15 Best Beaches in Spain to visit for an Unforgettable Vacation Experience

 Discover the best beaches in Spain to visit in 2024

Spain is a beach lover's paradise, and it's no surprise that it boasts some of the 15 best beaches in Spain. From the northern reaches of this beautiful country to the southern coast and the stunning Balearic and Canary Islands, Spain's finest beaches offer something for every type of traveler. If you're looking for crystal clear waters and sandy shores that can rival any beach in the world, Spain's beaches won't disappoint.

With so many beaches in Spain to visit, whether you're seeking the best beaches in Northern Spain, the finest beaches in Europe, or simply a small Spanish beach to relax on, you'll be spoiled for choice. Spain's best beaches are not only among the top beaches in Spain but are also among the best in the world, making them the perfect destination for your next vacation in Spain.

list of the best beaches in spain 

1.  cala agulla
2. playa de gulpiyuri
3. playa de las canteras
4. cala comte
5. playa de bolonia
6. la concha
7. Tossa De Mar
8. platja de ses illetes
9. Playa de Los Muertos
10. Playa del Trabucador
11. cala Macarella
12. Isuntza Beach
13. Barceloneta Beach
14. Cala D’en Serra
15. Burriana Beach

1. Cala Agulla: Discover the Best Beach in Mallorca

Cala Agulla

Situated on the enchanting Balearic Island of Majorca, Cala Agulla stands out as one of Spain's top destinations in September. This pristine beach boasts unspoiled golden sands, verdant trees, and a stunning mountainous backdrop. Stretching 500 meters in length, it occupies the eastern tip of the island, making it the largest beach in the area. Cala Agulla is the perfect spot for basking in the tropical climate and indulging in various water sports.

Address: Carrer d’es Niu de s’Àguila, 07659 Cala Figuera, Islas Baleares, Spain 

Optimal Time to Visit: June through September

2. Playa de Gulpiyuri: one of the best beaches in spain

Playa de Gulpiyuri

Have you ever encountered a beach without an ocean? Playa de Gulpiyuri is a unique coastal wonder in Spain that defies the conventional definition of a beach. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, as it prompts you to ponder the fascinating phenomenon responsible for its existence. This beach is created through a network of subterranean tunnels that connect to the natural sinkhole of the Bay of Biscay.

Location: Asturias, Northern Spain

Recommended Time to Visit: Year-round

3. Playa de Las Canteras: Gran Canaria's Premier Beach Destination

Playa de Las Canteras

Known as one of Europe's premier urban beaches, Playa de las Canteras stands as a beloved beach destination in southern Spain. Nestled in the heart of the city, this beach is celebrated for its natural beauty and gleaming golden sands. It's also a prime location for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, thanks to the protective lava reef that shields its shores and aquatic ecosystems from the powerful sea waves.

Location: Belén de arena, 35008 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Ideal Time to Visit: Year-round

4. Cala Comte: Ibiza 's Tranquil Oasis with Stunning Sunsets

Cala Comte

If you're planning a beach vacation in Spain, make sure to add Cala Comte beach to your itinerary it one of the most popular beaches in ibiza . This golden sand beach, nestled against a backdrop of rocky cliffs and sand dunes, is a top choice for a visit in October. It's a vibrant destination that attracts a diverse crowd eager to witness the breathtaking sunsets from its shores.

Location: 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Balearic Islands, Spain

Recommended Time to Visit: March through October

5. Playa de Bolonia: Southern Spain's Coastal Paradise

Playa de Bolonia

Playa de Bolonia is a hidden gem among Spain's beaches, and is the best beaches on spain’s offering a unique charm that sets it apart. It remains relatively unexplored, which is a magnet for sun-seekers looking for a more tranquil corner along the Cádiz coast. While the beach can be quite windy at times, the wind's effect is far from bothersome; instead, it creates an impressive dune formation that stretches to the west.

As a delightful bonus for sightseers, within the same exceptional area as the beach, you'll find the ruins of a Roman village known as Baelo Claudia. Here, you can wander through its streets and temples, and even marvel at the remains of a theater that once accommodated 2,000 spectators. The best part is that visiting this historical site is entirely free!

