36 best beaches in Spain
Looking for a quick European getaway? Calm waves of the sea, relaxing sun and unique Mediterranean natural landscapes? Do not forget to include the beaches of Spain in your travel list. With its healthy dose of natural and urban landscapes, it’s no wonder, it has several pristine waters, that delight the eye.
Here’s our list of the best beaches in Spain, so you can personally discover these stunning gems on your next trip.
36 best beaches in Spain
- Cala de Algaiarens, Menorca
- Illetes Beach, Formentera
- Cofete Beach, Pajara, Fuerteventura
- Beaches of Denia, Alicante
- Alcúdia Beach, Majorca
- Andrin Beach, Asturias
- Cala n Porter, Menorca
- Cala Fornels Paguera, Majorca
- Cala Galdana Beach, Menorca
- Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta, Menorca
- Beach of the Cathedrals, Galicia
- La Concha Beach, San Sebastian
- Cies Islands, Pontevedra
- Cala Agulla, Majorca
- Comte Beach, Majorca
- Cala Morell, Menorca
- Beaches of the Rías Baixas, Galicia
- El Duque Beach, Tenerife
- Beaches of Barbate, Cadiz
- Levante Beach, Benidorm
- La Vega Beach, Asturias
- Long Beach, Salou
- Marbella, Costa del Sol
- Portinatx Beach, Ibiza
- Cala Pi, Majorca
- Las Teresitas Beach, Tenerife
- Langosteira Beach, La Coruna
- Chipiona, Cadiz
- Mazagon Beach, Huelva
- San Vicente de la Barquera, Cantabria
- Cove of Banyalbufar, Majorca
- Xivares, Asturias
- S’Alga Beach, Formentera
- Las Conchas, Teguise, Lanzarote
- Es Caragol, Santanyi, Majorca
- Playón de Bayas – El Sablón Beach, Asturias
1. Cala de Algaiarens, Menorca
One of the best reasons to visit Menorca is to bathe in one of the many coves this small and attractive island offers.
Many of Menorca’s beaches can only be accessed by sea, and their position is only betrayed by the yachts and small boats anchored lightly off the coast around them.
Algaiarens is made up of two large beaches, Platja des Bot and Platja es Tancats, which is the largest. Both are situated within a rocky bay and are probably the most sheltered beaches in the north of the island.
Cala de Algaiarens has soft, fine-grained sand with shallow water, and both are suitable for children.
Touring the island of Menorca by car is a great way to explore these gems, and the stunning Cala de Algaiarens beach is a must-see.
2. Illetes Beach, Formentera
The impressive beach of Illetas is located at the northern end of Formentera, which is part of the Balearic Islands. You could be forgiven for thinking you’re on a remote Caribbean island lounging on Illetas beach.
It is one of the best beaches in Formentera and is probably the most visited by tourists and locals so that it can be a bit crowded at peak times of the year.
The general area is easily accessible by any vehicle, although some parts are only accessible on foot or by bicycle due to the terrain.
There are restaurants, kiosks and sun loungers for rent.
3. Cofete Beach, Pajara, Fuerteventura
Playa del Cofete is located within the Jandía Natural Park, in the municipality of Pajares, in the south of the Canary Island of Fuerteventura. If you are looking for a very quiet and secluded beach, Cofete is for you.
The landscape is surprising, as the impressive mountains of Jandía surround it. Cofete is simply stunning, with clean golden sands and crystal clear waters. However, it can be windy, making it another great destination for windsurfing.
The beach is not easily accessible, so very few people are guaranteed to be around; naturism is accepted here due to its very private location.
Cofete has strong waves, so you have to be very careful when bathing and there are no facilities, so be prepared.
By the way, do not miss the best beaches in Fuerteventura; there are many more.
4. Beaches of Denia, Alicante
There are numerous beaches along the coast of Alicante and Denia, the best of which are Les Marines, Les Devices and the Playas de Les Rotes.
Les Marines is about 2 km long with fine sand.
Les Rotes is located south of Denia and stands out for its natural beauty.
Les Devices is the largest beach in the area, about 4 km in length, and it has fine golden sand with normally calm waves. It is often prone to wind, making it a favourite with the windsurfing community.
