Spain has an incredible number of stunning beaches, suitable for all types of holidays. Finding the best beaches in Spain is a tall order – especially as the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands are also Spanish territories.
Several distinct regions in mainland Spain are also known for their beautiful shorelines. You can easily hire a car and reach them from many of the country’s main cities. Choose the tourist beaches of Ibiza, the famous Mediterranean coastal resorts along the Costa del Sol or visit the wildly romantic rocky shores on the Bay of Biscay.
They’re all waiting for you to explore. So here’s a pocket guide to the best beaches in Spain for your next summer holiday.
Best beaches in Malaga
Playa de la Malagueta
The colorful beach of Playa de la Malagueta is an iconic sandy stretch close to the center of Malaga. Popular with both tourists and locals alike, it’s a great place to work on your suntan and play beach volleyball.
Whether you want to relax on the golden sands of the beach or put your towel on the grass in the shade, there’s plenty of space for everyone. When you’re ready for refreshments, you won’t have to travel far either, with there being a selection of trendy beach bars open throughout the day.
The sea is also great for swimming, but it can get deep quite quickly, so be sure to stay within your limits. Lifeguards do operate across the beach though, which is great for peace of mind. You’ll also find shops, toilets and umbrella rentals located within a stone’s throw.
Playa de el Palo
For those that want a bit of exercise to get to the beach, you should head to Playa de el Palo, where you can get cycling along the coastline to the east of the city. Once you reach El Palo, you’ll be at your destination.
These beaches are surrounded by colorful houses and fishermen’s villages, which offer a charming backdrop to the golden sands. Many of those who visit these beaches are locals, with beach barbecues a common sight.
For those that don’t want to cycle, you can also take the number 11 bus from the city center. In general, you’ll find that these beaches are less busy than Playa de la Malagueta. While these beaches may not offer quite as much in terms of facilities, they certainly make up for it in authenticity and scenery.
Best beaches in Valencia
Costa del Azahar
Next along the same Mediterranean coast is the Costa del Azahar region, which also hosts a few of the best beaches in Spain. For Blue Flag beaches with fine white sand, drive to Benicassim. This municipality has no less than five of them. They’re linked by the Heliopolis promenade and offer family activities galore. You can relax in the sun, take a swim or participate in many water sports.
Benidorm is one of the most popular Spanish tourist destinations among UK holidaymakers. Consequently, Platja de Llevant is an extremely lively golden sandy beach aimed at families with children. It has all the amenities to make your time relaxing and enjoyable, while the kids are well entertained. There are organized activities for them, with good security, first-aid facilities, beach sports and restaurants, all within an easy drive of the city center.
Valencia is the principal city near the Costa del Azahar region, with Las Arenas its main and nicest beach. It has the golden brown sand typical of this part of the Spanish coast and is more of a local beach than a tourist destination. Choose it for a quieter getaway. It’s a vast beach that you can walk or drive to, with lifeguards, showers and sun loungers for hire.
Las Arenas Beach
A very popular beach in Valencia on the sandy coastline is Las Arenas Beach. A short walk from the city center, it’s a great place to visit in Spain if you want both a city and beach trip. It’s an extremely spacious and clean beach, so it’s great for families or those that want to play beach sports. With a range of facilities on offer, such as sun loungers, restaurants and volleyball courts, it’s got something for everyone.
There are numerous hotels that you can stay at within a stone’s throw of the beach, too, which makes it great for those that want quick access to the sea. With the accommodation being suitable for a variety of budgets, it’s accessible for all.
Best beaches in Barcelona
Costa Brava
If you drive further east along the southern coast of Spain, you’ll enter the Costa Brava region, which stretches to the border of France. This is the Catalan area, where you’ll find one of the best beaches in Spain in the old village of Tossa de Mar. The coarse brown sand feels warm underfoot and kids can safely swim in a roped-off area, so it’s a great family beach. As with many beaches in the smaller Spanish towns, it’s easy to reach on foot.
Bogatell is a human-made beach in the region’s largest city, Barcelona. Go there for sunbathing and safe swimming – there are lifeguards, and the golden-brown sand is spotless. It’s much quieter than the city’s main beach of Barceloneta, about a 15-minute drive from the central district. Snacks are available at the many tapas shacks.
Drive to Cambrils for two of the other best beaches in Spain: Playa de Cavet and Playa del Regueral. Both have soft sand and offer experiences for everyone, from water sports enthusiasts to families to sun worshippers. The local restaurants offer delicious local seafood dishes or you can quench your thirst at one of the beach bars. You can walk to both beaches from the town center.
