There is much to love about Seville. The Andalusian capital is home to colorful architecture, an unparalleled tapas scene, and plenty of flamenco flair. However, the summer weather can be inconvenient for many visitors (unless temperatures in the high 90 degrees Fahrenheit are your thing), which is why locals and visitors often flock to the shores in July and August.
Despite Seville’s inland location, the beach is quite accessible from the city. Spain’s top-notch public transportation system makes it easy to get to Matalascañas, the closest beach to the city, in no time. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
Where is Matalascañas?
Part of the Costa de la Luz, which comprises the southwestern coasts of Andalusia, the closest beach to Seville is in the neighboring province of the Huelva region. The urban beach is around four miles long and boasts a stunning location framed by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and the Doñana National Park to the north.
How to get there
The Andalusian capital is well connected to many destinations, including Matalascañas, and getting to the beach from Seville is as simple as hopping on a bus at Plaza de Armas station. Keep in mind that Seville has two main bus stations (the other being Prado de San Sebastián), so make sure you go to the correct one so you don’t miss your trip to the beach.
The bus company that operates vehicles between Seville and Matalascañas is Damas. Buses depart from each destination several times a day, with more options available on weekends. The trip takes about two hours and costs less than 20 euros round trip.
If you already have access to a car or can rent one, driving to Matalascañas from Seville is another option. The trip takes about an hour and 20 minutes and offers more flexibility. This is a particularly great option if you want to visit more than one coastal destination or spend time exploring the Doñana National Park.
What to see and do in Matalascañas
The beach itself is covered in white sand and is practically made for sunbathing and swimming. Even out of season, it is also a great place to enjoy a relaxing stroll along the pedestrian promenade that runs the length of the beach.
Matalascañas is a relatively simple beach, so if you are looking for a luxury resort with many facilities, it may not be for you. This is all about enjoying the sun, sea and sand, and its laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy despite not having as many amenities as some of the most luxurious beaches in Spain.
What you do find is a small but respectable selection of bars and restaurants (known as chiringuitos here in Spain), some shops, and some hotels. If visiting during the off-season, be aware that many local businesses, especially those in the food and beverage industry, only open in the summer and close their stores for the rest of the year.
Many Sevillians flock to Matalascañas due to its proximity to the city, but the area has much more to offer besides its famous beach. Keep an eye out for the Torre de la Higuera, the remains of a 16th-century watchtower that was toppled by an earthquake. As a result, what you can see in the tower today is upside down.
When to visit Matalascañas
The answer may seem obvious (in summer, of course), but during peak season, Matalascañas beach can be crowded, often overwhelmingly. After all, it’s the beach of choice for the overwhelming majority of Seville’s nearly 700,000 residents, so plan to show up as early as possible to ensure your spot on the sand.
Another tip for visiting in the summer is to go during the week if possible. The beach is much less crowded on weekdays than on Saturdays and Sundays, which gives it a much more relaxing atmosphere.
Matalascañas is also worth visiting during the low season, particularly in late spring and early fall. Sure, many local businesses may be temporarily closed until summer rolls around, but if you’re looking for a coastal getaway from Seville, it’s still your best option. Pack a picnic lunch so you don’t get caught off guard so there aren’t any open chiringuitos.
Other beaches near Seville
Matalascañas is perfect if you are simply looking for a good place to sunbathe and swim. If you want to combine your beach visit with a few more cultural activities, or if you prefer cities to beach resorts, take a look at the other coastal destinations in the area. If you don’t mind walking a bit, you can walk a few kilometers along Matalascañas beach and eventually end up on the steepest beaches of the Doñana National Park that border the Gulf of Cádiz.
Another great coastal destination that isn’t too bad of a trip from Seville is El Puerto de Santa María. The journey takes about an hour and a half, but direct public transport from Seville is not so easy to get. Instead, you can head to the city of Jerez by train, then take another train from Jerez to El Puerto. The change makes things a bit more cumbersome, but if you are looking for a different beach away from all the Sevillians that dominate Matalascañas, it is a great option.
When you arrive at El Puerto, you will be rewarded with astonishing natural beauty and many amenities. The area is home to some of the best fried fish in all of Spain (the perfect seaside meal, in our book) and is more laid-back than many other coastal destinations. However, due to the fact that it is a bit further from Seville, you may want to plan to spend the night to make the most of your time there.
