Spain is known for many things, but its beaches are one of the top reasons people from around the world come to visit this beautiful country. With the Spanish coastline stretching 3,576 miles, there are countless options around the country. All of which have their own unique charm. For example, the ten beaches in Barcelona are full of life with people playing sports on the beach or just relaxing next to an umbrella. Meanwhile, other beaches have more scenic views like cliffs overlooking deep blue waters. These beaches can make for a great vacation destination no matter your style!
Here’s our list of the best beaches on mainland Spain. Note: This list does not include any beaches on Spanish Balearic or the Canary Islands.
Northeastern Spain
This area is from the north border of Spain to the city of Barcelona. Depending on how much time you have, you may be able to visit other beaches here.
Platja de Fornells beach is one of the best beaches in Spain. It is greener than most and has beautiful turquoise water that you can go swimming in too! Platja de Fornells beach is located in the northeastern part of Spain, close to the border with the south of France. It's great to visit Platja de Fornells during summer because temperatures reach at least 86 F. Don't worry if you don't like to be too hot. You can still enjoy the beach views over the bay by sitting under the trees that surround Platja de Fornells. One thing that makes Platja de Fornells unique compared with other places is that it is a natural beach. There are no buildings or roads on Platja de Fornells, which means you can enjoy the views as they were meant to be enjoyed. Platja de Fornells is a definite must-see!
La Platgeta de Calella beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Here you’ll find fine sand and clear water, making it a great summer destination for families or couples looking to relax on the beach. It is not a large or a famous beach, so it is a great place to go. The beach is excellent for swimming, boating, and sometimes windsurfing.
Barcelona is one of the most popular beach cities in Europe. Barcelona beach, as most people call it, is comprised of ten differently named beaches. So, if you are meeting friends there, you want to make sure you are specific about where you are going to meet. These beaches offer many activities such as volleyball, paddle boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, banana boating, fishing, and snorkeling at some points to look for sunken treasure! There are great restaurants with fresh seafood options so you can enjoy lunch while taking in all that Barcelona’s beaches have to offer. The most popular are Barceloneta for sunbathers, Bogatell for beach volleyball, and Mar Bella is the nudist beach.
Central Eastern Spain
The beaches I have picked in this area are south of Barcelona to the Alicante region.
Platja del Saler beach is located in Valencia, along with 13 other beaches in the area. It has crystal-clear water and fine golden sand. It's one of the busiest beaches in the city, so it can get crowded during peak season. The sand that covers this beach stretches for nine miles. It has a backdrop of mountains on one side and the sea on the other. There are many cafes here to enjoy some delicious paella or other traditional Spanish dishes. You can also listen to live music from talented artists who perform here often. In this area, you will see many hotels built in an Andalusian style, making them look like little villas rather than hotels. Unlike most beaches, there is not much development behind these establishments, just lots of untouched natural beauty. This makes Valencia’s beaches different from all others in Spain.
Albufera Beach in Valencia is also a lovely beach in Spain. It's located within an area classified as a park. Its unspoiled landscape and crystal-clear waters make it great for walking around or simply relaxing on the sand. The beach is well-equipped with showers, toilets, and several beach bars where you can enjoy some delicious local cuisine.
Playa San Juan in Alicante. If you're looking for a breathtaking beach to relax on during your vacation in Spain, look no further than Playa San Juan. Located in Alicante, this beach is known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. It's the perfect place to spend a lazy day sunbathing or swimming, and there are plenty of beach amenities nearby if you need them. So why not make Playa San Juan one of your top picks for your next Spanish beach getaway? You won't regret it!
Southeastern Spain
The best beaches in this area are located in Murcia, Malaga, and Marbella. Although there are a lot of beaches in this area, these are my three favorites.
Playa de Bolnuevo in Murcia. If you're looking for a beach that's perfect for families, Playa de Bolnuevo is worth checking out. This beach is located in the Murcia region of Spain, and it's well known for its wide variety of activities and facilities. There's something for everyone here, from swimming and sunbathing to sailing and windsurfing. If you need a break from all the excitement, there are plenty of shaded areas where you can relax with a good book.
Malaga beaches are similar to Barcelona in that people think it is one beach. However, it has several named beaches. If you are going for a long walk, you will walk past several designated beaches. If you have limited time to spend at the beach, make sure not to miss Playa de la Malagueta and El Palo Beach.
Playa de la Malagueta is one of the best beaches in Spain. It is located close to the city center so it can get jam-packed during the summer months. The street closest to the beach is lined with restaurants and cafés, so you will have plenty of food options if you plan to spend the entire day there. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and beach activities. The beach is well-maintained and has all the necessary facilities, including showers, toilets, and a children's play area.
