Spain has a coastline of almost 3,000 miles, much of which is lined with lovely beaches. Although Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are popular tourist destinations, there are beautiful beaches on every coast in the country.
However, not all beaches are made equal, and just because one is famous does not guarantee that you will enjoy it. If you’re planning a summer vacation to Spain, knowing which beach is perfect for you and your travel companions can help transform your trip from “excellent” to “unforgettable.”
These destinations offer the entire deal when it comes to the beaches in Spain, from the famed Playa de La Concha in San Sebastian to the sunny southern shores of Andalusia.
The Best Beaches In Spain For Tourists
1. Burriana Beach, Nerja
This 800-meter-long beach is surrounded by a long promenade lined with stores, restaurants, and bars, and is a favorite of many locals. As a result, a diverse group of people loves socializing and spending time with their friends and family.
The sand may be a touch stony, but that doesn’t take away from its attractiveness; you can rent sunbeds instead of lying on the scratchy sand. One of the most beautiful beaches in Nerja, a resort town on Spain’s Costa del Sol, and a historical hotspot with Roman remains and prehistoric cave paintings. at Nerja caves – the sand may be a little stony,
Burriana offers a wealth of services, including showers, children’s playgrounds, restrooms, and a lifeguard, making it an ideal vacation spot for families with little children. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, you can rent jet skis or go parasailing. Check out the stunning sea views from the clifftop Balcón de Europa at the end of the day.
2. Cala D’en Serra, Ibiza
Everyone knows that Ibiza is a party hotspot, but what do you do when the party is over and you need to recharge your batteries? Of course, you’ll want to go to the beach, and Cala D’en Serra is the right location. Cala d’en Serra is an egg-shaped beach that requires a little insider knowledge to find.
Drive past old towns and along a winding road to reach the steep sandy path that leads to this breathtakingly beautiful beach. Clean blue waves and fluffy sand await you in this coolest of beach hangouts, which are hidden in a rocky alcove.
While you soak up the sublimely quiet and mellow-out vibe and a secluded beach setting, one beach bar serves fresh seafood and sangria right to your sunbed.
3. Playa del Ingles, Canary Islands
The beaches of the Canary Islands must be included in any list of Spanish beaches. These islands are nearly 60 miles (95 kilometers) off the coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean and are another Spanish territory. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the two main islands.
On Gran Canaria, Playa del Ingles is an approximately seven-mile-long (11-kilometer) wide sandy beach that gradually transforms into lovely dunes. In the 1960s, it was a favorite hippy hangout, but now it’s home to upscale boutique hotels and gastronomic restaurants.
The beach is golden brown and slopes gently to the sea. Many beach clubs rent beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as having their own fenced-in areas.
The Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas has a breathtaking view of the Maspalomas dunes (and the ocean beyond), which resemble a Martian scene. The premium resort is open all year (other hotels on the Canary Islands close for the winter) and is set in a large oasis of gardens approximately a 15-minute walk from the beach.
4. Bogatell, Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city, is situated on the Mediterranean coast.
Bogatell is a city beach that is less crowded than Barcelona’s main Barceloneta beach. Bogatell is a man-made beach that was built for the 1992 Olympics and is well-designed and maintained. Every few hundred yards down the beach, there are lifeguards on duty and rudimentary facilities (bathrooms and showers). The beach is large and flat, with coarse brown sand.
In the vicinity, the Ibis Styles Barcelona City Bogatell is a nice mid-range option. The sand is a 10-minute walk away. Castelldefels’ beachside neighborhood is very popular with locals.
This beach is 20 minutes by rail from Barcelona’s central area and is located just across from a train station. It has kilometers of undeveloped coastline, yet there are still plenty of tapas bars and beach shacks to eat at. Swimming, windsurfing, and kitesurfing are all popular activities.
5. Almunecar, Costa Tropical
Skip the congested Costa del Sol resorts and head to the Costa Tropical, the next stretch of beach. There is a much better balance between development and natural beauty preservation.
Almunecar, the main resort, resembles a coastal town in the south of France. A promenade and boulevard dotted with stores, restaurants, and hotels front a long, curving beach. Along the shore, there is also a row of most restaurants.
The beach features smooth white sand, and the water is rather warm, especially in the summer. There are numerous locations where you can hire beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as fenced-in exclusive beach club areas.
