There are lots of reasons to visit Spain, with its beautiful beaches being pretty high on top of those list of reasons. Suffice it to say, finding the best beaches in Spain is justifiably one thing quite quickly that can find its way into your travel planning for Spain.
That’s the thing about Spain, even in cities like Barcelona, there are still incredible beaches! If we wanted a beach back home in London (let alone an incredible one), we’d had to go out there and build ourselves one.
The same holds true for many global cities (Tokyo, Amsterdam, and Paris; to mention but a few) with Spain being something of an exception to the rule. I mean, have you seen the beach in Valencia
Long story short, Spain does beaches pretty well (even if you’re in the city) and making time to find yourself the best beaches in Spain to hang out in, preferably with a jug of Sangria to hand, is time well spent!
In fact, planning a holiday centred around the beach in Spain is a pretty decent holiday plan and a go-to for many-a-holidaymaker.
That’s where we come in! We’ve rounded up the best beaches in Spain you absolutely have to visit in Spain.
1.) Rodas Beach
Thought by many to be the most beautiful beach in Spain, Rodas Beach is situated in the northwest region of Galicia and has been nicknamed the Galician Caribbean (you can probably see why from the photo).
More specifically, Rodas Beach is located on the Illas Cies, which are three islands that are designated as nature reserves, so there is less of a crowd than at other, less scenic beaches. It spans over 1,200 meters of white sand and deep blue coastline.
Heads up – though the scenery may make you feel as though you are in a tropical paradise, the water temperature is far cooler than southern destinations, so swimming might be a bit less enjoyable outside the warmer summer months.
That being said, it’s still one of the best beaches in Spain to visit, even if you don’t plan on going for a dip.
2.) Playa de Ses Illetes
You’ll find Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera in the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Menorca and the lot). If you are intrigued by the beauty of the famous party island Ibiza yet kinda weary of the crowds that come with the party scene, this is the ideal spot for you.
To be honest, even if you’re in Ibiza to party, a trip to this beach is still one that should be added to your plans! It’s gorgeous here!
If you’re with friends, hire a boat for the day (skipper included – it’s more affordable than you’d think) and head over to this beautiful beach.
It’ll be one of the best day trips you’ll have in Ibiza and one you’ll be talking about long after you get back home. For food and drink, good places to head over to are the Bar La Mota and Café del Lago. Have fun.
Read more: Best places in the south of Spain to visit
3.) As Catedrais Beach
Located in Ribadeo, this magnificent natural wonder is more commonly known as nature’s cathedral, and it is easy to see why!
The magic happens at low tide when the receding waters reveal the incredible rock formations that were previously hidden under the sea.
These formations are absolutely incredible sights to see on one of the best beaches in Spain, forming a dramatic arch that gave this beach its name.
Heads up, you must ask the beach’s hosts permission to enter. Though admission is free of charge, it is considered to be a very bad form to enter the beach without getting formal approval.
Read more: Best places in the south of Spain to visit
4.) La Concha Beach
La Concha Beach is in San Sebastian in the Spanish Basque Country and is one amazing place to holiday in as it’s got all the city charms and convenience of San Sebastian a stone’s throw away from your sunshine and fun times on the beach.
You might think that a beach in a city might mean it’s not that special (as I said before; if you find a beach in London – someone made it) but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
La Concha is one amazing beach with fine sand and beautiful clear blue waters.
Read more: Best things to do in San Sebastian
5.) Playa de Las Canteras
Located on Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, this is one of the more popular beaches so it can get a bit more crowded here but don’t let that put you off.
It’s a gorgeous beach (ergo the popularity) and the long expanse of shoreline usually has a few secluded spots for sunbathing and relaxing.
The shallow waters are also host to a number of fish and other marine life, making this a wonderful spot for snorkelling.
After a long day of soaking up the sun, be sure to stop by one of the many seafood restaurants on or near the promenade for your fill of fresh grilled fish paired with a refreshing glass of local sangria… or for anything else really.
Two standout places worth checking out are Camino al Jamonal and Tabla Caliente.
6.) El Cotillo Beach and Lagoon
Located in the fishing village of El Cotillo, it makes sense to plan a visit here for some of the best seafood around but there is so much more reason to visit this beautiful beach than just for food.
The clear blue lagoons are fantastic spots for snorkelling and swimming, and there are plenty of tide pools to explore during low tide (do remember to always keep an eye out for the tide though).
7.) Sotavento Beach
Sotavento Beach can be found in Costa Calma, in the Canary Islands of Fuerteventura and is quite a picturesque beach with rich golden sand and clear blue waters.
Popular amongst sunbathers and kite surfers alike, the winds are strong on the waters, yet surprisingly subdued in the cove.
Remember those winds mean you might get fooled into thinking it’s a bit cooler than it is which will leave you sunburnt so don’t forget to double down on that sunscreen.
Also of note, the waves here can be fairly unpredictable, so it is best to stay close to shore as possible.
8.) Playa de Bolonia
In Tarifa, a small town in Cadiz in Spain’s Andalusia region lies beautiful Playa de Bolonia.
This beach is one of those beaches in Spain that are brilliantly suited to the slightly more crowd-shy as a fair few beaches in Andalusia can be quite crowded and this tiny town of Tarifa is relatively lesser known by visitors to the region.
If you’re also up for a bit of culture or history is thrown into your sun-soaking time, this is a perfect beach for you as once you’re done relaxing in the sand, you can head off to check out the columns of the ancient Roman ruins of Baelo Claudio.
Read more: Best places in the south of Spain to visit
9.) Playa de Muro
In sunny Majorca, you’ll find yourself in Playa de Muro – one of the best beaches in Spain, thanks to its soft golden sand, beautifully clear water and lots of nice spots to just kick back, relax and take it all in.
As with any beautiful destination, it can get pretty busy in the summer months (I know you already know stuff like this but I just feel it’s still worth mentioning anyway), though it is generally far more private than many other nearby options that are considerably less scenic.
Stop by Restaurante Chivas afterwards for some of the best paellas you will find anywhere on the island.
10.) Playa de Cofete
Playa de Cofete lies in Morro del Jabble (in Fuerteventura) and is just the beach for those looking for a bit of solitude with their beach time.
The village of Cofete is at the end of a bumpy stretch of dirt roach, and the town is much smaller than what you typically might expect for Spain, making it fairly easy to explore when you’re done with (or taking a break from) the beach, which by the way, is nothing short of spectacular.
Another major heads-up, when you here, the tides here can be very variable (remember, you’re on an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean here), with a strong rip current, so swimming is generally discouraged.
Read more: Best places in the south of Spain to visit
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