Barceloneta Beach
The most famous and well-known of beaches in Barcelona is that of Barceloneta Beach. Located only a short walk from the beautiful city center, this beach offers something for everyone. Whether it’s beach entertainment, sand artists, swimming or refreshments you’re after, this beach has the lot.
Being located so close to the city center, there are also a plethora of facilities. Beach bars and restaurants mean you won’t get hungry. Bathrooms and showers provide you with somewhere to clean up, while beach umbrellas and lounge chairs hire ensure you’re comfortable on the sand.
Another great aspect of this beach is that there aren’t any dangerous currents, so swimming is safe. Big waves are infrequent, too, so it’s suitable for most levels of swimmer. Lifeguards also patrol the beach during peak season, which is great for extra peace of mind.
Llevant Beach
Another of the best beaches in Spain is Llevant Beach in Barcelona, which is the city’s easternmost beach. Having opened in 2006, it’s one of the newer beaches in Barcelona. It is a great place for beach sports, such as volleyball, with many people taking advantage of the available courts.
There is a range of services that this beach offers, too, such as showers, toilets and various food and drink establishments. It’s also one of the safest beaches around, with there being a lifeguard and police often patrolling the sands. There is a beach information point which is great for those new to the area. Whether you’re stretched out on a beach chair, reclining into the sand or diving into the water, this is a great beach to settle down on for the day and soak up the sun.
Barcelona is more than just a football colossus. It’s Spain’s second-most populous city and one of the most unusually beautiful European capitals. You can find out why it’s so attractive in our Barcelona travel guide.
Best beaches in Bilbao
Bay of Biscay
Moving to the northern Spanish coast, you’ll find a number of the best beaches in Spain along the Bay of Biscay. Located on the Atlantic coast, they have a somewhat different character to those on the southern coast. There are some real gems in the Asturias and Galicia regions. Bilbao is the principal city with an airport serving this area.
In Asturias, head for Playa de Torimbia. It’s a beach typical of the area, still wild, with a mixture of fine white and coarser brown sand, ringed with rocky cliffs. You won’t find restaurants or shops here, making it a beach for nature lovers who want more seclusion. Lifeguards are on duty on weekends in summer. Drive to Niembro town, and you can walk there.
Playa del Silencio is the other beach to highlight in Asturias. Near Cudillero, it’s at the base of a rocky amphitheater, virtually just a sliver of silvery sand. It’s another beach almost exclusively used by nature lovers – you have to walk along a steep path to get there, and due to underwater rocks, it’s not a safe swimming beach, but it offers peace and quiet and gorgeous views.
For the best beaches in Spain’s Galicia, you can choose Playa de As Catedrais, near Ribadeo, or Praia de Lumebo, about a 50-minute drive from A Coruna. The latter is an ideal beach for a romantic getaway, little more than a cove with caramel sands and eye-catching rock formations. You can reach it via a narrow path and be rewarded with stunning Galician sunsets. Playa de As Catedrais is named for its cathedral-like rock formations, making it a tourist beach with white sand, an easy drive from Ribadeo.
Playa de Ondarreta is another Bay of Biscay beach worth visiting. It’s quite a luxurious tourist beach, offering golden sands, a Michelin-starred restaurant, water sports and a little island you can swim to. You can also walk to neighboring Playa de La Concha beach through a small rock tunnel. It’s about a 30-minute drive from San Sebastian.
Ondarreta Beach
One of the finest beaches in Europe, having won numerous awards, Ondarreta Beach is a great family day out. Located in San Sebastian, you can enjoy shallow, clear waters and a vast area of soft sand. Only a short walk from the city center, the beach is also close to a number of quaint bars and restaurants.
Hire a kayak and paddle over to Santa Clara Island. Here you can enjoy a scenic destination that has a tiny beach where you can get away from the crowds. Alternatively, swim out to the floating pontoons which have slides and jumping areas for you to enjoy. The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards, who navigate the sea in their kayaks so that everyone feels that bit safer.
Only a short walk from this beach is La Concha Beach, which offers surfers and water sports fans a different experience. If you want Spain beaches which provide great surf, you’re in the right region. Take lessons from one of the many surf schools or head out to the waves by yourself if you are more experienced. With two great beaches in one destination, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Arrietara Beach
One of the places to go for the best beach holiday in Spain for surfing is Arrietara Beach, near Bilbao. Surrounded by several cliffs, it’s a great place for surfers, walkers and sun-seekers. This beach offers a dramatic setting, with crashing waves, dark golden sand and very few signs of urban life close by.
