The best beaches of Spain are similar to the rock stars of the European coastline, and like they say those that have multiple children it is almost impossible to define a favorite child, the same with respect to the best beaches in Spain. If you are fantasizing about imposing sand, tranquility, and sunsets that could envy a photograph, fasten your seat belts.
We have scouted the spectacular coastlines of the mainland, Mallorca beaches, Ibiza beaches, and more, in order to bring you our ultimate listing of the best 16 Spain beaches. This hand-picked collection includes the best of the best on sandy getaways so heavenly, you might want to reach for a sun bonnet and beach ball at first sight. These mythical beaches are not only the best in Spain but are actually worth a bucket list! And to learn about some more seaside inspiration, check our collection of the best beaches in Europe. Go and book your sun-soaked vacation!
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1. Cala Salada
When you inquire about the best beaches in Spain to a veteran Ibiza traveler, Cala Salada is probably the first one they will mention, and, of course, they are right. This beach manages to maintain its composure despite the summer rush, which serves the proof that not all beaches in Ibiza are as good.
Imagine the Mediterranean at its most beautiful: calm and transparent waters surrounded by verdant pinewoods and rocky shores–as though one were in the realm of nature where one owns the most exclusive VIP lounge. To experience a bit of this heaven on earth, fly to Ibiza, and it takes you just 30 minutes by car, and you can visit one of the great beaches in Spain and one that will probably become a favourite one.
2. Cala Saura
Two reasons why Cala Saura is one of the best beaches in Spain you cannot miss- Cala Saura might not be as tourist-frenzy as Ibiza, but that is exactly why Cala Saura makes such an incredible beach. It might be a slight trek — fly to Ibiza, and take a half-hour ferry — but consider it a kind of VIP ticket to paradise. When you get there, the immaculate beaches and the clear water will surely be worth the additional boat travel. Use your adventurous mood and explore one of the prettiest beaches in Spain, where breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere are guaranteed throughout the year.
3. Cala Fornells
Searching for the best Mallorca beaches, the village of Cala Fornells must be included in the list that can attract your attention easily. Mallorca is the sun-drenched gem of the Balearics. It is a postcard Spanish beach town with the crystal-clear turquoise water, soft and white sand, green landscapes, gorgeous panoramic view that cannot be forgotten.
It feels as though you are entering the real-life version of the best Instagram filter that Mother Nature has to offer. Fly to Mallorca, transfer by road in 30 minutes, and you arrive in the pure beach paradise. The view at Cala Fornells is so stunning, you may even want your sunscreen to have a day off! Being one of the truly great beaches in Spain, it really is an ideal place to make memories (and envy-worthy stories) you would want to share.
4. Cala Pregonda
It is like asking a mother to choose her favourite child: a hard task to select the favourite cove in Menorca! But Cala Pregonda? It is the title VIP of the most favourable beaches in Spain. The cove is calm and safe, backed by adorable islands that also serve as the natural wave-breakers, and the views that one can see are so magnificent that they could lead to permanent awe. To come to this piece of heaven, you just have to fly to Menorca and have a nice 40-minute drive.
5. Playa de Ondarreta
Sandwiched between the legendary Monte Igueldo and the royal Miramar Palace, the Playa de Ondarreta is both the smallest and the most silent of all the beaches found in San Sebastian, yet still one of the most wondrous beaches in Spain.
Across a gorgeous tunnel that runs across the famous Playa de La Concha, one arrives at this dignified sea-facing jewel, which is not all of sun and sand. In this case, imagine something adventurous like water sports, Michelin-starred eateries and the amazing iron works of Eduardo Chillida on the sea frontage. Add a funicular ride to the mountains and a little, cute island that one can swim to, and you have a beach destination like no other. And it is one of the prettiest beaches Spain; therefore, you cannot miss it. Fly to San Sebastián and have a panoramic ride in 30 minutes.
6. Playa del Regueral and Playa de Cavet
Major attractions consist of the twin beaches of Playa del Regueral and Playa de Cavet in Cambrils, which were, of course, once a humble seaside fishing settlement. If you aim to find all the best beaches of Spain, these beaches are the scenes, complete with the warm kisses of the Mediterranean sun, crystalline sands, and the vibe that says, good times. Yacht lovers, sun worshippers and families will all find their paradise here.
Explore beach bars, trampoline, or go sailing, windsurfing or kayaking. And as the sun goes down, so do the relaxed seafood eateries call to you. To get a bit of romance, swim by the old fishing port lights at moonlight. To enjoy these jewels, you need to fly to Reus and drive 20 minutes through a breezy route.
7. Praia de Lumebó
Searching the best beaches in Spain which can seem an uncovered secret, Praia de Lumebo, in Galicia is your dream come true. The small cove is surrounded by spectacular rocky structures, making it an idyllic beach with golden sands and a large central rock seemingly daring a visitor to embrace a dramatical photo shoot. Getting to this place is a narrow and slightly treacherous route, and only those who are quite adventurous or are born with a flair of dramatic entries will manage to come.
When you get there, swim in crystal waters to fill your lungs with the fumes of heaven and watch sunsets that will make you question why anybody made the effort of creating the rest of the world. Fly to A Coruña and make an idyllic 50-minute transfer that will demonstrate why Praia de Lumeb o is one of the great beaches in Spain.
8. Playa de Poo
Looking to spend some time on one of the best Spain beaches that is as family-friendly as it is pleasant? Why not go to Playa de Poo in Asturias? This triangular piece of heaven can be interpreted as the present you give to your family, simple to reach and with a handy car park, and sheltered by green headlands protecting it against the Biscay waves.
