The top seaside destinations in Spain.

The many beautiful beaches of Spain are a well-known secret.

During the summer, a large number of people will visit the approximately 5,000 miles of Spain’s coastlines on the Mediterranean and Atlantic. This could be for a variety of reasons such as an all-inclusive vacation in the Canaries, a spontaneous trip to Barcelona, or a holiday in Ibiza or Mallorca consisting of days at the beach and nights at clubs.

The coasts of cities like San Sebastian and Valencia are adorned with golden beaches and crystal blue waters. In contrast, tourist spots like Galicia and Cantabria boast stunning scenery with white sandy beaches and vibrant emerald oceans.

It can be challenging to select the top beaches to visit in a country that boasts Mediterranean archipelagos, numerous beach towns, and sun-soaked islands stretching down to North Africa. However, we have hand-picked a collection of the finest options.

The three beaches of Sant Sebastia, Sant Miquel, and Bareceloneta are known as the main “city beaches” in Barcelona. This means they are easily accessible on foot from the city center. Although Sant Miquel is one of the oldest beaches in the city, having been transformed in 1755, it is often grouped together with Sant Sebastia. However, both areas offer over a kilometer of soft golden sand and peaceful waters, perfect for leisurely swims. While Bogatell or Mar Bella may be quieter, the presence of restaurants and chiringuitos (beach bars) on the sand and along the promenades gives the area a lively and energetic atmosphere.

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A brief glance at the images of Maspalomas may mislead you into believing that it is a portion of an Arabian desert, but in actuality, this 1,000-acre sand dune complex is located on the southern shore of one of Spain’s most stunning islands, Gran Canaria.

Running for 3km, this landscape is one of the most unique in Spain, where the beautifully golden sands contrast with the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. As with the rest of the Canaries, Maspalomas also benefits from year-round sunshine. As it is a protected area, be sure to stick to marked paths and trails.

La Concha Bay, with its satisfyingly smooth curve, is a well-known beach in Spain and a defining feature of San Sebastian. Stretching over one kilometer along the city’s waterfront, it consists of various beach sections such as La Concha Beach and Ondarreta. The bay is bordered by Mount Igueldo and the beautiful Alderdi Eder park, making it a hub of activity. Visitors can enjoy hiking, Michelin-starred restaurants, and water sports just a short distance from the golden sands.

Several of Mallorca’s stunning beaches could easily make it onto a list of the top beaches in Spain. While Alcudia, Cala Torta, and the expansive 10km of Es Trenc are all deserving of recognition, Cala Mondrago stands out for its perfect balance of natural beauty and amenities. This beach has been well-preserved due to its location within a national park, and the surrounding low cliffs add to its secluded and tranquil atmosphere on its pristine white sands. Parking is available within a short walking distance, and there is a designated area for renting sun beds and umbrellas. For refreshments and meals, there is a convenient beach bar on site.

Ibiza is another destination blessed with a plethora of list-worthy beaches. While cliff-lined beaches and hidden coves like Cala d’en Serra or Es Portixol are enviable options, Ses Salinas gets our vote due to a combination of natural features, accessibility and a mixture of different crowds. It is situated less than 10 minutes from Ibiza Town by car or bus, and extends for 1.5km across the south of the island, backed by a large section of pine woods.

All kinds of tourists visit this place, but most are people who like to party and they tend to fill up the restaurants and beach bars in the afternoons and evenings. There are many amenities available, such as a small store and rentals for pedalos and kayaks, which also attract families wanting a more lively beach experience. The southern part of the beach is known for being more peaceful.

The El Saler area, which spans 3km, is located within the Albufera national reserve and can be reached by car in approximately 15 minutes from Valencia’s city center. This protected area boasts grassy dunes and beautiful white sand, and is surrounded by pine forests and wetlands of Albufera, creating a serene and untamed atmosphere. Despite its wild nature, there are also amenities such as showers, toilets, and a few restaurants in the vicinity.