While it is quite a rural beach, you will still find a few bars and restaurants dotted along the road. There are also surf schools there, so you can take advantage of the great swell that the Bay of Biscay delivers.
This beach isn’t very well suited for weak swimmers and children. So, if this sounds like you, you might want to go to a calmer close-by beach. For example, Menakoz Hondartza Beach is a great family destination and is just up the road.
Best beaches in Ibiza
Benirras
Ibiza is the party capital of Europe, with many people heading over each year to dance the night away. For those that are awake during daylight hours, there is a beautiful island for you to explore, too. Offering a range of stunning beaches, you’ll be able to pass the time in style.
Benirras Beach is located in the northwest of the island and is well known for its chilled-out vibe, jaw-dropping scenery and amazing sunsets. A small cove with working fisherman shacks, it’s a long way from the nightlife experience of the previous evening. Undeveloped, you can still access facilities at the beach, such as sun loungers and refreshments.
With golden sands and tranquil waters, you can spend your day sunbathing and swimming in paradise. There’s also a drum circle which takes place every Sunday during sunset, which is well worth a watch.
Cala Pada
On the east coast of Ibiza, close by to the popular towns of St Eulalia and Es Canar, you’ll find another hidden gem of a beach. Cala Pada is close enough to the developed areas, so you can get to the bars and restaurants with ease, but it’s also located far enough away from civilization that you can enjoy a serene experience.
Normally pretty empty throughout the year, with the exception of August, you’ll be able to hear yourself think as the tide draws in and out. As the beach is relatively secluded, facilities are at a minimum. However, there tend to be a few snack bars, toilets and showers available.
Recommended for families due to its relaxed atmosphere and still waters, it’s a great place for children to visit if they’re not the strongest swimmers. You can even hire a pedalo or kayak during the busier months and explore the cove.
The best beaches in Spain: Mallorca
Platja de Formentor
Located in the north of the island, Platja de Formentor is a beautiful beach that offers pristine waters, golden sands and a stunning backdrop. If it’s a sun-tan you’re after, there are plenty of places where you can lay your towel, whereas if you want to read in the shade, you can sit at the bottom of a pine tree and become immersed in your novel.
The water is relatively still too, so it’s the perfect place for families to enjoy a day out by the sea. During peak season, you can also benefit from lifeguards patrolling the beach. With temperatures being pretty warm from May all the way up until October, it is also a great place for out-of-season swimming. If you’re there late into the evening, you can also take a short drive to Cap de Pera Lighthouse, which offers sunset views.
This beach also offers great opportunities for romantic evening walks, with it being around 0.6 miles (1 km) in length. Facilities at the beach include sun loungers, sun shades, toilets and showers, making it one of the best beaches in Mallorca to visit.
Calo del Moro
Another superb beach to visit on the island of Mallorca is Calo del Moro, which is a stunning cove surrounded by rocks. A great aspect of this beach is that there are no hotels or beach bars nearby, so it’s a great way to escape from the other tourists on the island.
The beach itself isn’t that suitable for people with poor mobility or those with young children, as you need to climb down some rocks to get to the sand. So, if this is the case for you, you can visit the neighboring beach of Cala S’Almonia, which is only a short walk away and also spectacular.
Calo del Moro is a very intimate, sleepy beach which offers fine-grained sand, crystal-clear waters and high cliff edges. Without a doubt, this is a beach that will stick in your memory for years to come. Due to its secluded setting, there are no facilities at this beach.
The best beaches in Marbella
Playa del Alicante
If you’re looking for a beach where you can carry on the fun from the night before, then look no further than Playa del Alicante. Located in the east of Marbella, this popular beach is long and narrow, meaning there is plenty of space for everyone. This beach offers beach bars for nearly the entire 0.7 miles (1 km) stretch, so it’s a great place for party-goers to visit.
Playa del Alicante is typical of the other beaches on the Costa del Sol, with its sand being coarse and golden. It’s soft to tread though, so it’s ideal for a day lounging by the shore. If you’re going swimming, it’s worth noting that it gets steep relatively quickly, so it’s not the best beach for families with small children. Facilities at this beach include lounges and umbrellas for you to relax on the beach with, whilst there are also toilets, showers and places to hire our sports gear.
