Spain has a total of 7,905 kilometers of coastline bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean: a coastline that in each geographical area has its own geological, climatic and, of course, cultural conditions. Therefore, there are beaches for all tastes and awards. Impossible to fall into monotony when talking about the best beaches in Spain.
A beach is the perfect space for happiness. If even the sun seems to shine more on a beach! We all remember a summer in our lives, and in it there is always a beach. They say that the waves bring the good and take away the bad in life. The truth is that we all love that the foam of the sea caresses our bare feet on the shore and build castles in fantastic ways.
Spain heads the world list of countries with the most blue flag awarded beaches. The community that concentrates the most awards is the Valencian Community. But beyond the prizes, on the Spanish coast there are beaches to see dreamy sunsets, white sand beaches and turquoise waters that seem to come out of a postcard, wild coves, sandy beaches protected for their biological richness, beaches with great waves for surfing . We find beaches of volcanic origin such as those of the Canary Islands, warm waters such as those of the Murcia region, winter beaches surrounded by green landscapes in Asturias or the Basque Country and beaches to let the sun caress us in summer as in Andalusia. . Beaches for idlers, for readers, for lovers, for the carefree.
Silence Beach, Cudillero (Asturias)
Jurassic in appearance, this is one of the most unique beaches in Asturias. It is nestled in the Protected Landscape of the western Asturian coast and that means that the setting is that of a wild sandbank, framed between rocky slopes and cliffs covered in green: it is the spectacle of nature, pure and simple. You don’t have to go to the beach in search of beach bars and after sun plans . More than silence, what is noticed is the constant murmur of the boulders that are pushed by the waves. Do not forget the booties at home.
Macarella and Macarelleta, Balearic Islands
These idyllic Menorcan coves can only be reached by sea or on foot. Together they make up one of the most photogenic ensembles in the Balearic Islands, with its clear waters framed by cliffs covered with pine trees that seem about to fall into the sea. Although in summer they are very frequented, at first hour of the day they remain calm.
Cuesta Maneli, Almonte (Huelva)
Leaving in a straight line from the Mazagon Marina, you have a good fifteen kilometers of fine sand beaches ahead of you without any type of interruption that give a visual idea of ​​how this coastline has evolved over time. From the most urbanized areas of Mazagon to Moguer and Almonte, at the gates of the Donana Park, where the wildest beaches in the province are located. One of them is Cuesta Maneli Beach (or El Aspillero beach), in Almonte. It stands out for its scenic arrival path, a wooden walkway that runs from the car park and ends in stairs that lead to the sand. Here the leading role is both the sea and the Asperillo Cliff Natural Monument, a system of fossil dunes that extends along twelve hectares of coastline, with some of the most singular geomorphological characteristics. Suitable for those looking for a beach in the most natural environment.
Benijo beach, Canary Islands
To the north of the island of Tenerife we ​​find the most photogenic sandbank of the beaches of the Canary Islands. For that alone it already deserves to be among the best beaches in Spain. Like most of the beaches in the archipelago, its origin is volcanic. For travelers more accustomed to golden or white sands, these other black ones are quite a surprise. Its wild character, far from urban centers, allows you to disconnect in contact with nature, and enjoy some of the best sunsets in the Canary Islands.
Los Genoveses beach, Andalusia
Almeria is a lucky province in virgin beaches. Playa de los Genoveses, in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, is one of them: a movie bay of singular beauty that has led it to become the setting for many films. Without a doubt, it is one of the best beaches in Andalusia. In it we find dunes of fine golden sand together with the characteristic prickly pears and pitas of the area. Bathing here is a movie pleasure.
Cala Granadella, Valencian Community
This beach is one of the most beautiful in Spain and without a doubt one of the most beautiful in Alicante and the Valencian Community. Walking early on this Alicante beach embraced by mountains, listening to the sound of the waves and the crunch of the pebbles underfoot, produces a pleasant sensation. From the nearby tourist town of Javea, it is accessed by the road that crosses the Parque Forestal de La Granadella and ends at Cabo de Nao. On several occasions this cove has been chosen as the best in Spain.
