Spain – a sunny paradise with plenty of marvels like the Costa Brava, Mallorca, Menorca or Ibiza. For those of you seeking a place to lounge on the golden sands and become one with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, then there’s no better place. But with so many beaches here, which beach in Spain to choose? We’ll try to help you with that in today’s post, though we struggled a bit too to narrow the selection down, so we ended up with whooping 19 prettiest beaches in Spain.
Where will you find the best beaches in Spain?
Where to go to the beach in Spain?
Though, as we’ve said, Spain is full of great beaches, the most noteworthy ones should certainly be sought in Mallorca or the Costa Blanca. There’s also great potential in the Canary Islands, such as the volcanic beaches of Lanzarote. Of course, there’s no hard rule and you can find something unique that works for you in any region in Spain.
Still, we’ll try to pick out some especially notable examples.
Rodas beach
A sandy beach in Spain
Playa de Rodas is like the top example we could find of a typical ‘paradise beach’, and we mean worldwide. Located in the Cies Islands, it’s got silvery white sands and a heavenly blue sea. Another layer of the paradise metaphor is that Rodas is only accessible by water and, in addition, as the Cies Islands are part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, ‘entry’ is limited.
In other words, not everyone can just enter paradise willy nilly, so remember to book your trip to Playa de Rodas in advance.
Cala Giverola beach
The most beautiful beach on the Costa Brava
Costa Brava is one particularly popular spot for tourists in Spain, and it’s no surprise. The ever sunny coastline is a wonderful mix of beach and greenery and you can find some great resorts here too. Among the many beaches of Costa Brava, Cala Giverola stands out the most to us – it’s a small, C-shaped cove surrounded by lush flora.
With perfect proportions of beach-to-greenery here, Cala Giverola gives out a truly fairytale-like atmosphere with its golden sands and magnificent sea.
Las Catedrales beach
Spain’s most unusual beach
For something with something more thrown into the equation, here’s Las Catedrales – a beach wondrously created for us by Mother Nature to experience. Las Catedrales feels sacred – its soaring rock arches and long caves make you feel like you should not let this place be disturbed at any cost. It’s understandable why the official name of this part of the coast is the Beach of the Holy Waters.
The sea level varies here, so it is worth going to Playa de las Catedrales when the tide’s low – then you will have the opportunity to walk under the rocky arches and look into the caves.
Read more about sharks in Spain.
Playa de los Muertos
A not-so-hidden beach in Andalusia
Playa de los Muertos in Andalusia is another one of Spain’s beaches we just could not leave out. Although, due to its location in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar natural park, there is no developed infrastructure with rows of umbrellas and sun loungers, Playa de los Muertos is still quite popular with visitors.
We were a part of the problem too, admittedly, but you can’t exactly help it if you want to see the turquoise sea coating the dark, majestic rocks for yourself.
Playa de Bolonia
The ideal beach for surfers in Spain
Playa de Bolonia is one of Cadiz’s most famous beaches, located in the Bolonia village (near Tarifa). Due to the strong winds blowing here, waves can reach quite considerable heights. That’s why water sports enthusiasts are quite fond of Playa de Bolonia – it’s a great place for surfers. The beach has fine, light and soft sand and measures 2.5 miles in length.
Playa de Valdevaqueros
A heavenly beach in Andalusia
This wide, sandy beach lures tourists in with its velvety, powdery sand and waves equally apt for water sports. Playa de Valdevaqueros is located in Andalusia, and is simply stunning. Its only downside is how popular it is with everyone: surfers, families with children, familyless children, childrenless families, and us. I mean, yes, we’re once again a part of the problem.
Playa de los Lances
Another great beach for surfers in Andalusia
Los Lances beach in the municipality of Tarifa is another hit on our list. This sandy kingdom stretches out for more than 4 miles. You can choose your poison here – if you wish for a more standard, infrastructured beach, you can find it in the southern part of Los Lances. If you wish for more of an untainted landscape, you should head north.
It’s another great beach for windsurfing and kitesurfing as well.
Playa de la Concha
The most beautiful beach in San Sebastián
If you expect more from your destination of choice than just a little pocket beach paradise, perhaps something with a bit of history attached, then consider holidays near Playa de la Concha. The beach is located at the heart of the vibrant San Sebastian, also known as the ‘Pearl of the North’. Playa de la Concha may at first appear like your usual ‘good-beach’ – fine, golden sand, calm turquoise waters, we’ve heard it before.
The infrastructure here, though, is actually way above that – changing rooms, showers, umbrellas, sun loungers, ramps for people with disabilities, everything. You’ll also find a promenade, numerous restaurants, bars and clubs along the beach.
Playa de Torimbia
A Caribbean-esque in Asturias
You don’t even have to reach Playa de Torimbia for it to win you over. The relatively narrow golden beach is surrounded by beautiful green hills, like a place made to be printed out on postcards. Thankfully, it’s also relatively free of overbearing crowds, so we highly recommend Torimbia if you wish a break from everyone and wish to just vibe in nature.
