Trip Ideas Beach Vacations 11 Best Beaches in Spain With Turquoise Waters and Golden Sand Looking for a coastal getaway in Spain? These gorgeous seaside locations will more than deliver. By Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 14, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Estanis Banuelos/Getty Images Dreaming of the sand between your toes, azure waters, and the unmistakable smell of sunscreen? Spain, with its warm climate and roughly 5,000 miles of coastline, is the perfect destination to get your much-needed beach fix. The Spanish coast is a go-to summer getaway for Europeans, and iconic islands like Ibiza, Majorca, and Tenerife attract sun seekers from all over the world. Whether you're looking for a low-key escape or to find out what the most popular hangouts are all about, these beaches have you covered. From a pocket of solitude surrounded by volcanic features to the golden sands of Portinatx, here are 11 of the best beaches in Spain for your next European getaway. Playa de Ondarreta, San Sebastián Ashley Kempher/Getty Images Playa de Ondarreta is one of the quieter stretches of shoreline in San Sebastián, a city on the Bay of Biscay. The lesser-visited beach is an ideal spot for families and those simply wanting to have a relaxing snooze on the sand or some peace and quiet to catch up on a good book. The less-than-a-mile-long stretch is also well-equipped with changing rooms, bathrooms, and umbrellas for rent. 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Spain Es Pujols, Formentera Pola Damonte/Getty Images Find gloriously clear blue waters at this seaside village on the north coast of Formentera. It’s a well-known destination, so expect plenty of other guests, as well as lots of glamorous hotels and delicious oceanfront restaurants catering to tourists. If you come in the summer, you'll find the best souvenirs at the famous flea market that takes over the streets every night. I Visited the Most Sustainable Island in Spain's Balearic Islands — Here's How It's Protecting Its Future Caló des Moro, Mallorca Stefan Mendelsohn/Getty Images Find a tiny slice of paradise on the island of Mallorca at Caló des Moro. This beach measures just about 130 feet long and is a bit hard to find, plus you have to descend a steep set of stairs to get to it. But if you're able and willing, this tucked-away cove is a divine spot to spend the day away from tourist crowds. Playa de Mónsul, Almería Anetlanda/Getty Images It's not all about the islands; Spain's mainland beaches are worth visiting as well. Especially Playa de Mónsul, which is located inside Andalusia's biggest protected coastal area, Cabo de Gata Natural Park. It's well-known thanks to its appearances in TV and films like "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." Its unique lava-formed rocks make for gorgeous photos, and it's actually easy to reach by car or public transport. Lumebó Cove, Galicia Ramonespelt/Getty Images Lumebó Cove is perhaps one of the more special beaches on this list as you must time your visit perfectly to see it. That’s because the cove is only accessible during low tide. But its soft sand and serene landscape make it worth the extra planning. (It’s also worth noting this is a popular spot for nudists, so make sure you’re comfortable with that.) Playa del Inglés, Canary Islands Nicole Serafim/Eye Em/Getty Images Head to the islands for a fantasy beach day at Playa del Inglés. This beach is popular, but at almost two miles long there's typically plenty of space to find a section to sprawl out on, even in the high season. Amenities here include bathrooms and changing rooms, as well as fun activities such as beach volleyball. Playa de Pechón, Cantabria Estanis Banuelos/Getty Images Make your way to northern Spain for the turquoise waters of Playa de Pechón, set off by lush greenery all around. The beach has an air of seclusion thanks to the cliffs that surround it, but this terrain also means you have to work for your beach day. The steep climb down to the sand is worth it for a prime stretch of coastline and astonishing views of the jagged shoreline. Just make sure you pause on the way down to soak it all in. Puerto Banús, Marbella MEDITERRANEAN/Getty Images Puerto Banús gives its visitors a taste of the luxe life. This high-end marina in Marbella harbors some of the most impressive superyachts in the world. Admire the many pleasure boats, lounge on the umbrella-dotted beach, and end the day with haute cuisine from innovative tapas to the freshest seafood you'll find in Marbella. Cala sa Boadella, Lloret de Mar Education Images/Contributor/Getty Images Make your way slightly northeast of Barcelona to Cala sa Boadella. This unspoiled paradise is another favorite for nudists, though the fully clothed are welcome, too. To get there, park your car on the side of the road and walk a short dirt path through a lush forest. Those who make the journey will be rewarded with fewer crowds and clear waters. Llafranc, Costa Brava John Harper/Getty Images Llafranc isn’t just one beach, but rather an entire small town in Costa Brava. That said, the community is located along the shore, and its beaches are hands down its most famous asset. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and calm waters, it’s the ideal place to visit with little ones. There are also plenty of local restaurants next to the beach and a lengthy promenade for a seaside stroll. Portinatx, Ibiza Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images No list of beaches in Spain would be complete without mention of the beautiful sandy stretches on the island of Ibiza. Portinatx happens to be one of the best. The golden sand and gin-clear waters make it a prime place to spend a day. There are also lots of amenities here, including loungers and umbrellas available for rent, which you’ll want on those super-sunny island days. How to Travel to the Balearic Islands