Do not miss the best beaches in Alicante if you plan to visit the province.
5. Alcúdia Beach, Majorca
Alcudia beach is situated in a large cave northeast of Mallorca.
Its warm and transparent waters and high-quality sand make it one of the best coastal beaches in Mallorca.
It is ideal for young children, as the large horseshoe-shaped bay offers protection and calmer waters for bathers.
6. Andrin Beach, Asturias
Andrin beach is one of a series of exceptional beaches located in the province of Asturias, in the north of Spain.
The beach is often voted one of the best beaches in Europe; set in beautiful surroundings, it is a firm favourite with surfers as the waves can be quite strong in the Atlantic Ocean.
Sun worshipers will love the quality of the golden sand.
By the way, do not miss the other beaches in Asturias. They are really pretty!
7. Cala n Porter, Menorca
Cala n Porter is located in the south of the island of Menorca and is one of the most beautiful in the area.
Like many caves in the Balearic Islands, Cala n Porter is located within a protected bay area and offers high-quality sand and clear waters.
The sea is ideal for snorkelling and safe swimming, and there are more than enough bars and restaurants near the beach to enjoy a good meal between sunbathing and beach activities.
8. Cala Fornels Paguera, Majorca
Cala Fornells is another popular beach area on the Balearic island of Mallorca.
It is located about 40 kilometres from Palma airport. The calm and clear waters of the bay make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports in a safe environment.
9. Cala Galdana Beach, Menorca
Cala Galdana is located at the western end of the south coast of Menorca, just 10 km from the town of Ferreries.
This prized beauty spot attracts many visitors each year who love the soft white sand beaches, sheltered bay area and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming.
10. Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta, Menorca
Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta are two of the most picturesque and photographed beaches in the south of the island of Menorca.
These two coves are stunning, surrounded by high cliffs, a pine forest, and crystal clear turquoise waters.
Although they are off the beaten track and not that easy to get to, they are among the most popular beaches to visit, especially during the hot months of July and August.
11. Beach of the Cathedrals, Galicia
The beach of the Cathedrals is one of the most visited, located on the north coast of Galicia.
This impressive beach with the official name of Praia de Augas Santas translates as the beach of the holy waters.
If you plan to visit the north of Spain, this is a beach that you should add to your vacation itinerary.
12. La Concha Beach, San Sebastian
La Concha beach is located in the famous and elegant coastal city of San Sebastián, in the north of Spain.
If you want to experience an authentic Spanish seaside resort, La Concha is a place you must visit.
The long promenade is lined with colonial properties, historic sites, hotels, and plenty of great tapas, bars and restaurants.
13. Cies Islands, Pontevedra
Stunning is the only way to describe the beaches of the Cíes Islands.
An archipelago of three islands off the coast of Pontevedra in Galicia was declared a natural park in 1980.
The Cíes archipelago is made up of three islands, Monteagudo, known as “Mount sharp” to the north; do Faro, known as the “Isla del Faro” or “Isla do Medio”, Isla del Medio and San Martino, also known as as “San Martin” and is the southernmost island.
The main beaches are Rodas Beach, Figueiras or Alemanes Beach, San Martino Beach, Cantareira Beaches, Margaridas, Mixueiro Beaches, Areina Beaches of Los Bolos and Nuestra Señora, Nuestra Señora and Carracido. .
The natural beauty, clean sands and crystal clear waters make every visitor want to come back another day.
14. Cala Agulla, Majorca
Cala Anguilla is one of the best beaches in Spain, located on the eastern side of the Balearic island of Mallorca.
Declared an area of great natural interest in 1991, Cala Anguilla is a beautiful blue flag beach in an idyllic location, surrounded by sweet-smelling pine forests and with the Llevant Natural Park as a backdrop.
The soft white sand and calm, clear waters make it a perfect bathing beach for the whole family. There are a few water sports shops and several local beach bars to enjoy.
15. Comte Beach, Majorca
Platja de Compte beach is another jewel found at the western end of Mallorca. Its clean waters, sun loungers and perfect picturesque setting make it a popular beach for visitors.
16. Cala Morell, Menorca
Cala Morell is located northwest of Menorca. With an impressive deck surrounded by cliffs on either side with a selection of whitewashed Menorcan villas, visitors are never disappointed when spending a day sunbathing and swimming.
