Spain is a stunning destination but where are the best beaches in Spain? We answer that exact question in this post, so you can relax on a beach and soak in that Spanish sun.
Why visit Spain?
Spain offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with almost 5,000 miles of coastline and a warm Mediterranean climate. Whether you want to unwind in the soft, white sand or enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, there are many beaches to choose from in Spain and its territories.
These are the top beach destinations in Spain according to the Visited travel app, which has over 1.75 million international users. Visited allows you to mark off places you’ve been, browse top travel lists, find new destinations, and see your travel stats with a personalized travel map.
Best beaches in Spain
Majorca
Majorca – also called Mallorca – is a breathtaking island with pristine beaches in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Majorca has the most popular beaches in Spain, with sparkling clear water, soft white sand, sheltered coves, and stunning limestone mountain views.
S’Amarador is a natural beach in southeastern Majorca that entices visitors with shallow blue waters in a protected bay. The white sandy beach is nestled in the Cala Mondrago nature reserve. It features beautiful natural views with cliffs, forests, and stones.
Es Trenc is another top beach in Majorca. With bright white sand and a long stretch of protected beach, Es Trenc has brilliant turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The beach is about 10 km (6.2 miles) long, extending from Sa Ràpita to Colònia de Sant Jordi; this is easily one of the best beaches in Spain to visit.
Tenerife
Tenerife, located in Spain’s Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa, is the second most popular Spanish beach destination. As the largest island in the Canary Islands, Tenerife has plenty of breathtaking beaches.
Playa de las Teresitas in northern Tenerife has soft, golden sand, calm waters, and palm trees. Nestled below the Anaga Mountains just outside of the capital city of Santa Cruz in the village of San Andrés, the beach has stunning views. Playa de las Teresitas is a popular destination with conveniences such as showers and restrooms, as well as restaurants and bars near the beach.
For a more remote getaway, Playa de Benijo, on Tenerife’s north coast, has incredible natural views, with crashing waves and spectacular sunsets.
Ibiza
Ibiza has the third most visited beaches in Spain. Ibiza has lively beaches and legendary nightlife in the Mediterranean Balearic islands. Whether you want to join a boat party or relax in peace on white sand, Ibiza has a variety of beaches to choose from.
Playa d’en Bossa has the longest beach in Ibiza, in addition to a vibrant nightlife scene. The beach includes shallow waters, plenty of places to lounge, and water sports. There are also options for jet ski rentals, boat trips, and boat parties. If you want more privacy, the south end of the beach is the widest and is quieter than the other sections.
For a quiet retreat in Ibiza, Cala Llentrisca is a serene pebble beach located near Sant Josep. The beach includes a small fishing cove and is beneath the scenic cliffs of Es Cubells.
Gran Canaria
Located in Spain’s Grand Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is Spain’s fourth most popular beach destination. The island’s white sandy beaches draw tourists year-round.
Playa de Las Canteras is a famous Gran Canaria beach conveniently located in the city of Las Palmas. The beach is long, with golden sand, sparkling clear water, and a natural offshore lava reef that attracts snorkelers. Playa de Las Canteras has sunbathing areas, children’s play areas, surfing, and plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants along the beach. This is one of the best family holiday destinations in Spain and great deals can be found for the off-season.
On the island’s southern side, Playa de Maspalomas has fine white sand, clear, calm waters, and warm temperatures year-round. The area has scenic sand dunes and a historic lighthouse and welcomes visitors at all times of the year.
Nerja
The resort town of Nerja has the fifth most visited beaches in Spain. Located on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, Nerja has sprawling beaches with crystal clear water. The 13 km ( 8-mile) coastline includes plenty of beaches to enjoy paradise.
Burriana is the longest beach in Nerja and the most popular. With sunbathing, cafes, bars, swimming, water sports, and volleyball, there is something for everyone at Burriana. The beach has fine, golden sand, sparkling blue water, and palm trees.
Carabeo Beach offers a more off-the-beaten-path, quiet place to unwind. The secluded beach has crystal-clear water and remarkable views of the surrounding cliffs. Located off the pedestrian Carabeo street, the beach is low-frills, without bars and restaurants, but has endless natural beauty.
Cala Mitjana
The sixth most visited beach in Spain is Cala Mitjana. The pristine beach and bay are located on the Spanish Mediterranean island of Menorca’s southern coast, in the Balearic islands. The brilliant turquoise waters contrast with the surrounding white cliffs for a picturesque getaway. Pine and olive groves line the bay. The beach has soft sand and calm waters, making it a popular destination for swimming and snorkeling. Cala Mitjana is accessible from a parking lot near Cala Galdana, which is a 20-minute walk away.
Nogales
Playa Nogales in Spain’s Canary Islands is situated on the northeast side of the island of La Palma. The beach has stunning views, with mountains, giant waves, volcanic black sand, and lush fauna. The rugged natural beauty of the area draws adventurous travelers and nature lovers, and the big waves are a hit with surfers. The walk from the parking lot descends from the cliffs down to the beach and offers sweeping views.
Spain and its territories offer some of the best beaches in the world. With long stretches of coastlines, warm weather, and sparkling clear waters, Spanish beaches continue to draw tourists from all over the world. Whether you want to relax on a soft sandy beach or snorkel in crystal clear waters, you can do it all on Spanish beaches. For the more adventurous travelers, there are also remote beaches with rugged cliffs and big surfing waves.
Best cities to visit in Spain
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