With over 5,000 miles of coastline, Spain has a seemingly endless array of beautiful beaches.
Spain has a vast coastline - around 3,000 miles - offering a variety of beaches from north to south. The Iberian Peninsula has something for everyone.
From the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean, you'll find steep cliffs running alongside the sea, vast coastlines and crystal-clear waters to swim in.
Make the most of Spain's best beaches!
La Concha, Spain's most incredible beach!
WHERE: San Sebastian, Basque Country
The beach, La Concha, located in the heart of the charming city of San Sebastian, takes its name from its shell-shaped semicircle. Warm, sunny days in the Basque Country aren't necessarily a dime a dozen, so when the sun comes out to say hello, you'll want to make sure you have a spot on the sand.
With beautiful views over the island of Santa Clara, this beach fills with families and friends of all ages to soak up the sun and enjoy the calm waters of the Bay of Biscay. With so many wonderful pintxos (small plates) bars available, take a break for lunch and the bar hop, or opt for a Del dia menu, an affordable three-course meal (during the working week) in the gastronomic capital of Spain.
Bogatell
WHERE: Barcelona
Although Barceloneta is Barcelona's best-known beach, Bogatell is the beach of choice among discerning locals. And why is that? Not only is it less crowded than the tourist-heavy Barceloneta, it's also cleaner and less popular with local pickpockets. The downside is that it requires a slightly longer journey from the city centre. While Barceloneta is a 20-minute walk from La Rambla and Barcelona's Old Port, Bogatell will take you another 15 minutes on foot (or five by taxi). But once you're there, it's well worth it, with cleaner water, much more space and much better facilities (read: shorter queues for public toilets).
Los Atunes Beach
WHERE: Cadiz
Dip your toes in the fine white sand of this 5km-long beach on Spain's crystal-clear Costa de la Luz. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Playa de Los Atunes is an ideal beach for surfing enthusiasts, whether kitesurfing, windsurfing or surfing.
After several hours in the sea or with a suntan, let your taste buds feast on the local gastronomy. Try laatun rojo de almadraba, bluefin tuna or the catch of the day in one of the many restaurants and bars.
It's wonderful to sit on the beach at Los Atunes and enjoy its superb beauty!
Las Arenas beach
WHERE: Valencia
Given that Las Arenas literally translates as 'the sand', it goes without saying that Valencia's most famous beach has been given a pristine golden powder. Originally named Playa de Levante or Playa Del Cabañal, it later became known as Las Arenas because it was home to the ultra-exclusive Balneario Las Arenas spa, which opened in 1898 as a healing centre for wealthy Spanish families who came here to take wave baths. .
The water is calm and shallow, making it suitable for swimmers of all ages and abilities, as well as windsurfers and sailors. Meanwhile, the wide, lively promenade along the main beach is packed with bars and restaurants. Don't miss the chance to try one of Spain's national paella dishes, originally conceived here in Valencia, although purists will argue that a true Valencian paella should actually contain chicken or rabbit and green beans, rather than shellfish.
The Playazo
WHERE: Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve, Costa de Almeria
Few places in Europe remain as wild and unspoilt as Cabo de Gata, the nature park in the south-eastern corner of the Iberian Peninsula, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve since 1997. Its wild and arid landscape is a mix of isolated rocky coves, jagged cliffs and white sandy beaches. Cabo de Gata literally translates as "Cat's Cove or Cape", but the name is more likely to be derived from the agate rock that was once mined in the area.
Cabo de Gata is particularly popular with environmentally conscious travellers, offering a wide range of sustainable outdoor activities, from birdwatching and wildlife photography to diving and boat trips. Located near the small village of Rodalquilar, this 400-metre stretch of white sand offers gentle slopes and excellent swimming conditions. Playazo is a superlative version of the word playa, or beach, a well-deserved appellation for these pristine sands.
It's one of the most heavenly beaches in Spain!
