Spain has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Whether you are looking for white sand or black sand, a beach surrounded by restaurants or surrounded by trees. I am sure there is a beautiful beach to suit your needs in Spain.
I’m a sun worshiper. I could lie on the beach all day with the sun on my face and a good book in my hand. I know some of you prefer to take walks along the beach, join in water sports or relax in a shady beach-side bar.
With that in mind, each beach in this list will have the wow factor when you first see them. They are all breathtakingly beautiful. They will also have a variety of seclusion, nearby activities and beach facilities. So that there’s something for everyone.
*RELATED article: Why Spain is the perfect holiday destination
These beaches are, in my opinion the 10 most beautiful beaches in Spain. We will take a look at each beach, where you can find them and how you get to them.
Spanish beaches and coastline
- Spain has over 8,000 km of coastline
- The coastline of Spain meets the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay
- The coast of mainland Spain is divided into over 15 separate areas called “costas”
- As of 2017 Spain was awarded a record 579 blue flags for their beaches
- The word for beach in Spanish is “playa” and in Catalan “platja”
- For more safety info about Spain’s beaches check out Anglo info
The best beaches in Spain and where to find them
Calahonda – Costa del Sol, Andalusia
The Costa del Sol contains some amazing beaches but Playa Calahonda in Nerja is without doubt the most picturesque beach in the area. The rocky cliff drop down to the beach and the mountains in the distance create a beautiful view.
The town of Nerja is just a short walk and some steep steps away. Providing many shops, bars and restaurants. In the summer this beach is busy with sun loungers and water sports but even then, you can’t help but be mesmerized by that view.
Nearest town: Nerja
Nearest airport: Malaga
More information: Nerja Today
Rodas – Cies Islands, Galicia
Just a short boat ride from the port of Vigo lie the Cies Islands. Three small, uninhabited areas of natural beauty. Playa de Rodas is the most breathtaking beach on the island and was even voted the best beach in the world by The Guardian newspaper.
The islands are protected and allow a maximum 2,200 visitors a day so make sure you book your boat trip early. You can camp overnight on the island but again book in advance and be sure to pack everything you will need as there is no electricity or water supply.
Nearest town: Vigo
Nearest airport: Vigo
More information: Turismo Vigo
Tamariu – Costa Brava, Catalonia
Up on the Northern Costa Brava you can find rocky coves and lovely little beaches but Platja de Tamariu is the prettiest of them all. With its dark blue water, rows of fishing boats, whitewashed houses and surrounding pine trees.
The nearby villages offer facilities for beach lovers and holiday makers and it’s just a few minutes’ drive to the quaint town of Palafrugel.
Nearest town: Palafrugell
Nearest airport: Girona
More information: Visit Palafrugell
El Moro – Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Playa del Moro is a soft white sand beach on the North East coast of Fuerteventura. Beautiful clear turquoise waters dotted with black rock create shallow rock pools and the winds make it perfect for surfing out beyond the break. Behind lie the iconic sand dunes of Corralejo, a natural park of pure white sand and tufts of dry grass.
The resort town of Corralejo is only 15 minutes’ walk away and offers many accommodation, shopping and dining options.
Nearest town: Corralejo
Nearest airport: Fuerteventura
More information: Visit Canary Islands
Bolonia – Costa del la Luz, Andalusia
A 20km drive from the town of Tarifa, Playa de Bolonia is a huge, golden, stretch of unspoiled beach. Much quieter than the beaches near the city, it has a wild, untouched natural beauty and is perfect for wind surfing and kite surfing.
The South end of the bay has a cluster of beach hut bars and restaurants. The nearby village has a few accommodation options and there’s an amazing historical site of Roman ruins at the North end.
Nearest town: Tarifa
Nearest airport: Jerez
More information: Andalucia.com
Turqueta – Menorca, Balearic Islands
A secluded natural cove sheltered by trees and rock on the island of Menorca. Cala Turqueta is a stunning beach away from the tourist resorts. The turquoise waters are shallow here so perfect for taking a dip. It’s popular in peak summer so will get busy.
You must drive there, it’s a 10-15 walk from the nearest carpark and there are no facilities so bring everything you need.
Nearest town: Menorca town
Nearest airport: Menorca
More information: Menorca Blue
Mónsul – Almeria, Andalusia
Playa de Mónsul beach is in Cabo de Gata nature park. It’s a wild and isolated beach with unique volcanic rock and lava formations . This area is the hottest part of Spain and famous for location filming of big Hollywood movies due to the arid landscape.
To access this beautiful beach you drive down a forest track and there are no facilities or restaurants nearby.
Nearest town: Almeria
Nearest airport: Almeria
More information: Turismo Almeria
Maspalomas – Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
A long stretch of golden sand flanked by sand dunes, Maspalomas is probably the most popular beach in Gran Canaria. The seas are calm and great for swimming and the dunes create a beautiful dessert like back drop.
