Spain’s beaches are gloriously diverse — sun-scorched dunes bordering ancient Roman ruins, impossibly blue Balearic coves, wild Atlantic shores that demand careful timing, and subtropical islands closer to Africa than Madrid. Whether you’re chasing waves, seclusion, or five-star loungers, the country has something extraordinary waiting.
The Islands
- Caló des Moro, Mallorca
Balearic Islands
A tiny slice of paradise measuring barely 130 feet across, Caló des Moro rewards the determined traveller. Getting there requires navigating an unmarked path and descending a steep staircase — but the crystalline blue water that greets you at the bottom is unlike anything else on the island. The secret has long been out, making summer visits busy.
Insider tip: Arrive before 9am in July and August. By midday, every inch of sand is claimed.
- Platja des Pujols, Formentera
Balearic Islands — accessible by ferry only
Formentera is the smallest and most remote of the Balearic Islands, reachable only by ferry — and that relative difficulty keeps its beaches exceptional. Es Pujols offers gloriously clear waters, glamorous waterfront restaurants, and a famous Hippy Market that fills the streets each evening from May through September.
- Playa S’Arenal, Ibiza
Ibiza, Balearic Islands
No Spain beach list is complete without Ibiza. Located in the village of Portinatx in the quieter north of the island, S’Arenal’s golden sands and gin-clear water offer a surprisingly serene side of a destination better known for nightlife. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire on those blazing island afternoons.
- Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
Canary Islands
Closer to the African coast than to mainland Spain, Gran Canaria is a subtropical treasure. Playa del Inglés stretches nearly two miles — so even in peak season, space is plentiful. Right next door, the Maspalomas Dunes sprawl across nearly 1,000 acres of walking paths worth exploring.
The Wild North
- Praia de Rodas, Cíes Islands
Galicia — Galician Atlantic Islands Marine-Terrestrial National Park
Take the ferry from Vigo and 45 minutes later you’re standing on some of the finest-grained white sand in Europe, edged by shocking turquoise water. The National Park is free to enter, but a day permit is required — and well worth it. For the adventurous, the island’s campsite offers world-class stargazing.
Note: The water is cold year-round. Pack a wetsuit if you plan on spending real time in the sea.
- Praia de Lumebó, Galicia
Galicia’s north Atlantic coast
Galicia’s battered northern coast is full of dramatic coves, and Lumebó is one of the finest — but you’ll need to time your visit carefully. The beach is only accessible at low tide. Arrive at high tide and you’ll have to enjoy it from above; visit at the right moment and you’ll be rewarded with serene white sand and very few crowds. Note that this beach is popular with nudists.
- Playa de Pechón, Cantabria
Northern Spain — less than an hour from Santander
Ringed by cliffs and draped in the lush green of Cantabria’s famously wet climate, Playa de Pechón is one of the most scenically dramatic beaches in Spain. The steep descent to the sand deters casual visitors — meaning the beach is nearly always quiet. Come prepared: there are no bathrooms or refreshments on-site.
- Playa de Zarautz, Basque Country
12 miles west of San Sebastián
Beloved by the Basque surfing community, Zarautz is a laid-back beach town with excellent waves, a string of surf schools, and a natural park for hiking between sessions. End the day on the beachfront promenade sampling pintxos — Basque bar snacks — at the small bars lining the seafront.
Mediterranean & the South
- Platja de Llafranc, Costa Brava
Palafrugell, Catalonia
Llafranc is both a beach and a small whitewashed town on the Costa Brava, connected by scenic hiking trails to neighbouring Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu. Its calm turquoise water, family-friendly atmosphere, and long promenade lined with restaurants make it one of the most complete beach destinations on Spain’s northeastern coast.
- Cala sa Boadella, Lloret de Mar
Costa Brava — 45 miles north of Barcelona
A short walk through a lush pine forest brings you to this unspoiled cove that feels a world away from the resort hotels of nearby Lloret de Mar. The water is clear, the crowds are thin, and the setting is genuinely beautiful. Favoured by nudists, though all are welcome.
- Playa de Bolonia, Tarifa
Estrecho Natural Park, Andalusia
A massive sand dune cascades toward the sea along this wild 2.5-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline. From the dune’s summit on a clear day, the coast of Morocco is visible across the Strait of Gibraltar. Nearby, the remarkably well-preserved ruins of Baelo Claudio — a Roman town dating to the second century BCE — overlook the beach.
- Playa de Mónsul, Almería
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, Andalusia
Inside Andalusia’s largest protected coastal area, Mónsul is a beach that film directors have long loved — most famously it appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Its otherworldly volcanic rock formations make for spectacular photographs against a backdrop of dark sand and deep-blue Mediterranean water.
Getting there: About 45 minutes from Almería city, or just over 2 hours from Granada.
- Playa de Los Muertos, Almería
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, Andalusia
The macabre name — “Beach of the Dead” — refers to historical shipwrecks driven ashore by strong currents, thankfully a thing of the past. Today Los Muertos is a half-mile pebble beach popular with swimmers, accessible via a downhill walking trail. It sits within the same protected park as Mónsul, making a combined day trip easy.
- Playa de Ondarreta, San Sebastián
Basque Country, Bay of Biscay
San Sebastián’s lesser-known alternative to La Concha, Ondarreta is a short, well-equipped stretch of sand that’s ideal for families and those seeking a quieter atmosphere. Changing rooms,
Puerto Banús, Marbella
- Costa del Sol, Andalusia
For a taste of unabashed glamour, Puerto Banús is Spain’s most famous luxury marina. Superyachts fill the harbour, the beach is immaculate, and the restaurants range from elevated tapas bars to serious seafood. When you tire of the loungers, Jet Ski rentals, paddleboards, and sailing excursions are all available along the waterfront.