Spanish Beaches: 10 of the Best

10 best beaches in Spain

A popular European holiday destination, Spain is famous for its rich culture and extraordinary natural scenery; its beaches attract tourists looking to spend time relaxing in the sun during the summer holidays. With so many beaches and such a wide range of landscapes, Spain's coastline is as diverse as it is beautiful. From crowded beaches full of lively beach bars to pretty coves located in a protected park and elegant, secret patches of sand, there is a special beach for every taste. Here is our round-up of the best Spanish beaches to start planning your next seaside holiday in Spain.

10Burriana Beach, Nerja

Featuring a long promenade teeming with shops and famous restaurants and bars, this 800-metre-long beach is a favourite spot for many locals in the area. As such, you can find a wide range of people enjoying socialising and spending time with friends and family. One of the most attractive beaches in Nerja — a town on the Costa del Sol, full of Spain's riches and a bastion of history from Roman ruins to prehistoric cave paintings in the Nerja caves — the sand may be a little pebbly, but that doesn't take anything away from its beauty. Burriana offers truly excellent facilities: showers, children's playgrounds, toilets and a lifeguard, which makes it a truly excellent place for families with small children. If you fancy something a little more exciting, there's the chance to take a jet ski or try parasailing.

And at the end of the day, take a look at the spectacular sea view from the Balcón de Europa cliff.

9Cala d'en Serra, Ibiza

Everyone knows Ibiza is a party, but what do you do once the party is over and you need to rejuvenate yourself? Head to the beach, of course, and Cala d'en Serra is the ideal place. One of those beaches that isn't a tourist spot, Cala d'en Serra is an egg-shaped beach that needs to be discovered. Cross ancient villages, following a winding road to find the steep sandy path that leads to this breathtaking beach. Hidden in a rocky enclave, crystal-clear waters and fine sand await you in this very cool hangout. A singular beach bar serves fresh fish and sangria right to your sun lounger as you soak up the sublime, relaxed atmosphere of this secret beach spot. Cala d'en Serra offers peace and solitude bathed in sunshine.

8Sitges

With a splendid natural backdrop of the Parc Natural del Garraf and mansions lining the seafront, Sitges is a liberal town famous for its coastline, sun lovers and gay-friendly atmosphere, including bars, nightclubs and, of course, beaches. The most renowned of these is the Platja de la Bassa Rodona, a 285-metre stretch of soft sand and calm water where the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed. Elsewhere, the Platja de la Fragata is a lively family beach overlooked by the charming church of Sant Bartomeu. Near the town, the Platja de la Ribera is one of the most famous beaches and is the place to go for people-watching on the sand.

7La Concha

This small beach in the Basque Country is surrounded by green mountains and boasts a view of beautiful islands and white boats bobbing on gentle waves. La Concha beach is part of a charming town full of elegant Belle Époque-style architecture and is almost packed with excellent eateries. The beach itself is tucked away in a sheltered bay and has sometimes been called the most beautiful city beach in Europe. Protected by the mountainous countryside, La Concha is a huge 1,350 metres long and, as it is influenced by the tides, there is more than enough space for everyone to enjoy its beauty. The ample space means there is also plenty of room in the gentle sea to row and swim.

6Isuntza Beach, Lekeitio

Located halfway between Bilbao and San Sebastián, this tiny town is home to a very picturesque beach. The magic of this beautiful part of the coast is revealed at low tide when a sandy path is uncovered that leads all the way to the ever-intriguing island of San Nicolás. Walk along the rocky path and explore the island — just make sure you head back before the tide starts to come in again! The landscape of Isuntza beach is shaped by the mouth of the Lea river that opens out to the sea here, which adds to the unique charm of the already beautiful landscape. Staying in the town means catching a rare glimpse of Basque culture, savouring its incredible food and Gothic architecture — there is even a mountain to climb where you can admire the views over the beach and the island.

5Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar is a special little town on the Costa Brava with a myriad of beaches to choose from. Sheltered by a large bay, the wide horseshoe-shaped Playa Gran beach features soft golden sands and deep blue waters favoured by swimmers; but the most special thing about this elegant beach is the 14th-century fortifications that stand on the rocky headlands overlooking the bay. These are incredibly lit up at night. For a different atmosphere, the Platja d'es Codolar is a small beach with a bar nestled in a bay at the foot of imposing cliffs. But if you want to escape all the tourist beaches in the area, head north along the coast: solitude in the relaxing, natural Cala Pola, just outside the town.

4Playa de Bolonia, Tarifa

Unspoilt and idyllic, Playa de Bolonia is a quiet beach that is part of a small traditional fishing village that is also home to the 2,000-year-old ruins of the Roman town of Baelo Claudia. A favourite among many Spaniards, the beach is gaining popularity with international tourists, but still somehow remains a hidden beach gem; the area is actually within the boundaries of the Estrecho Natural Park. The town has not undergone much of the high-rise development that many Spanish seaside resorts have seen, and as such the village is underdeveloped and still delightfully old-fashioned. Playa de Bolonia remains a peaceful retreat for beach bums. The sand is powdery white and the sand dunes along the bay protect the vegetation that grows; here you can find your spot among the dunes and relax in the peace and quiet of this best-kept beach.

3Platja de Ses Illetes, Formentera

This beautiful beach must be seen to be believed. Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, crystal-clear waters lap the white sandy beaches where you can lie for hours immersed in paradise. The beach is actually just a small strip of sand that juts out into the ocean and divides the sea in two. Bathed on both sides by the sea, the narrow strip of sand fills with walkers, but most people come here to spend their time paddling in the turquoise, dazzling waters that surround the sand. The ocean is so shallow that it is particularly warm, so much so that relaxing in the shallows is more like taking a bath!

2Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Sophisticated and elegant, Maspalomas beach, in the southern part of Gran Canaria, is entirely devoted to its sand. A huge 6-kilometre stretch of golden sand that in places is an incredible 100 metres wide, Maspalomas is bordered by a desert landscape of enormous sand dunes, so much so that it feels like you're sunbathing in the Sahara Desert rather than along a Spanish coast. The gold of the dunes stands out against the dazzling blue of the sea and creates a spectacular scene, while bathers sleep on sun loungers and bars sell snacks and soft drinks. A great beach for families to spend time together, there is space here for everyone. If sunbathing for hours isn't for you, there is also the opportunity to rent a pedalo or a jet ski and have an adventure at sea.

1Praia da Rodas, in Galicia

This beach is one of those wonderful places that once you've been you'll never forget. A perfectly curved sandy beach, Praia da Rodas is a beach of breathtaking beauty that could be one of the best in the whole world. Located in Galicia along the wildest Atlantic coast, Praia da Rodas is a romantic strip of fine sand. Often called a "Caribbean beach" by the locals, the water is turquoise, clean and calm, although very cold compared to the Mediterranean. Spend long summer days relaxing on the sand, admiring the beauty of the surrounding seascape; enjoy fresh fish served on the shore and then spend the night under the stars at the nearby campsite.