Calo des Mort, Balearic Islands
This cove is beautiful and a good choice to disconnect from the routine on vacation. Calo des Mort (Formentera) is a cove that is located in the easternmost part of the Migjorn bay and is one of the beaches of the Balearic Islands with the calmest and calmest waters, almost a swimming pool. It is a real delight to be able to enjoy the ocher and turquoise of the sea under a clear sky. The hard part is leaving.
Nogales beach, Canary Islands
La Palma has some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands. The one in Nogales is one of them. It is located in the municipality of Puntallana, in the northwest of La Palma, in a rural landscape with mountains and trails. This jewel is reached after descending for 15 minutes down a cliff. It is not a beach with calm waters, but the place is worth the excursion. And for surf lovers it is a real delight because it is one of the best places in the Canary Islands to catch waves.
Matalascanas beach, Andalusia
This beach in Huelva, with a family atmosphere, is one of the most popular in the province and one of the best in all of Andalusia. It is an extensive sandy area with more than five kilometers in length, making it one of the largest on the Costa de la Luz. It is recognized by its peculiar “Stone” that stands out on the shore. It is not some strange geological formation, but rather the old Torre de la Higuera, one of the towers that protected the coastline from attacks, but which did not resist the strong Lisbon tsunami in 1755.
Rodas Beach, Galicia
With the shape of a shell and emerald glass waters, this beach on the Cies Islands is one of the most beautiful in the Rias Baixas. It is linked by a strip of sand to Figueiras beach, another Galician treasure. Las Cies are integrated into the National Park of the Atlantic Islands, accessible by boat from Vigo.
Gulpiyuri beach, Asturias
Being a small sea beach located inland is a sufficient characteristic for Gulpiyuri beach to be considered one of the most unique in Asturias. Barely 50 meters long of white sand that receives the sea indirectly, below the cliffs that surround it. For this reason it is classified as a National Monument. It is not accessible, so to get to this marvel you have to walk along a farm road surrounded by meadows. Get ready, because when the tide rises, it looks like a wild pool more than a beach.
Calo des Moro, Balearic Islands
This small cove located six kilometers from Santanyi is one of the most popular of Mallorca’s beaches. The reasons? A fine white sand, its turquoise and crystalline waters and the lute that arrive as if they were levitating over the sea. Its access is somewhat complicated and is done by following a path. Despite this, its beauty is such that, in summer it is usually very crowded, so if you don’t get up early it will be difficult to find a free space.
Laga Beach (Basque Country)
In the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and close to Cape Ogono we have one of the best beaches in the Basque Country. Laga Beach occupies a beautiful landscape of dunes and fine golden sand. Open to the sea, it is one of the best beaches for surfing in the Cantabrian Sea with short waves with peaks to the right and to the left.
Cala Aiguablava, Catalonia
An environment of cliffs, pine forest vegetation and crystal clear turquoise waters make this cove one of the best beaches in Catalonia. However, it is the quality of the water that gives it its name: Cala “aiguablava” means “blue water” in Catalan. It is only 100 meters long, but this cove is one of the most famous in Catalonia and, without a doubt, deserves to be among the best beaches in Spain.
Las Catedrales Beach, Galicia
Near Ribadeo is the spectacular beach that gives its name to the As Catedrais Natural Area. Its arches, up to 30 meters high, are best appreciated at low tide, when it is possible to enter its caves and pass under the flying buttresses of this rock-carved cathedral. To access in summer it is necessary to make a prior reservation. It is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in all of Galicia.
Papagayo beach, Canary Islands
Sheltered from the northeast winds, to the south of Lanzarote, stretch out the beaches of Punta Papagayo, with golden sand and calm waters. They are located in the Natural Park of Los Ajaches. From the tourist enclave of Punta Blanca they can be reached both on foot and by bicycle.
