If you only had time to go to one, which Atlantic Ocean beach would be preferred-- Ayamonte, Mazagon or Chipiona? If you were to go to Chipiona, where would you stay?

I've been to the playa del Parador in Mazagon several times. It's not rated very highly in comparitive ratings, but I like it (Relatives have a couple of Condos in Mazagon). Chipiona is very popular with U.S. Military people from nearby Rota Naval Base but the closest I have been to Chipiona playa is el Puerto de Santa Maria.

If I was going as far as Ayamonte I think I would continue on to Faro or Lagos in the Portuguese Algarve.

I may try to make it back to Mazagon for Semana Santa when relatives from Madrid come down to open up their summer place. I think I might try Matalascañas next time because of its proximity to el Santuario de la Virgen del Rocio and its golf facilities.

I would prefer Chipiona for the beach. It’s 8 kms from Sanlúcar where is always nice to have some drinks and tapas. Both Chipiona and Ayamonte are towns, while Mazagón is a seaside resort. In Chipiona the beach is in town.

I would stay at Hotel Virgen del Rocío (four stars), Hotel Playa (3 stars www.chipiona.com ) or at Hostal Guadalupe (one star).Everything is booked in August
Sanlúcar Hotel Virgen del Rocío Hotel Playa

To check beach areas, go to www.esplaya.com There is an interactive map and you can click on each of the beaches to see pics and get a rating. Some even video.

Lonoma writes: Yeah! I love that Manzanilla that comes from Sanlucar de Barrameda, ice cold with tapas, too. The last time I took a local Bus from Huelva to Mazagon, a lot of University Students got off after the Colon monument, just before Mazagon (Palos de la frontera?). So it's a bit more than just a seaside resort (IMHO).

Thanks for the link SalaChic

Although the end of this month (March) might be too cool to enjoy the beach, has anyone a comment about which exact beach to go to in Estepona on Costal del SOl? Hostal La Malaguena is highly rec. in Eyewitness books.