This beach has lots of facilities being near a busy resort town. There is ample parking and public transport.
Nearest town: Maspalomas
Nearest airport: Gran Canaria
More information: Spain Gran Canaria
Lleniare – Mallorca, Balearic Islands
Lleniare is a fine sand beach lined with palm trees and grassy verges, in the Port of Pollença. It’s an area very popular with watersports and does get busy in the summer, walking along the shore will lead to smaller quieter coves.
There are lots of accommodation and restaurants options here.
Nearest town: Palma
Nearest airport: Palma de Mallorca
More information: ABC Mallorca
Torimbia – Llanes, Asturias
Playa de Torimbia is a horseshoe shaped bay of white sand and lush green hills. The view looking down onto the beach is stunning and walking on the sand is equally as lovely.
It’s a popular nudist beach but not exclusively so. It’s quite a walk from the nearest village and the car park is 1 km away. High tides will reduce the amount of sand so time your visit wisely.
Nearest town: Llanes
Nearest airport: Asturias
More information: Turismo Asturias
I hope this list of the most beautiful beaches in Spain has given you some inspiration for you next beach holiday 🙂
Have you visited any of these Spanish beaches? Or do you have another beautiful beach in mind when you think of Spain? Tell us all about it in the comments box below ↓↓
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I love Spain! Beautiful weather, delicious food, beautiful beaches. My favourite is the island of Fuerteventura. White sand and turquoise waters in the town of Corralejo.
Author
Great choice! Corralejo beach is beautiful 🙂
What area has the best scuba diving sites? Looking in Southern Spain.
Author
I don’t scuba dive but have seen told the coves around Costa Brava offer great dive sites. In the South, Cabo de Gata Natural Park coastline is known for it’s really rich marine life. It’s not far from Almeria in Andalusia and has wonderful natural beauty, so you should definitely check that out!
I love you blog. I am going to Spain this summer, and we will be near Cadiz. We will be traveling south -Marbella, Malaga, and Ronda. Any blog that could be helpful?
Author
Thanks Gunjan 🙂 That sounds like a great trip! I haven’t visited Cadiz yet but have been to Malaga, Marbella and travelled the East side of Costa del Sol and Costa Tropical. This post might be helpful… http://seekingthespanishsun.com/2017/09/25/my-trip-south-to-the-costa-del-sol/
I think Spain is the most amazing country but I have never been to the beach there. I have only been to cities: Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. It seems like from your list the Canary Islands are the place to go when it comes to beaches! I’d like to try the Balearic Islands as well.
I love exploring Spain’s cities but the beaches are also worth visiting. The canary islands are a great choice for your first Spain beach holiday. Each island offers amazing variety from quiet secluded spots to lively party beaches, stunning sand dunes to vast volcanic rock.
So many beautiful options that it’s hard to pick just one! I would love to visit Tamariu – Costa Brava, Catalonia. I love areas with rocky coves and the color of that water is gorgeous!!!
That’s such a lovely spot full of beautiful rocky coves and cliff walks!
Aww those Spanish beach vibes are insane! We’ve only been to the big cities there, because we already have a pretty good coastline here in Portugal, but we have to check them out one day 😀
Sending all the love,
xx
It’s hard to rival some of those gorgeous beaches you have on the Algarve! Maybe a trip to the Canary Islands to see the stunning sand dunes would offer something a bit different for you?
I’m not normally much of a beach guy – but if I ever get to Spain, these are some places I really want to see! The waters all look so beautiful, and the shores are idyllic. Great post with excellent photos.
Thanks Jim, it’s good to hear that the beautiful waters have enticed even a non-beach lover! Maybe choose a beach with lots of facilities and amenities nearby to help keep you entertained 🙂
Those beaches do look beautiful. I missed getting to Rodas when I was in Vigo (too late to get to the ferry). I did enjoy beaches in Costa Brava and Malaga.
Thanks Rhonda, so glad to here that you enjoyed the beaches you visited in Spain. Perhaps Rodas can be on your list for next time!
Playa de Rodas is the beach that most intrigues me. Mainly because, I’d like to explore more of Galicia, and this beach would be perfect for me. Costa de la Luz takes second place, just because I’m in love with Andalusia!
Galicia has such a rugged and natural beauty, visiting Playa de Rodas would be an amazing. I too love Andalucia! 😉
I have only been to the beach in Barcelona in Spain. There are so many nice beaches in Spain for sure. I would love to visit all of them. Mallorca and the Canary Islands are very popular destinations for Norwegians, but I still haven’t been. I hope I get to go soon 😀
Barcelona doesn’t offer the best Spanish beaches unfortunately because it was an active port/industrial seafront until the Olympics. Up on the Costa Brava there are beautiful beaches and yes the islands have some of the most stunning ones. I hope you get the chance to visit soon 🙂