Although the beach area is quite small, the cove is surrounded by a promenade with piers where you can place your sun lounger and enjoy the crystal clear blue waters.
17. Beaches of the Rías Baixas, Galicia
The beaches of the Rias Baixas are located on the western coast of Galicia. The beaches are within the clear water estuaries and include the towns of O’Grove, Sanxenso, Cambados, Portonovo, Arouca and Marín.
Although quite cold, the waters are perfect for cooling off during the hot summer.
18. El Duque Beach, Tenerife
El Duque beach is located on the south coast of Tenerife, close to the popular resorts of Los Cristianos and Adeje.
With beaches of fine grey sand, El Duque is one of the most popular blue flag beaches in Tenerife.
19. Beaches of Barbate, Cadiz
Barbate is located on the southern coast of mainland Spain, on the Costa de la Luz, and is home to some of the most impressive beaches in Spain.
Barbate beaches include Mangueta beach, Hierbabuena, Zahora Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, Canillos, Los Canos de Meca, Pajares and the famous Zahara de los Atunes.
Most have long stretches of fine white sand, sometimes windy, but no less beautiful.
These high-quality beaches are clean and quiet and provide a welcome break away from the busy Costas.
Take our advice, and make sure you put them all on your list the next time you visit this Costa de la Luz area.
20. Levante Beach, Benidorm
If your preference is tranquillity and isolation, perhaps Platja de Llevant is not for you. However, it has a place in any Spanish beach guide.
This beach, located on the seafront of Benidorm, is Spain’s most popular holiday destination. It reflects all good about a family beach in Spain with its six kilometres of clean, golden sand.
Here you will find something for everyone, thousands of sun loungers for rent, many restaurants, beach sports, special activities, security and first aid posts, activities for children and much more.
21. La Vega Beach, Asturias
La Vega is an impressively wild and natural beach located in the province of Oviedo, in the north of Spain.
For nature lovers looking for an undeveloped beach, this is your place. The long, rolling waves of the Atlantic make it an ideal destination for surfing and water sports.
The small village of La Vega is about a 15-minute walk away, and there is a nice bar/restaurant to enjoy lunch with views of the beach and countryside.
22. Long Beach, Salou
Platja Larga is a semi-urban beach next to Cape Salou, in the province of Tarragona, in Catalonia.
Platja Llarga is an ideal beach to enjoy bathing and swimming in a beautiful setting surrounded by pine forests, perfect for the whole family.
23. Marbella, Costa del Sol
Marbella, on the Costa del Sol, has long been the playground of the rich and famous, and there are several beaches around the city to enjoy.
There are some 24 beaches in the municipality, seven of which currently have a blue flag.
The most popular beaches are Playa Hermosa, Nikki Beach, Playa Real de Zaragoza, Río Real, Fontanilla and Cabopino.
24. Portinatx Beach, Ibiza
Portinatx is located in the extreme north of the Balearic island of Ibiza. There are three beaches in the immediate vicinity.
Portinatx is in an unbeatable location, offering quiet seclusion on white-sand beaches with beautiful views over the bay.
25. Cala Pi, Majorca
Cala Pi de la Posada is located on the northwestern tip of Mallorca and is a popular destination for the sailing elite to dock and spend the day swimming in the crystal clear waters near Cape Pollença.
26. Las Teresitas Beach, Tenerife
Las Terasitas beach is located on the northeast coast of Tenerife, about a 15-minute drive north of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The sand is soft and lightly golden, imported from the Sahara that was used to cover the island’s black volcanic sand.
It is an excellent family beach, especially for children, since there is a breakwater a few meters from the coast that makes it ideal for swimming since the sea is calm and shallow near the beach.
27. Langosteira Beach, La Coruna
Langosteira Beach is located at the entrance to Cabo de Fisterra, in the province of Galicia, and has an impressive beach about three kilometres long.
The water is crystal clear and calm.
There is an oddity, as an old cruise ship stranded just in the northern part of the beach, called “Cruz de Baixer”.
Services include disabled access, bars and restaurants. The area is known for its rich diversity of seafood which is always on offer at the many restaurants near the beach.
