10 Best Beach Towns in Spain
What are the Most Popular Beach Towns in Spain?
The best beach towns in Spain are spread over different coastlines and islands. Each one showcases stunning beaches, pristine coastlines and a host of activities for all ages. Adventure seekers will be thrilled at the exciting water sports in Estepona and Tenerife, whilst clubbers will love the lively nightlife in Lloret de Mar.
Explore a UNESCO site in A Coruña, take the kids to water parks in Costa Adeje or indulge in delicious Basque cuisine in Hondarribia. Whether you’re looking to shop the day away, explore historical sites or just soak up the sun and take incredible photos of the scenery, you’ll find inspiring ideas in this guide to Spain’s most popular beach towns.
1. Cádiz, Andalusia
For stunning beaches and impressive architecture
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Econômico
Cádiz sits on a long peninsula in southwestern Spain and it’s home to some of the country’s most spectacular beaches. The most popular is Playa de la Victoria, which stretches over 3 km and is an immaculate expanse of soft, golden sand and tranquil, deep blue sea. It’s perfect for a spot of sunbathing, family picnics and swimming.
But Cádiz has much more to offer than lazy days on the beaches. The Old Town is a maze of winding alleys and narrow streets, all leading to large squares where you can enjoy an al fresco lunch or take photos of the historic buildings. Plaza de la Catedral is a lovely spot for Instagram-worthy snaps of the striking cathedral.
Cádiz, Andalusia
2. A Coruña, Galicia
An iconic lighthouse and soft-sand beaches
Ideal para: Foto, História, Vida noturna
A Coruña, Galicia is a beautiful coastal city on the northwestern tip of Spain. You’ll love the rugged landscapes of this port and be entranced watching the waves break gently along the headlands. The Tower of Hercules, a statuesque and UNESCO-listed Roman lighthouse, is the symbol of A Coruña. The views from this iconic landmark as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean are not to be missed.
The city’s beaches are popular for their soft, white sand and proximity to a wide range of shops and restaurants. You’ll see locals and tourists alike strolling along the promenade soaking up the sunshine with breathtaking views over the beaches and glistening water.
A Coruña, Galicia
3. Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca
A busy capital city
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Vida noturna
Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca is a top spot for those seeking relaxing days on fantastic beaches and high-energy nightlife in bustling bars and clubs. Visitors flock to this Balearic Island for the spectacular climate and lively atmosphere. The beach closest to the city centre, Platja de Can Pere Antoni, is a popular spot due to its long stretch of soft golden sand and bright turquoise water. You’ll see lots of families enjoying picnics and kids splashing around in the gentle waves.
As evening approaches, crowds hit this beach for Instagram-worthy photos of the breathtaking sunset and the cathedral set against a mountainous backdrop. Then, they fill the many bars and restaurants in the Old Town until the early hours.
Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca
4. Estepona, Andalusia
Ideal for water sports and hiking
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, História
Estepona, Andalusia is known for its large choice of beaches. The most central, Playa La Rada, is popular for exhilarating water sports. It stretches over 2.5 km and its palm tree-lined promenade is lovely for a gentle stroll. If you’re looking for a more sheltered and tranquil beach, head to Playa El Cristo. It’s next to the marina and it’s a pretty site to sit and watch the boats go by.
On the sunny south coast of Spain, Estepona isn’t just for beach lovers. There are several fascinating museums in this resort town, as well as some great trails. Follow the Senda Litoral de Estapona for a long hike and spectacular scenery along this magnificent coastal path.
Estepona, Andalusia
5. Hondarribia, Basque Country
Home to mouthwatering gastronomy
Ideal para: Alimentação, Casais, Vida noturna
Hondarribia, Basque Country lies next to the Bidasoa River, which separates Spain from France. It’s home to one large beach, a vast expanse of golden sand which curves gently into the Bay of Hondarribiko. You’ll see lots of windsurfers enjoying the water, as well as those kayaking or simply sunbathing on the soft sand.
