Best Beaches in Spain: 30 Stunning Coastal Spots
Spain boasts an incredibly diverse coastline, offering everything from wild, rugged coves to expansive, golden sandy stretches. With thousands of miles of shoreline across the mainland and its beautiful islands, finding your perfect spot in the sun is an exciting adventure.
Whether you're seeking family-friendly shores, thrilling surf breaks, or secluded natural paradises, Spain's beaches deliver unforgettable experiences. Dive into our curated list of 30 breathtaking coastal gems that showcase the very best of Spanish sun and sea.
The Mediterranean Allure: Catalonia to Andalusia
Spain's Mediterranean coast is famous for its warm waters, picturesque coves, and vibrant seaside towns. From the dramatic cliffs of the Costa Brava to the sun-drenched shores of Andalusia, there's a beach for every taste.
Platja de Castell, Palafrugell (Costa Brava)
A pristine, unspoiled beach backed by pine forests, Platja de Castell is one of the last remaining undeveloped beaches on the Costa Brava. Perfect for families and nature lovers, it offers clear waters and a tranquil atmosphere.
Cala Sa Tuna, Begur (Costa Brava)
Nestled in a charming fishing village, Cala Sa Tuna is a postcard-perfect pebbled cove with colourful houses cascading down to the sea. Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Cala Granadella, Jávea (Costa Blanca)
Often voted one of Spain's best, Cala Granadella is a stunning horseshoe-shaped cove with turquoise waters and white pebbles. It's popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling in its protected marine reserve.
Playa de Malvarrosa, Valencia
This wide, urban beach is easily accessible from the city center of Valencia, offering golden sand, a lively promenade, and plenty of facilities. It's perfect for a city break combined with beach relaxation.
Playa del Portet, Moraira (Costa Blanca)
A small, shell-shaped beach with calm, shallow waters, Playa del Portet is a favourite for families. Its sheltered bay is excellent for swimming and paddle sports, and it boasts beautiful views.
Playa de Calahonda, Mijas (Costa del Sol)
This popular beach stretches for several kilometers, offering a mix of sandy and rocky areas. It's well-equipped with amenities and offers various water sports, making it a versatile choice on the bustling Costa del Sol.
Burriana Beach, Nerja (Costa del Sol)
Famous for its golden sand and lively atmosphere, Burriana Beach is a favourite in Nerja. It has a blue flag status, excellent facilities, and a wide array of beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood.
Playa de Bolonia, Tarifa (Costa de la Luz)
A wild and expansive beach with fine white sand, Playa de Bolonia is famous for its towering dune and the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia. It's a haven for windsurfers and kitesurfers, but also offers tranquil spots.
Playa de Mónsul, San José (Cabo de Gata, Almería)
Located within the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, Playa de Mónsul is a truly wild and spectacular beach, characterized by its volcanic rock formations. It's a favourite for filmmakers and those seeking untouched natural beauty, not far from the historic Alcazaba of Almería.
Island Escapes: Balearic Islands' Turquoise Waters
The Balearic Islands are synonymous with stunning beaches, from the lively shores of Ibiza to the serene coves of Menorca and the diverse coastline of Mallorca.
Es Trenc, Mallorca
Often compared to Caribbean beaches, Es Trenc is Mallorca's longest unspoiled natural beach, boasting fine white sand and incredibly clear, shallow turquoise waters. It's an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Cala Mesquida, Mallorca
Backed by sand dunes and pine forests, Cala Mesquida is a beautiful, wild beach on Mallorca's northeastern coast. It's popular with surfers on windy days and offers a sense of untouched nature.
Cala Varques, Mallorca
A secluded cove accessible via a hike, Cala Varques rewards visitors with pristine white sand, azure waters, and natural rock arches. It's perfect for adventurers and those seeking tranquility away from the crowds.
Cala Macarella & Macarelleta, Menorca
These two iconic coves are quintessential Menorca, famous for their dazzling white sand, pine-fringed cliffs, and unbelievable turquoise waters. Macarelleta, the smaller sister, is particularly idyllic.
Cala Pregonda, Menorca
Distinctive for its reddish-orange sand and unique rock formations, Cala Pregonda offers a dramatic and otherworldly landscape. Its clear waters are perfect for snorkelling amidst the scattered islets.
Cala Turqueta, Menorca
True to its name ("Turquoise Cove"), Cala Turqueta boasts incredibly vibrant blue waters and fine white sand, surrounded by dense pine forests. It's a popular choice for its breathtaking natural beauty.
Cala Comte, Ibiza
Renowned for its spectacular sunsets and panoramic views of several small islands, Cala Comte features multiple small coves with fine sand and crystalline waters. It's a vibrant spot with a relaxed, bohemian vibe.
