Must-visit: The golden beaches in southern Spain that act as a stunning final frontier with Portugal

THESE are the stunning beaches in southern Spain, serving as the country’s bow before the Portuguese border.

The Costa de la Luz is famous for its wide, golden beaches.

Indeed, Bolonia, near Tarifa, was named the best beach in Spain by Conde Nast Traveler last year, while the shores at Valdevaqueros, Playa Alemanes, in Atlanterra, and the quirkiness at Canos de Meca take some beating.

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But they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the region’s beaches. 

Head further west and you find the province of Huelva. On the border with Portugal, it is Spain’s last chance to tempt visitors to stay, and it certainly makes it difficult to leave. 

It is home to the impressive Doñana National Park and stunning River Guadiana as well as 120km of mostly stunning coastline; all part of the Costa de la Luz. 

So, with so much to explore, which are the best beaches in Huelva?

Matalascañas 

Perhaps the most famous of Huelva’s beaches, Matalascañas has long been a favourite spot for Sevillanos to visit in the summer.

They are quite literally following in the footsteps of Neanderthals – in 2021 the fossilised footprints of a family of 15 Neanderthals from 150,000 years ago were found here.

An enormous ‘rock’ on the beach is in fact the remains of the 16th century Torre de la Higuera, built to guard against pirates and destroyed in the Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

Bordering on Doñana, it is a family beach with lifeguards and plenty of beach bars.

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Punta Umbria 

Punta Umbria is a vast sandy beach where the sand is golden, the sea perfect for a dip and the conditions great for windsurfing.

While it is an urban location, it is found in the Paraje Natural de las Marismas del Odiel, a UNESCO reserve which hosts hundreds of thousands of migratory birds, making it ideal for birdwatchers as well as sun worshippers.

Along the nearby Avenida del Oceano, check out the laid-back beach bars and live music venues, such as the Mosquito Club.

Punta del Caiman

Perfect for kids, the shallow, calm waters are great for playing. 

This protected area is picturesque and clean, right next to the mouth of the Carreras River. 

It is also close to the town of Isla Cristina so is convenient for a quick dip. 

Playa de Mazagon 

Despite its ideal location between Moguer and Palos de la Frontera, Mazagon beach is a natural paradise. 

Dunes, impressive rock formations and pine trees dot the 9km coastline, the longest in the area, and a sneak preview of the equally spectacular cliffs and beaches of Portugal’s Algarve, just across the border.

Playa de Cuesta Maneli

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this slice of the Playa de Mazagon is for you. 

The natural, wild landscape is broken only by a singular beach bar.

It is also LGBT, pet and nudist friendly. 

Playa de Isla Canela 

The last beach before Spain’s natural border with Portugal, the River Guadiana, this is one the prettiest beaches on the Costa de la Luz. 

The marshes and channels surrounding the beach make it not just a place to relax but to appreciate nature. 

It is a far cry from the packed beaches of the Costa del Sol’s packed tourist beaches.

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: The Olive Press takes a tour of some of the Costa de la Luz’s under-the-radar spots, as the largely unheralded coastal gem girds itself for discovery by British tourists