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Boasting over 5,000 kilometers of coastline, Spain has an endless array of gorgeous beaches. From north to south, the country offers a variety of beaches, from secluded bays and coves to long sandy beaches that go on for kilometers to no end. You will also find bustling beaches with a promenade full of restaurants, shops, and facilities for water sports. Whatever your preferences, you will find a stretch of sand perfect for you. Below, check out 10 of the best beaches to visit in Spain.
#1. Portinatx, Ibiza
Portinatx beach lies along the northern tip of Ibiza, the famous party island in the Balearic. It’s a compact resort surrounded by glittering crystal clear blue waters and scenic hills with verdant pine trees. Popular with families and couples, Portinatx beach exudes a relaxing vibe, the perfect place to unwind away from the bustling beaches of Ibiza.
While Portinatx beach is far quieter than the bustling resorts of Ibiza, it has a surprisingly active nightlife scene. It’s home to small clubs and music bars where you can enjoy refreshing drinks after a day at the beach. Because of its paradisiacal setting, Portinatx is a popular filming location in Ibiza, including the musical South Pacific.
Portinatx is an ideal base for a beach holiday in Spain. It’s home to some of Ibiza’s best hotels and resorts and has a few shopping and dining options. When staying in this area, you will only be a 40-min drive from Ibiza Town. In addition, the charming town of Santa Eulalia and its many excellent restaurants is only around 30 minutes from here.
#2. Calo des Moro, Mallorca
Some of Spain’s most beautiful beaches are in Mallorca, one of the islands that make up the Balearic and a popular holiday destination in Spain. There are also many excellent holiday villas in Mallorca, perfect for those staying on the island to explore its beautiful beaches. Of all the beaches on the island, one of the beaches that stand out is Calo des Moro in the southeast of Mallorca, and set in a deep blue bay surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Caló des Moro is one of the most beautiful coves in Mallorca, with gentle waves lazily lapping on its rocky shore. The beach is on private property and only accessible on foot. It’s close to the towns of Ses Salines and Santanyi. You can park your car in a parking lot between Cala Llombards and Caló des Moro, then take the steep staircase and follow the well-established path toward the beach.
Calo des Moro is absolutely beautiful, so the hike is well worth it. Even if you don’t intend to swim, it’s a lovely place to enjoy a scenic stroll and marvel at the stunning landscape of turquoise water, lush vegetation, and rugged cliffs. Plus, there are hardly any people in sight, which makes it a great spot to enjoy peace and serenity away from the crowd of beachgoers on the more popular beaches of Mallorca.
#3. Las Teresitas, Tenerife
Perched in a small village along the northern section of the island of Tenerife, Playa de las Teresitas is one of the best beaches to visit in Spain. It has fine golden sands, stretching for almost 1.5 km and offering splendid views of the Anaga mountains. The waters are always calm, making it an ideal place for families looking for a safe beach to spend fun days with their little kids. There are also lifeguards on duty, which makes it safer for the kids.
Getting to Las Teresitas beach is easy, and you can reach it by car or bus. You will find plenty of parking spaces in the area. The beach is only a short walk from the parking space.
The calm waters of Las Teresitas make this place suitable for sports like kayaking and paddle boarding. Thus, you will find plenty of rental facilities for these sports in the area. It’s worth noting that during the winter, the temperatures in the north are lower than in the south. Therefore, the water is colder, sometimes reaching an average temperature of 18°C.
#4. Puerto Banus, Marbella
Marbella is one of the best cities for a beach holiday in Spain, as it’s home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. In addition, there are several great accommodation options in Marbella, so you will not struggle to find a comfortable place to stay, whether traveling with the family or on a romantic getaway. When it comes to the beaches, you’ll have plenty of options, but Puerto Banús is especially recommended for those seeking a more upscale experience.
Puerto Banús is a charming luxury marina and shopping complex about 6 km from the town center of Marbella, close to San Pedro de Alcantara. Known as the playground for the rich and the famous, with its bustling nightlife scene and chic beach clubs, it also has three wonderful beaches, Playa Puerto Banus, Playa del Rio Verde, and Playa Nueva Andalucia.
Each beach in Puerto Banús has a distinct character, and you can guarantee to find something suitable to your taste. Playa del Rio Verde and Playa Nueva Andalucia have been awarded a blue flag for their excellent amenities and cleanliness.
#5. Cala Pregonda, Menorca
If you are heading to Menorca for your beach holiday in Spain, check out Cala Pregonda. It’s in a secluded area with only a few houses nearby, making it an ideal place for those who prefer a more secluded beach to visit. Because of its remote location, the beach is practically unspoiled and scarcely touched by human intervention. The entire area is protected, forming part of Minorca’s Natural Areas of Special Interest.
Cala Pregonda is a special place, totally different from the other beaches in Menorca. Only a few visitors would visit this part of the island. But those who venture into this beach will be rewarded with unique views of reddish sand, mainly due to the presence of Pedra Vermella (red stone) in the area. The crystal-clear water beautifully contrasts the sand’s reddish hues.
