several movies, including the iconic Lawrence of Arabia. The 1 km (0.6 mi) beach nestles in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park and offers a wide stretch of sand and calm waters, backed by small dunes and vegetation.

Thanks to the gradual slope of the beach into the water, this is an ideal place for a family vacation. However, according to National Geographic, it is important to note that on windy days, strong currents can form. However, during good weather, La Playa de los Genoveses is perfect for travelers seeking relaxation along the coast.

La Playa de Matalascañas, Huelva Province

This next beach is also perfect as a family vacation destination. La Playa de Matalascañas stretches for 5 km (3 mi) and is one of the biggest and best in the Costa de la Luz. What makes this beach extra special is the harmonious coexistence of an idyllic beach with one of the biggest biodiversity sanctuaries in Europe, the Doñana National Park.

Meanwhile, this beautiful beach also features some history standing on its shores. Among the natural setting stands the remains of a tower built in the 16th century and dubbed the Torre de la Higuera. The tower was built by King Felipe III to protect the coastline from attacks by Berber pirates from across the Mediterranean Sea. This makes the beach a perfect destination for sun worshippers and history lovers alike.

La Playa de Cuesta Maneli, Huelva Province, Andalucía

Staying in Huelva Province, along the coast from the Puerto Deportivo de Mazagon is La Playa de Cuesta Maneli in Almonte. This beautiful stretch of uninterrupted beaches reveals a unique beach experience. The largely unspoiled beach also forms part of the Doñana National Park. This makes it a perfect place for travelers seeking relaxation and tranquility. Meanwhile, National Geographic notes this is also one of the popular beaches to practice naturism in Huelva Province, for those seeking a freer, natural environment.

For those keen to find out the best beaches in all regions of Spain, the following is a full list of the top 20, according to National Geographic:

1. Playa de Gulpiyuri, Llanes (Asturias)
2. Castro de Baroña, La Coruña (Galicia)
3. Playa de las Catedrales, Ribadeo (Galicia)
4. Cala d’Aiguablava, Begur (Cataluña)
5. Cala Saladeta, Ibiza (Islas Baleares)
6. Playa de Poo, Llanes (Asturias)
7. Playa de Itzurun, Zumaia (País Vasco)
8. Playa de Matalascañas, Almonte, Huelva (Andalucía)
9. Cala Macarella y Cala Macarelleta, Menorca (Islas Baleares)
10. Playa La Carolina, Águilas (Murcia)
11. Cala Pola, Tossa de Mar (Cataluña)
12. Playa de Nogales, La Palma (Islas Canarias)
13. Playa de Benijo, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Islas Canarias)
14. Playa de Laga, Ibarranguelua (País Vasco)
15. Playa de Trengandín, Noja (Cantabria)
16. Playa los Genoveses, Níjar, Almería (Andalucía)
17. Playa de Oyambre, San Vicente de la Barquera (Cantabria)
18. Caló d’Es moro, Mallorca (Islas Baleares)
19. Cala Granadella, Jávea (Comunidad Valenciana)
20. Playa de Tabarca, Alicante (Comunidad Valenciana)

Visit one of the best beaches in Spain this summer and enjoy everything that each stretch of sand has to offer.