Playa de Matalascañas borders the beaches of Doñana Natural Park to the east, which can be reached on foot from the beach. Together with the dune trails, this coastal setting shapes the character of the town. Local access conditions can change; check conditions on site before your visit.
Beach and Landmark
The remains of Torre La Higuera are considered a landmark of tourism in Matalascañas, the most distinctive symbol of Doñana’s beaches and a reference point for visitors. The tower lies on its side: it toppled from the upper part of the coastal cliff along the Arenas Gordas stretch of coast. Its structure has survived despite marine erosion. Its striking position and surviving structure make it a distinctive historical landmark on the coast.
The dune landscape can also be experienced in different ways. Parque Dunar de Matalascañas covers about 130 hectares and lies next to the town in the direction of Mazagón. It sits on a system of fixed dunes that forms a cliff about 10 metres high.
Dune Trails of Different Scales
Sendero Dunar is an easy 1,212-metre circular trail in the moving-dune ecosystem of Doñana National Park. It starts at the edge of the built-up area of Matalascañas, beside the access checkpoint for the national park beach. Along the way, it offers views of the beach and the dune ecosystem. The route goes as far as the first corral, where a small stand of pine trees and the typical vegetation of this ecosystem can be seen.
For a longer linear route, there is the El Asperillo cycle path: it is 24,519 metres long, easy, and runs between the El Loro junction and Matalascañas. It also provides access to the Laguna del Jaral and Cuesta Maneli trails. The routes therefore differ not only in length but also in form: one is a circular trail through the moving dunes, while the other is a long cycling route between two endpoints. Trail, surface and access conditions can change; check them before setting out.
At Parque Dunar, visitors can ride camels across the dunes and go horseback riding along the shore. Check in advance whether providers are currently available.
Visitor Centres and Practical Information
Visitors 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. Confirm the timetable and route with the operator before travelling.
El Acebuche Visitor Centre is about 6 kilometres from Matalascañas. The route comprises the first 4 kilometres on the A-483 and the final 2 kilometres on an internal road. The 2025 municipal beach guide records that Playa de Matalascañas has held the Q for Quality award continuously since 2014.
Municipal accessibility information dated 23 August 2024 lists an adapted access point, an amphibious wheelchair, toilets assisted by rescue staff, a defibrillator and a tracked tractor for beach access at the Ambos Mundos first-aid station. Some assistance services are seasonal; check in advance which ones will be available on the day of your planned visit.
Discover more destinations: El Rocío.
Return to the main travel overview: Almonte.
