If you are an early bird, take note of these beaches in Southern Spain

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Are the early mornings always your favourite time of day, even when you’re on holiday? Do you revel in the peace and quiet of those first rays of sunshine that announce the arrival of a new day? In Spain you’ll be able to enjoy this very special moment and wake up to some incredible beach scenery. Head for the south, where you’ll find spots that are sure to become firm favourites. So take note:

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Eroded landscape on Bolnuevo beach in Murcia

Bolnuevo beach (Murcia)

With its coarse golden sand, this long beach is perfect for an early morning walk. It’s in Mazarrón and the same bay is home to a work of art created by nature itself. The eroded forms of Bolnuevo were sculpted by wind and water. From here you’ll be able to access other unspoilt beaches that stretch all the way to Lorca. A place for starting the day in the best possible way, looking out over the Mediterranean.
Views of the sunrise over Zahara beach, Cádiz

Zahara beach (Andalusia)

As the name suggests, you’ll find this beach in Zahara de los Atunes, Cádiz. It lies on the south-western coast of Andalusia and is one of the longest in the region. Five kilometres of sand for you to enjoy that seems to stretch almost to infinity. Here you can visit the Gibralfaro, a steamship that ran aground and sank in 1902, as well as various fishing boats. You’ll see how the early sun creates a play of light and shadow. Be sure to bring your camera and get some great shots.
Sunrise at Cala Arena, Cabo de Gata © tierrassinfronteras.com

Cala Arena (Andalusia)

In the heart of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park (Almería), you’ll find Cala Arena, a small, unspoilt beach with still waters. The fine off-white sand provides an excellent foot massage! And if the weather’s good, why not take a dip? You’ll wake up your whole body and be ready to face the day with your batteries fully recharged. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, and very close to Las Sirenas reef and the Cabo de Gata lighthouse.
Sunrise over Peñon de Ifach in Calpe, Alicante

Peñón de Ifach (Region of Valencia)

You’ll find this unusual rock formation in Calpe, in the province of Alicante. It’s also the smallest natural park in the Region of Valencia. You might well find it difficult to decide which is the best angle for observing it from, as each one has surprises in store. The dawn light reflects on the sea and streams over the rock. It’s said that the name Ifach comes from the Arabic word meaning ‘north’, to distinguish it from the Rock of Gibraltar (known in Spanish as el Peñón). You can visit, and spend the day on Cala del Penyal, an unspoilt beach with crystalline water.
Sunrise over the beaches of Isla Cristina on Costa de la Luz in Huelva

The beaches of Isla Cristina (Andalusia)

If you’re with the family and you get up bright and early, spread your towel on the sands of one of these ten beaches and enjoy the show. They’re so extensive that it’ll feel like you’re the only ones there. But best of all is when the sun appears on the horizon and colours the sea, as the light gradually reveals the beauty of your surroundings. A natural landscape dominated by the Marismas de Isla Cristina wetlands in Huelva. This area is also known as the Costa de la Luz, or Coast of Light. And there’s a good reason for that.