A popular European holiday destination, Spain is famous for it’s rich culture and stunning natural scenery; its beaches attract tourists looking for spend time relaxing in the sunshine on summer holidays. With so many beaches and a vast array of landscapes, Spain’s coastline is as diverse as it is beautiful.
From busy beaches packed with buzzing beach bars to pretty bays located in protected parkland and secret stylish sandy sunspots, there’s a special beach to suit everyone. Here’s our round-up of the the best beaches in Spain so you can begin planning your next sun-soaked Spanish beach holiday.
20. Cala Turqueta, Menorca
So named due to its twinkling turquoise waters, the charming Cala Turqueta is definitely one of Menorca’s most famous beaches. Lying right in the southwest of the island, the secluded cove is surrounded by craggy cliffs coated in pine trees. From Ciutadella, it takes roughly 20 minutes to drive here.
A photographer’s dream, the vivid colors of its waters stand out delightfully against all the white rocks and verdant forests around it. Aside from sunbathing on its small stretches of sand, you can swim about or jump off the cliffs. Due to its astounding beauty, the beach gets very busy in summer with the car parks being completely packed.
19. Playa De Amió, Pechon
In the very north of Spain, a 45 minute drive west of Santander, is the attractive Playa De Amió. Located along the Bay of Biscay, the beach is backed by very dramatic rock formations with a small, sandy isthmus to a nearby islet also appearing at low tide. Besides basking in its phenomenal views, you can sunbathe, swim and splash about.
Very wild and romantic looking, its remarkable stretch of coastline lies just outside the tiny town of Pechon. Despite its rather remote setting and the rugged range behind it, there are still showers and a bar for visitors to make use of. While it is extremely picturesque, just be aware that there is barely any space on the beach at high tide.
18. Las Teresitas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
While Tenerife is already known for its stunning beaches, Las Teresitas really has to be one of its best. Set just fifteen minutes’ drive up the coast from its capital Santa Cruz, its golden sands are overlooked by gently swaying palms and massive volcanic mounts. Tons of beach bars and restaurants border it with sunbeds, parasols and showers dotted here and there.
Now one of the most popular in all of the Canary Islands, the 1.5 kilometer-long beach was created back in the seventies when millions of bags of Saharan sand were dumped here. As a breakwater protects it from the open ocean, there is also some superb swimming to enjoy, making it a firm favorite with families.
17. Playa de Rompeculos, Huelva
In contrast to the immaculately-maintained man-made beach is the untouched and unspoilt Playa de Rompeculos. Very long and wide, it stretches over 3 kilometers along the coast, not far from Huelva. Backing it are rolling dunes and rugged, ochre-colored cliffs with one part also being naturist-friendly.
Lying along the glittering Gulf of Cadiz, the beach has a lovely wild and free feel to it with no facilities or snack bars anywhere to be found. Other than strolling along and taking in all its spellbinding scenery, you can paddle about or swim in its calm, cool waters. Loads of happy dogs also chase about its sands with some even trotting their horses along the shore too.
16. Cala sa Boadella, Lloret de Mar
Unlike many parts of the Costa Brava, Cala sa Boadella is blissfully undeveloped with lots of pristine pine groves clustered atop the white cliffs overlooking its crystal-clear waters. After a steep walk down to the beach, you can lounge on its warm sands or snap photos of all its amazing landscapes.
Located just outside of Lloret de Mar, the quiet cove extends just 250 meters in length. With large rocks and lush woods surrounding it, you feel a world away from the lively resort city nearby. Its secluded nature makes it popular with nudists with the beach usually getting full in summer. You can also see some marvellous marine life as you snorkel about its waters.
15. Playa de Cabopino, Marbella
While Marbella is known for its glitzy clubs and tourist resorts, large swathes of its coast are very picturesque and unpretentious. Just twenty minutes’ drive east of blinged-out Puerto Banus, for instance, is the peaceful Playa de Cabopino. Here there are some scenic dunes to wander about and fun watersports to try out.
Aside from exploring the winding boardwalks behind it, you can swim or soak in its shallow waters. Dotted along its sands are numerous beach bars and restaurants which serve some great meals and cocktails. There is also a small jetty you can walk out along with part of the beach again being set aside for naturists.
14. Platja de la Fossa, Calp
Much more suitable for families is the long, expansive Platja de la Fossa that curves its way along Calp’s waterfront on the Costa Blanca. Besides boasting some incredible views of Penyal d’Ifac – an enormous limestone outcrop – it has everything you could want from a beach holiday. As well as playgrounds and ice cream parlours, it has places to rent paddleboards and kayaks or arrange catamaran tours.
