When you visit Spain, you step into a world that is heaven for the senses. From the beauty of its world-famous regions to its exceptional cuisine, exploring Spain is a treat. It’s known for its scenic wonders, which include beaches in Spain everyone must visit.
In fact, for some travelers, Spain’s beaches are the country’s main draw. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, secluded cove or a heavily-touristed hotspot, there’s something along Spain’s 5,000+ miles of coastline for you. These are the top 10 beaches in Spain everyone must visit.
On the coast of the Basque Country region in northeastern Spain is the resort town of San Sebastián. There, travelers will find one of the top beaches in Spain everyone must visit and one of the world’s best urban beaches!
La Concha Beach extends for 4,500 feet along the Bay of Biscay and features gorgeous golden sands and a beautiful, white promenade. Its location makes it extremely popular, so it’s always crowded. It’s also within walking distance of many hotels and attractions.
Located along a picturesque bay on Spain’s northern coast is Playa del Silencio in the craggy Asturias region. This beach’s silvery sands hug the base of a sheer cliff, atop which you’ll find vibrant, green meadows.
Playa del Silencio rests in the nook of a protected bay. Because of this, it boasts calm waters with high visibility. That makes it ideal for children, swimmers, and snorkelers and a beach in Spain everyone must visit!
Few islands in the world are as well-known as Ibiza, and Cala d’Hort may be one it the island’s best beaches. Located 10 minutes from both San Jose and Cala Vadella, this 150-meter-long stretch of sand is known for its tranquility despite its popularity.
Body surfing is just one of the popular activities that make Cala d’Hort a top beach in Spain everyone must visit. The beach itself offers loungers and parasols and employs lifeguards. You can also find a beach boutique that sells swimwear and a beachside restaurant called El Carmen, which serves a fantastic seafood paella!
Another of Spain’s famous islands is Mallorca, known for its striking natural landscapes. One of the top beaches in Spain everyone must visit, Es Trenc resides along Mallorca’s shores.
Es Trenc is a nice break from Spain’s resort-driven beaches, as it is a bit more isolated. It almost has the feel of a Caribbean beach, with its turquoise waters and golden sands. The shallow waters make it ideal for beachgoers of all ages, and amenities include bathrooms, beach chairs, and umbrellas.
The best beach in Galicia is somewhat of a hidden gem called Playa de Las Catedrales, which has mostly escaped the radar of tourists—for now. Translating to “Cathedrals Beach,” this isolated beach is best known for its incredible rock formations.
The most stunning rock formations of Playa de Las Catedrales only reveal themselves at low tide. Marvel at the unique arches and take some time to explore the sea caves. Be sure to check the local forecast before you go, as the weather in this area of Spain is known for being unpredictable.
If a trendy beach that appeals to young people is more your style, then Zurriola Beach in San Sebastián may be more to your liking. This lively, 800-meter-long beach, often called the “Zurri” by young locals, is a hotspot for surfers.
Activities and sports are plentiful at Zurriola Beach. Even though surfing is its bread and butter (surf classes are available, and surfing championships take place there), you can always join a beach volleyball game, or play some football or tennis.
The port city of Tarragona in Catalonia boasts lots of impressive ancient ruins from its days as a Roman colony. But it’s also home to another beach in Spain everyone must visit, Platja de Tamarit. The 1,750-meter-long beach sits in the shadow of the 11th-century Tamarit Castle.
This pristine beach boasts crystal clear waters and magnificent, golden sand. It’s so clean it has Blue Flag status, an honor only bestowed upon beaches that meet strict environmental standards. Platja de Tamarit’s cleanliness and facilities make it perfect for families and solo travelers alike!
The Andalusia region of Spain is chock-full of beaches, but very few that are relatively unknown. One such gem is Playa de Bolonia in the fishing village of Bolonia. This beach is a 2.4-mile-long stretch of sand, surf, and occasional rocks, and is virtually untouched.
Despite this, there are amenities such as bathrooms, showers, and beach umbrellas available. The high winds here make Playa de Bolonia perfect for windsurfing, and history lovers will rejoice, as the ancient Roman ruins of Baelo Claudio, are nearby.
While Es Trenc is one of Mallorca’s more isolated beaches, Cala Mondragó is not unknown. This beach in Mondragó Natural Park borders beautiful sand dunes and virgin pine forests. Look to the skies to spot some of the native peregrine falcons as they hunt for their prey.
The beach itself is quite busy, but you can easily escape the packed sands by exploring Cala Mondragó’s waters. Go snorkeling or take a walk along the coast for a relaxing hike. Its seas and surroundings help make Cala Mondragó one of the top beaches in Spain everyone must visit!
Another of the beaches in Spain everyone must visit is Playa de Rodas in the Cíes Islands. Playa de Rodas is a roughly mile-long white sand beach that extends between the islands of Monteagudo and Faro.
The beach is more akin to something one might expect in the Seychelles. Its location in a national park means its waters and shores are pristine and undeveloped. Playa de Rodas has also largely flown under the radar. It’s the definition of a hidden gem you must visit!
With over 5,000 miles of shoreline, Spain is rife with beaches that rival the best you’ll find anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re more at home on a packed resort beach or a secluded strip of sand, Spain has something for you. The character and charm they exude will stick with you long after you’ve left and call you back for more. Book a trip to Spain today to enjoy your own Spanish beach experience!
NOTE: Before you travel, I suggest buying travel insurance to protect yourself in case any emergency situations come up. In my opinion, AXA Travel Insurance is the very best because it covers a wide array of issues. Buy your AXA Travel Insurance protection plan here!
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Gatis says:
I am a beach person but have never payed visit to Spain. Thank you David for inspiring me and my gfriend by moving Spain higher in our travel priority list! 🙂