Have you ever wondered about the best beaches in Spain? Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, family fun, or unique experiences, these beaches have something for every type of traveler.
We’re here to guide you. In this article, you’ll discover:
- Wild beaches for adventure and exploration
- Quiet coves for peace and nudist-friendly spots
- Family-friendly sands for kids
- Birdwatching and paddling havens
Follow our simple plan, choose the perfect beach, and enjoy sun, sea, and unforgettable memories.
Your ultimate Spanish beach experience starts here!
Best Beaches in Spain for Adventure & Exploration
1. Playa San Pedro, Andalucía
Playa San Pedro is one of the most beautiful beaches in Andalucía and is known as the best beach for wild beauty. It is on the southeastern coast, east of Almería, in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Small coves cut into the cliffs, and ravines lead down to soft sand, lava rocks, and dunes.
The beach is calm and surrounded by green scrubland. Above the shore are the ruins of a 16th-century castle. Visitors can reach the beach by walking from Las Negras or by a short boat ride, making it feel like a quiet, hidden spot away from crowds.
2. Praia as Catedrais, Galicia
Praia as Catedrais, or Cathedral Beach, is a famous beach in northern Spain and is known as the best beach for rocky drama. It is in Galicia.
The beach is 1.5 km (0.9 miles) long and has amazing rock formations. Wind and waves have shaped the cliffs over thousands of years into arches, towers, and chambers that look like a cathedral.
The beach is best visited at low tide when all the golden sand is visible. During Easter and the summer holidays (July 1 to September 30), visitors need a free permit to enter.
3. Platja de Formentor, Mallorca
Platja de Formentor is a beautiful beach at the northern tip of Mallorca, known as the best beach for paddling. Cliffs and the limestone peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana rise nearby. Visitors can swim or rent paddleboards and kayaks to explore the water.
The beach can be reached by boat from Port de Pollença or by car along the road to Cap de Formentor. Along the way, visitors can stop at viewpoints such as the Mirador del Mas Pas. A lighthouse on the headland offers great sunset views.
Best Beaches in Spain for Relaxation & Leisure
4. Platja Illetes, Formentera
Platja Illetes is a long beach with soft white sand and clear turquoise water, making it perfect for barefoot bliss. It is on the western part of the Trucador Peninsula in Formentera. Two small islets, Pouet and Rodona, sit just offshore and give the beach its name.
Visitors can reach Formentera by a short ferry ride from nearby Ibiza. The beach is best in late spring or early autumn when it is less crowded. During peak summer, daytrippers from Ibiza can make the sand busy.
5. Cala Macarella, Menorca
Cala Macarella is a small, beautiful beach on Menorca’s southwest coast. Soft white sand curves in a half-moon shape into clear blue water, making it ideal for families. Cliffs with pine and holm oak trees surround the cove, giving shade and a calm feel.
The beach can get busy in summer. Visitors should go early in the morning or at sunset for a quieter experience. Cala Macarella can be reached by boat or by walking about 1.5 km (0.8 miles) from the nearest car park.
Nearby, Cala Macarelleta is another small beach that can be reached by walking over the cliffs and through the pines.
6. Flecha del Rompido, Andalucía
Flecha del Rompido is a long, quiet beach on Andalucía’s west coast, known as the best beach for endless sands. Soft golden sand stretches for 13 km (8 miles).
The water is clear and fresh from the Atlantic. The beach forms a sandbar at the mouth of the Río Piedras and can only be reached by ferry, so it stays peaceful even in summer.
The beach is part of the Río Piedras wetlands, which attract many birds. Visitors can see ospreys, little egrets, sandwich terns, and red-crested pochards. Binoculars are useful for birdwatching.
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Best Beaches in Spain for Unique & Special Experiences
7. Playa de Torimbia, Asturias
Playa de Torimbia is a beautiful beach on Spain’s north coast in Asturias. It is known as the best nudist beach. Golden sand curves in a crescent between rocky headlands and meets clear blue water with gentle waves.
Green hills rise behind the beach, giving a calm feeling. Visitors must walk about 1 km (0.6 mile) from the car park, which keeps the beach quiet. Clothing is optional.
The beach is close to the Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa. Hikers can follow trails through lakes, flower-filled meadows, and rocky mountains.
8. Begur, Catalonia
Begur has some of Catalonia’s most charming beaches on the Costa Brava. It is known as the best beach for secluded coves. The coastline has small coves with soft sand or fine pebbles, surrounded by pine trees and cliffs.
Cala d’Aiguafreda is tiny and quiet. Cala de sa Tuna has pebbles and old fisher houses. Sa Riera has soft, golden sand.
Visitors can also explore the medieval Castell de Begur for great views of the sea. The area has been featured in films, including the 1959 movie Suddenly, Last Summer.
9. Platja de Ses Salines, Ibiza
Platja de Ses Salines is a popular beach on the southern tip of Ibiza, near Formentera. It is known as the best beach for birdwatchers. Soft, creamy sand meets clear, jewel-colored water. Behind the beach are dunes and pine trees.
Visitors can swim in shallow, warm water or relax at one of the chiringuitos while watching the sunset.
The beach is part of the Parc Natural de Ses Salines, a protected area with salt pans, marshes, beaches, and cliffs. Many birds visit the area, including Balearic shearwaters, Audouin’s gulls, and migrating flamingos from August to October.
Best Beaches in Spain: A Recap
The best beaches in Spain offer experiences for all kinds of travelers. For warm, sunny days and calm waters, May through September is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, and other water activities at beaches like Platja de Formentor or Platja Illetes.
For fewer crowds and milder weather, spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to October) are great for visiting quieter spots such as Cala Macarella or Flecha del Rompido.
Even in winter, some beaches in southern Andalucía, like Playa San Pedro, remain peaceful and enjoyable. From wild coves and nudist beaches to long sandy stretches and birdwatching spots, Spain’s beaches provide unique experiences throughout the year.