Cala Salada, Ibiza
A picturesque bay with golden sand and calm, clear waters, Cala Salada is a local favourite. Surrounded by pine trees, it offers a serene escape, perfect for swimming and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Ses Salines, Ibiza
Part of a natural park, Ses Salines is a long, wide beach known for its fine white sand, clear waters, and trendy beach bars. It attracts a fashionable crowd and offers a vibrant atmosphere.
Northern Spain's Rugged Beauty: Atlantic Shores
The Atlantic coast of northern Spain, from Galicia to the Basque Country, offers a stark contrast with its dramatic cliffs, cooler waters, and impressive waves.
Praia das Catedrais, Ribadeo (Galicia)
Meaning "Beach of the Cathedrals," this natural monument is famous for its spectacular rock arches and sea caves, sculpted by the Atlantic over millennia. It's best visited at low tide to explore its unique formations.
Praia de Rodas, Cíes Islands (Galicia)
Often hailed as one of the world's best beaches, Praia de Rodas connects two of the Cies Islands with a crescent of fine white sand and stunningly clear, emerald waters. It's a true natural paradise.
Playa de Carnota, Carnota (Galicia)
One of Galicia's longest beaches, Playa de Carnota is an expansive, wild stretch of golden sand backed by dunes and marshes. It's an ideal spot for long walks and enjoying unspoiled nature.
Playa de Gulpiyuri, Llanes (Asturias)
A truly unique beach, Playa de Gulpiyuri is an inland beach formed by a sinkhole, fed by seawater filtering through underground tunnels. It's a small, circular wonder, perfect for a quirky visit.
Playa del Silencio, Cudillero (Asturias)
Translating to "Beach of Silence," this stunning cove lives up to its name. Surrounded by towering cliffs and rock formations, its calm, clear waters and pebbly shore offer a serene and picturesque escape.
La Concha, San Sebastián (Basque Country)
Nestled in the heart of San Sebastián, La Concha is an iconic urban beach, famous for its elegant crescent shape, golden sand, and calm waters. It offers stunning views of Santa Clara Island and Monte Igueldo.
Canary Islands: Volcanic Landscapes and Endless Summer
The Canary Islands, with their year-round sunshine and volcanic origins, offer a diverse array of unique beaches, from black sand shores to vast dune systems.
Sotavento de Jandía, Fuerteventura
This immense, golden sandy beach stretches for miles along Fuerteventura's southern coast. Famous for its shallow lagoon created by the tides, it's a world-class destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Maspalomas Dunes, Gran Canaria
More than just a beach, the Maspalomas Dunes are a natural marvel, creating a desert landscape right by the sea. The beach itself is a vast stretch of golden sand, backed by the impressive dunes, offering a unique experience on Gran Canaria.
Playa de Las Teresitas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Tenerife)
A golden sand beach fringed with palm trees, Playa de Las Teresitas is unique for its imported Saharan sand. Its calm, sheltered waters make it a popular choice for families on Tenerife.
Playa de Benijo, Tenerife
Located on Tenerife's wild northern coast, Playa de Benijo is a dramatic black sand beach famous for its towering rock formations emerging from the sea. It's a remote and powerful spot, especially at sunset.
Papagayo Beaches, Lanzarote
A collection of pristine golden coves in the south of Lanzarote, the Papagayo Beaches are renowned for their incredibly clear, calm, and turquoise waters. They are ideal for swimming and snorkelling in a natural, protected environment.
Playa de Cofete, Fuerteventura
A truly wild and remote beach, Playa de Cofete stretches for over 12 kilometers along Fuerteventura's western coast. Backed by towering mountains, its raw beauty and powerful Atlantic waves offer a dramatic, unspoiled experience.
Travel Tip:Many of Spain's most beautiful coves and natural beaches require a short hike to access. Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Tips for Enjoying Spain's Beaches
- Respect Local Customs:Some beaches, especially in more remote areas, may be unofficially nudist-friendly. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Protect the Environment:Always take your rubbish with you and avoid disturbing local flora and fauna, particularly in natural parks.
- Sun Protection:The Spanish sun can be intense. Use high-factor sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade during peak hours.
- Check Tide Times:For beaches like Praia das Catedrais, checking tide times is crucial for safe and full enjoyment.
- Water Safety:Pay attention to flag warnings. Green means safe, yellow means caution, and red means no swimming.
From the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean to the rugged beauty of the Atlantic and the unique volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, Spain's beaches offer an unparalleled variety of coastal experiences. Each spot tells its own story, inviting you to discover the rich tapestry of Spain's stunning coastline.