10 Splendid Beaches to Visit in Spain

10 Splendid Beaches to Visit in Spain

With over 8000km of coastline, Spain is one of the best destinations for a beach getaway on the Iberian Peninsula.

There are a total of 566 beaches across Spain, all of them with vastly different terrains. Spain has every kind of beach to offer, whether you like the tropical or the more rural, you’ll find it.

The following are 10 of the best, all easily accessible from the national ports of entry in both Madrid and Barcelona.

1. Isuntza Beach

Lekeitio

Lekeitio is a small town on the northernmost coast of Spain. It’s home to a splendid beach called Isuntza that boasts a vast amount of shore between the town and the water.

During low tide, the beach gives way to a sand path that gives visitors access to the small off-shore island. Explore on foot and lose yourself in the lush natural terrain. Just be sure to get back to the main beach before the tides completely cover the path back up again.

Isuntza Beach – by Nacho.grafista – Wikimedia Commons

2. Playa de Bolonia

Tarifa

The Playa de Bolonia is on the southernmost tip of Spain. It sits on a small peninsula that juts out, closing the gab between this nation and Morocco just a short boat ride away.

This beach is almost untouched by modern developments and us one if the most tranquil places to escape to. Spanish locals love this beach as a vacation destination, while international tourists are quickly learning of its existence as well.

For now, Playa de Bolonia is one if Spain’s best kept secrets.

Playa de Bolonia – by Axel Cotón Gutiérrez – Wikimedia Commons

3. Playa de la Victoria

Cádiz

Spain’s “coast of light” is on the westernmost coast of the country. It’s here you’ll find the Playa de la Victoria; one of the most famous beaches in the Andalusian city of Cádiz.

This is an expansive, spacious stretch of beach with golden sand and bright waters. Beach sports are popular here, and there are facilities to accommodate.

Areas surrounding the Playa de la Victoria also serve some of the best seafood in the country. Living is very easy out here indeed.

4. Burriana Beach

Nerja

Spain’s Costa del Sol region is a hub for Roman and prehistoric history and culture. Nerja is a much-loved vacation destination for Spanish locals, with Burriana beach being one of the more picturesque.

Surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, the beach itself is 800m long and hardly ever unbearably crowded. This is not the softest sand you’ll find in Spain, but I’m sure you can look past it.

Burriana Beach offers excellent facilities including public toilets, lifeguards and showers.

Burriana Beach – by Rober Martinez – Wikimedia Commons

5. Ses Salines

Ibiza

I probably don’t have to sell Ibiza to you; if you’ve heard of beaches in Spain, you’ll already know this is home to some of the best.

Ibiza is a small island just off of the eastern coast of the country, accessible by short boat rides to and from the island. It’s become of of the official party-hubs of Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands of people at any given time with the world’s top international DJs.

The beaches on Ibiza are almost surreal. Bright, turquoise waters surround soft white sands. This beach in particular is not too developed, so it’s a lot calmer than the more rowdy ones that feature the beach clubs and resorts.

Ses Salines – by anibal amaro – Wikimedia Commons

6. Es Trenc

Mallorca

The island next to Ibiza is Mallorca. It too is a party hotspot, and visitors tend to completely love or completely hate their first experience here.

Few people know of the hidden beaches where the chaotic nightlife has yet to infiltrate. Es Trenc is one of them and, in my opinion, this is the most beautiful beach in all of Spain.

Es Trenc is almost like a dreamscape; the bluest ocean kissing the whitest shore, with few souls in sight and no consumerism to lead you astray.

To put things into perspective, Es Trenc is a full 30 minutes from the main Mallorca tourism spots.

Es Trenc – by King Otto – Wikimedia Commons

7. Islas Cies

Vigo

If you want to be completely removed from island tourism altogether, you’ll need to take a look at the Islas Cies.

Situated just off the coast of Spain, this small island is virtually untouched and void of all the things worth hating about Ibiza and Mallorca. This is simply a cluster of pristine beaches and bays, all accessible within walking distance of the town of Vigo that you’ll ride into on the ferry.

It’s advised to wear comfortable walking shoes when making the journey to Islas Cies.

Islas Cies – by Iria González Sierra – Wikimedia Commons

8. Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta

Menorca

One last island on the list is Menorca. Menorca is essentially the perfect balance between Islas Cies, Ibiza and Mallorca.

There is nightlife, but not so much that you leave less relaxed than when you arrived. There are resorts, but not so pretentious that you feel the need to plan your outfits for the week.

Life on Menorca is far more oriented around nature and enjoying the great outdoors. Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta are the best beaches for newcomers, and from here you’ll be able to venture to other surrounding beaches.

Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta – by Paul Stephenson – Wikimedia Commons

9. Playa del Silencio

Asturias

Asturias is a rugged region in northern Spain and it’s considered to have the best beaches in this part of the country.

Surrounded by lush green cliffs and winding roadways, Playa del Silencio is the best beach getaway in Asturias by far. It’s comparable to the cliffside beaches of regions like Normandy in northern France.

Moving deeper into the town of Asturias you’ll find a youthful culture and vibrant nightlife.

Asturias – by Carmenmoran – Wikimedia Commons

10. Tossa De Mar

Costa Brava

Tossa de Mar is a small yet special part of the Costa Brava region of Spain. This bay is shaped like a horseshoe, and is surrounded by the beautiful ruins of a 14th-century fortress that once guarded the shores.

There are a lot of beach-front accommodation options, and by night this bay lights up end to end.

Tossa de Mar – by Blair Vermette – Unsplash