6. La Concha, beautiful beach in spain

La Concha

Nestled in the Basque country, you'll find a charming small beach embraced by lush green mountains, offering captivating vistas of picturesque islands and pristine white boats gently swaying on the calm waters. La Concha beach is a delightful part of a town characterized by its elegant Belle Epoque-style architecture and an abundance of outstanding dining options.

La Concha beach is certainly the most beautiful city beach in Europe.

This beach, tucked into a sheltered bay, has earned the reputation of being one of the most exquisite urban beaches in Europe. Shielded by the surrounding mountainous landscape, La Concha stretches an impressive 1350 meters in length, and thanks to the influence of tides, there's ample space for everyone to revel in its natural splendor.

With its generous expanse, the gentle waters invite visitors to paddle and swim at leisure, or for the more adventurous, kayaking out to the nearby islands is an enticing option.

7. Tossa De Mar, one of the most beautiful beaches in spain

Tossa De Mar

Tossa De Mar is a unique gem in the Costa Brava, offering an array of beautiful beaches to explore. One standout is Playa Gran, a family-friendly beach protected by a vast bay. With its soft, golden sands and inviting deep blue waters, it's a popular choice for swimmers and beachgoers.

What sets this elegant beach apart is the presence of 14th-century fortifications perched atop the rocky headlands overlooking the bay. These historic structures are beautifully illuminated at night, creating a captivating ambiance. For a change of pace, Platja d’es Codolar is a smaller beach nestled in a cove at the base of towering cliffs, complete with a bar for a more secluded and intimate experience.

8. Platja de Ses Illetes: Formentera Pristine Paradise

Platja de Ses Illetes

Platja de Ses Illetes is a beach of such astounding beauty that words alone cannot do it justice. Frequently hailed as one of Spain's most exquisite beaches, it rivals some of its Caribbean counterparts in terms of sheer splendor.

Here, crystal-clear waters gently caress pure, powdery white sands, creating a paradise-like setting where you could lose track of time. Remarkably, the beach is a slender strip of sand that extends into the ocean, effectively dividing the sea into two parts.

Although the narrow expanse of sand tends to attract day-trippers and can get quite busy, the primary draw is the opportunity to frolic in the mesmerizing turquoise waters that embrace the shore. The ocean is so shallow that it becomes exceptionally warm, transforming wading in the shallows into an experience akin to a soothing bath.

9. Playa de Los Muertos: A Hidden Gem on the Costa de Almería

Playa de Los Muertos

You don't need to embark on a long journey to the Caribbean to immerse yourself in pristine waters and bask on a magnificent white sand beach. It may sound like a cliché, but the reality is that you can simply make your way to the Cabo de Gata-Níjar natural park and find a serene spot on Los Muertos beach, a highly esteemed cove located in Carboneras. Despite the rocky and somewhat arid descent leading to the beach, the reward that awaits you is truly worth it.

Los Muertos has consistently earned its reputation as one of the finest beaches in Spain, and indeed, throughout all of Europe. If you're comfortable with a clothing-optional atmosphere, it's worth noting that the left side of this beach permits nudity. As there are no beach bars available, it's advisable to bring along a cooler stocked with food and refreshing beverages to make the most of your visit.

10. Playa del Trabucador: Catalonia's Coastal Wonderland

Playa del Trabucador

As you set foot on Playa del Trabucador, you'll experience the sensation of reaching the edge (or beginning) of the world. This beach is vast, stretching for 6.5 kilometers, and it's sparsely developed, devoid of amenities like lifeguards, showers, or beachside bars. However, this lack of civilization brings you closer to nature, allowing for a pure and unspoiled beach experience.

When the tide rises, you can stroll far out into the shallow waters, creating a unique connection with the sea. Playa del Trabucador is a place where it's just you, your companions, the sea, and little else, and sometimes, that's all you need to find tranquility.

This beach is also a part of the Delta del Ebro park and serves as a gateway to Punta de la Banya. It's a fantastic spot to witness a breathtaking sunset, particularly if you're a photography enthusiast. Additionally, you can explore the 'salinas de la Trinidad' for exceptional birdwatching opportunities.