Ses Illetes Beach
WHERE: Formentera
One of the most photographed beaches on the smallest of the Balearic islands, Platja de Ses Illetes looks like a dream with its various aquamarine and turquoise hues. The water is generally calm, more like a swimming pool than the ocean. Those on the shore pose for too many selfies while yachts anchor for hours, often with loudspeakers blasting techno beats and the island of Ibiza in the background.
A 30-minute ferry ride from Ibiza, most people take the expensive ferry on a day trip to spend the day on these shores. Hire a motorbike or bike or hop on the shuttle bus that will take you close to the beach entrance. Just avoid driving as the car park fills up quickly.
Ses Salines
WHERE: Ibiza
A vast expanse of white sand, this is the place to go if you're staying in central Ibiza and want to spend a day at the beach. No need to hire a car; take the bus and avoid the frustration of looking for a parking space. This is a beach where people go to be seen. Beach bars turn up the volume on the latest techno hits for a lively and fun atmosphere. Meanwhile, street vendors sell everything you want on the beach, including sarongs, sunglasses, mojitos, sangria, beer and ice water. There's never a dull moment on these sands.
Es Trenc
WHERE: Majorca
If you think Majorca is overcrowded with beaches, run-down resorts and drunken, sunburnt tourists, think again. The largest of the Balearic Islands has a lesser-known and much tastier side that few travellers get to see. You can spot Es Trenc, one of the few long beaches on the island to have been spared the development of seaside resorts. The water here is clear, while the soft white sand remains pristine and untouched.
Despite being less than an hour south of Palma de Mallorca and around 30 minutes from the tourist horror show of Playa de Palma and S'Arenal, Es Trenc harkens back to a quieter, simpler time. The beach is not attached to a hotel, but has excellent facilities including sun loungers and parasols for hire, lifeguards, toilets, wheelchair ramps and a variety of restaurants and beach bars. Popular with nudists and day trippers, Es Trenc has a wild and natural feel and is a great place to let it all hang out, if that's what you like.
Los Lances Beach
WHERE: Tarifa
Playa Los Lances is just over six kilometres long and is known for its translucent yet cold Atlantic waters. Because this area gets a lot of wind, it's a popular destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers, so you're likely to see lots of colourful kites dancing in the sky. On days with minimal wind, you'll want to sit back and relax on this beautiful beach. If the wind picks up unexpectedly, you can always take shelter in one of the beach bars.
Papagayo Beach
WHERE: Lanzarote
Situated between two large cliffs, the turquoise hues of Playa de Papagayo will make you want to go for a swim. The water is often calm, making it a wonderful spot for snorkelling. Plan to spend the day here. This beach is also a popular place to soak up the afternoon sun and watch the sunset.
But be prepared for a bumpy ride along a dirt track before you reach the car park. Playa de Papagayo has a chiringuito (bar) so you can have a drink before heading to the beach, or stop off at the end of the day and admire the view once more before saying goodbye to this paradise.
Alcúdia Beach
WHERE: Majorca
Stretching for just over six kilometres, this white sandy beach is the longest on Mallorca. With beautiful clear water that doesn't get too deep, Alcudia Beach is fabulous for families or anyone who wants easy access to a beach with plenty of facilities, such as toilets, showers and the chance to hire sun loungers, parasols, or even paddle boards. There's also a promenade with plenty of chiringuitos if you fancy some tapas. Try tumbet, a Mallorcan dish of vegetables fried in a tomato sauce.
Las Teresitas beach
WHERE: Tenerife
With a breakwater not too far from the shore, waves are minimal on this golden sand beach. Because the water is often calm, it's a frequent spot for snorkelling, so bring your fins and mask. Or opt for a relaxing swim or float in the sea. When you're ready for lunch, order calamari and papas arrugadas from one of the chiringuitos or beach bars.
Las Canteras Beach
WHERE: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
In the capital of Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria, this urban beach is popular with residents and tourists alike, with several kilometres of shoreline. The water is generally calm on the north side, thanks to the reefs in the area. This area is known as La Barra. On the south side of the beach, surfers gather on their boards to chase the waves in this section affectionately known as Cicer. Surf schools abound where you can hire boards or take a course, so if you're intrigued or want to improve your surfing skills, you'll be in the right place.
