Nudist Beaches in Andalusia
Andalusia
The Autonomous Community of Andalusia, covers a total area of over 87,000 km2 and is the second largest autonomous community in Spain. Its coastline stretches from the Costa de la Luz that borders Portugal to the Costa Almeria, and part of its land mass is where the Atlantic ocean meets the Mediterranean ocean. The community is divided into 8 provinces, Seville, Malaga, Jaen, Huelva, Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz and Almeria, and its capital city is Seville. Andalusia has a strong agricultural economy, although with its extremely popular coastal towns and cities, the service sector, tourism in particular, is now the areas main economy.
Since prehistoric times, Andalusia’s close proximity to north Africa and its geographical position on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, along with its agricultural and mineral wealth has made it a rich target for other raiding civilisations, and the earliest known cave paintings were found in the Nerja Caves in Malaga province. The area has seen many turbulent times in its long history and been ruled by several civilisations including Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and Muslims. Evidence of Andalusia’s many wars and pirate raids can be seen in the large amount of Castles and watchtowers along its coastline.
To this day agriculture remains an important economical factor in Andalusia, with nearly 50% of its territory under cultivation. This includes cereal crops such as oats, maize and sunflowers. Olive, grape and citrus cultivation are also important to the region. In recent years huge greenhouses have been used for the intensive cultivation of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries which are high end cash crops. Fishing has been a way of life in Andalusia’s coastal areas for centuries and their fishing fleet is the second largest in the country. The local diet of the area practically revolves around fish and seafood and many of the delicious local fish dishes feature on most restaurant menus.
Conservation of both habitation and wildlife has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years and throughout Andalusia there are protected National Parks, Natural Parks and Marine Conservation Zones. Not far from the town of Nerja, the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park offers divers a wonderful underwater experience due to it being a protected marine area. Situated in the province of Huelva, the Doñana National Park is one of the most important wetland areas of Europe. Covering an area of 543 km2, it is divided between the National Park which was developed in the late 1960’s and later development in the late 1980’s saw the creation and expansion of the Natural Park. The area is a combination of pine forest, marshland, freshwater lagoons, salt flats, streams and sand dunes. Its location close to the Straits of Gibraltar and relatively short distance between Europe and Africa has created a unique resting place and breeding ground for thousands of birds from both Europe and Africa, making it a true birdwatcher’s paradise. Up to 300 bird species can be seen in the area and it is a winter home for thousands of waterfowl.
Andalusia’s capital city Seville is the fourth largest in Spain and its architecture, both old and new, is truly awe inspiring. From the breathtaking Cathedral of Saint Mary to the ultra modern Metropol Parasol, it seems wherever you look you’re facing a pretty plaza or historical building. Seville is a place where modern and traditional live comfortably side by side. Other places of interest include the stunning Plaza de Espana, the Palace of San Telmo with its attractive chapel, the Alcazar that faces the cathedral, and the old watchtower Torre del Oro, just to name a few. There are many great museums in the city and for a reprieve from Seville’s fierce summer heat, glorious plazas, parks, ponds and gardens. The city has a buzzing cultural scene with several theatres and beautiful outdoor venues such as the Alcazar Gardens. There are lively nightclubs, wine bars, street performances and some of the best traditional tapas bars in Spain.
By far the most popular holiday destination in the Andalusian Community is the Costa del Sol and its capital city Malaga. For decades holidaymakers from all over Europe and the United Kingdom have been flocking to the area’s coastal towns and cities for some well earned fun in the sun. The city boasts an impressive 15 beaches with excellent amenities, promenades, ice cream parlours, shops bars and restaurants. There are 2 official nudist beaches and many secluded bays and coves. Water sports of all kinds can be enjoyed from most of the beaches and there are a good choice of attractions and great shopping in the city. Not far from Malaga is the city of Marbella, well known as a haunt of the rich and famous, evident in the many luxury yachts berthed in the port and the stunning villas and mansions that line Marbella’s famous Golden Mile. There are glitzy boutiques, cocktail lounges, champagne bars, excellent shopping, Michelin Star restaurants and vibrant nightlife. The city boasts some 26 kilometres of beaches including an official nudist beach to the west of the port area, a picturesque promenade lined with bars and restaurants, excellent watersports and loads of fun attractions for the kids.
In a nutshell, this fantastic region offers visitors a world of holiday opportunities with its rich history, ancient buildings and monuments, vibrant cities, wildlife, all sorts of sporting facilities, a beautiful coastline with literally hundreds of pristine beaches, secluded coves and a total of 27 official nudist beaches in Andalusia.