To reach Trabucador, you can access it by car via the A-7 motorway, taking exit 41, or by using the N-340 road.

11. cala Macarella: the best beaches in spain for families

cala Macarella

Nestled close to a fragrant pine forest and tucked away amid rugged rocks, you'll discover a captivating beach with just one drawback: its popularity. During the summer months, finding personal space becomes quite a challenge, and even spreading out your blanket can be a feat in itself. However, if you seek a more tranquil escape, there's a wonderful alternative.

Embark on the Camí de Cavalls, an ancient pathway that encircles the entire island, and make your way to Macarelleta, a secluded nudist beach that attracts fewer visitors than its larger counterpart. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the crystalline waters of this Mediterranean corner and lose yourself in contemplation. In simple terms, life takes on a more leisurely pace in this serene setting.

12.Isuntza Beach

Isuntza Beach

Nestled midway between Bilbao and San Sebastian, you'll find a charming little town graced by a picturesque beach. The true enchantment of this coastal gem becomes apparent during low tide when a sandy pathway emerges, leading all the way to the ever-fascinating San Nicolás Island.

Embark on a walk across the stony pathway and explore the island, but be sure to return before the tide starts encroaching once more! Isunza Beach's landscape is shaped by the mouth of the Lea River, which flows into the sea at this point, adding a unique dimension to an already beautiful setting.

Choosing to stay in this town provides a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of the Basque country. You can relish its exceptional cuisine, marvel at its Gothic architecture, and even ascend a nearby mountain to soak in panoramic views of the beach and the island beyond.

13. Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta is undoubtedly the most renowned and traditional beach in the city of Barcelona. Its name pays homage to the neighborhood of seafarers, established during the 18th century by Barcelonans who were expelled from La Ribera in 1714. Barceloneta's historical ties are not limited to maritime activities; it also has deep-rooted connections to metallurgy and the gas industries, which are still evident in some of the names associated with the area, as well as in the presence of the Gas breakwater that divides the beach into two sections.

In the late 20th century, the construction of the seafront promenade served to link this historic neighborhood with the Olympic Port. However, it also marked the disappearance of the beloved beach bars where locals used to prepare paella on Sundays before the Olympic excitement took over. These days, you'll encounter a variety of different restaurants and services in the area below the promenade, reflecting the changing character of this iconic beach destination.

14. Cala D’en Serra

Cala D’en Serra

While Ibiza is renowned as a party haven, sometimes you crave a serene escape to recharge, and that's when you head to the beach. Cala D'en Serra is the perfect destination for this purpose, and it's one of those hidden gems that requires a bit of insider knowledge to discover.

To get there, take a scenic drive through old villages along winding roads until you find the steep sandy path leading to this breathtakingly beautiful beach. Nestled in a rocky enclave, Cala D'en Serra welcomes you with its crystal-clear blue waters and powdery sands, creating the ultimate cool and secluded beach hangout.

A single beach bar caters to your needs, serving fresh fish and sangria directly to your sunbed as you soak up the tranquil and laid-back atmosphere of this secret beach spot. While it may lack the bustling beach clubs and amenities found at the island's main beaches, Cala D'en Serra offers a slice of sun-soaked seclusion away from the buzz, making it the ideal place to unwind.

15. Burriana Beach

Burriana Beach

Stretching for 800 meters and flanked by a bustling promenade filled with shops, popular restaurants, and bars, this beach holds a special place in the hearts of the locals. Located in Nerja, a town on Spain's vibrant Costa del Sol known for its historical treasures, from Roman ruins to prehistoric cave paintings in the Nerja caves, it's no wonder Burriana Beach is cherished by many.

Though the sand here may be a bit stony, its beauty remains unparalleled. Visitors have the option to rent sunbeds for a more comfortable sunbathing experience. Burriana Beach boasts excellent amenities, including showers, playgrounds for children, toilets, and a lifeguard, making it an ideal destination for families with young children on holiday. If you're seeking a bit more excitement, you can rent jet-skis or try parasailing. And as the day winds down, don't miss the opportunity to take in the breathtaking sea views from the clifftop Balcón de Europa.

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best places to visit in spain