It’s a great beach for families and individuals who wish to spend some time in the ocean. During the summer, swimming areas are roped off and lifeguards are on duty.
Aside from the seashore, the Andalusia region is home to magnificent and historic Spanish cities such as Seville and Granada.
The Playacalida Spa Hotel includes a massive rooftop infinity pool and a Moorish castle-inspired decor. The resort is located on a hill with stunning views of the turquoise lake below, just outside the tourist zone. With three swimming pools and a kids’ club activity program, it’s ideal for families.
6. Laredo, Cantabria
The Cantabria region on Spain’s north coast, close to the French border, offers more than 60 beaches along its gorgeous Atlantic Ocean shoreline.
Surfers, windsurfers, kitesurfers, and jet skiers flock to Laredo, Spain’s outdoor water sports center. The beach stretches for almost five kilometers, curving along a beautiful bay. The beach itself is quite large, with beautiful, fluffy white sand.
It’s all about having a good time on the beach and in the water: there are numerous locations where you can rent various types of water sports equipment. You can also enroll in classes to learn something new. The region’s Basque cuisine is also well-known among foodies. Some Roman ruins are among the town’s attractions.
The Cosmopolis is a non-smoking, low-cost hotel located on Laredo’s main thoroughfare. The rooms on the upper floors provide fantastic seaside views (try to get one with a balcony). The beach is only a few blocks away. Guests can make use of the complimentary breakfast buffet and free Wi-Fi.
7. Playa de Torimbia, Asturias
Asturias is a northern Spanish province on the Atlantic coast. The majority of the beaches here are white, sandy, and wild, with steep cliffs around them.
The lovely, hidden Playa de Torimbia is located near the port of Llanes, west of Bilbao. There are no stores or restaurants on the beach, however, there are lifeguards on weekends during the summer season, and showers are accessible.
This Spanish beach is reachable by automobile, though parking can be a challenge during the summer months. You may stroll here from Niembro village (park here). Apart from the beaches, Asturias is a fantastic place to visit for sightseeing, as it was an important component of medieval and Moorish Spain.
The Hotel Miracielos is located near Niembro in Barro, which has its own set of beautiful beaches. This family-friendly hotel is set on a lush hillside with views of one of the area’s many little beach coves. Rooms and suites with full kitchens and furnished balconies are available at this beautiful, recently built hotel.
8. Carboneras, Almeria
Almeria is located on the Mediterranean Sea in southeast Spain. A Moorish castle looming on a hilltop dominates the city. The resort town of Carboneras, located near Almeria, is noted for its gorgeous beaches, which are bordered by a large nature preserve.
The area is also noted for its cuisine, which consists primarily of fresh fish. Around the bay, which stretches very far into the land, there are a few beach places. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available just in front of the hotel, but a more natural experience may be obtained only a few minutes down the beachfront.
The water is warm, and the sand is tan, sloping down to the water’s edge. Palm trees and elevated dunes line the beach, which is capped by a beachside promenade.
The Hotel CH Cabo de Gata is a modern hotel with a view of the sea on a hillside near Carboneras. All of the rooms and suites have furnished balconies or patios with views of the sea. The hotel is named after the Cabo de Gata-Njar Natural Park and is located near it. There are many volcanic geologic structures in the park, as well as a significant region of salt flats.
9. Benicassim, Costa del Azahar
Benicassim, dubbed “Spain’s Music Beach,” is worth mentioning even if just for its massive yearly music festival. Every July, hundreds of thousands of people attend the multi-day beach festival, which features some of the biggest stars in the music industry.
The city is a sophisticated Mediterranean resort, complete with large, sweeping beaches and a well-developed beachside promenade. Torreon Beach is a tranquil, laid-back portion of the beach that is ideal for sunbathing. At low tide, all of Benicassim’s beaches run several hundred yards to the water’s edge. They are also extremely flat.
On a hill overlooking the city, the Thalasso Hotel Termas Marinas El Palasiet is a boutique resort hotel. A five-minute walk from the beach, the spa hotel offers a comprehensive thalassotherapy treatment program. The use of seawater in wellness therapies is known as thalassotherapy.
10. La Playa de la Victoria, Cadiz
Cadiz is an old city in southwestern Spain that was once a major port city when Spain was the world’s maritime power in the 16th and 17th centuries. Cadiz, one of Spain’s most historic cities, offers wonderful sightseeing as well as kilometers of vast beaches. The Costa de la Luz refers to the seaside region of Andalusia that includes Cadiz (the “coast of light”).