Cala Saladeta, Balearic Islands
With a shallow sandy bottom and beautiful turquoise blue waters, this cove is one of the most valued of all the beaches in Ibiza. It can be accessed from the also famous and busiest cove Salada, which is accessed from Sant Antoni de Portmany and where there are always boats anchored in its waters.
Trengandin beach (Cantabria)
This is one of the best beaches in Cantabria. It is an extensive sandy area of ​​about three kilometers of fine sand located next to the Santona Marshes, which is the most important wetland area in the entire north of the peninsula. In addition to enjoying its crystalline waters, Trengandin beach is equipped to spend a splendid day at the beach in Cantabria. Its access is adapted to all types of users.
Itzurun Beach (Basque Country)
If this is one of the best beaches in the Basque Country, it is not just because it has become the setting for the Game of Thrones series. This golden sand beach and not very long (barely 250 meters) in the town of Zumaia, also deserves attention for its impressive cliffs of great geological value.
Oyambre and La Rabia Beach
Between the municipalities of Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera and next to the Oyambre Natural Park, we have one of the best beaches in Cantabria. Two kilometers of white sand beach and a beautiful dune field to enjoy the seascapes of Cantabria with the incentive of having a Siamese sandbank, that of La Rabia, which forms an unbeatable cove. In addition, in winter, with the swells, it becomes one of the best beaches for surfing in Cantabria.
Carolina Beach, Murcia
Playa Carolina is part of the area known as “Cuatro Calas”, on the border of the region next to the province of Almeria. What is considered one of the best beaches in Murcia is a virgin corner of the Mediterranean. Its landscape is protected within the Natura 2000 Network due to its importance in terms of biodiversity.
Cala Pola, Catalonia
Just 4 kilometers from the charming town of Tossa de Mar, in the province of Girona, we find this cove that is among the best beaches in Catalonia. It is representative of the coastal landscapes on the Costa Brava, a tourist enclave recognized for the value and beauty of its wild coves. It is characterized by thick, golden sand and crystalline, calm waters, making it an ideal place to spend a day at the beach with the family. The surrounding landscape is spectacularly beautiful.
Poo Beach (Asturias)
This beach in Asturias is of a very curious beauty: next to the mouth of the Vallina River, it is shaped like a funnel, which means that from its 150 meters of sand you cannot see the sea on the horizon. This is especially the case at low tide. Instead, when the tide rises, the emerald-colored sea enters through the channel formed over the centuries. The calm water, almost a swimming pool, is ideal for children’s games. On the beach of Poo children and parents can enjoy without danger. It is usually very crowded, so it is better to get up early to spend a good day at the beach.
Castro de Baroña, La Coruna (Galicia)
The Celts chose this place as a settlement for its beauty and strategic location. They disappeared, but the remains of the Barona castro have remained by the sea, untouched by the passage of time. Wild and natural in appearance, you have to get to this beach along a dirt path. There are no toilets or showers, but calm and fine white sand that is a delight to walk on with bare feet. The waters are somewhat cold, especially for those used to the Mediterranean, but connoisseurs say that they have so much iodine that they are perfect for tanning. Better without a bathing suit, because it was not for nothing that this was one of the mythical scenes of the first national nudism.
Tabarca Beach, Alicante (Valencian Community)
The small archipelago of Tabarca can be reached in tabarqueras, those potbellied blue boats that cover the road from Cape Santa Pola. Once you arrive, you will find beaches like those seen in the past in the Mediterranean. More stone than sand, but with an impeccable sea, since the island is surrounded by an extensive meadow of Posidonia oceanica. Considered a Marine Reserve of fishing interest since 1986, it is a delicious place to take a good dip away from the noise of the Valencian coast. To finish off the beach day, it is essential to try a good tabarquino cauldron.
