Beaches in Vigo or Malaga area
Apr 12th, 2019, 03:25 PM
#1
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Beaches in Vigo or Malaga area
We are Southern Californians who have also been to Hawaii and Florida, so going to the beach is not a high priority on a European trip! We've heard of lovely beaches in other countries, only to find they are nothing more special than we can visit here. That said, we do have the option to visit Samil Beach in Vigo, Spain, or one of the Costa del Sol beaches near to Malaga, and wonder if any are truly worth the while. Will they be too overcrowded in June? Do they have decent bathroom amenities and lifeguards? Is there anything to make them stand out from other beaches? Which are best for swimming, running alongside or lounging in restaurants? Worldwide beachgoers, chime in!
Apr 13th, 2019, 01:43 AM
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Forget it.
In June, the water will be rather cold.
I don't know Samil Beach (the Aatlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula would be too cold for me anyway).
There are some somewhat nice natural beaches in the provinces of Murcia (Calblanque and beaches West of Aguilas) and Almeria (Cabo de Gata Park), all without cabins, baywatch, etc.
The organized beaches are really nothing to write home about.
In June, the water will be rather cold.
I don't know Samil Beach (the Aatlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula would be too cold for me anyway).
There are some somewhat nice natural beaches in the provinces of Murcia (Calblanque and beaches West of Aguilas) and Almeria (Cabo de Gata Park), all without cabins, baywatch, etc.
The organized beaches are really nothing to write home about.
Apr 13th, 2019, 03:54 AM
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The Costa del Sol beaches are a joke if compared with Florida and Mexico resort beaches. Do not waste your time.
Malaga is so gorgeous! Do skip the beaches and explore this wonderful, exciting and vibrant gem of Andalusia.
Malaga is so gorgeous! Do skip the beaches and explore this wonderful, exciting and vibrant gem of Andalusia.
Apr 13th, 2019, 08:34 AM
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Some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain are on Islas Cíes a ferry boat ride from Vigo.
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...-francis-drake
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...-francis-drake
Apr 14th, 2019, 12:23 AM
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For me, a sheltered cove flanked by cliffs and with calm shallow waters (much of which can be found in Mallorca and other mediterranean islands) beats any Carribbean or American beach I've been to. That being said, the beaches around Malaga aren't of that kind but the best part of them are the vareity of excellent places to eat. I'm not going to go to Malaga to sit on the beach or even enter the frigid sea but rather sit outside on a beachfront resataurant and enjoy some excellent seafood.
Apr 14th, 2019, 06:37 AM
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That all depends on what your criteria for a beach is. Personally I find the long expanse of sand of the likes of Floridian beaches flanked by hotels and condo's to be quite boring, plus I don't enjoy being in close proximity to sharks.
For me, a sheltered cove flanked by cliffs and with calm shallow waters (much of which can be found in Mallorca and other mediterranean islands) beats any Carribbean or American beach I've been to. That being said, the beaches around Malaga aren't of that kind but the best part of them are the vareity of excellent places to eat. I'm not going to go to Malaga to sit on the beach or even enter the frigid sea but rather sit outside on a beachfront resataurant and enjoy some excellent seafood.
For me, a sheltered cove flanked by cliffs and with calm shallow waters (much of which can be found in Mallorca and other mediterranean islands) beats any Carribbean or American beach I've been to. That being said, the beaches around Malaga aren't of that kind but the best part of them are the vareity of excellent places to eat. I'm not going to go to Malaga to sit on the beach or even enter the frigid sea but rather sit outside on a beachfront resataurant and enjoy some excellent seafood.
i never even go for a swim in Florida (not very clean waters on the beaches where we have been, even in Key Biscayne) but really enjoyed turquoise ocean of Mexico beaches.
Malaga beaches are not too attractive and I was not impressed with Marbella beaches as well. It is the city of Malaga which stole my heart, not the beaches.
I would love to see Mallorca - have not been there yet.
Apr 14th, 2019, 07:26 AM
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Ah yes, you can't compete with a serviced resort beach whether it's in Mexico, Thailand, Barbados or Tahiti. Personally I prefer a pool, I find sand annoyingly intrusive, it gets everywhere but a good pool overlooking a good beach is a great compromise. I don't think there are any particularly good beaches anywhere along the Costa Del Sol. The best voted beach in Europe is actually in Wales......
Apr 14th, 2019, 06:43 PM
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Apr 19th, 2019, 11:53 AM
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We have a Marriott timeshare in Estepona which we return to year after year and never tire of the area.
