Best 25+ Spain Beaches

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Boasting 5,000 miles of coastline, most of which is blessed with soft sandy beaches, it’s no surprise that Spain has long been a favourite with holidaymakers in search of Mediterranean relaxation. With sun, sea, sand and sangria, Spain is the quintessential beach holiday destination.

From sun drenched golden sands to secluded rocky bays, the only worry you’ll have is deciding which one to visit. And although many tourists head to the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Balearic Islands, there are beautiful beaches all over Spain to discover.

  • 1. Cala Saona // Formentera

    Cala Saona
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Small but perfectly formed Formentera is known for its superb beaches and being a relaxing getaway from its noisy neighbour Ibiza.

    The beach of Cala Saona sits within a small bay surrounded by red rocks where the soft white sands are gently lapped by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. It is very much a haven for peace and relaxation, although there are a few beachside restaurants.

    read more »
  • 2. Aguas Blancas Beach // Ibiza

    Aguas Blancas Beach
    © lunamarina / CanStockPhoto

    The often quiet, secluded Aguas Blancas beach is a far cry from the resort towns on the south of the island. This long beach of fine sand gets its name (meaning "white water") from the white horse's that frequently crest the waves on choppy days. However, these prevailing winds that blow throughout the year become a welcome breeze in the summer months when this beach comes into its own.

    Aguas Blancas… read more »

  • 3. El Papagayo Beach // Lanzarote

    El Papagayo Beach
    © Tono Balaguer / 123RF

    Set in Los Ajaches Nature Reserve near the southern tip of Lanzarote is El Papagayo beach. Actually there are four beaches collectively termed the Coasta de Papagayo but it is Playa de la Cera that is the best known. Frequently described as the most beautiful beach on Lanzarote Papagayo comprises a small crescent of white sand protected by cliffs to either side. Unlike many of the islands beaches Playa de… read more »

  • 4. Las Teresitas // Tenerife

    Las Teresitas
    © Victor Pelaez Torres
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Sitting at the foot of the Anaga mountains in the north west of Tenerife is Las Teresitas beach. Despite the mile long sweeping curve of golden sand Las Teresitas manages to just slip under the tourist radar - strange when it has probably featured on more postcards than any other beach on the island! 

    That isn't to say it doesn't get busy; it is popular with locals and plenty of visitors… read more »

  • 5. Bolonia // Costa de la Luz

    Bolonia
    Great for:
    • Kitesurfing

    In the province of Cadiz in Andalucia are the white sands of Bolonia beach which stretch out far along the coastline. Untouched and secluded, the soft sandy beach is backed by the remains of the Roman city of Baelo Claudia, which are worth exploring.

    There is also a nudist section of the beach at the southern end of the bay.

    read more »
  • 6. Playa de Anfi del Mar // Gran Canaria

    Playa de Anfi del Mar
    © FrodeCJ
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    This cosy little bay is nestled snugly along Gran Canaria's south coast.

    The beach is an ice white sandy strip that draws families in, partly due to the calm and clear water, which is ideal for young children taking a paddle, and partly due to the family-friendly atmosphere here.

    Sunbeds and parasols can be rented on the sands, and there's a watersports centre on the beach too, where you can hire jet-skis,… read more »

  • 7. Playa Meloneras // Gran Canaria

    Playa Meloneras
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Tucked away in Gran Canaria's southwestern corner, just a short way up the coast from Maspalomas' sand dunes, you'll find the soft golden sands at Playa de Meloneras.

    This 500-metre stretch of family-friendly beach rarely gets too crowded, with most tourists opting for the larger, busier spots along the coast, so it's ideal if you like plenty of wriggle room while you're catching the rays.

    The waters are warm and calm,… read more »

  • 8. Playa de Fañabé // Tenerife

    Playa de Fañabé
    Falco Ermert
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    A long ribbon of dark sand on the Costa Adeje of Tenerife's southwest coast, Playa Fanabe is one of the best all-round beaches on this side of the island. Calm waters make paddling with little ones a joy, while a lifeguard presence provides an extra feeling of security.

    Another of Tenerife's Blue Flag beaches, Playa Fanabe is also one of its more upmarket options, meaning it generally has a quieter vibe… read more »

  • 9. Playa de los Alemanes // Costa de la Luz

    Playa de los Alemanes
    Benjamincebrian

    Located next to the village of Zahara isPlaya de los Alemanes, a largely unspoilt stretch of golden sand. Reaching about 1,500 metres (a mile) in width, the beach would never get crowded, even if it was on the beaten track.

    Backed by a gently sloping hillside dotted with upmarket villas the wide bay still retains much of its natural appeal. There isn't much in the way of facilities here either -… read more »

  • 10. Cala en Turqueta // Menorca

    Cala en Turqueta
    hugos007
    Great for:
    • Snorkeling

    Cala en Turqueta is arguably the most beautiful cala (cove) on Menorca. The beach is set in a deep, rocky inlet with pine forests to all sides. The sand here is fine and near white whilst the crystalline water is a beautiful mix of blues and turquoise. This is where the beach gets its name, and it certainly lives up to it.

    The beach is sheltered from most of the wind… read more »

  • 11. Caló des Moro // Mallorca

    Caló des Moro
    © facundohimself
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Hidden away in a deep rocky inlet near Mallorca's southern tip is the picturesque little cove of Caló des Moro. For many years this was one of the island's true hidden gems, but over the years, as photos surfaced in the travel media this idyllic spot's cover has been well and truly blown. With images of bright white sand and crystal clear turquoise water framed by steep, tree-topped cliffs it… read more »

  • 12. Playa de las Catedrales // Galicia

    Playa de las Catedrales
    © makasanaphoto

    Playa de las Catedrales is subdivided into two parts by a series of majestic natural rock arches from which the beach in northern Spain takes its name. A Galician Natural Monument under its official name of Praia de Augas Santas (Beach of the Holy Waters), it is located approximately 10 kilometres (six miles) west of the town of Ribadeo.

    During high tides, Playa de las Catedrales loses much of its breadth… read more »

  • 13. El Bollullo Beach // Tenerife

    El Bollullo Beach
    © Tono Balaguer / 123RF

    El Bollullo beach is located on Tenerife's north coast, a world away from the package-tours and resorts the island is often associated with. This small cove has a wild, natural feel right down to the black volcanic sand - there's no sprinkling golden sand imported from the Sahara here like on some of Tenerife's beaches.


    Set in the island's picturesque La Orotava Valley, the journey to El Bollullo involves navigating… read more »

  • 14. Playa de Ses Illetes // Formentera

    Playa de Ses Illetes
    © Tono Balaguer / 123RF
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Located just a stones throw away from the party island of Ibiza is the small island of Formentera. Despite its proximity Formentera can only be reached by boat and feels like a different world. There are several beautiful beaches around this unspoilt island but the Playa de Ses Illetes is the best of the bunch with its fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters.

    The beaches name comes from… read more »

  • 15. Maspalomas Beach // Gran Canaria

    Maspalomas Beach
    © Tono Balaguer

    Set on the southern tip of the island of Gran Canaria is a little slice of the Sahara Desert. Over the centuries the fine golden sand here has been sculpted into an extensive network of dunes extending several hundred metres back from the beach. With a landscape like this you won't be surprised to know it hardly ever rains and the temperature rarely dips below a balmy 20°C (68°F). And… read more »