Best beaches in Spain | Our top picks

Planning a Spain trip and unsure which beach to pick? Spain’s coastline is long, varied, and often overcrowded with the same recommendations. This list focuses on the best beaches in Spain – places with a sense of place, not just a patch of sand. From Galician cliffs to Balearic coves, these Spain beaches offer something real: dramatic settings, strong surf, quiet escapes, or a proper local vibe.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Spain, your essential guide for visiting Spain.

What are the best beaches to visit in Spain?

The best beaches in Spain aren’t always the ones you see in glossy travel guides. Some are remote and windswept. Others sit just outside the usual tourist trail. What matters is that they offer more than a place to lie down.

If you’re planning a trip to Spain, aim for variety. Head to Galicia for raw Atlantic power – Praia de Niñóns and As Catedrais are good places to start. Down south, Bolonia delivers wide sands and Roman ruins without the crowds. On the islands, Ses Illetes in Formentera still holds onto its laid-back edge. In the north, beaches like Gulpiyuri and Zarautz mix coastal drama with something distinctly local.

The best time to visit Spain for the coast is late spring or early autumn. You’ll dodge the worst of the heat and the busiest weeks. July and August can be a gamble – great for swimming, less great for space.

These are the places that earn their reputation. No gimmicks, no fake charm. Just strong contenders for the best places to visit in Spain – and a solid foundation for any beach-focused Spain itinerary.

1. Playa de Bolonia, Andalucía

Bolonia sits at the edge of Andalucía’s Atlantic coast, just west of Tarifa. It’s remote, low-key, and one of the few beaches in southern Spain that hasn’t been overdeveloped. No hotels are towering over the sand, no music pumping from beach clubs – just wind, waves, and space to breathe.

The beach is a wide curve of pale sand, backed by scrubland and the shifting Duna de Bolonia, a dune that climbs over 30m high. At one end, the ruins of Baelo Claudia offer a rare mix: you can swim in the sea, then walk through a Roman forum. It’s a standout among beaches in Spain – rugged, quiet, and completely unspoiled.

There are a handful of simple places to stay in Andalucia nearby, mostly rural guesthouses and family-run B&Bs. Nothing fancy – and that’s the appeal.

How to get to Bolonia

Take the N-340 west from Tarifa, then turn off near Facinas. The final 7km winds through hills – narrow, slow, but scenic. There's no public transport; you’ll need a car.

When to visit Bolonia

May, June, and September are ideal – warm days, fewer people, and strong winds for dune watching (or windsurfing nearby). August gets busy and hot, especially on weekends.

2. La Concha Beach, San Sebastián, Basque Country

La Concha is San Sebastián’s showpiece – a perfect arc of sand curving between the old town and the suburb of Ondarreta. It's an urban beach, but it doesn’t feel boxed in. Sheltered by headlands and facing a calm bay, the water stays swimmable well into autumn.

This is one of the best beaches in Spain for city access without sacrificing scenery. The boardwalk behind it buzzes year-round with walkers, and even in winter, the beach sees locals out with dogs and kids. At low tide, there’s more than enough space to spread out. In summer, swimmers head for the floating platforms offshore or catch a ferry to Isla de Santa Clara.

La Concha is a smart pick if you’re exploring Spain with kids. There’s soft sand, gentle surf, and a city full of good food just a short walk away.

How to get to La Concha

It’s in the center of San Sebastián. Local buses and regional trains stop nearby, and most visitors arrive on foot. No car needed – and you’re better off without one.

When to visit La Concha

June and September offer warm days and fewer crowds. July and August are peak season, especially if you're planning to swim or visit Isla de Santa Clara.

3. Praia de Niñons, Costa da Morte, Galicia

Praia de Niñóns isn’t easy to find – and that’s exactly the point. Tucked into a remote inlet west of Malpica, this broad crescent of sand marks the edge of Galicia’s Costa da Morte. A small stream cuts across the beach, backed by forest and the occasional stone chapel. There's not much here: one bar (closed at night), a car park, and silence, broken only by the Atlantic crashing in.

This is not a beach for deckchairs or beach clubs. It’s the kind of place where Galicians camp wild in summer, lighting fires in the dunes and swimming under grey skies. The water can be cold and rough, but the setting is spectacular – raw and elemental, with a sense you’ve reached the end of the road.