28. Chipiona, Cadiz
The beaches in the surroundings of Chipiona, on the Costa de la Luz, have the blue flag and have been the most requested summer resort by Sevillians for many generations.
Beaches include Playa Cruz del Mar, Playa Las Canteras, and Playa La Regla.
There is a family and Spanish atmosphere around the city and its beaches.
Enjoy the sardines grilled over the fires in the beach bars and restaurants and other fresh fish and seafood on offer, especially the delicate flavour of the famous White Prawns that are fished near the warm, clean waters of the Cadiz coast.
29. Mazagon Beach, Huelva
The Playas de Mazagón are a favourite of all beach lovers staying near Huelva, on the beautiful southern coast of Andalusia.
There are 3 main beaches near Mazagón, Playa de Mazagón, Playa de Las Dunas and Playa de Alcor.
Playa de Mazagón is the most urban, near the marina, Playa de las Dunas is to the west of the town and is usually quieter. The last one, Playa de Alcor, is even further west of the town, although it is far from the centre of Mazagon. It is a pristine beach backed by dunes and pine forests.
The impressive beaches of Mazagón offer some 36 km of clean sand and are the pride of the Costa de la Luz in southern Spain.
30. San Vicente de la Barquera, Cantabria
San Vicente de la Barquera, in the north of Spain, offers some beaches of great natural beauty along its coastline, such as Playa de Merón and Playa Rosal, Playa de Somo, Playa de Puntal, Playas de Llangre, Playa of Sonabia, the Beach of Berria and the Beach of Valdearenas.
However, near San Vicente is Playa de Merón, a semi-urban beach with fine white sand.
Playa de la Maza is a smaller beach just before the entrance to San Vicente, and it offers fine golden sand and a calm sea.
Playa de la Fuente another smaller and quieter beach with golden sands.
31. Cove of Banyalbufar, Majorca
The small town of Banyalbufar is located on the west coast of Mallorca, near the Sierra de Tramuntana. The beach is long and narrow in a small bay surrounded by cliffs and trees.
Part of it is made of large stones, while the rest is gravel. It is possible to lie on a towel, and the view from the beach is incredible. It may not seem like an ideal beach to some, but when you sit on its gentle slopes alongside fantastic crystal clear waters and beautiful scenery, you will understand why this unique place is on our list of the best beaches in Spain.
Parking is free, and it is close to the beach. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for children and is more suitable for adults.
The bay is ideal for diving and snorkelling. There are no restaurants or beach bars.
32. Xivares, Asturias
Xivares beach sums up everything that is an Asturian, wild natural beauty, rugged coastline and the freshness that you would expect in a part of Spain. Of course, it can be quite windy, with a medium sea swell with sometimes strong currents, which can be dangerous, so pay attention to the warning flags.
33. S’Alga Beach, Formentera
You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re on a Caribbean island when you visit S’alga Beach, which boasts powdery white sand, calm, clean waters, and stunning natural beauty.
S’alga is a stunning beach in an ideal location south of the island of S’Espalmador de Formentera.
34. Las Conchas, Teguise, Lanzarote
Las Conchas beach is located south of the Canary Island of Lanzarote.
It’s secluded, rustic, and exposed to strong winds and rough waves, so bring your surfboard.
A trip to Lanzarote would not be the same without spending time on this magnificent beach.
35. Es Caragol, Santanyi, Majorca
Es Caragol beach is one of the best beaches on the Majorcan coast. Fantastic white and fine sand, isolated, calm and with clean and calm waters.
It is a beach lover’s dream. However, it must say that it does not offer facilities such as toilets, wheelchair access, first aid or water sports.
Despite this, it still has a place in our list of best beaches due to the incredible overall quality of the beach, the sand and the location.
36. Playón de Bayas – El Sablón Beach, Asturias
Bayas Beach, known as El Sablón beach, is one of the best beaches in the province of Asturias.
The beach is surrounded by natural forest along the entire length of this beautiful beach; Playa de Bayas is also of great ecological interest, with many species of plants found in this area.
The sand is dark and golden and joins Los Quebrantos beach to form almost 3 kilometres of virgin beach. Services include showers, lifeguards, surfing, and parking, and it’s easily accessible on foot or by car.
36 best beaches in Spain