Matalascañas – Beach, Dunes and Coastal Trails

Where beaches, dunes and an unusual coastal history meet, Matalascañas reveals itself in many different facets. Playa de Matalascañas borders the beaches of Doñana Nature Park to the east; they can be reached on foot from the beach. Since 2014, Playa de Matalascañas has continuously held the Q de Calidad quality certification.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Matalascañas, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the listing pages. The three details can be considered separately and matched against your own travel plans, for example when short distances, longer routes or an evening event are to be given different weighting.

Culture

The remains of Torre La Higuera are regarded as a landmark of tourism in Matalascañas, the most characteristic symbol of the beaches of Doñana and a point of reference for visitors. Torre La Higuera is in an overturned position after being tipped over from the upper section of the coastal cliff along the Arenas Gordas coastline; despite marine erosion, its structure has been preserved.

The 11th Matalascañas Astronomy Conference will take place on 2 August from 21:30 at the lighthouse. The programme includes telescope observation and a talk about the solar system, eclipses, constellations and galaxies.

Nature

Parque Dunar de Matalascañas covers approximately 130 hectares and lies next to the town in the direction of Mazagón. It is located on a system of fixed dunes that form a cliff approximately ten metres high. At Parque Dunar, visitors can ride dromedaries on the dunes and go horse riding along the shore.

Trails

Sendero Dunar is a 1,212-metre circular trail of low difficulty in the ecosystem of the shifting dunes of Doñana National Park. It begins at the end of the built-up area of Matalascañas, next to the access control point for the national park beach. The trail offers views of the beach and the dune ecosystem and leads to the first corral, where a small stand of pine trees and the typical vegetation of this ecosystem can be seen.

The El Asperillo cycle path is a 24,519-metre linear route of low difficulty between the El Loro junction and Matalascañas. It provides access to the Laguna del Jaral and Cuesta Maneli trails. Cuesta Maneli is a 1,371-metre freely accessible trail through the Asperillo dune to the cliff. The Laguna del Jaral route is an approximately two-hour, 5.2-kilometre circular trail in the municipality of Almonte (Huelva) and runs through the Doñana natural area. Circular routes, a linear route, different lengths and the stated walking time can be compared for day planning.

Those without their own vehicle can use the Damas S.A. bus service to reach the La Rocina, El Acebuche and Palacio del Acebrón visitor centres in the municipality of Almonte (Huelva) via Matalascañas or El Rocío. The El Acebuche Visitor Centre is approximately six kilometres from Matalascañas; the first four kilometres follow the A-483 and the final two kilometres follow an internal road.

The Ambos Mundos first-aid station has adapted access, an amphibious chair, toilets supported by rescue personnel, a defibrillator and a tracked tractor for beach access.

To the main travel overview: Almonte.