Best Beaches in Spain
Best beaches in Spain & Where To Find Them
Best beaches in Spain and where to find them from north to south
Spain has more than 5,000 miles of beautiful coastline; most of this is adorned by equally beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches in Spain rank among the greatest in the world and can be found scattered all around Spain and the Islands. Spanish beaches are undoubtedly one of the main tourist attractions in Spain .
By definition, a great beach is one that gets you hooked and makes you hate the idea of leaving when your holiday is over, the kind of beach that elicits constant dreams and makes you plan to revisit even before the holiday tan is gone.
Family beach holidays are where some of the best memories are made and should be enjoyed to the max when holidaying with your family. Spain has more blue flag beaches than any other country in Europe, here are some of the best.
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Playon de Bayas – El Sablon Beach Asturias
Playa de Bayas also known as El Sablon beach is one of the best beaches located in the province of Asturias. It is surrounded by natural forest along the whole 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 up with Los Quebrantos beach to form almost 3 kilometres of pristine beach. The amenities include showers, lifeguard, surfing and parking, it is easily accessed by foot or in car.
Cala de Algaiarens – Menorca
One of the best reasons to visit Menorca is to swim in one the many coves ( Calas ) this attractive little Island has to offer. Quite a lot of them are only accessible via the sea and there position only given away by the yachts and small craft anchored slightly offshore around them. Driving around the island is a great way to explore these gems and the awesome beach in Cala de Algaiarens is must visit beach. Algaiarens is made up to two large beaches, Platja des Bot and Platja es Tancats, which is the largest one. Both are located within a rocky bay and are probably the most protected beaches on the north of the Island. Cala de Algaiarens has soft fine grained sand with shallow waters, both are child friendly.
Playas de Barbate – Cadiz
Barbate is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Spain including the Mangueta beach, Hierbabuena, Zahora Ntra. Sra. del Carmen, Canillos, Los Canos de Meca, Pajares and the famous Zahara de los Atunes. Most have long areas of fine white sand, sometimes a little windy but beautiful none the less. These lovely beaches are all clean and peaceful and provide a welcome and relaxing 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 area of the Costa de la Luz.
Playa de Llagosteira – La Coruna
Playa de Llagosteira beach is situated at the entrance to Cape Fisterra and has almost 3 kms in length. The water is crystalline and tranquil. There is an oddity as there is an old run aground cruise liner just of the northern part of the beach called the ” Cruz de Baixer”. It is the most visited along the Costa de La Muerte ( the coast of death!) and is almost always a holder of the blue flag. Amenities include, disabled access, bars restaurants. The area is renowned forits rich diversity of seafood always on offer at numerous eateries near the beach.
Playa de Illetes – Formentera
The stunning Playa de Illetas is located on the northern tip of Formentera . You could be forgiven in thinking you where on a remote Caribbean island when your lounging on the beach at Illetas. This beach is probably the most visited by tourist and locals alike so can get a little busy at peak times. The general area is easily accessible by any vehicle although due to the terrain some parts are only accessible by walking or Bike. There are restaurants, kiosks and sun beds to rent.
Playas de Denia – Alicante
There are numerous beaches located along the Alicante and Denia coastline, the best include Les Marines, Les Deveses and the Les Rotes Beaches. Les Marines is about 2 kms long with fine sand. Les Rotes is located to the South of Denia and is noted for its natural beauty. Les Deveses is the largest beach in the area at around 4 kms long, it has fine golden sand with a normally calm surge. It is prone to get windy at times and therefore a firm favourite with the windsurfing community.
Playas de Chipiona – Cadiz
The beaches located around Chipiona are all proud holders of the Blue Flag and have been the most sort after summer location for the Sevillanos ( residents from Seville ) for many a generation. The beaches include the Playa Cruz del Mar, Playa Las Canteras and Playa La Regla. There is family friendly Spanish atmosphere around the the town and its beaches. Enjoy the Sardines roasting over the open fires set by the beach bars and restaurants and other fine fresh sea food on offer, specially the delicate taste of the famous Gambas Blancas ( white prawns ) caught close by in the warm and clean waters off the Cadiz coast.
Playa de Mazagon – Huelva
The Playas de Mazagon are firm favourite for all beach lovers staying near Huelva located in Andalucía’s beautiful southern coastline. There are 3 main beaches near Mazagon, Playa de Mazagon, Playa de Las Dunes and Playa de Alcor. The Playa de Mazagon is the most urban close to the marina, the Playa de la Dunes is westward to the town and usually quieter, the later Playa de Alcor is even more Westward to the town and although quite a walk from Mazagon town centre it is well worth the walk. A pristine beach backed by sand dunes and pine woods. The impressive Mazagon beaches offer around 36 kms of clean golden and are the pride of the Costa de la Luz in southern Spain.
San Vicente de la Barquera – Cantabria
San Vicente de la Barquera offers some naturally beautiful beaches around its coastline, they include Playa de Meron and Playa Rosal, Playa de Somo, Playa de Puntal, Playas de Llangre, Playa de Sonabia, Playa de Berria and Playa de Valdearenas.
Close though to San Vicente is the Playa de Merón, a semi urban beach with fine white sand. Playa del Rosal or Tostadero, another semi urban beach with fine golden sand. Playa de la Maza, this is a smaller beach situated just before the entrance to San Vicente, it offers fine golden sand and calm seas. Playa de la Fuente, another smaller quiet beach with golden sands.