How to get to Praia de Niñóns

Drive west from Malpica de Bergantiños and follow signs to Niñóns. The last stretch is narrow and steep. There’s no public transport, and the road isn’t suitable for large vehicles.

When to visit Praia de Niñóns

Late spring through early autumn is best. July and August are the warmest, but expect cool water and occasional fog year-round. It’s rarely crowded.

4. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera

Ses Illetes is Formentera’s headline beach – a narrow spit of white sand pointing north into shallow, turquoise sea. It’s part of a protected reserve, and despite the crowds in high season, it still feels special. Calm water, long views, and easy swimming give it a different rhythm to most Spain beaches.

This stretch is often listed among the best Balearic islands experiences for good reason. Walk north and you’ll reach the channel to Espalmador – a private but undeveloped island with another beach worth the effort. You can wade across in low water, or take a short boat ride from La Savina.

There are no beach bars here worth mentioning, and that’s deliberate – the area is protected. Bring what you need and leave no trace.

How to get to Ses Illetes

Take a ferry from Ibiza to La Savina, then rent a bike or scooter. Cars are restricted. The beach is inside a protected zone – there's a small entry fee.

When to visit Ses Illetes

May, June, and September offer the best balance – warm seas, fewer boats, and more space to breathe. Avoid high summer if you want it quiet.

5. Playa de los Genoveses, Almería, Andalucía

Set in the Cabo de Gata–Níjar Natural Park, Playa de los Genoveses is a wide, golden arc of sand that feels completely cut off from the built-up coast nearby. It’s a 1km stretch in a shallow, sheltered bay, surrounded by dunes, agave plants, and dusty volcanic hills. No hotels. No bars. Just sand, sea, and a dirt road to get you there.

Despite being close to the town of San José, this beach still feels remote – a rare thing on the Mediterranean. It’s popular, but the park limits access in summer to protect the area. No parking means less noise and more space.

This is easily one of the best beaches in Spain for anyone after a raw, undeveloped setting with calm swimming and no distractions.

How to get to Playa de los Genoveses

From San José, walk or cycle the dirt track southwest (around 2km). In summer, a shuttle bus replaces car access. There’s no shade or shops – bring everything you need.

When to visit Playa de los Genoveses

Spring and autumn are best – still warm, and fewer people. July and August are busiest, and car access is restricted.

6. The Illas Cíes, Riá de Vigo, Galicia

The Illas Cíes sit just offshore from Vigo, but they feel far removed from the mainland. These three Atlantic islands form part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park – a protected area of cliffs, pine forest, and some of the clearest water on the northwest coast. The beaches here are the main draw, especially Praia das Rodas, where a curve of white sand links two islands and shelters a calm lagoon.

There are no cars, no hotels, and no nightlife – just a campsite, a few walking trails, and long stretches of sand. The Illas Cíes are perfect if you’re looking to swap pavement for pine needles and salt air. One of the most worthwhile things to do in Spain if you like your beaches quiet and protected.

How to get to the Illas Cíes

Regular ferries run from Vigo, Baiona, and Cangas (April–October). Book ahead – visitor numbers are capped. No wild camping is allowed.

When to visit the Illas Cíes

Late June or early September is best. Ferries are running, the water’s warmer, and you’ll avoid peak-season day-tripper crowds.

7. Praia As Catedrais, Lugo, Galicia

Praia As Catedrais (Beach of the Cathedrals) is a stretch of Galician coast best seen on foot, not from a towel. At low tide, the sea pulls back to reveal a dramatic network of natural arches, tunnels, and sea-carved cliffs that give the beach its name. It’s not a place for swimming – the waves are strong, and the rocks unforgiving – but as a coastal walk, it’s one of the most memorable in northern Spain.

The beach sits just west of Ribadeo, a small town with plenty of bars and places to stay. The shoreline nearby is heavily built-up, but As Catedrais still holds its own, especially at sunrise or in moody weather. You’ll need to plan, though: during summer and Easter, access is controlled and must be booked online.

How to get to Praia As Catedrais

Drive west from Ribadeo along the N-634. There’s parking near the beach and boardwalk access. From July to September, online booking is required to enter the beach.

When to visit Praia As Catedrais

Go at low tide – otherwise, the arches disappear. Late spring or early autumn avoids the crowds but still offers decent light and weather.