El Palo Beach is just north of Malaga city center. It is a trendy beach among locals and tourists alike because of its stunning views of Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar. It's located on top of cliffs facing Morocco with fantastic rock formations. The waves here are strong enough for surfing too. There are also restaurants near this beach where you can get your daily dose of delicious Spanish cuisine. You can also enjoy spectacular sunsets over mainland Spain or sometimes the distant African continent!
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The beaches here are beautiful in their own way, so it depends on what you're looking for when choosing which one to visit. If you want stunning views, go to El Palo or Torremolinos. Torremolinos Beach is located between Marbella and Malaga. It's well known for its clear waters, good facilities, and wide range of beach activities on offer. If you're looking for a livelier atmosphere with plenty of things to do, then head to Benalmadena or Fuengirola instead. No matter which beach you choose, you're guaranteed to have an amazing time!
In Marbella, the beach is about 1,700 meters long. Like the other cities in Spain, it has several names for different sections of the beach. The area located close to Puerto Banus has a legendary reputation as the number one beach of all time for celebrities, billionaires, and A-listers worldwide. The beach offers outstanding amenities with two rock pools, great food options, and loungers on the sand where you can enjoy some delicious tapas or cocktails. The long promenade is famous for walking, running, biking, and other sports activities.
Southwestern Spain
This area includes beaches from Malaga to the Portugal border.
If you're looking for a beautiful beach to relax on during your trip to Cadiz, look no further than Bolonia Beach. This stunning beach is known for its soft sand and tranquil waters, making it the perfect place to unwind. Playa de Bolonia in Cádiz is a lovely and secluded beach in Spain. So, you will want to bring something to drink and a picnic. It's located in a nature reserve, making it an excellent place for nature lovers due to its unspoiled landscape. The crystal-clear waters make it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, and it has a large number of marine species.
Playa La Caleta, Cadiz—If you're looking for a beach that's perfect for families, Playa La Caleta is definitely worth checking out. This beach is located in the Cadiz region of Spain, and it's well known for its wide variety of activities and facilities. There's something for everyone here, from swimming and sunbathing to sailing and windsurfing. And if you need a break from all the excitement, there are plenty of shaded areas where you can relax with a good book. So don't miss out on this fabulous Spanish beach.
Punta Umbría, Huelva is one of the best beaches in Spain. It's well known for its stunningly clear waters, beautiful golden-sand beach, and relaxed atmosphere. The beach is situated next to a nature reserve, so there's plenty of opportunity for bird watching and enjoying the natural surroundings. There are several restaurants and bars close by, should you need a break from the sun. Punta Umbría really is the perfect spot for a relaxing beach holiday!
Northwestern Spain
The beaches I have picked in northwestern Spain should be on every traveler's itinerary. This area of Spain is beautiful and has fewer tourists than many other regions.
Playa de Laredo O de Salvé, Cantabrian. This beach is located between the cities of Bilbao and Santander. It stretches for about three miles (depending on the tide), and its golden sand and crystal-clear waters make it a beachgoer's paradise. The beach is well-equipped with showers, toilets, and a children's play area. There are also several beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy some delicious local cuisine.
La Concha beach in San Sebastián is one of the most iconic beaches in Spain. Its horseshoe shape and stunning location make it an Instagrammer's paradise. For the best view of the entire beach, go up to Mirador del Monte Igueldo. You can walk there, but it is faster to take the funicular. The beach is well-equipped with showers, toilets, and a children's play area. There are no beach bars on the beach. Only one restaurant along the beach promenade offers beautiful unobstructed views. However, there are several cafes and restaurants across the street, so you don't have to go far to enjoy some delicious local cuisine.
Bahía de Santander beach in Cantabria is a beach with golden sand and clear water. It is one of the best beaches in Spain, and has been awarded the title of a "clean beach" by the European Union five times. The beach is located in the largest estuary on the north coast of Spain, and it is a great place to enjoy the sun and the views. The beach has a long promenade where you can walk or cycle, and there are also several restaurants and bars. If you are looking for a beautiful beach in Spain, Bahía de Santander beach is definitely worth visiting!
These are just a few of the beautiful beaches Spain has to offer. There are more than 3,000 named beaches in this country, so you will have no problem discovering the ones that you love.
Get Your Free Spain Report Today!
Get Your Free Spain Report Today!
Learn more about Spain and other countries in our free daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below and we'll also send you a FREE REPORT — Live the Good Life in Sunny, Affordable Spain.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.
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