Beach de Levante – Benidorm – Alicante
If your preference is quiet and isolated then perhaps the Platja de Llevant is not for you, however it truly has a place in any Spanish beach guide. This beach, located on the seafront of Benidorm, Spain’s most popular holiday destination. It epitomises everything that is good about a family orientated beach in Spain, not to mention six kms of clean golden sands.
You will find something for everyone here, thousands of sun beds for rent, many restaurants, beach sports, special activities, security and first aid posts, children’s activities and much more.
Beach de Las Islas Cies – Pontevedra
Absolute beauty is how to describe the beaches around Las Islas Cies, an archipelago of three islands on the coast of Pontevedra in Galicia. The Cies archipelago consist of three islands, Monteagudo, known as “Sharp Mount” to the North, do Faro, known as the “Lighthouse Island” or “Isla do Medio” , the Middle Island and San Martino, also known as “Saint Martin” and is the Southern most Island. These Atlantic islands where declared a natural park in 1980. The main beaches are the Playa de Rodas, Playa de Figueiras or de los Alemanes, Playa de San Martino, Playas de Cantareira, Margaridas, Playas de Mixueiro, Areina Playas de los Bolos and Nuestra Senora, Nuestra Senora and Carracido. Natural beauty, clean sands and crystalline waters make sure every outgoing visitor has a hunger to return another day.
Calita de Banyalbufar – Mallorca
The small village of Banyalbufar is situated on the west coast of Mallorca, near to the mountain range Serra de Tramuntana. The beach is long and narrow in a small bay surrounded by cliffs and trees. Part of it is large stones while the rest of gravel. It is possible to lay down on a towel and the view from the beach is amazing. To some this may not sound an ideal beach but when you are sat on its gentle slopes by fantastic crystal clear waters and beautiful scenery you will understand why this unique place is on our list of best beaches in Spain. Parking is free and is close to the beach. Unfortunately it is not child friendly and is more suited to adults. The bay is ideal for diving and snorkelling. There are no restaurants or beach bars.
Colonia de Sant Jordi – Mallorca
Found on the South Eastern coastline of Mallorca and forms part of the Ses Salinas district. The beaches around the Colonia de San Jordi are simply stunning and include Estanys, Dolc and Es Carbo. This beautiful stretch of coastline offers magnificent and un-spoilt beaches with white sands and sheltered waters. Es Carbo beach is one of the prettiest on Mallorca and for many years has been a popular destination for the Spanish royal family for many years.
Cabo de Ajo – Cantabria
Cabo de Ajo is an isolated beach of natural beauty on the Cantabrian coastline. Across the bay from Santander lays the beautiful headland of Somo where you can some stunning fine sandy beaches. If you head eastward from Somo the gently rolling scenery dramatically meets the sea with some spectacular cliffs, out towards the Cabo de Ajo and beyond. The cliffs are interspersed with some lovely beaches and there are some nice seaside holiday spots such as Ajo and Noja, ever popular with the Santander and Bilbao residents.
Xivares – Asturias
The Xivares beach sums up everything that is Asturian, wild natural beauty, rugged coastline and a freshness that you would expect in part of Spain. It can be quite windy of course with a medium sea surge with sometimes strong currents that can be dangerous so please pay attention to the warning flags.
San Francisco – La Coruna
San Francisco beach is located at the mouth of the River de Muros and Noia in Galicia in North West Spain. An urban beach, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the region. Almost 7 kms long situated close to the town of San Francisco the beach area offers a wide range of amenities with plenty of beach-side bars, restaurants, showers, a boardwalk, parking and life guards during the busy summer season of July and August. The beach itself is made up of white sand with rocky outcrops along it’s length which split the beach up into smaller areas. The rocks are easily passed on foot so access to all the beach areas is quite easy.
Beach Las Teresitas -Tenerife
Las Terasitas beach is located on the north eastern coastline of Tenerife, some 15 minutes drive north of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The sand is soft and light gold in colour, it was imported from the Sahara which was used to cover up the black volcanic sand of the Island. It is an excellent family beach specially for the children as there is a breakwater some meters off shore which makes it ideal for bathing as the seas are calm and shallow close to the beach.
El Cofete Beach – Pajara – Fuerteventura
The Cofete beach is located within the Jandia natural park withing the Pajare municipality to the south of the Canary Island of Fuerteventura. Cofete is simply stunning, with golden clean sands and crystalline waters. It can be windy hence another superb windsurfing destination.
If you are looking for a very peaceful out of the way beach, Cofete is for you. It is not easily accessed hence you are guaranteed there will be very few other people around, naturism is accepted here due to its very private location. There are no facilities as such so go prepared. The landscape is amazing as it is surrounded by the impressive Jandia mountains. The beach usually has strong waves so great care should be taken when bathing.
S’Alga beach – Formentera
You will be forgiven in thinking you are on another Caribbean Island at the S’alga Beach, Fine white sand, calm clean waters and a breathtakingly natural beauty. S’alga is a stunning beach in an ideal location to the south of the S’Espalmador Island to the north of Formentera.
Las Conchas – Teguise – Lanzarote
Las Conchos beach is located to the south of the Canary Island of Lanzarote. It is isolated and rustic and prone to strong winds and a high sea surge so take your surf board. A trip to Lanzarote would not be the same without spending time on this superb beach.
Es Caragol beach – Santanyi – Mallorca
Es Caragol beach is one of the finest beaches on the Mallorcan coastline. Fantastic fine white sand, isolated, quiet with clean calm waters. This is beach lovers dream. It must be said though that it does not offer facilities such as toilets ,wheel chair access. first aid or water sports. Despite that it still has a place on our best beach list due to the incredible overall quality of the beach, sand and location.
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