Bounty Beach
One of the most popular beaches for the younger generation in Marbella is Bounty Beach. Named after Bounty Beach Bar, which is one of the famous establishments nearby, this beach is one of the trendiest hangouts along the coast. With beach parties taking place every Sunday during the summer months, there’s only one place to be.
For those wanting more of a sporty experience, you can play volleyball on the courts, head out in a pedalo or go exploring in a kayak. Boasting lots of facilities, such as sun loungers, toilets and showers, it’s got everything you need for a great day out.
The beach is only a short walk from the center of Marbella too, so it makes for the perfect day trip. Alternatively, if you don’t want to walk, you can get the 6 or 6B bus from the city center in half the time it takes by foot.
Best beaches in Canary Islands
The Canary Islands offer some of the best beaches in Spain. Thanks to the volcanic ecosystem, these have an entirely different character. Most are on the main island of Tenerife, with a few worth highlighting on Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. Fly to Tenerife and base yourself there for the most convenient access to the whole island chain.
On Tenerife, El Duque is a Blue Flag beach with fine grey sand. It’s on the island’s south coast, an easy drive from Adeje or Los Cristianos. Its width and length have made it a top-rated family beach. The swimming conditions are safe, and there are plenty of modern facilities.
Drive to the opposite coast of Tenerife, and you’ll find Beach Las Teresitas. The sand is soft and golden on the surface, with black volcanic sand underneath. The finer sand was brought from the Sahara, an interesting tidbit. It’s a wonderful beach for children, thanks to its safe swimming waters that are shallow and calm.
If you’re holidaying on Gran Canaria, Playa del Ingles is the pick of the beaches. It offers nearly seven miles of golden sandy beach. It’s fringed with interesting food outlets and makes for the ideal sunbathing beach for anyone just wanting to relax. You can hire one of the beach chairs with parasols neatly laid out in rows.
El Cofete Beach is on Fuerteventura Island, near the village of Pajara. It’s visually stunning, with an almost desert-like landscape of clean brown sand, making it another of the best beaches in Spain. It’s in the Jandia Natural Park, quite out of the way and requiring a bit of a walk. The beach is a favorite destination for windsurfers and, due to its relatively remote location, it’s also a popular nudist beach.
Best beaches in Granada
Costa Tropical
Costa Tropical borders Costa del Sol on the east and has a similar natural habitat with quieter beaches. Here you’ll find Almunecar, one of the best beaches in Spain. With its white sand, clear water and excellent facilities, including lifeguards and a promenade containing shops and restaurants, Almunecar is a perfect family beach. The town is fronted by the beach, so you can easily walk there.
Carboneras is a resort town near Almeira; it has some lovely beaches with warm water and tan-colored sand. They’re all within a vast nature reserve, ideal for holidaymakers who want a more natural experience. Edged by small dunes and palm trees, you can walk from the center of town to any of the beaches.
FAQs on the best beaches in Spain
Which part of Spain has the best beaches?
Given its wide geographic spread, various areas of Spain offer the best beaches. The Costa del Sol is the most famous region for great coastal resorts, and few other places rival Ibiza for beach parties and non-stop excitement. The more remote beaches along the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain are great to get away from it all. Or head to the Canary Islands for more exotic beaches.
Where are the prettiest beaches in Spain?
You’ll generally find the prettiest beaches in Spain along its Mediterranean coast, comprising consecutive coastal regions, each with its own gem of a beach. You can take a road trip and visit them all. Start in Marbella on the Costa del Sol and drive east along the coast through Costa Tropical, Costa del Azahar and on through Costa Brava to the border with the French Riviera. Highlights include Playa Malapesquera, the beaches around Nerja and the Benidorm resorts.
Are the beaches in Spain warm?
The beaches in Spain are undoubtedly warm during summer – the whole country experiences pleasant high temperatures, from the Bay of Biscay in the north to the southern coastal regions. The Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands will also bathe you in warmth. During winter, the temperatures in the north drop significantly, with those in the Mediterranean area remaining mild. The Canary Islands are nice and warm even during the winter months.
When is best to visit the beaches in Spain?
The answer depends on why you’re visiting. If you want all the excitement of the Mediterranean and Balearic Islands resorts, visit during the peak summer season, from mid-June to mid-August. If you want peace and quiet or a romantic getaway, visit in early spring or early autumn.