Matalascañas: Beach, Dunes and Torre La Higuera

Matalascañas is a coastal town whose character is reflected in its beach, dunes and trails through the Doñana landscape. If you are looking for a hotel destination for a seaside stay, you can base your decision on these specific highlights: the beach, coastal scenery, distinctive history and routes of different lengths. This can help you weigh up which of these interests should take priority on your trip.

Beach and dune landscape

Playa de Matalascañas borders the beaches of Doñana Natural Park to the east; these beaches can be reached on foot from Playa de Matalascañas. Local conditions for beach access can change, so check access arrangements before your beach visit.

Matalascañas Dune Park covers around 130 hectares and lies next to the town in the direction of Mazagón. It is located on a system of fixed dunes that forms a cliff about 10 metres high. The beach and dune area are therefore distinct, but immediately adjacent, parts of the coastal landscape. The municipal beach services guide for 2025 records that Playa de Matalascañas has received the Q de Calidad award continuously since 2014.

Torre La Higuera as a landmark

The remains of Torre La Higuera are considered a symbol of tourism in Matalascañas, the most distinctive symbol of the beaches of Doñana, and a landmark for visitors. The tower fell from the upper part of the coastal cliff on the Arenas Gordas stretch of coast and lies toppled over. Despite marine erosion, its structure has survived. The tower thus connects the present-day coastal landscape with the history of this distinctive structure.

Trails through the dunes and Doñana

Sendero Dunar is a 1,212-metre circular trail of low difficulty in the shifting dune ecosystem of Doñana National Park. It starts at the end of the built-up area of Matalascañas, beside the beach access checkpoint for the national park. Along the way, the trail offers views of the beach and dune ecosystem and leads to the first corral. There you can see a small stand of pine trees and the typical vegetation of this ecosystem.

A considerably longer option is the El Asperillo cycle path: the linear route is 24,519 metres long, is also of low difficulty, and runs between the El Loro junction and Matalascañas. Its length and route type distinguish it from the short circular Sendero Dunar. The cycle path 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), passing through the Doñana natural area. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out.

Getting to visitor centres and finding your way around

Visitors travelling 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. Check bus connections before travelling. El Acebuche Visitor Centre is about 6 kilometres from Matalascañas: the first 4 kilometres are along the A-483, and the final 2 kilometres along an internal road.

The municipal accessibility information dated 23 August 2024 lists adapted access, an amphibious chair, toilets with assistance from rescue personnel, a defibrillator and a tracked tractor for beach access at the Ambos Mundos first-aid station. Some support services are seasonal; take this into account when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: El Rocío

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