Due to the several islets surrounding the cove, it is protected from strong waves. Therefore, the sea tends to be calmer. If you are looking for a secluded place to spend quality time with your loved one, Cala Pregonda is the perfect place. Even though it’s slowly becoming popular, you can still find plenty of spots to enjoy privacy and seclusion.
#6. Cala D’en Serra, Ibiza
In the northeast of Ibiza, you’ll find Cala D’en Serra, another beautiful beach to visit on your holiday in Spain. Surrounded by stunning rugged cliffs, the oval-shaped beach has fine blue waters and soft golden sands. In the middle section of the beach, you will find an opening between the cliffs, where you can witness what seems like the end of the world on the horizon.
Cala d’en Serra is about 15 minutes’ drive from Portinatx. Getting to the beach does not come easy since the road has many potholes and steep inclines winding around the hillside. However, your effort will be rewarded with the breathtaking view of a bright turquoise ocean on the bay underneath.
Cala d’en Serra is the perfect place for those who want to reconnect with nature, away from the hustle and bustle. Even though it’s narrow, the bay gives an impression of a bigger space. The shallow and warm waters and powdery white sands make it suitable for families who don’t mind making the arduous journey to swim on a safe beach. A paradise for snorkellers, Cala d’en Serra is an ideal place to explore under the sea.
#7. Platja de Ses Illetes, Formentera
Formentera may be the smallest island in the Balearic, but it does have plenty to offer for those looking for stunning beaches to visit in Spain. One of its most beautiful beaches is Platja de Ses Illetes, famous for its incredibly clear turquoise waters and a long stretch of fine white sands. The beach can get crowded during the peak season, so if you want to enjoy the beach in solitude, come here early.
Platja de Ses Illetes is an ideal spot for swimming since the beach shelves gently in the sea. The water is shallow, which makes it great for kids. Also, there are plenty of water sports facilities for rent, including kayaking, which is especially popular during the peak season. You will also find plenty of restaurants and beach cafes to enjoy food and drinks after a fun day at the beach.
The best way to get to Platja de Ses Illetes is by car or scooter. Come here before 9 AM to avail yourself of free parking. It’s also possible to visit the beach by taking a small ferry from the port of La Savina.
#8. Playa del Regueral and Playa de Cavet, Cambrils
Cambrils is a lovely coastal town in Catalonia, home to some of Spain’s best beaches. It boasts a coastline of nine kilometers home to fabulous beaches attracting tourists all year round. Two of Cambrils’ most popular beaches are Playa del Regueral and Playa de Cavet.
Playa del Regueral is the main beach of the town, located close to the town center and surrounded by a picturesque boulevard. Since it’s easily accessible, it’s the beach of choice for many visitors. It also offers a range of entertainment facilities, from banana boat rides to water skiing and volleyball courts. In addition, you will find floating platforms close to the coastline where kids can have fun, making it an ideal beach for family getaways.
If you prefer a smaller, quieter beach, head to Playa del Cavet, a 600-meter-long beach with calmer and gentler waves. It’s the best option for relaxing under the sun and enjoying gentler water sports like snorkeling and paddle surf. You will also find schools teaching kids how to paddle surf and rental facilities for surfboards and paddle boards. Furthermore, Playa del Cavet is the perfect spot for enjoying a picnic since it has plenty of areas shaded by pine trees.
#9. Playa de Monsul, Almeria
In the province of Almeria, you’ll find an undeveloped and virgin beach called Playa de Monsul. It features a massive volcanic rock formation extending into the crystal-clear waters. Above the dune, you can enjoy the tranquil views of the bay, including the coast and its stunning volcanic landscapes.
Since Playa de Monsul is an undeveloped beach, bring everything with you on your visit. Don’t forget to bring water, a beach umbrella, and other essentials. Getting in and out of the beach is easy, and it’s safe for kids to swim in. It’s also an ideal spot for snorkeling, especially in the Peineta area.
Located about 5 kilometers from the center of the village of San Jose, the best way to reach Playa de Monsul is by car, which requires driving through a dirt road. But it’s worth noting that access to the beach by car is limited during the peak season since the parking can get full. When that happens, the only way to reach the reach is by foot or bike.
#10. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
Located in the south of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, Maspalomas is a 3-km long beach of golden sands with numerous hotels and apartments nearby, ideal for a holiday destination with the family or simply spending days under the sun. It has various sections, offering something for everyone.
The eastern section of the beach connects with Playa del Ingles resort, offering a family-friendly vibe with facilities like sun loungers and parasol rentals. There are also snack stands and shower facilities. Meanwhile, as you head towards the Maspalomas lighthouse, the area gets more rugged with water sports zones and sections for nudists. For a taste of the nightlife scene, head to the nearby Playa del Inglés, a party town home to the island’s best bars and clubs.
Maspalomas is not only famous for its vast expanse of dunes. It is also renowned for its old Lighthouse, which saw the first tourists arrive until the area morphed into a bustling holiday resort. Maspalomas Lighthouse has been the silent witness to thousands of tourists enjoying several days of sun, refreshing dips in the sea, and scenic strolls along the promenade.