The 7 Best Beaches to Visit in Spain

Galicia, the lush, green and rainy region of northwest Spain might not immediately spring to mind when thinking of the country’s most beautiful beaches. It is located amongst the Cíes Islands, near Vigo, in the Western part of Galicia Region, in the North of Spain. The island chain of Islas Cíes (Cies Islands) hides the stunning, white sand beach of Playa de Rodas. It is the longest beach of those along the Islas Cíes, meaning that there is plenty of space for tourists and locals to enjoy the beauty of the beach. In 2017 it was voted the best beach in Spain by viewers of Spanish TV channel, Antena 3.

This small cove is a hidden gem on the Valencian coast, in the province of Alicante, with turquoise waters and sugar white sand surrounded by dramatic green cliffs. It is located in the southernmost part of Jávea and one of the most charming and visited beaches amongst travellers and locals alike. The 160 metre (525 foot)-long beach has a feel of being isolated from the more touristy beaches along the coast. It’s a popular spot for diving and snorkelling, as well as other water sports like kayaking. The large amount of fish, marine life and beautiful turquoise waters makes this a favourite.

Of all of Spain’s urban beaches, Playa de la Concha (Shell Beach) in the Basque city of San Sebastián has got to be the most beautiful. It has even been voted Europe’s best beach for its spectacular setting in a cove with its own small island and its popularity with families. It is located within La Concha Bay in San Sebastian. Being in a cove, the waters are calm and safe, while a five-minute walk away, adrenaline junkies can hit the waves of Zurriola beach, popular with surfers. The beach spans across 1,300m, making it a wonderful beach for a barefoot stroll with plenty of space away from the busy centre.

The dramatic lava formations and deep yellow sand of Playa de Mónsul, in Almería, southeast Spain, have attracted Hollywood as well as tourists. Located in the Cabo de Gata natural park, the beach has appeared in dozens of films, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The beach is a geological marvel and a fantastic place to see the volcanic legacy of this coastline. Known for it’s off the beaten track beauty, Playa de Monsul is often named as the best beach in Spain by many travellers and locals.

The pristine white sand of Playa de Ses Illetes on the island of Formentera, in the Balearic Islands, is regularly lauded as one of the best beaches in Spain. In 2017 it came second in TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Awards for best beaches in Spain (just behind Playa de la Concha, above). The beach is located with the Ses Salines natural park. This popular beach can get busy during August as travellers and locals flock there to enjoy the summer sunshine, so arrive early to secure a space for your day by the sea.

This off-the-beaten-track beach on the island of Fuerteventura is one of the most famous beaches in the Canary Islands for its unspoilt expanse of sand and spectacular setting. While it can be difficult to reach (you access the beach via a rough track which is better tackled in a 4×4 vehicle), it is worth the journey. Full of stretches of golden sand for you to sink you feet into or lay back and relax in, the beauty of this beach is unforgettable. The beach is bordered by the dramatic peaks of the Jandia mountains – the highest on the island. This is one of the most mesmerising beaches in Spain that can be enjoyed by every traveller.

The dramatic rock formations of Playa de las Catedrales in Galicia make it a must-visit beach in Spain. The beach’s name translates as ‘beach of the cathedrals’ for its rocks, which have natural arches that visitors can walk through and weave around. The arches have been sculpted over thousands of years by the Cantabrian Sea. Take care on your way down to this beautiful beach as the sandy steps can be a challenge, but it is certainly worth the descent as you enter into the views of unique rock formations to satisfy any hunger for adventure and exploration.