Spain provides the perfect escape for travelers looking to get away, relax, and recharge. While some areas may be considered a summer-only destination, there are still plenty of beaches that offer year-round sunshine, soft sand, and a clear blue sea.
Most areas along the coastline are clean and safe. Available services usually include lifeguard stations, public restrooms with showers, and children’s play areas.
Spain proudly boasts the most beaches to have earned the Blue Flag beach certification. The Blue Flag certification promotes high standards in water quality, environmental management, safety, and responsible tourism. The certificate is awarded annually by the non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) based in Denmark.
Best Beaches in Spain Map
Crescent-shaped la Playa de la Concha
Starting with the northern coast of Spain, along the Bay of Biscay, is the shell-shaped beach of La Playa de la Concha. La Concha (meaning shell in Spanish) is one of three lovely beaches that grace the city of San Sebastián.
You will find La Concha just 45 minutes by car from the posh French beaches at Biarritz and one hour from Bilbao, Spain. It’s 1,350 meters long with lovely golden sand.
La Concha is one of the most photographed beaches in all of Spain, with its wrought-iron balustrade lining a lengthy promenade. The golden sand, blue water, and lush green mountains provide the perfect Instagram photo backdrop.
A swimming deck is added in the summer with slides and diving boards. At night, San Sebastián is a paradise for lovers of fine food. There are no less than 11 restaurants with a coveted Michelin star rating!
Available services include:
- Life Guards
- Lockers and changing rooms
- Sunshades and chair rentals in the summer
- Canoes and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) are available for rent
A Coruna in the Galicia Region
A nearby beach day may be in order when a trip to Spain includes a pilgrim’s journey along the famed Santiago de Compostela. The Galician town of A Coruna (also called La Coruna) sits at the northwest tip of Spain.
A Coruna is an easy 30 minutes by train from Santiago de Compostela, perfect for a day trip.
The famous lighthouse called the Tower of Hercules stands on a peninsula 2.4 km (1.5 miles) from the center of A Coruna and there are two great beaches in A Coruna, Praia do Orzánat at the east end and Praia de Riazor at the west end.
Praia do Orzánat beach is 780 m in length and offers:
- Blue Flag Beach certification
- Toilets
- Showers
- Security service
- Lifeguard and first aid
- Can be reached by public bus lines 3A and 11
Praia de Riazor is 610 m in length and offers:
- Blue Flag Beach certification
- Toilets
- Showers
- Sunlounger rentals
- Security service
- Lifeguards and first aid
- Reachable by public bus lines: 3, 3A and 7
Fun fact: A unique architectural style, where the balconies are enclosed in glass, has earned A Coruna the title of “the Glass City.”
Playa de las Catedrales and its Rock Formations
Nature lovers, alert! Thanks to the giant rock formations, the Galician Playa de las Catedrales is probably the most stunning beach in the whole of Spain. You probably won’t enjoy any swimming there but we ensure you the views of the rock arches are amazing.
The best time to visit it is during low tide. However, note that because Playa de las Catedrales has become a very popular tourist spot, you have to book a time slot to be able to visit it (don’t worry, it’s for free). Another option is to come on a guided tour, which also includes a tour of the nearby town of Ribadeo.
Planning to stay overnight? Ribadeo is where you will find plenty of cozy boutique hotels. It also features numerous foodie restaurants.
Available services include:
- Parking
- Toilets
- A restaurant
- Accommodation and dining in Ribadeo
Playa Malagueta along the Costa Del Sol
Perched along Spain’s famous southern coastline, the Costa del Sol, Playa Malagueta, is Malaga’s best beach.
It’s a quick 10-minute walk from the heart of Malaga, along a promenade lined with palm trees. Playa Malagueta can also be reached by taking a five-minute ride on public bus 14 from Paseo del Parque to the beach stop at Paseo de la Farola.
This busy beach is 1,200 meters long, with dark sand and calm water suitable for swimming. Paddle boats, sunloungers, and umbrellas are available for rent.
Some sports activities available include:
- Volleyball
- Tubing
- SUP
Services at Playa Malagueta include:
- Blue Flag Beach certification
- Showers
- Security service
- Children’s play area
- Floating dive platforms
- Green shaded areas
- Lifeguards and first aid
- Sports equipment rentals
- Restaurants and beach bars close by
Bogatell, Barcelona
The relaxed environment, family-friendly attractions, and seaside cafes make this popular city beach one of the best in Barcelona. Bogatell Beach is located between Nova Icària Beach and Mar Bella Beach, next to the popular Poblenou neighborhood, which offers plenty of shopping, cultural activities, and lively entertainment.
Bogatell is not only less crowded than the touristy Barceloneta, but also cleaner and safer.
The only disadvantage is that it takes a little longer to get there from the city center. While La Barceloneta is only a 20-minute walk from La Rambla and Barcelona’s Old Port, Bogatell will take you another 15 minutes. But once you get there, it’s well worth the effort, as the water is clearer, the space larger, and the facilities far superior
There are lifeguards on the beach, as well as restrooms and showers, and food and ice cream stands. If that does not satisfy your appetite, try one of the neighboring eateries.
Available services and facilities include:
- Blue Flag Beach certification
- Toilets
- Beach bars
- Cafes
- Restaurants
- lifeguards
Playa de Paraíso on the Mar Menor Lagoon
Tucked into the southern end of a saltwater lagoon called the Mar Menor lies Playa Paraíso and the adjoining beach of Playa Honda.
