Spain has a diversity of coastlines that is unmatched in Europe, from the Atlantic to
the Mediterranean, the temperate north to the sub-tropical south.
It has around 5,000 miles of varied coastline; so you can be sure there are hundreds of perfect
Spanish beaches to explore and enjoy.
Some of the best beaches in Spain rank among the greatest in the world.
Whether you're looking for a family beach break or want to find quieter sandy beaches
where you can take a leisurely stroll and take in the coastal views, Spain has a beach
to suit everyone.
If you’re visiting Spain and want to find a cheap way to stay, then check the links
in description as we’ve found some great accommodation options.
10) At number 10 is the lovely beach of Cala Llenya, Ibiza
Cala Llenya is a wide, sandy beach with safe swimming and rocky areas for snorkelling.
The seabed is sandy with the odd rock, and the water shallow for some way out.
There are lovely walks in the surrounding pinewoods.
With great facilities, including sunbeds, parasols, showers, toilets, drinking water,
bar, restaurant and a lifeguard.
Its location is 10 minutes drive from San Carlos in the North East of the island and
reached by car there is plenty of free parking under shady trees.
9) Coming in at number 9 is Gandia Playa Nord, Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is made up of a number of small towns with pleasant beaches.
Gandia Playa Nord stretches for 3.5km from the sailing club.
The quality of its fine, golden sand is second to none in Spain.
Gandia is one of the beaches that is more popular with residents of Spain rather than
foreign tourists, so it must have something going for it.
8) Number 8 is Platja de Ses Illetes, Formetera
The southernmost Balearic island is famed for its tropical-style beaches that also don’t
look like they belong in Europe, and Platja de Ses Illetes is the pick of them.
It’s on the island’s far northern tip, on the west side of a narrow finger of land
that pushes out to sea for several kilometres.
The sands at Ses Illetes are sugar-white, giving the water a turquoise hue.
Several little islands next to the beach help make the sea almost pool-like on clear days.
7) The seventh best beach in Spain is Playa Comillas, Cantabria
A beautiful Atlantic beach, this bay is next to a gorgeous little fishing port, with charming
squares surrounded by old stone houses.
Playa Comillas is almost a kilometre in length, washed by moderate waves and occasionally
swept by strong breezes.
Between October and April if the weather is fine, walk along the beach and look back to
the snow-capped summits of the mountains in the distance.
And in summer you can just chill out on the golden sand and watch the waves roll in.
6) Number 6 is Playa de Cue, Asturias
Cué Beach is a few minutes east of Llanes in Asturias.
The beach is protected from the Atlantic winds by three small islands and an assortment of
smaller rocks.
When the tide is out you can easily walk to these islands or sit on the exposed sand at
the foot of the grass topped cliffs by the shore.
When the tide is in, this little beach will be underwater and you can swim in the clear
waters before walking up to the grassy spur above the bay to dry off in the sun.
5) Number 5 is the surfing and sunbathing beach of Playa de Zarautz, Basque Country
Playa de Zarautz is the longest beach in the Basque Country and has beautiful scenery.
At both ends of this 2.5 kilometre long bay are the green, grassy hills.
At the back is a raised promenade with shops and bars and at low tide there’s a vast
field of pale sand.
The big draw though is the surf, which makes this one of Spain’s top surfing beaches.
4) Forth in the ranking is Playa del Silencio, Asturias
Quite a way from any town or village on the Asturian coast is a pebble beach of heart-stopping
beauty.
It’s a cove that cuts deep inland and is surrounded by an arena of cliffs.
As the beach is so sheltered the waters are usually tranquil, and between refreshing dips
in the Atlantic you can spend your time gazing at this wild and rocky piece of paradise.
3) Third best beach is the quiet location of Genoveses, Almeria
This beach has a strip of fine golden sand that curves gently for more than a kilometre
and is bathed by moderate waves.
It can be hard to find any sign of human civilisation at this beach on Almería’s Cabo de Gata,
save for the occasional whitewashed house in the distance.
Bring your own picnic because there are no bars or bustling restaurants along this quiet
beach.
Nor will you be disturbed by traffic noise, a beautiful hidden retreat.
2) Coming in at number 2 is La Barrosa, Cadiz
Frequently voted the best beach in Spain by the Spanish.
La Barrosa at Chiclana de la Frontera has fine white sand and stretches for more than
five miles.
It flies an EU blue flag for cleanliness and is patrolled by lifeguards from June to September.
La Barrosa works well for families with mixed ages and interests.
1) And the top spot goes to La Concha, San Sebastian
Claimed to be the best city beach in Spain and one of the loveliest urban beaches in
Europe.
La Concha is one of three city beaches on the Bay of Biscay and is hugely popular with
holidaymakers all year round.
The Concha beach is very spacious.
It has a length of 1350 meters and an average width of 40 meters.
The beach, affectionately called “La Concha” by the local citizens, is perfect for sunbathing,
swimming, and paddling.
Since the bay is surrounded by mountains, it’s also perfectly protected against the
wind and high waves.
A ‘wow’ of a beach that deserves to be top