If that sounds up your alley, do consider that the reason why it’s not as immensely popular is that to get there from the nearest car park is a considerable walk, starting in Niembro. Also, a possibly somewhat important thing to note: Playa de Torimbia is commonly used both by clothed beach enjoyers and nudists alike, so don’t be too shocked if you encounter one there. Unless you’re also into that, then go ham.
Barceloneta
The oldest beach in Barcelona
Barceloneta is the oldest and one of the most famous beaches in Barcelona, easily accessible to anyone staying in the capital. Its light-coloured sand and gentle descent into the shallow sea make it a family-friendly place with children. Barceloneta will provide you with everything you need when relaxing on the oceanfront – umbrellas, sun loungers, restaurants, playgrounds, inflatable slides and playgrounds for the little ones.
There is no shortage of atmospheric pubs and the long, illuminated promenade along the coast allows you to enjoy the magic of the place even well after dark.
Playa de Fenals
The cleanest beach on the Costa Brava
If you are planning a holiday in Lloret de Mar, be sure to take advantage of the Playa de Fenals, located on the bay of Punta de Fenals. The beach has been recognised by the Blue Flag, meaning it’s as clean and safe as beaches come. There are also some cosy beach bars along the beach with all sorts of colourful drinks for when you want a break from the beige fine sands.
Las Teresitas beach
A paradise beach in Tenerife
The blue of the endless, calm ocean, rows of tropical palms, cacti and picturesque mountains in the background. Welcome to Playa de las Teresitas, Tenerife’s heavenly, golden beach. Located in the northern part of the island, it stretches for over a kilometre, inviting you to stroll along the coast. Thanks to an artificial stone pier in the ocean, which acts as a breakwater, the water at Playa de las Teresitas is warm and calm. This makes the beach ideal for a family holiday with young children.
Playa Caleton Blanco
A phenomenal beach on Lanzarote
Playa Caleton Blanco is one of the more unique of the beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands. Located in the northern part of Lanzarote, its impressive white sands and crystalline waters are surrounded by dark, almost black volcanic hills. You’ll find little zones created for the smallest of beachgoers along the coast, with a gentle descent to shallow waters. Though don’t worry, it’s not all for babies here and you can descend deeper if you wish to.
Playa de Maspalomas
A beach for families in Gran Canaria
If you’re missing palm trees hanging over you as you sink into your blanket on the beach in your life, then Playa de Maspalomas is here to rescue you from your longing. The beach is located next to a resort of the same name and is well prepared for tourists to storm its golden sands – umbrellas, sun loungers and numerous bars await. If you prefer a more secluded spot, however, you can find it in the part of the beach located behind the Faro lighthouse.
Playa de Ses Illetas
A stunning beach in the Balearic Islands
Playa de Ses Illetes is located on the small island of Formentera, in the Ses Salines Natural Park. This is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Balearic Islands. The sand here has a unique, shimmering pink shade. It owes it to the coral dust blown by the wind and brought in by the sea waves. Combined with the crystal clear waters, the beach creates a stunning setting, perfect for a peaceful holiday.
Playa del Port de Pollensa
A charming beach on Mallorca
The picturesquely situated Playa del Port de Pollensa is one of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches. It’s another one of those beaches where the blue ocean clashes with the rocky peaks of the Tramuntana mountains and the rugged hills of the Cap de Formentor on the other. It’s located just minutes away from the old town of Pollensa. Gorgeous white sands, soft ocean waves, a strolling promenade, typical beach infrastructure and the stamp of approval of the Blue Flag.
Cala Gat beach
Mallorca’s picturesque beach
Cala Gat is located in the Cala Ratjada resort. Its golden sands are surrounded by bare rocks peeping from the ocean and waves of green trees. A short walk from the town’s harbour towards the coast is all it takes to arrive on this small beach, only about 40 metres long by 20 wide.
Cala en Turqueta
Minorca’s most famous beach
When heading to this particular beach, you can just smell the pine forest surrounding it. Another postcard-perfect view of the white sands surrounded by bare rocks enclosing the bay. Quite small, at just over 100 metres, Cala en Turqueta is isolated from any and all tourist resorts, so you won’t find it prepared for crowds with sun loungers and umbrellas. But a beach is a beach and this one offers you peace above all.
Cala Bassa beach
The perfect beach in Ibiza
A list of Spain’s most beautiful beaches could not skip out on Ibiza. The golden Casa Bassa is surrounded by an ancient forest, giving it a more intimate feel. Despite this, the beach is very prepared for you – showers, changing rooms and toilets are all at the ready.
Wooden walkways have also been thought of, allowing access for people with disabilities and families with small children in prams. There are also restaurants (with the most notable one being the Casa Bassa Beach Club) and snack bars.
We hope our list may help you choose your paradise of choice, as, really, any one of these will do great. Remember, wherever you may roam, bring lots of sunscreen, towels and plenty of bottled water with you and please, stay safe out there. We hope you’ll have a great one out there.
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