The beach at Playa Paraiso is close to the town of Cartagena in the Region of Murcia. It is possible to get to Playa de Paraiso from Cartegna in 35 minutes by bus or 25 minutes by car. The beach is close to the road and easily accessible. You can also get to Playa Paraiso in 1.5 hours by car from the city of Alicante.
The beach is 800 meters long, with a mixture of gray sand and pebbles. The clear blue water is also excellent for swimming as it is shallow up to 100 meters out.
Available services include:
- Blue Flag Beach certification
- Toilets
- Beach bars
- Campsites
- Hammocks for rent
- Children’s play area
- Sun umbrellas to rent
The beach is next to the old salt flats of Marchamalo. Though no longer in use, some original ponds remain and attract various birds, including flamingos.
The warm, salty water of Mar Menor is said to have healing properties. For centuries, people have come to this area to slather on the nutrient-rich mud. The lagoon water holds nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iodine, and bromide. Mud bathers seek healing from various ailments, including skin conditions and arthritis. The mud is also used in a variety of popular beauty treatments at nearby spas.
Las Arenas Beach of Valencia
Las Arenas Beach is arguably the most famous beach in Valencia, Spain. The official name is Levante Beach, but it’s commonly referred to as Las Arenas, which translates as “the sands.” The beach is 1,200 meters long, with fine golden sand.
- Several forms of public transportation are available in Valencia to reach Las Arenas:
- Metro line 5 travels directly from Colon station to Maritim-Serreria in eight minutes.
- Trams 4 and 6 travel from Benmaclet to Les Arenes station in 12 minutes.
- Take Bus 92 from the Marqués del Túria – Mestre Gozalbo station to the stop at Eugènia Viñes – Passeig de Neptú in just 17 minutes.
Unlike many of the beaches in Spain, Las Arenas remains relatively undeveloped. There is a relaxed, local atmosphere, with plenty of room to stretch out and relax. The area is also famous for its paella and juicy oranges.
Facilities available there include:
- Sunlounger rentals
- Volleyball courts
- Toilets
- Snack bar
- Lifeguards are on duty in the summer
Bustling Barceloneta Beach
To find Barcelona’s most crowded, wild, and famous beach, look no further than Barceloneta Beach. Golden bronze bodies showing off their finest swimwear come to Barceloneta to see and be seen. For people-watching enthusiasts, there is no better place to be.
This beach is 422 meters long, with plenty of services available, including:
- Blue Flag Beach certification
- Lifeguard and safety staff on duty
- Local police patrol
- Public toilets – adapted for guests with impaired mobility
- Showers – adapted for guests with impaired mobility
- Beach information point
- Children’s play area
- Ice cream stands
- Sunlounger rental
- Changing rooms
- Beach umbrella rentals
- Restaurants
- Wi-Fi
- Sports equipment rentals
From Barceloneta’s location on the west coast of the Mediterranean, the water is calm with no dangerous currents, making it great for swimming.
Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do, including a gymnastics area, beach volleyball, tennis, and ping pong.
Nova Icària for Families
Nestled between bustling Barceloneta and the Playa de Bogatell, the Nova Icària beach is a family favorite.
Far quieter than neighboring Barceloneta, the tranquil water here is an excellent spot for kids to swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
Available activities include ping pong, a children’s playground, and volleyball courts.
Services here include:
- Blue Flag Beach certification
- Lifeguards and safety staff on duty
- Local police patrol
- Beach information point
- Restrooms – adapted for guests with impaired mobility
- Showers – adapted for guests with impaired mobility
- Sunlounger rentals
- Changing rooms
- Beach umbrella rentals
- Ice cream and drink stands
- Drinking fountains
- Restaurants
- Wi-Fi available
Nova Icària beach is next to the Port Olimpic marina, where the 1992 Summer Olympics sailing events were held. The marina is now a great place to admire the luxury yachts moored there.
Bathing assistance is available for swimmers with reduced mobility. Amphibian wheelchairs, lifting apparatus, life vests, and volunteers are on hand to assist people with reduced mobility. Reservations are required to ensure trained staff availability.
Aiguablava on the Celebrated Costa Brava
Aiguablava Beach is tucked into a quiet cove on Spain’s renowned Costa Brava. The English translation of Aiguablava is “blue waters,” which is an appropriate name for this charming beach with its clear turquoise water.
Most guests will arrive at Aiguablava by car or taxi, 5 km from the nearby town of Begur.
The water is shallow and great for swimming. The soft golden sand invites sunbathers to stop and rest for a while.
Snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are popular water sports here. Equipment rentals are available from the dive center, which is conveniently located on the beach.
Services here include:
- Blue Flag Beach certification
- Toilets – adapted for guests with impaired mobility
- Showers – adapted for guests with impaired mobility
- Restaurants
Santa Cristina, Costa Brava
This beach is a small slice of heaven in the famous Costa Brava of Catalonia. Beautiful clear water surrounded by trees, with a top-notch (but a bit pricey) restaurant.
There is a beach bar there that offers cocktails at reasonable prices. You can also rent a sunbed for 7€ per day, and an umbrella for the same price.
The water is so clear that you can see small multicolored fish swimming around in it. It is also shallow, so children can swim quite far.
Although this is one of the nicest beaches on the Costa Brava because it is sandy and not rocky, keep in mind that it is a challenge to get there with small children, strollers, or wheelchairs of the elderly. As many say, it is a true hidden treasure.
The whole area is a must-see when visiting the Costa Brava, as it has two gorgeous coves with pine backdrops and stunning rock formations.
Take a cab from Lloret de Mar or Blanes for only $10-13 euros to get (close to it).
Services here include:
- Restaurants
- Beach bars