Spain beaches
15 Best Beaches in Spain
Spain has Mediterranean, Atlantic, Cantabrian, and Canary Islands coastlines. The 15 below, from Mallorca's hidden coves to the Costa Brava's pine-fringed beaches and the Canaries' volcanic black sands — span the spectrum.
Cala Macarella (Menorca)
Turquoise crescent in pine forest. Boat or 1.5km hike from Cala Galdana.
Best: dramatic scenery
Cala Mitjana (Menorca)
Hidden cove backed by pine forest. Snorkeling.
Best: snorkelers
Es Trenc (Mallorca)
Long sandy beach with Caribbean color. Less developed than other Mallorca beaches.
Best: long beach walks
Cala Llombards (Mallorca)
Small cove with white sand + crystal water. Boat-house background.
Best: families
La Concha (San Sebastian)
Curved city beach considered one of Europe's best urban beaches. Atlantic but calm.
Best: city + beach combination
Playa de las Catedrales (Galicia)
Atlantic beach with cathedral-arch rock formations. Low tide only.
Best: photography + geology
Cala Sa Tuna (Costa Brava)
Small pebble cove in Costa Brava. Snorkeling around boulders.
Best: snorkelers
Aiguablava (Costa Brava)
Turquoise bay with sandy beach + parador hotel. Easy access.
Best: easy beach days
Playa de Bolonia (Andalusia)
Long Atlantic beach near Tarifa. Roman ruins next door.
Best: archaeology + surf
Cala Banalbúfar (Mallorca west)
Hidden pebble cove on Tramuntana coast. Drive down narrow winding road.
Best: adventurers
Playa de Maspalomas (Gran Canaria)
Sand dunes meeting the Atlantic. Famous. Walk the dunes from beach to lighthouse.
Best: photographers
Cala de Algaiarens (Menorca)
Twin coves in north Menorca with pine-forest backdrop.
Best: walks + quiet
Playa de Cofete (Fuerteventura, Canary)
20+ km Atlantic beach in volcanic landscape. Rough road access.
Best: solitude + 4WD adventurers
Cala Mesquida (Mallorca east)
Sand dunes + pine forest. Less crowded than south Mallorca.
Best: wider beach feel