Best beaches in Spain: a guide for relaxing at the beach
It is hard to think of Spain and not let your mind wander to the beach. From sun-drenched coastlines to spectacular sunsets, it is safe to say that life is better at the beach
As much as we love a culture-infused city break or an adventurous nature holiday, there is no denying the appeal of the beach. Maybe it is the combination of the warm, paper-white sand and the crystal blue waters? Or, perhaps it is our primordial instinct to be by the sea that causes us to go weak at the knees at the sight of a stretch of coastline large enough for a beach towel. Whatever it may be, there is without a doubt a long-lasting love affair between humans and the beach. This is why Spain has become such a popular destination. With approximately 8000 kilometres of coastline to enjoy, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the best beaches in Spain. But, to give you a helping hand, we have compiled a list of our favourite sunbathing spots.
What ranks a beach as one of the best beaches in Spain?
There are so many ways to rank a beach. From beauty and comfort to amenities and ease of access, the list is truly endless. Beaches are more complex than they first appear. But when it comes to deciding on the best beaches in Spain, we have focussed on their natural beauty. So if you are in search of some peace, there is a secluded beach with splendid sands and water as clear as glass just waiting to be explored. Now all that is left is to pack your bags, hop on a plane and let your stresses melt into the sand at one of these top-class Spain beaches.
Beautiful places in Spain by the sea: Cala Turqueta, Menorca
The intense turquoise of the sea and a pristine sandy shore are the features of one of the most popular and highly-regarded beaches of Menorca, Cala Turqueta. It is only ten minutes from Ciudadela and it has a parking service, bathrooms and a lifeguard service.
The best way to completely enjoy this cove is to arrive early in the morning before there are many visitors, or in the late afternoon, when you can also enjoy a lovely sunset
Once you have visited this secluded cove, you will understand why people think that this is the best white sand beach Spain has to offer.
Itzurun Beach, one of the best beaches in Spain
Most beautiful beaches in Spain: Itzurun Beach, Basque Country
Beaches are not all the same; each one has a particular charm. If you think that you too are unique and you like to enjoy different places, maybe you should visit the Itzurun beach in the Basque Country. What makes this one of the famous beaches in Spain is that, since it is very old, erosion and the passing of time have created rocky outcroppings known as vertical strata or flysch. Another attraction of this beach is the transparency of its waters, which are said to have curative powers and many other health benefits due to their high concentration of iodine.
Beaches to visit in Spain on holidays: Playa de Mata, Alicante
Surely you have heard people talking about Torrevieja in Alicante? This is precisely where another of the best beaches in Spain is located: Playa de Mata, the longest beach in the whole area. The best thing about long beaches is you can spend time strolling along with them and feel the sea breeze on your face and sand on your feet. In addition, Playa de Mata has a long seaside promenade and many restaurants where you can cool off with a delicious cocktail making it one of the best family beaches in Spain.
Best beaches in Spain for couples: Playa de Carnota, Galicia
This beach is one of the most typical of those in the north of Spain. It is certainly one of the very best beaches in mainland Spain, especially if what you are planning is a romantic evening and enjoying a marvellous sunset. Playa de Carnota is located in A Coruña, very close to the village's beautiful parish church. Since access is only on foot, you can be sure that the beach will not be crowded and that you can enjoy all the facilities it offers.
Discover Playa La Barrosa, Cádiz, one of the best beaches in Spain
Best sandy beaches in Spain: Playa La Barrosa, Cádiz
In Andalusia in the south of Spain, both tourists and locals agree that one of the country's best beaches is Playa La Barrosa in Cadiz. This paradise on earth has very fine golden sand, beautiful sunsets, and it also has an ideal location next to the hotel Barceló Sancti Petri. From the beach, aside from enjoying a day of rest next to the ocean, you can take stunning photographs of the ancient buildings of Torre Bermeja and Torre del Puerco.
Top beaches in Spain: La Enramada, Tenerife
Located in the tropical Tenerife enclave of Adeje, Playa La Enramada is one of the best beaches in Spain to visit when discovering the Canary Islands. Despite being near the island’s large resorts, this blue flag beach manages to maintain its integrity as a natural paradise.
This beach is created by the gentle erosion of the volcanic rocks, which over time has given way to a splendid stretch of coastline that is sheltered from the winds
Since Tenerife is one of the most tropical places in Spain, you can visit this beach all year round. So, whether you want to mix with the bodyboarders and join their quest to find the best waves, or you would rather enjoy the relaxing natural beauty of this beach, La Enramada is the ideal place. It is also a stone’s throw from one of Tenerife’s top hotels, the Royal Hideaway Coral Suites Tenerife, perfect for those wanting a beachfront holiday.
Las Canteras in Gran Canaria is one of the best city beaches in Spain
Most popular beaches in Spain: Las Canteras, Gran Canaria
Since Tenerife is one of the most tropical places in Spain, you can visit this beach all year round. So, whether you want to mix with the bodyboarders and join their quest to find the best waves, or you would rather enjoy the relaxing natural beauty of this beach, La Enramada is the ideal place. It is also a stone’s throw from one of Tenerife’s top hotels, the Royal Hideaway Coral Suites Tenerife, perfect for those wanting a beachfront holiday.
Nicest beaches in Spain for snorkelling: Cala Ferrera, Mallorca
Mallorca is famous for its icing sugar beaches and sea-glass blue oceans and Cala Ferrera is the ideal spot to enjoy the island’s natural beauty. This cove has earned its place on the list of the best beaches in Spain thanks to its stunning natural surroundings and its proximity to some of Mallorca’s most luxurious beachfront all-inclusive hotels. But despite being in the shadow of the tourist resorts, this beach still upholds its reputation for being a bohemian hangout with a charming, laid-back vibe. That is why it is often considered one of the best Mediterranean beaches in Spain. Thanks to its sheltered position between towering cliffs, the waters here are calm and gentle making them ideal for snorkelling. And, with a drop of 8 metres close to the shore, you will get cinematic views of the aquatic world beneath the sea that will make you feel as though you are in a nature documentary.