Albir Beach
WHERE: Alicante
Playa de Albir is an urban beach located in the town of Alfaz Del Pi, situated between Calpe and the town of Benidorm, along the Costa Blanca. If you like spending time by the ocean but don't like sand, especially when the wind picks up and blows everywhere, you're in luck, this is a pebble beach. Sun loungers are available for hire if you find the small rocks uncomfortable. If you're in the mood for snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking or windsurfing, there are plenty of places to hire equipment.
Matalascañas Beach
WHERE: Huelva
With its extensive coastline, Playa de Matalascañas is one of the most popular and well-known beaches in the region for its fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Make a day of it on this beach or go there in the afternoon and stay and watch the sunset on one of the chiringuitos. There is also a long promenade lined with shops and restaurants.
Monsul Beach
WHERE: Cabo de Gata, Almería
In the Cabo de Gata Nijar nature reserve, you'll find a beach that may look familiar even if it's the first time you've set foot on the sand. Playa Monsul has featured in numerous TV series, adverts and films, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Wind and the Lion. The beach hugs volcanic rock formations with a large boulder in the middle of the shoreline.
Popular with families visiting for the day, this beach offers something for everyone, including those who prefer to leave their swimming costumes behind and bare all. Pack a lunch or snacks if you plan to spend more than a few hours here - part of the charm is that there are no bars or restaurants nearby.
As Catedrais Beach
WHERE: Galicia
This almost kilometre-long beach is sought after for its impressive cliffs, which have given its name to Cathedral Beach, or in Galician, Playa As Catedrais. Many people come to take photos and walk among the cliffs at low tide. You'll want to plan your visit because at high tide there's very little sand to lay your towels on.
Because this beach has become so popular with residents and tourists alike, during the months of July to September and Holy Week (Semana Santa), the Galician government has introduced a booking system with a limit of 4,800 visitors per day. This means that if you want the chance to spend some time on this beach, you'll need to book a place.
Figueiras Beach
WHERE: Galicia
These pristine, translucent turquoise waters will make you feel far away from all your cares and worries on this small, secluded beach. One of the many beaches on the Galician islands, Islas Cies, where the only way to arrive is by ferry. Figueiras beach feels like a world apart and time slows down in this strip of paradise. Come for the day, because once you've arrived and found your spot, you won't want to get on the ferry to go home.
Covachos Beach
WHERE: Cantabria
If you're up for an adventure, this is the beach for you, because it's not easy to get to the sand! From the car park, you'll walk over rough terrain before reaching steep steps that require careful navigation to descend. If you have limited mobility, unfortunately you'll have to skip this beach as it's not accessible.
Playa de Covachos is not far from the city of Santander, but feels like a world apart, surrounded by cliffs and sea. One of the many beaches where nudity is common, don't be surprised if you find people sunbathing without swimming costumes. Before planning your day at the beach and crossing the steep path, be sure to check when the tide is out so you can sit on the sand. It's just as important to know when to leave before high tide so you don't get stuck or have to swim.
Sant Pere Pescador
WHERE: Catalonia
Sand dunes form the backdrop to this wild beach, which stretches for almost six kilometres on the Costa Brava. It is popular with kitesurfers for its designated area for practising and enjoying the water sport. There's also a world windsurfing championship held here every year, so expect light breezes and strong winds. If you want to try your skills at windsurfing, kayaking, paddling or other water sports, this is the place for you.
If you prefer to read on the beach or want to get away from the crowded beaches, this is also a good place. And if you fancy a swim, watch out for the currents as they can be strong and difficult for the novice swimmer.
See also:
Travelling to Spain: Top 30 of the most beautiful places to visit
Top 15 most beautiful beaches and coves in Majorca
The Canary Islands, the best activities and places to visit – Spain