Its waters are shallow, its rock pools are intriguing, and its caves are secret, and thus it is a dream come true to a child. There is no need to pack a picnic; two easy cafe options offer shelter in summer. Fly to Santander and get ready to be transported into one of the best places to visit in Spain as you cruise to this beautiful stretch of beach in one hour.
9. Pechón Playa
Go to Pechon Playa on the coast of Cantabria. Nestling at the head of the Ria Tina Mayor estuary, this secret spot involves a daring descent over a flight of steep steps before you arrive at Camping Las Arenas. Believe us, the dunes and clear waters interspersed by the wood-cloaked sides of the Hermida Gorge are worth the long march.
An added adrenalin rush is to drop a kayak at Unquera and make your way back by paddling along the meandering river to the beach, before settling your stomach with a pizza at the campsite. Fly to Santander, drive 40 minutes of the scenic route.
10. Playa Tamarit and Cala Jovera: Tarragona’s Dual Delight
Why have one of the best beaches in Spain when you can also have two? Playa Tamarit, an 11 th-century castle dominating the view, has Blue Flag perfection devoid of the tourist masses that plague the more obvious places to visit. Imagine it as the beach hangout of the Mediterranean where you can do all you want to as one big chill-out zone.
Only 50 meters south lies Cala Jovera, the adventurous version– think rock with a cave in it, ideal way to pretend you are cave person and jump off cliffs and stuff. Those not so adventurous can take shady pine tree strolls. Fly to Reus, hop in a 20-minute taxi and find out why Playa Tamarit and Cala Jovera are among best Spain beaches.
11. Playa de Gandía and Playa de L’Alhuir
Get yourself prepared to visit one of the best beaches in Spain with a two-fold fun visit to Playa de Gandia and Playa de L’Alhuir. Playa de Gandia, the urban superstar, has got 7km of golden sands that are lined with the lovely promenade and enough boardwalks to make each trip a smooth one. The beach is perfect whether you like playing volleyball or even basketball, or just showing off your sandcastle skills.
And in case you are here during August, you cannot miss the oldest sea-swimming race in the world. A short walk to the north, and there is Playa de L’Alhuir with its peaceful dunes and exciting kite-surfing. Fly to Valencia and drive along the coast to see why these two beauties are among the best beaches in Spain in just an hour.
12. Playa de Maro
As far as the most prettiest beaches in Spain are concerned, Playa de Maro wins the award of overall natural beauty. This cove is located in the Los Alcantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo natural park and has turquoise waters and some sandy bliss that would make one question their decision to ever settle on any less than that.
There is also a fishing ban, so marine life is flourishing, and you will see some wonders under the water. To get a taste of adventure, take a sea-kayak boat along Burriana beach into Maro and be awed by the natural caves and massive waterfall. An old Moorish lookout tower gives it the hint of ancient mystery. Travel in early summer to avoid the summer crowd and to find out why Playa de Maro is among the best beaches in Spain.
13. Playa de Monsul
Playa de Monsul is one of the great beaches Spain, in the natural beauty of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. Its volcanic rock constructions and super-fine sand provide a spectacular, quite cinematographic scenery, which is no wonder it was featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in action. The waters here are shallow and thus favour paddling, and this pristine destination is not about facilities but nature.
There is a 4km dirt road to access and limited parking, but the reward is more than good. To reach it, you should arrive at Almeria Airport, after which you will drive through the wilds of Cabo de Gata-Nijar on a 45-minute journey to this seaside paradise.
14. Playa de Bolonia: Spain’s Dune Delight
You will be amazed by Playa de Bolonia, which is an absolute treasure in the list of Spain beaches. It is like a giant sand-dune of white sand, rimmed by luxuriant pine forests, and beyond that, the blue ocean expanses. It is like a dream come true for beach lovers with much serenity and scenic beauty.
When the tide is low, it is possible to play drier in natural pools and look across the Strait of Gibraltar at Africa. Within the confines of the El Estrecho Natural Park, this beach has little more than some idyllic woodland beach bars and down-to-earth street cafes, providing enough to satisfy your taste buds as well as your toes. Also, pay a visit to the Roman ruins and museum so that you can have a taste of ancient history.
How to reach: Fly to Jerez de la Frontera and make your journey to this oasis of less-travelled sand in 80 minutes.
15. Playa de Rompeculos
Ready to be adventurous? Your hide-out is the pretty beach of Playa de Rompeculos, one of the prettiest beaches Spain offers. A 20-minute hike through pine forests in Doñana National Park leads to this hidden gem, which is surrounded by dramatic sandstone cliffs that have been carved by the hands of nature.
A 100-meter-long sliver of sand called bottom-breaker due to a 19th-century river accident, the area provides a delightful estuary area where your pup will be delighted to be your companion. Pack your boots and beach gear and prepare to have an experience you have not had before, a beach adventure with a name like no other.
How to get there: Seville airport is located about 90 90-minute drive to this untold place of bliss.
16. Playa de Sa Boadella
Welcome to Playa de Sa Boadella, one of the real candidates in the ranking of the great beaches in Spain. At the bottom of a 200-meter pineered perfumed bliss, you will find this little piece of paradise, with the left side being more modest and the right side more au naturel. Fish are abundant in the clear waters–an ideal place for snorkelers and those with magdalena cakes as bait. The sand is soft and it is not sticky, although it is nice to bring your own umbrella instead of a beach towel. Amazingly, the area of beach paradise is only 3.5 km away from the mayhem of Lloret de Mar.
How to Get There: Fly into Girona and wind through the 30-minute journey to this coastal retreat.