Overlooked by a wall of sparkling white high-rises, the kilometer-long beach and promenade are fringed by pretty palm trees. Lining them the whole way along are lots of tasty seafood restaurants and cafes with plenty of hotels and rental apartments found nearby too. As the city’s old town is only a short distance away, you can soak up some sun before heading over in the evening.
13. Torrente de Pareis, Mallorca
If you’re after an exciting adventure, a trip to Torrente de Pareis is certainly a must when in Mallorca. Stretching 3 kilometers in total, the colossal canyon culminates at a secret, hidden beach, hemmed in on all sides by dramatic, soaring cliffs. While you can simply just drive to the small village of Sa Calobra, hiking there through the gorge is much more memorable.
Formed over the course of millennia, the canyon’s 200 metre-high walls cut their way through the rugged Tramuntana mountain range. As you follow its paths and riverbed, there are stupendous views to be had all around you. Once you finally arrive, yet more sheer cliffs rear above its small pebble beach. A very unique place, hiking along Torrente de Pareis is an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
12. Ballota beach, Llanes
Right up in the very north of Spain in Asturias is yet another beautiful beach to check out if you have the chance. Bordered by huge headlands, Playa de Ballota lies not far from Llanes and is reached via a long, winding track. While very secluded, there is still a little chiringuito overlooking it.
Quite wide, its golden sands gently curve around the small bay with grey, grass-topped cliffs surrounding them. Directly facing the beach is the hulking great isle of Castro Ballota which makes for some fabulous photos. Watch out if you go swimming here as the waves are often quite rough and there are some strong rip currents.
11. As Catedrais Beach, Galicia
A couple of hours’ drive further west along the country’s northern coastline is the captivating As Catedrais Beach. So named due to its cathedral-like cliffs, arches and caves, it is one of the most fascinating natural sights in all Galicia. It can only be visited at low tide though with lifeguards and tour guides also found here.
Now recognized as a Natural Monument, its very unique-looking formations were created by the rough waves over thousands of years. Once the sea retreats, you can walk amidst all its large rocks, entering caves and admiring its immense arches. Be aware that you do need to book a (free) time slot beforehand online as only a certain number of visitors are permitted each day.
10. Burriana Beach, Nerja
© Bogacki / DreamstimeEdged by a long promenade that brims with shops and popular restaurants and bars, this 800-metre-long beach is a favorite of many of the locals in the area. As such, you can find a large range of people enjoying socializing and spending time with friends and family.
One of the most attractive beaches in Nerja – a town on Spain’s resort-laden Costa del Sol and a bastion of history from Roman ruins to prehistoric cave paintings at Nerja caves – the sand might be a little stony but that doesn’t take away from its beauty; there’s the option to rent sunbeds so you don’t have to lay on the gritty sand.
Burriana has really excellent amenities: showers, playgrounds for children, as well as toilets and a lifeguard, which makes it a really excellent place for families with small children to visit on holiday. If you fancy something a little more exciting, there’s the chance to take out jet-skis or try parasailing. And at the end of the day, check out the spectacular sea-views from clifftop Balcón de Europa.
9. Cala D’en Serra, Ibiza
© Eric Gevaert / DreamstimeEveryone knows Ibiza is party central, but what do you do once the party’s over and you need to rejuvenate yourself? Head to the beach of course and Cala D’en Serra is the ideal spot. One of those beaches that isn’t an obvious tourist spot, Cala d’en Serra is an egg-shaped beach that needs a little insider knowledge to find.
Drive through old villages, along a twisting and turning road to find the steep sandy path that leads to this breathtakingly stunning beach. Hidden in a rocky enclave, clean blue waters and powdery sand await you in this coolest of beach hangouts.
One singular beach bar serves up fresh fish and sangria straight to your sunbed as you soak up the sublimely sleepy and chilled out atmosphere and secret beach spot. It may not have popping beach clubs or even any amenities, but away from the buzz of the main beaches on the island, Cala D’en Serra offers a slice of sun-soaked seclusion.
8. Cala Agulla, Mallorca
As it boasts such soft white sands and sparkling turquoise waters, it is no surprise that Cala Agulla is often considered to be one of Mallorca’s best beaches. Set right at the very eastern end of the isle, it is backed by lovely pine forests and low-lying mountains. While it does get insanely busy in summer, there is a reason why everyone visits.
Besides basking on the beach, you can always swim and snorkel in the sea or hike the surrounding area. There are also a couple of small bars scattered about its sands and places where you can rent sun loungers and parasols. During the hottest months of the year, there is a very lively atmosphere in Cala Agulla as everyone is on holiday having a good time.
7. La Concha, San Sebastián
This small beach in the Basque country is edged by green mountains and boasts views of pretty islands and white boats that bob on the gentle waves. La Concha beach is part of the charming city of San Sebastián that is full of elegant Belle Epoque-style architecture and is almost overflowing with excellent dining options.
