Table of Contents

17 Best Beaches in Spain (2024)

best beaches in spain
By
Updated on

With neighbors like Italy and the south of France, beaches in Spain are often overlooked by travelers searching for the ultimate seaside destination. But, sharing the coast with the deep blue Atlantic Ocean and the idyllic Mediterranean Sea makes Spain one of the best countries in Europe to find everything from surf-friendly to family-friendly beaches.

Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon under the sun or simply looking for the most beautiful beaches in Spain, there are dozens of islands and miles of coastline to choose from. Keep reading to learn about the best beaches in Spain!

Best Beaches for Couples

Calo des Moro, Mallorca – A slice of precious coastline surrounded by rugged cliffs makes Calo des Moro an intimate setting for couples visiting Mallorca. This cove sits on the southeast corner of the island and is known for its pristine turquoise water. The sea is shallow enough for a relaxing swim with your loved one. Space is limited, so make sure you get there early!

Playa de la Concha, País Vasco – One of northern Spain’s most well-known beaches is Playa de la Concha in País Vasco. Although busy in the summer, the shore is spacious enough for couples to find a place to sprawl out any time of year. The calm bay waters are ideal for active couples who like to stand-up paddleboard or kayak. After a day at the beach, strolling the waterfront promenade is a romantic way to watch the sunset.

Praia de Carnota, Galicia – Wispy dunes and mountains surround the white-sand beach at Praia de Carnota in A Coruña, Galicia. This quiet beach is under-the-radar compared to other beaches on our list, making it a more private option for couples who want a secluded hideaway.

Ses Illetes, Formentera – Ses Illetes beach is a narrow strip surrounded by crystal clear water in Formentera, the Balearic Islands’ smallest island. It gets packed with tourists during the summer, so couples looking for a romantic getaway will find late spring and early fall are the perfect times to visit. Rent a moped with your loved one and ride off into the Ses Illetes sunset!

Best Beaches for Families

Cala Mesquida, Mallorca – Families will appreciate Cala Mesquida’s spacious shoreline and active lifeguards on duty at Cala Mesquida, set along Mallorca’s northern coast. The sea is typically calm enough for children to swim safely, and lifeguards place red flags along the beach to show when the tides are strong. There’s plenty of space to play paddle along the shore or set up umbrellas for a group gathering.

El Sardinero, Cantabria – El Sardinero is a short drive from Cantabria’s capital, Santander. The beach is windy and cool from late fall to early spring, so if your family is looking for sunshine and swimming, the best times to visit will be outside those months. Public bathrooms, restaurants, and a wide shoreline make visiting easier for families with children. Not to mention, the beautiful blue waters from the Bay of Biscay!

Playa Las Canteras, Gran Canaria – Families looking for year-round warm weather and easy beach access will find Playa Las Canteras is a perfect option. Playa Las Canteras is a 5-minute drive from Gran Canaria’s capital Las Palmas, and despite sitting along the rugged Pacific Ocean, the waters are calm enough for children to swim. Sand volleyball courts, public bathrooms, and beachfront restaurants are just a few draws for families, apart from enjoying the beach itself!

Best Beaches for Surfing

Famara Beach, Lanzarote – One of the most scenic beaches for surfing in Spain is on the small island of Lanzarote on Famara Beach. Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands and sits in the Atlantic Ocean. What makes it great for surfing is the Atlantic’s strong wave sets which are hard to find in the calm Mediterranean Sea. The year-round warm weather on Lanzarote makes it ideal for any time of year!

Praia de Pantin, Galicia – Praia de Pantin in northeast Galicia is the ultimate surf destination in Spain. Beginners will find surf schools nearby for lessons, and advanced surfers can take part in the World Surf League’s annual contest. The range of wave sets coming in is ideal for all surf levels, and the northern coast’s mountainous backdrop is stunning!

Playa de Mundaka, Pais Vasco – Playa de Mundaka caters to intermediate to advanced-level surfers. If this fits your skill level, it’s a must-visit while you’re in Spain. It’s known for left-hand breaking waves, and the swells are consistently strong.

Playa El Palmar, Cadiz – Playa El Palmar is a surf haven for those visiting southern Spain. Surf shops, surf schools, and beachside bars create a tight-knit surf community. Year-round surf conditions are ideal for all levels, and the water along Spain’s southern coast stays cool and comfortable even during the winter.

Best Beaches for Swimming

Platja Gran, Catalonia – Platja Gran and its easy-to-swim waters sit along the medieval town of Tossa de Mar in Catalonia. Swimming in the clear Mediterranean water gives you views of the massive sea on one side and stunning castles inland.

Playa de Bolonia, Cadiz – Playa de Bolonia is among the southernmost points in all of Spain. The waters here are known for being clean and flat, perfect for swimmers of all ages. A mix of green plant life and massive dunes only add to the feeling of being at the edge of the country!

Cala en Turqueta, Menorca – Menorca’s Cala en Turqueta is appropriately named for its bright turquoise water. A short walk from the parking area through Mediterranean pine trees leads to the white-sand beach. Whether you want to float along in a life jacket or take a relaxing dip between sunbathing, Cala en Turqueta is as beautiful of a swim-friendly beach as you can find! If you can, avoid visiting in July and August to miss the big crowds.

Best Beaches for Scuba Diving

Cap de Formentor, Mallorca – Experienced scuba divers will find stunning underwater caves and tunnels in the water off of Cap de Formentor in northern Mallorca. Most of this area’s treasures are found nearly 100 feet deep, so it’s ideal for those who have solid experience in deep-sea diving.

 

Bay of Biscay, Pais Vasco – Between the northwest coast of Spain and southern France is one of Spain’s best dive sites, the Bay of Biscay. While the conditions are challenging in the winter, the Bay of Biscay is great for all levels of scuba divers outside of those months. There are dozens of diving schools available in Pais Vasco for divers who want a guided experience.

 

Playa de las Américas, Tenerife – Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the most popular activities in Playa de las Américas on the island of Tenerife. Giant sea turtles, colorful fish, and volcanic remains are just a few of the things you’ll find diving in the Atlantic Ocean. Playa de Las Américas is a popular hub for visitors, making dive schools easy to find nearby.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve covered nearly 20 different beaches in Spain, you should have plenty of ideas for your next beach getaway. The best beach will be the one that suits your needs, whether it’s a surf destination with rough waves or a relaxing Mediterranean cove. If you need more tips for traveling to Spain, check out our Spain packing list for inspiration.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *