12 Beautiful Beach Destinations in Spain You Need To Visit

When most people plan a trip to Spain, they dream of destinations like Barcelona and Madrid. In fact, Barcelona is the most visited tourist destination in the country. However, as appealing as the city is, Spain has much more to offer, including thousands of miles of beautiful beach destinations.

Surrounded by the Bay of Biscay, the Balearic Sea, and the Alboran Sea, Spain is the perfect place for a beach getaway. Spain has everything from charming beach towns and seaside cities to luxury resorts and affordable vacations.

To learn more, here are 12 beautiful beach destinations in Spain. These places were selected because of their picturesque coastlines, breathtaking beaches, and things to do.

Table of Contents

Santander

We’ll start this list with Santander, one of our all-time favorite Spanish beach destinations. Santander is a gorgeous coastal city, not a bank, located along Spain’s scenic north coast. Capital of the Cantabria region, it’s loved for its golden sand beaches, Spanish charm, mountain views, and historic squares.

Your days in Santander will be filled with sun, sea, beautiful hikes, and plenty of paella. What’s not to like? At every turn, you’ll find another lovely sandy beach, turquoise waters, and somewhere to grab a refreshing beer. Significant points of interest in the city include Playa de Mataleñas, El Sardinero, Playa de la Magdalena, Palacio de la Magdalena, and Puertochico.

Malaga

Malaga is a fantastic place to visit if you love long sandy beaches, historic landmarks, Spanish culture, and impressive architecture. This popular destination has many things to see and do and plenty of beaches where you can escape the hustle and bustle. Better yet, Malaga has mild winters and hot summers, so you can expect good weather almost all year round.

The main draw to this lively city is its impressive 16 beaches, most of which have golden sand, turquoise waters, and easy access to bars and restaurants. Famous beaches in Malaga include La Malagueta, Playa Pedregalejo, and Playa de Huelin. Once you’ve had your fill of beaches, explore the pedestrian-only city center.

Nerja

If Malaga is too busy for you, visit Nerja instead. Nerja is a charming seaside town along southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. It’s only a short car journey from Malaga but offers a much different atmosphere. In Nerja, you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, relaxed walks, and quieter beaches.

The town’s waterfront promenade, Balcón de Europa, offers serene views of the Mediterranean and the best beaches, including Playa de la Calahonda, Playa el Salón, and Playa El Chorrillo. Along Nerja’s beaches, you’ll come across various cliffside coves. One cave, Cueva de Nerja, hosts summertime events. Other places you don’t want to miss in Nerja include Aqueduct Eagle, the Museum of the Village of Nerja, and the Rainbow Steps.

A Coruña

Beaches in Spain_A Coruña — ©Javitouh / Shutterstock

A Coruña is similar to Santander because it has several long sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a beautiful landscape with excellent coastal walks. This port city is located on the northwest coast of Spain, so it’s not blessed with Mediterranean vibes, but it’s still a beautiful place to visit.

Aside from its picturesque beaches, A Coruña is renowned for its medieval Old Town, Roman lighthouse, and historic squares. Iconic landmarks include the Plaza de María Pita, the Tower of Hercules, and Estatua de María Pita. Meanwhile, the best beaches in the city include Playa de Riazor, Playa del Orzan, and Praia das Lapas.

Ibiza

Ibiza’s claim to fame is its status as one of the best party destinations in Europe, making it the perfect Spanish beach destination for partygoers seeking their fair share of sunshine and sea. However, this Balearic island offers much more than affordable alcohol and lively nightclubs.

When you’re not hitting the Ibiza Strip or soaking up the sun on Playa d’en Bossa, one of the main beaches, discover the island’s hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path beaches, and ancient architecture. In Ibiza Town, you’ll find the beautiful Dalt Vila, a fortified medieval Old Town that offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Other must-see locations include Las Dalias Night Market, Es Vedra, and Cala Xarraca.

San Sebastian

Next, we have San Sebastian, one of the best coastal towns in Spain. Located on the Bay of Biscay in the mountainous Basque Country, this town is best known for its pristine beaches, beautiful bayfront promenade, and upscale restaurants. You’ll spend most of your time in San Sebastian swimming in the sea, sunbathing, and strolling along the waterfront.

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The best beaches in the town are Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta. Both offer glorious stretches of golden sand, emerald waters, and plenty of amenities. There’s much to see in the San Sebastian town center, too. In Parte Vieja (Old Town), you’ll find a vibrant neighborhood offering high-end shops, traditional pintxo bars, and stunning architecture.

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Cádiz

Beaches in Spain_Cádiz — © Luis / Adobe Stock

Cádiz is a big hit with beachgoers who love history, too. It’s an ancient port city teeming with historic architecture, national landmarks, and traditional Spanish charm. Oh, and you can expect spectacular coastal views. Old Town Cádiz and its narrow cobblestone streets are a joy to explore, while Playa de la Victoria and its golden sands are a pleasure to walk along.

In the Old Town, keep your eyes peeled for ancient churches, pastel-colored houses, and ancient plazas bursting with activity. After exploring the Old Town, cool off in the sea at Playa de la Victoria, admire the coastal views, and relax. If you’re feeling hungry, grab something to eat in a beachfront restaurant.

Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Beaches in Spain_Sanlúcar de Barrameda — © Barmalini / Shutterstock

Just north of Cádiz is another coastal city famed for its beautiful old buildings and breathtaking beaches. However, this city is also known for its waterfront horse races that take place on the beach. Therefore, you best time your visit well if you don’t want a horse jumping over you as you sunbathe.

Bajo de Guía and Playa de las Piletas are two of the most popular beaches in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. They both feature wide and long stretches of golden sand, calm waters, and plenty of space to sunbathe. You’ll find various attractions, squares, and architectural masterpieces in the city, including Castillo De Santiago, Bodegas Barbadillo, and Las Covachas. Doñana National Park can also be found just north of the city.

Marbella

If you’re looking for a more luxurious beach destination in Spain, look no further than Marbella. Marbella is a beautiful seaside resort along Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. The resort is renowned worldwide for its glitz, glamor, and mesmerizing coastline. You can expect to spend your days in the resort drinking fine wines, eating world-class food, and swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters.

One of the most exclusive places to stay in Marbella is Puerto Banus. This breathtaking marina in the Nueva Andalucían neighborhood is home to luxury resorts, scenic coastal views, and tranquil stretches of beach. Make sure you visit Playa Río Verde, Playa Nueva Andalucía, and Playa de Cortijo Blanco.

Benidorm

To many, Benidorm is regarded as a cheap party destination overwhelmed by boozy Brits. While in some ways, that is true, Benidrom still has a lot to offer. There’s an argument to be made about it being one of the most affordable and beautiful beach destinations in Spain.

Aside from its tall skyrise buildings, lively beach bars, and English pubs, Benidorm is home to alluring beaches with soft white sand and gorgeous turquoise waters. Playa Levante is the main beach in the city, but you can enjoy a more peaceful and secluded experience at Racó del Conill and Playa de la Roda. Meanwhile, you can enjoy exceptional coastal views from Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada hiking trails.

Sitges

Sitges is a beautiful coastal town in Spain’s Catalonia region. Located southwest of Barcelona along the Mediterranean Sea coastline, this resort is loved for its lovely beaches, picturesque seafront promenade, and mountain scenery.

Sitges is a great place to sunbathe, swim, and admire historical landmarks. Points of interest in the town include San Sebastian Beach, Museo del Cau Ferrat, and Palau de Maricel. Don’t forget to explore Old Town Stiges and iconic landmarks like Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla Parish Church. Outdoor enthusiasts will also be pleased to hear that Parc Natural del Garraf is only 16 miles (26 kilometers) away. Hiking, cycling, and running are popular here.

Corralejo

The final beach destination on our list is located away from mainland Spain, at the northern tip of Fuerteventura. The Canary Islands are famed for their rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and water sports, and Fuerteventura is no different.

In Corralejo, you’ll find neverending white sand beaches framed by tall dunes and crystal-clear emerald waters, a natural park home to endangered wildlife and a volcano, and a small town with bars, restaurants, and vacation resorts. Playa la Clavellina is the most central beach in the town. It offers a small stretch of white sand, calm waters, and easy access to local amenities. Other notable attractions include Corralejo Natural Park, Playa del Moro, Montaña Roja (a volcano), and Lobos Island.