Perhaps the most picturesque beach in the entire country, the Playa de Las Cathedrales (often referred to as the Praia das Catedrais) lies near the town of Ribadeo in Galicia. It has an almost otherworldly setting, surrounded by towering cliffs and featuring several rock features including arches, towers and chambers. It is best to visit during low tide, when the rock formations are most visible, though swimming isn’t recommended due to strong waves. Nevertheless, it’s the ideal place for a scenic walk.

Lists of Spain’s best beaches always feature entries from Almeria, with the coastline of the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park especially popular. Las Salinas, Los Muertos and Los Genoveses all pop up now and then, but Playa de Monsul is top of the pack thanks to its unique lava formations, a series of coves and a blissfully isolated location.

The arid, quasi-desert landscape of the Sierra del Cabo de Gata leads to the gently sloping golden sands and calm turquoise waters of Monsul. The beach is characterised by a distinctive fossilised lava rock that has made it one of the most recognisable beaches in the country.

In a place filled with dramatic black sand beaches, a ‘normal’ beach has to be pretty special to be called the best on the island. The black sands of Playa Jardin, Playa de los Gigantes and Playa de la Arena get honourable mention, but Teresitas, in the north of Tenerife, really is special.

The beach boasts white Saharan sand and crystal blue waters, surrounded by palm trees and backed by the Anaga mountains, creating a unique and tranquil European experience. Despite its stunning appearance, the absence of nearby resorts adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the beach, and the gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and water activities.

A list of the top beaches would be incomplete without including some that require a bit more effort to reach. For a beach that resembles the Caribbean, check out Ses Illetes: situated on the small island of Formentera in the Balearic region, it can only be accessed by taking a ferry from Ibiza and then walking for 30 minutes through the Ses Illetes natural park.

Platja Illetes is a beautiful beach with a 450-meter length of soft, white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. It is located within a national park and gets its name from the nearby group of islets. These islets can be easily accessed by swimming in the calm, shallow waters around them.

Cadiz is another region that features heavily on ‘best of’ beach lists, with El Canuelo and the coast around Conil always popular. However, Playa de Bolonia, located near the ruins of the Roman town of Baelo Claudia, gets our nomination for its combination of natural features and water sports opportunities.

Located within the boundaries of El Estrecho Natural Park, this area boasts an impressive landscape of tall, white sand dunes, scattered with patches of green grass and pine trees. Unlike other tourist areas, this spot remains relatively untouched, with only a few chiringuitos and restaurants. It is a favored spot for activities such as wind surfing, kite surfing, and paddle boarding, thanks to the consistent southwesterly winds. In addition, low tide allows for enjoyable swimming in the natural pools.

The lush valleys and green waters in this area of Cantabria have a similar feel to a Polynesian island. Pechon has multiple beaches, but Pechon Playa is the most scenic, as it stretches along the Ria Tina Mayor valley and is mostly enclosed by hills and woods. To the north, the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean, while to the south, one can explore the meandering river by canoe or kayak from Unquera.

What was previously mentioned about the beaches that are more challenging to reach? The Islas Cies, located off the coast of Vigo, can only be reached by a 40-minute ferry ride from the mainland. As part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, these beaches are preserved and untouched due to the absence of buildings and lodging. They offer picturesque views, surrounded by mountainous terrain or lush forests, and feature the typical white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean. A small strip of sand connects Rodas to Playa de Figueiras, another stunning beach on the Cies.

The port and harbor regions of Lekeitio, a town in the Basque region, have a lovely charm. However, the nearby Isuntza and Karraspio beaches, one located next to the harbor and the other on the opposite side of the river, offer a different experience compared to San Sebastian’s La Concha beach. With a picturesque Basque town as its backdrop and a small wooded island, this expansive stretch of golden sand is perfect for a leisurely afternoon or a picnic. It is also a popular spot for surfers and other water sports enthusiasts.

Please check out our recommendations for the top hotels in Mallorca.

Source: independent.co.uk