But it’s the Basque cuisine which makes Hondarribia one of the best beach towns in Spain. Stroll through the historic town with its medieval defensive wall and choose from one of the many restaurant terraces. You’ll get to enjoy scenic views whilst feasting on delicious pintxos (tapas), piperrada (vegetable stew) and kokotxas (fish casserole).
Hondarribia, Basque Country
6. El Cotillo, Fuerteventura
Small town with big charms
Ideal para: Alimentação, Foto, Vida noturna
El Cotillo, Fuerteventura is a coastal paradise for those seeking a variety of beaches and lagoons. Playa de la Concha is a long expanse of glistening white sand and clear turquoise water which will delight any sun worshipper. Further south, head to Piedra Playa for 1.5 km of soft sand and fantastic surf waves. You’ll also see lots of locals enjoying water sports on this lively beach.
Located at the northern end of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, El Cotillo has managed to retain its friendly, small-town charm whilst attracting thousands of tourists each year. You’ll love the unspoiled feel to the town and exploring the quaint seafood restaurants and boutiques.
El Cotillo, Fuerteventura
7. Denia, Valencian Community
Paradise for locals and visitors alike
Ideal para: Econômico, Compras, História
Denia, Valencian Community offers some of the most dazzling beaches on Spain’s eastern coast. The most popular is the Platja de les Marines with its huge stretch of fine, golden sand and azure water. You’ll see locals and tourists alike sunbathing and delighting in lazy picnics on this beach, and it’s wonderful for swimming too.
Visitors also flock to the magnificent castle, which houses the Archaeological Museum, and the town is also known for its busy street markets. Be sure to hike or bike along the Via Verde de Denia too. It’s a scenic trail passing through citrus groves and the aroma of fragrant oranges is heavenly.
Denia, Valencian Community
8. Lloret de Mar, Catalonia
A perfect mix of culture and nightlife
Ideal para: Alimentação, Foto, Vida noturna
Lloret de Mar, Catalonia lies an hour up the coast from Barcelona. It’s a beautiful and historic town with incredible nightlife. Cocktail bars, trendy restaurants and dance clubs fill the streets and once the sun sets, the volume cranks up and you’ll see a partiers revelling in the festive vibe.
But Lloret de Mar is a cool place for families to visit too. As with most towns in the Costa Brava area, it has spectacular and clean Mediterranean beaches, as well as kid-friendly activities. For sweeping views over the sea, visit the breathtaking Santa Clotilde Gardens, built in an Italian Renaissance style and sitting high on a cliff.
Lloret de Mar, Catalonia
9. Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Where high-energy water sports meet high-end shopping
Ideal para: Aventura, Luxo, Compras
Costa Adeje, Tenerife stretches along the southwest corner of the island and enjoys an exceptional climate. It’s known for its variety of beaches, palm tree-lined boardwalk and amazing water sports. Head to this upscale region of the Canaries for thrilling adventures, including flyboarding, parasailing and jet skiing on the sparkling blue water. Kids will love the various water parks in the town too.
The town itself is worth exploring too, with luxury shopping at the Plaza del Duque mall. For quieter moments, you can also take boat tours from Costa Adeje to spot the whales and dolphins which play off this coast. Or head out on a snorkelling trip to check out the marine life.
Costa Adeje, Tenerife
10. Nerja, Andalusia
Resort town hiding an incredible and ancient cave complex
Ideal para: Foto, História, Famílias
Nerja, Andalusia is a beach lover’s dream with over 12 km of powdery sand and crystal-clear water. Stroll along the Balcon de Europa for staggeringly beautiful vistas of the sea and the rugged mountains. This viewpoint is also one of the best spots to take gorgeous photos of the sun setting over the glistening water.
One of the highlights of this beach resort is Cueva de Nerja, a vast cave complex to the east of the town. Take a fascinating guided tour and stand in awe at the enormous stalactites and stalagmites covering this site, as well as the impressive paintings which are said to date back over 40,000 years to the Palaeolithic Age.
Nerja, Andalusia
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