8. Cala D’Hort, Ibiza

Tucked into the southwestern coast of Ibiza, Cala D’Hort is a small beach with a big view. Its stretch of sand and pebbles faces directly onto Es Vedrà – a towering limestone islet that rises out of the sea like a mirage. The setting is stark and dramatic, especially late in the day when the light drops and the cliffs start to glow.

This isn’t a party beach. The atmosphere is relaxed, the waves are gentle, and the crowd is mostly here for the view. There are a few seafood restaurants right above the shore – simple, reliable, and better than most in the area.

Cala D’Hort earns its place among the best beaches in Spain, not because it’s remote or untouched, but because it delivers something rare – scenery that feels cinematic without being overdone. Ibiza’s beaches are varied, but this is one of the best islands in Spain at its quietest.

How to get to Cala D’Hort

Drive from Sant Josep de sa Talaia (about 20 minutes). The road is steep and narrow in parts, and parking fills fast in high season.

When to visit Cala D’Hort

Go in shoulder season – May, June, or late September – for clear skies, swimmable seas, and fewer people. Sunsets here are the main event.

9. Playa de Gulpiyuri, Asturias

Playa de Gulpiyuri is one of the most unusual Spanish beaches – a patch of golden sand set inland, completely out of sight from the sea. It looks like a sunken meadow at first, but a network of underground tunnels channels saltwater from the nearby Bay of Biscay, creating a tiny tidal beach in the middle of a field.

The beach is barely 40m across, with shallow, cold water and no facilities. It’s not made for long beach days, but for a quick stop and a few quiet minutes, it’s unforgettable. There’s no road access to the sand, which keeps the setting peaceful, at least outside peak season.

It’s a geological oddity that deserves a spot among the most memorable Spain beaches, even if you’ll be in and out in under an hour.

How to get to Playa de Gulpiyuri

Drive to the village of Naves, between Llanes and Ribadesella. Park nearby and follow a short trail through open farmland.

When to visit Playa de Gulpiyuri

High tide fills the pool, and low tide reveals more sand. Come early or outside midsummer if you want it quiet.

10. Playa del Silencio, Asturias

Tucked along the Asturian coast near Cudillero, Playa del Silencio lives up to its name. There’s no road noise, no bars or beach clubs – just the sound of water hitting stone. Backed by tall, curved cliffs and reachable only on foot, this crescent-shaped beach is made of pebbles, not sand, which helps keep the crowds away.

The water is usually calm and clear, with enough marine life to make snorkelling worthwhile. There are no facilities – no lifeguards, no toilets – and the hike back up is steep. Still, this is one of the most striking Spain beaches for anyone who prefers dramatic scenery over sunbeds.

How to get to Playa del Silencio

Drive west from Cudillero and follow signs to Castañeras. From the car park, it’s a 10-15 minute walk down a steep track. Wear proper shoes.

When to visit Playa del Silencio

Come early or late in the day to avoid crowds. Summer has the calmest water, but the cliffs are at their most dramatic in spring or autumn light.

11. Playa de Las Canteras, Gran Canaria

Las Canteras is Gran Canaria’s city beach – but don’t let that put you off. It’s clean, long (nearly 4km), and full of life without being overrun. The northern end, La Puntilla, is lined with fishing boats and palm trees. The southern end, La Cícer, is for surfers – choppy waves, a younger crowd, and a laid-back feel.

Between the two, an offshore lava reef called La Barra calms the water and creates a natural pool that’s perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Families take to the shallows while divers and paddleboarders head further out. Lifeguards are present, the promenade’s always active, and there are plenty of food options right behind the sand.

Las Canteras easily ranks among the best beaches in Gran Canaria, especially if you want a mix of beach time and city access. It also pairs well with hiking in Gran Canaria, with coastal trails starting just beyond the city.

How to get to Playa de Las Canteras

Located in Las Palmas, the beach is easy to reach on foot or by bus from anywhere in the city. No car needed.

When to visit Playa de Las Canteras

It's a year-round beach. Winter brings waves to the south end, while summer offers the calmest conditions for swimming and snorkelling.

12. Maspalomas Beach, Gran Canaria

Maspalomas Beach is known for its vast dune system – a rolling landscape of golden sand that stretches from the old lighthouse to Playa del Inglés. It’s not just a beach – it’s a full-on desert by the sea. The dunes are part of a protected natural reserve, and walking across them is a highlight in itself.

