Many people say that if Seville had a beach, it would have it all, but thankfully you can escape to the seaside at a number of incredible beaches nearby.

With roughly 300 days of sun a year, and temperatures regularly above 40C in summer, Seville is one of the hottest cities in Europe, and while there are many amazing ways to cool off in the city itself, sometimes we all just have to escape to the beach.

With over 1000km of coastline, Andalusia is full of exceptional beaches to relax at and catch a few rays, but not all are easily accessible from Seville and many are overdeveloped and consistently overcrowded. Check out our 6 favorite beaches near Seville, perfect for a short escape to the playa during your time in the city.

Bolonia, Cadiz

For many people, Bolonia, located along the Costa de la Luz in the Cadiz region, is not just the best beach near Seville, but one of the best in Andalusia. Secluded and far enough away from Cadiz and Seville to avoid becoming too popular or crowded, Bolonia is an untouched paradise.

Along with a vast area where families and sunbathers can take in the sun, the brisk levante (easterly) wind that blows through part of the bay also makes it a hotspot for windsurfing and other watersports. 

And there’s even something for the history buff in your group, as behind the enormous sand dune (at 30 meters high, it’s said to be one of the largest in Europe), you’ll find the Baelo Claudia Roman ruins, showing off the fascinating history of this Spanish fishing town. Alternatively, the dunes also serve as a great activity to occupy restless kids while you work your tan.

How to get here: 

• Unfortunately, there is no direct public transport route to this beach so the most convenient way to reach it is by car. 
• It is about 2 hours 15 minutes and is about 200km (124 miles) away. 
• If the bus is your only option, catch it from Plaza de Armas and get off at Facinas. You will then need to take a short taxi ride to get to the beach.

Punta Umbría

If you are looking for a place where the vibrant nightlife goes on into the early hours of the morning during the warm summer months, Punta Umbría is the place for you. This is the largest seaside town in the area of Huelva on the Costa de la Luz, and being within easy reach from Seville makes it a popular weekend destination for those looking for the best of both worlds– lazy beach days and sociable summer nights. 

The Punta Umbría beach stretches nearly 4 kilometers along the coastline, so although it is a very popular beach with local families, you should be able to find your own stretch of sand to enjoy too.

How to get here: 

• There is public transport to this beach, though it isn’t direct. It involves taking the train from Seville to Huelva, a 20 minute walk to a bus stop to pick up the inter-city bus to Punta Umbría, then another 10 minute walk to reach the beach itself. 
• If you choose to drive it is only 112 km (70 miles) and should take around 1 hour 20 minutes.

Caños de Meca, Cadiz

Another gem along the Cadiz section of the Costa de la Luz is the stunning Caños de Meca. The drama of the sheer drop from the forest-covered cliffs contrasts amazingly with the relaxing atmosphere and bohemian vibe along the golden, sandy beaches. 

Another beach with great water sports conditions, the restaurants overlooking the water and the beachside bars are another huge draw for the locals who visit. The beautiful views and delicious food from El Pirata restaurant make for a great lunch, and the party in the summer months doesn’t stop until you do. 

Check out the nearby Trafalgar Lighthouse (Pago los Caños de Meca, 261) during your stay too, where the battle of Trafalgar was fought during the 19th Century. Sun, sea, sand, great food and even history, Caños de Meca has it all and is definitely one of our favorite beaches near Seville.

How to get here: 

• This beach doesn’t have a route via public transport. It is 163 km (101 miles) and takes around 2 hours to get to the beach if you drive. 

La Fontanilla, Conil de la Frontera

Located right in the center of the coastal town of Conil de la Frontera, La Fontanilla is perhaps the most popular beach for families who come from all the nearby areas of Andalusia. Though busy during the hot summer months, the large beach stretches far enough to allow you to mark your spot in the sand and have some space for the day.

The standout thing about many of the beaches in Conil is the delicate, light sand you’ll find there, and also the amazingly shallow water, especially at La Fontanilla. At this beach, you’ll have to walk quite far to fully immerse yourself in the water, but if your idea of a beach day is more relaxing on a sun lounger than splashing about, this is the perfect beach for you.

How to get here: 

• The best way to reach this beach is by bus and either a taxi or a short walk. 
• Pick up the bus from estación de autobuses Prado de San Sebastián to Conil de la frontera, then either walk or get a taxi for the last 2km of the journey.

Cala de Aceite, Cadiz

Just 10 minutes along a winding road from Conil, this beach is perhaps the area’s best kept secret. One of the beaches in the Calas de Roche, Cala del Aceite is only accessible by car but is worth seeking out. Surrounded by green forest and adorned with golden sand, this wonderfully calm beach is nestled in total nature. 

The turquoise waters are protected from the levante winds so typical of the area, thanks to striking cliff fronts reminiscent of Portugal’s Algarve region, and the natural beauty broken by just one chiringuito to enjoy some food and drinks.

If you don’t feel like making the journey to and from Seville back in the same day, there is a camping ground located right next to the beach, fully equipped with onsite bathrooms, supermarket, and restaurant with WiFi– there are no reservations taken during the high season, so just turn up with your tent.

How to get here: 

• The best way to reach this beach is a bus and a taxi. 
• Catch the bus from estación de autobuses Prado de San Sebastián to Conil de la frontera, then get a taxi for the last 6 km (3 miles). 
• If you choose to drive, it will take around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Matalascañas, Huelva

The closest beach to Seville, Matalascañas may not be the most secluded beach on our list, but the beautiful views and wonderful chiringuitos, seafront restaurants, along the boardwalk make for an amazing día de playa near the Andalusian capital. With the vast sand dunes which form part of Doñana National Park on one side and the modern apartments along the beach’s promenade, this area effortlessly combines natural beauty with modern buildings.

Keep an eye out for the overturned tower a few meters off the coastline. This 16th Century building was destroyed in the enormous Lisbon earthquake in the 1700’s and the ruins still remain just off the beach today and are a fascinating symbol of the area. With over 5km of beach area to enjoy, and buses running daily from Seville city center, Matalascañas is the perfect day trip from Seville to escape the heat of the city.

How to get here: 

• Pick up the daily bus from Plaza de armas bus station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Eat & drink like a local

Now you are at the beach, soaking up the sun, what are the locales eating? Pay a visit to any one of the numerous chiringuitos that line the beaches. Seafood is king along all of Spain’s coastlines, and you can’t go wrong with the locally caught fare. 

The province of Cadiz is famous for tuna, specifically bluefin tuna, in Spanish atún rojo. Available all year round, but the best is available during the local tuna season in May and June.

If you visit during this period, it really cannot be missed, though it shouldn’t be skipped over at any point in the year. Caught using traditional methods, it is an important part of the region’s culture and history. 

Anywhere you go, fried fish will be on the menu. You can order specific fish, such as boquerones fritos, deep fried anchovies, or to get a real taste of the seas around Andalusia, why not order frito variado, a little bit of all the fried fish on offer.

Locals’ tip: 

• Try mojama de atún. This cured tuna is known as the jamón of the sea, and not without good reason. Served cold, with just a bit of olive oil, as a garnish on salads or other cold tapas, or with some roasted almonds, this is a real local delicacy.

So that’s the food, what to drink? 

• For something refreshing, try a tinto de verano. A mix of soda water or sparkling lemon and red wine, this is the perfect summer thirst-quencher. 
• For something more local, try some of the fabulous wines from the region.  Andalusia produces some outstanding wines which pair amazingly with the incredible local seafood.

 

Update Notice: This post was updated on June 17, 2024.