The most popular beach in the city is La Playa de la Victoria. It stretches for roughly a mile (2.5 kilometers) and is only a few hundred yards broad. The surf is calm, and the beach and water are not rocky, thus swimming and wading are both possible.
The beach is separated from a row of shops and restaurants by a narrow street. During the summer months, the popular beach can get rather crowded, but it has a bright atmosphere that makes it a wonderful spot to visit.
The Hotel Playa Victoria is a beachfront vacation hotel. Private balconies are available in all rooms and suites, and the hotel even has its own tiny private beach area.
11. Playa de As Catedrais, Galicia
While other beaches have gorgeous sandy shorelines or breathtaking ocean views, Ribadeo’s Playa de As Catedrais features some of the most spectacular rock formations on the planet. The beach is about eight kilometers from Ribadeo, a town in Galicia on Spain’s northwest coast.
The beach is large and level, yet there are massive rock arches that form a natural cathedral’s skeleton. Playa de As Catedrais translates to “beach of the cathedrals.” Low tide is the greatest time to see them because you can stand right under and next to the massive constructions.
In Ribadeo, the Hotel O Cabazo is a modern, well-managed hotel with a tidal river view. Many of the city’s popular restaurants are within walking distance.
12. Playa de Silencio, Asturias
The Playa de Silencio, as its name suggests (the “beach of silence”), offers a peaceful, wild, and untouched beach experience. It is located in Asturias, near the town of Cudillero.
The natural rock amphitheater that surrounds the entire coastal area gives the beach its name. Almost all of the wind is blocked by the rock structure, making the beach exceptionally peaceful, quiet, and serene. The beach is a silver-colored sand cove that stretches for miles.
Swimming is prohibited due to underwater rocks, however, you can wade into the water and rest on the sand. This is an undeveloped, natural beach with no amenities. The beach is accessible through a steep approach, which keeps crowds to a minimum for the majority of the year.
13. La Concha Beach, San Sebastian
Forget about Spain for a moment—La Concha is regarded as one of Europe’s best city beaches. This area virtually begs to be Instagrammed, with its beautiful golden beach, expansive vistas of the sea, and signature stylish white promenade.
San Sebastián is a stylish seaside city in northeastern Spain, near the western end of the French border. It has amazing pintxos (basque tapas) and one of the best beaches you’ll ever see in a city.
There’s also a lot going on on and around La Concha Beach, so if you’re looking for something a little more exciting than a standard beach holiday, San Sebastian is a terrific place to visit. Hotels in and near San Sebastian may readily be found within walking distance of La Concha.
Beaches in Spain: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the most ideal time to travel to Spain?
Spring and Fall, i.e. April to June and September to October, are the greatest times to visit Spain because the weather is good, making sightseeing and outdoor activities much more pleasurable.
Which beaches in northern Spain are the best?
Playa de ses Illetes, Playa del Silencio, Praia As Catedrais, and Playa de Gulpiyuri are only a few of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Spain.
Which beaches in southern Spain are the best?
There are several beaches in Southern Spain, but some of the greatest are Playa del Cristo, Bolonia, Torremolinos, Playa de los Genoveses, and Playa La Herradura.
Which beaches in Spain are the finest for families?
The Cies Islands, Playa Del Cristo, Cala Galdana, and Playa De Sant Elm are just a few of the best beaches in Spain for families.
Which beaches in Spain are the nicest near Madrid?
There are many beaches in Spain near Madrid, and some of the best beaches to visit include Alberche Beach, Embalse de Picadas, La Lancha del Yelmo, and Valencia.
What are some of Spain’s best-kept secrets?
Cala Llentrisca, Cala Salada, Platja des Coll Baix, and Playa de Guayedra are some of Spain’s best-kept secrets.
Spain is a prominent European vacation destination known for its rich culture and gorgeous natural environment; its beaches attract travelers eager to unwind in the sun during their summer vacations. Spain’s coastline is as diverse as it is gorgeous, with so many beaches and a diverse range of landscapes.
There’s a beach for everyone, from popular beaches with bustling beach bars to lovely bays nestled in protected woodland and secluded chic sandy sunspots. Here’s our list of Spain’s greatest beaches so you can start planning your next beach vacation to Spain.
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