To the west, the smaller Meloneras Beach offers quieter swimming and a paved promenade lined with cafés and hotels. To the east, Maspalomas opens up into a wide expanse with space to find your patch of sand – whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or walking the coastline.

It’s one of the best beaches in Spain for sheer scale and variety, and one of the most photographed spots in the Canary Islands.

How to get to Maspalomas Beach

Buses from Las Palmas and other major towns run frequently. If driving, park near the lighthouse or Meloneras side – dune access is on foot only.

When to visit Maspalomas Beach

The dunes are best early morning or late afternoon when the light is low and the heat is bearable. The beach is good year-round – even in winter, the water’s swimmable.

13. Zarautz Beach, Basque Country

Zarautz is a long, wide beach with serious surf. At over 2.5km, it’s the longest beach in the Basque Country and one of the best for catching Atlantic swells. The waves here draw surfers year-round, and the town behind it has everything you’d expect from a place that lives and breathes the sport – board rentals, local surf schools, and a relaxed, low-key vibe.

It’s not just for surfers, though. The eastern end of the beach is quieter, good for swimming or stretching out on the sand, while a paved promenade links it to Getaria – a coastal walk worth doing for the views alone. When the tide goes out, the flat stretch becomes a massive sand playground, popular with families and volleyball players.

Zarautz is lively without being chaotic, and it keeps enough of a local feel to stand out on a coastline full of postcard beaches.

How to get to Zarautz Beach

Zarautz is a 30-minute train ride from San Sebastián. Trains run regularly, and the station’s a 5-minute walk from the beach. Parking is limited in summer.

When to visit Zarautz Beach

Late spring and early autumn offer smaller crowds and good surf. July and August are peak months, especially during surf competitions or weekends.

14. Cala Montjoi, Costa Brava, Catalonia

Cala Montjoi sits at the end of a winding coastal road, backed by steep hills and framed by rocky cliffs. It’s a sheltered, stony cove, with calm water that stays clear even when the rest of the Costa Brava is kicking up surf. The beach itself is narrow and pebbly, not ideal for long lounging, but excellent for swimming and snorkelling.

There’s very little development here – just a seasonal campsite and a restaurant where El Bulli once stood. Now it’s a museum and culinary research center, but the real draw is the setting: pine-covered hills, blue water, and few crowds.

This isn’t one of the Costa Brava’s glossy resort beaches. Cala Montjoi is quieter, rougher, and better if you're after peace over convenience.

How to get to Cala Montjoi

From Roses, it’s about 13km by car along a narrow, winding road. There’s a car park near the beach. No public transport.

When to visit Cala Montjoi

Best from late May to early October. The water’s warm enough to swim, and the beach is rarely crowded outside of August weekends.

15. Playa de Oyambre, Cantabria

Set inside Oyambre Natural Park, this beach blends wild coastline with green, rolling hills – a classic north Spain landscape. Backed by dunes and meadows, Playa de Oyambre feels remote but isn’t hard to reach. The beach is long, wide, and rarely overcrowded, even in high summer.

You get a bit of everything here: space to spread out, steady surf, soft sand, and clean water. It’s a popular spot for beginner surfers, with a few laid-back schools nearby, but you don’t need a board to enjoy it. The views alone, with the Picos de Europa often visible on a clear day, are worth the stop.

It’s one of the best beaches in Spain if you’re after scenery and open space without the buzz of big resorts. Low-key campsites and rural guesthouses nearby keep the vibe relaxed.

How to get to Playa de Oyambre

The beach lies between Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera. A car is the easiest way to reach it. There’s parking close to the dunes.

When to visit Playa de Oyambre

June and September are ideal – warm, green, and quiet. July and August bring more people, but it rarely feels packed.

16. Langre Beach, Cantabria

Langre Beach isn’t obvious from the road – and that’s part of its charm. Surrounded by cliffs and only accessible via a long flight of stone steps, it stays quieter than many other Spain beaches, even in peak season. The setting is dramatic: steep grassy cliffs above, crashing Atlantic below, and a long, curved stretch of sand in between.

It’s popular with surfers for the reliable waves, but also with locals who come here to swim or just get away from the more built-up beaches nearby. There are no facilities on the beach itself – no bars, no lifeguards – so bring what you need and be ready for the climb back up.

