Spain has long been the go-to destination for sun, sea, and sand with thousands of holidaymakers across the continent heading to its much-revered beaches each year.
With more than 5,000 miles of coastline, there is no shortage of beaches to choose from, each offering their own unique experience.
Whether you are looking for adrenaline-fuelled water sports or a spot to top up the tan, Spain has plenty of beaches to choose from.
Tourists and families tend to flock to the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol regions where budget and luxury holidays converge on the sunny shores to bask in the glow of the warm Mediterranean sun.
For more secluded beach experiences, head to the remote northern regions of Asturias or Spain’s Cíes Islands where you can snorkel on an island paradise far away from the sounds of civilization.
Table of Contents
Best 10 most beautiful beaches in Spain
Playa de la Concha, San Sebastian
Kicking off this list is not just the best beach in Spain but the ‘best beach in Europe’, according to the Traveller’s Choice Awards 2018, based on TripAdvisor reviews.
Playa de la Concha roughly translates as the ‘Shell Beach’ and is set in a spectacular small cove resembling the south of Thailand more than north Spain.
The beach is popular with families and adrenaline junkies alike. You can take a leisurely boat trip out to the beaches’ very own island or indulge in one of the many pintxos (Basque Tapas) bars.
Playa de Gulpiyuri, Asturias
Located in the often-overlooked Asturias region of Northern Spain, Playa De Gulpiyuri is a hidden gem in the form of a… flooded sinkhole.
Yes, you read that right!
It might not sound like the most appealing of beaches but hear us out.
A beach without a sea, the Gulpiyuri, often referred to as the ‘world’s smallest beach’, is one of the strangest and most beautiful sandy beaches in Spain.
With underground rocks and caves flowing into the ‘sinkhole’, this beautiful natural monument can be reached either by foot and kayak and is around 1km north of the village of Navas.
Playa del Canuelo, Costa del Sol
Situated in the tourist hotspot of the Costa Del Sol, Playa del Cañuelo provides a secluded sandy beach set against the backdrop of a nature reserve with cliffs and stunning natural landscapes.
The sand may be grey and gravelly, but you can spend a day bathing in the crystal blue oceans before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many beach bars.
It’s incredibly centrally located with the cities of Granada and Malaga both within easy reach by car or public transport.
EsTrenc Beach, Mallorca
It would not be a comprehensive list of the most beautiful beaches in Spain without mentioning the island of Mallorca.
Es Trench features a 2km long stretch of beach bordered by crystal clear blue waters and granulated white sands.
Far from the crowds of the main resort areas of Mallorca, you won’t find any water sports here, leaving you free to enjoy the peaceful, tranquil surroundings.
Benicassim, Costa Azahar
Benicassim is internationally renowned for its music festival of the same name, which has featured performances from such famous acts as Florence and the Machine, the Killers and this year, Kings of Leon.
What’s often overlooked however is the area’s plethora of golden sandy beaches all of which have received prestigious Blue Flag awards.
Our pick is Voramarbeach which measures a whopping 50 metres wide, perfect for a sunset promenade walk taking in the views of the towering period villas
Tamariu, Costa Brava
The beach of Tamariu, which derives its name from a distinct type of tree offering shade to locals, was awarded a blue flag award for the last five years running.
Unlike the more commercial beaches of the Costa Brava, Tamariu is set among sandy coves where small fishing boats eagerly ply their trade.
If you want to escape the crowds this is the place to be. And while there is only one main small beach, its discreet covert cove location means you are rarely sharing it with many others.
Playa Cala Salada, Ibiza
Ibiza might be known for being a party island full of drum and bass and late-night revelling under the stars, but the beaches are truly where it’s at.
Surrounded by pine-forested hills, the sandy bay of Playa Cala Salada is the perfect antidote to a late-night party session or just a welcome retreat from the island buzz.
With not a single parasol in sight, the beach is regularly consumed by the peaceful flow of the tranquil blue waters of the Mediterranean, perfect for a cool dip.
Islas Cies, Galicia
A place with zero cars, no hotels, and restrictions placed on yearly visitor numbers, Islas Cíes is a remote haven far from the crowds of the mainland.
Outdoorsy types can camp out in tents under the stars by night and explore the aquatic life through hire snorkels during the daytime.
With only a handful of restaurants serving up fresh bass, monkfish, and tuna, visitors lucky enough to secure a permit can look forward to the unique beach experience.
Monsul Beach, Almeria
You might recognise its sandy beach, unique volcanic rock formations and idyllic blue waters from a famous flick starring Harrison Ford.
But you don’t have to be Indiana Jones or be on your last crusade to spend the day relaxing on the sand at Monsul.
Despite famous film credits, the beach remains relatively low profile, offering the perfect retreat for families looking to spend the day strolling across the sand and building castles.
Playa de la Granadella – Costa Blanca
Family-friendly but by no means heaving, Granadella is the secluded beachside room with all the views.
Nestled neatly among shingled rocked enclaves shaped like a horseshoe, this beach offers stunning views which lead up the winding mountain paths.
Keen snorkelers can enjoy the peaceful bay with safe, shallow waters perfect for swimmers of all abilities as well as small children to play.
Many families have visited the beach on holiday only to become so captivated by the beach lifestyle on offer they find themselves frantically searching for Spain removals services to move their life there.
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