The beach itself is tucked away in a sheltered bay and has even sometimes been referred to as the most beautiful city beach in Europe. Protected by the mountainous countryside, La Concha is a huge 1350 meters long and as it is affected by tides, there’s more than enough room for everyone to enjoy its beauty.
The wide space means there is also plenty of room in the gentle sea for paddling and swimming – or perhaps you could try kayaking out to the island.
6. Isuntza Beach, Lekeitio
© Natursports / DreamstimeSituated midway between Bilbao and San Sebastian, this tiny little town is home to a very picturesque beach. The magic of this pretty part of the coast is revealed at low tide when a sandy path is uncovered that leads all the way to the ever-intriguing San Nicolás Island.
Walk over the stony pathway and explore the island – just be sure to make it back before the tide starts coming in again! Isunza Beach’s landscape is shaped by the mouth of the Lea River that opens out into the sea here, which adds to the unique appeal of the already pretty scenery.
Staying in the town means a rare glimpse into the culture of the Basque country, enjoy its amazing food and gothic architecture – there’s even a mountain to climb where you can take in views over the beach and across to the island.
5. Tossa De Mar
Tossa De Mar is a special little town in the Costa Brava with a whole host of beaches to choose from. Protected by a large bay, the wide horseshoe-shaped, family-friendly beach of Playa Gran has soft golden sands and deep blue waters that are a favorite with swimmers.
But the most special thing about this elegant beach is the 14th-century fortifications that sit up on the rocky headlands overlooking the bay. These are stunningly illuminated at night. For a different vibe, Platja d’es Codolar is a small beach with a bar set in cove at the bottom of towering cliffs.
If you want to escape from all the touristy beaches of the area, head to north along the coast: the seclusion at the relaxed and natural-feeling Cala Pola just outside of town easily beats them all.
4. Playa de Bolonia, Tarifa
© L. Janyst / DreamstimeUntouched and idyllic, Playa de Bolonia is a quiet beach that is part of a tiny traditional fishing village which also plays host to the 2,000-year-old ruins of the Roman city of Baelo Claudia. A favorite among many Spanish people, the beach is gaining popularity with international tourists, but still somehow remains a hidden gem of beaches; the area is actually within the boundaries of the Estrecho Natural Park.
The town hasn’t undergone much of the highrise construction that many of Spain’s beach towns have seen and as such the village is undeveloped and still charmingly old fashioned. With Tarifa poised as the home of Spain’s kitesurfing scene, there is also a small chilled out surfing scene at Bolonia with a couple of surf schools and small bars serving travelers.
However, Playa de Bolonia remains a tranquil hang-out for beach bums. The sand is powdery white and sand dunes along the bay protect the vegetation that grows; here you can find your spot among the dunes and relax in the peace and quiet of this best-kept-secret beach.
3. Platja de Ses Illetes, Formentera
© Juan Moyano / DreamstimeThis beautiful beach has to be seen to be believed. Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, Platja de Ses Illetes is up there in terms of beauty with some Caribbean counterparts.
Crystalline waters lap onto pure white sands where you can lay for hours immersed in paradise. The beach is actually only a small strip sand that juts out into the ocean and divides the sea in two.
Edged both sides by the sea, the narrow slice of sand does get busy with day-trippers, but most people come here to spend time splashing around in the dazzling turquoise waters that surround the sand. The ocean is so shallow that it’s particularly warm – so much so that lounging around in the shallows is more like having a bath!
2. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
Sophisticated and stylish, Maspalomas beach on the southern part of Gran Canaria is all about its sand. A huge 6-kilometre stretch of golden sand which is incredibly 100 meters wide at some points, Maspalomas is fringed by a desert landscape of huge sand dunes that will make it seem like you are soaking up the sun in the Saharan desert rather than along a Spanish coastline.
The gold of the dunes set against the dazzling blue of the sea creates spectacular scenery, further along beachgoers sleep on sunloungers and cafes sell snacks and soft drinks.
A great beach for families to spend time together, there is a space here for everyone. If sunbathing for hours isn’t your thing, there’s also the opportunity to hire a pedalo or a jet-ski and have an adventure out at sea.
1. Praia da Rodas, Galicia
This beach is one of those amazing places that once you’ve been to you will never forget. A perfectly curved sandy crescent, Praia da Rodas is a breathtakingly beautiful beach that could be one of the best in the whole of the world. Located in Galicia along the more untamed Atlantic coastline, Praia da Rodas is a romantically attractive swathe of powdery sand.
Often referred as ‘Caribbean beach’ by local people, the water is dazzlingly turquoise, clean and calm, although very cold compared to the Mediterranean. Spend long summer days lazing on the sand, taking in the beauty of the surrounding nautical scenery; enjoy fresh seafood served on the shore and then spend the night under the stars at the nearby campsite.
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