Langre feels wilder than most of Cantabria’s coast, and that’s exactly why it’s worth the detour.

How to get to Langre Beach

Langre is about 30km east of Santander. You’ll need a car to reach the clifftop parking. From there, it’s a steep descent to the sand.

When to visit Langre Beach

Come between May and September. The sea’s cold, but swimmable by July. Mornings and evenings are best for quiet and light.

17. Calblanque Beach, Murcia

Calblanque is one of the few stretches of Murcia’s coast that hasn’t been swallowed by resorts. It sits inside a protected natural park, and the lack of development shows. No hotels, no chiringuitos – just rough tracks, low dunes, and a wide, empty beach backed by dry hills and scrubland.

The sand here is coarse and golden, and the sea is usually clear but not always calm. There are several coves in the park, but the main beach is the easiest to reach. Swimmers should watch for currents, but on the right day, the water is perfect.

This is one of the more underrated Spain beaches – especially if you prefer space and silence over sunbeds and sangría.

How to get to Calblanque Beach

Drive from Cartagena or La Manga and follow the signs to Parque Regional de Calblanque. In high season, car access is limited – shuttle buses run from the park entrance.

When to visit Calblanque Beach

Go in May, June, or September for warm weather and fewer people. Mid-summer sees more traffic, but the beach rarely feels crowded.

18. Cala Sa Boadella, Costa Brava, Catalonia

Cala Sa Boadella is one of the quieter coves near Lloret de Mar, which is saying something. Hidden behind a pine forest and reached via a narrow footpath, it feels cut off from the busy town above, even though it’s just a 15-minute walk away.

The beach itself is small, about 250m long, with coarse sand and clear water that’s good for swimming and snorkelling. There's no built-up promenade, just a stretch of shoreline with a few rocky outcrops and a low-key, often mixed crowd. Part of the beach is unofficially nudist-friendly, but it’s low-key and respectful.

In a region full of loud, crowded strips of sand, Sa Boadella stands out for staying relatively peaceful, especially in the early morning or outside of high season.

How to get to Cala Sa Boadella

Park along the road to Jardins de Santa Clotilde and follow the marked trail down through the pines. The path is steep in places but manageable.

When to visit Cala Sa Boadella

Come early or outside July-August for the best chance at peace and space. The water is clearest in the morning before the sea gets stirred up.

19. Cala Granadella, Jávea

Cala Granadella is a small, horseshoe-shaped bay tucked into the southern edge of Jávea. Surrounded by pine-covered cliffs and rocky headlands, it’s one of the clearest swimming spots on the Costa Blanca. The beach itself is pebbled, not sandy, but the trade-off is cleaner water and excellent visibility for snorkelling or kayaking.

In high season, it fills up fast, especially with day-trippers, but early mornings are calm and quiet. There are a couple of restaurants just above the beach, but no loud bars or resorts. Parking is limited, and access is sometimes restricted in peak summer to protect the area.

It’s one of the most photogenic beaches in Spain, but it earns the attention – the setting is dramatic, and the water really is that blue.

How to get to Cala Granadella

Drive south from Jávea and follow signs for Granadella. Parking is tight in summer and may require a short walk or shuttle ride.

When to visit Cala Granadella

May, June, and September offer the clearest water and fewer crowds. The sea stays swimmable into October.

20. Playa de Cuesta Maneli, Huelva, Andalucía

Cuesta Maneli is one of the most secluded beaches on Andalucía’s southern coast. It’s located between Matalascañas and Mazagón, inside Doñana National Park, and kept well away from development. To reach the beach, you’ll follow a 1.2km wooden boardwalk through pine forest and dunes – no road, no shortcuts, and no shops at the end.

What you get is a wide, open stretch of sand backed by sandstone cliffs and scrubland. There’s plenty of space, and the Atlantic here feels wild – wind, waves, and no buildings in sight. It’s popular with naturists, but not exclusively, and usually quiet even in high summer.

How to get to Playa de Cuesta Maneli

Take the A-494 between Mazagón and Matalascañas and look for the signposted parking area at Cuesta Maneli. From there, it’s a 20-minute walk to the beach.

When to visit Playa de Cuesta Maneli

Best from May to early October. Mornings and weekdays are the quietest. Avoid mid-August unless you're fine sharing the walk with a crowd.