Spain is perhaps the most famous European tourism destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. Home to famous sights such as Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote, Spain offers something for everyone. But where Spain excels as a holiday destination is with its beaches.
From the stunning beachside scenery of Ibiza to the famous crescent-shaped La Concha beach of San Sebastian, Spain is filled to the brim with stunning beaches, making it the perfect summer holiday destination. This article will show you the five best beaches in Spain to consider for a beach holiday, including the faraway Canary and Balearic Islands.
#1 La Concha, San Sebastian
The northern coastal city of San Sebastian is a part of Spain’s Basque Autonomous Community and is located around 25km from the French border. The town is small but trendy, and La Concha is a significant reason behind this popularity with visitors. La Concha is one of the best beaches in Spain, perfectly crescent-shaped, and located right in the middle of the city, less than a one-minute walk from the City Hall.
This mile-long stretch of golden sand is sheltered nearby Santa Clara island, meaning there is a little breeze – perfect for sunbathing and enjoying swimming in the calm waters. Sunbeds are available to hire if you want to relax, and for more active travelers, an entire section of the beach is reserved for beach games and watersports. A stroll from end to end of the beach is an excellent way of spending an afternoon, especially if you fit in a spot of paella at one of the waterfront restaurants on your way around.
#2 Bogatell, Barcelona
No Spain holiday is complete without a visit to Barcelona – perhaps the jewel in Spain’s crown. The city attracts countless visitors to admire the dazzling architecture of Gaudi, wander down La Rambla, and enjoy some tapas beachside. Barceloneta is the most famous beach in the city, but Bogatell is more popular with locals, a sure sign that you’re onto a winner. Bogatell is much quieter than its neighbor and has many more facilities, a hangover from its use during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
The pristine sand is ideal for sunbathing, and beach volleyball courts keep you entertained. When you’re ready to head into the shade, you’ll want to make for one of the waterfront bars, a chilled way to enjoy a drink away from the busier city center.
#3 Ses Salines, Ibiza
Ibiza is the most famous of the Balearic Islands, a chain of islands lying off the east coast of Spain. The island is most famous as a summer party destination, attracting thousands of partygoers to its super clubs and beach bars. However, the island also has a gentler side, and the southern reaches of Ibiza are home to some of the best beaches in Spain. On the very tip of the island is Ses Salines. A perfect place to enjoy a beach holiday or while away from your hangover after a night in Pacha.
The water at Ses Salines is crystal clear, and a constant breeze is good for keeping cool while also providing optimum conditions for surfing. The Ibiza Wildlife Conservation Area is the wildest part of the island and a lovely place to enjoy a stroll. The Malibu Beach Club is one of the most famous bars on the island, playing chilled tunes during the day and attracting a host of famous faces looking to escape the busy hubs of San Antonio and Ibiza Town.
#4 Playa Las Arenas, Valencia
Valencia’s Playa Las Arenas is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Spain. Known for its famously golden sand, the beach is a perfect base for a Spanish beach holiday. Water sports such as paddle boarding can be enjoyed on the calm water, or you can spend hours pottering along the waterfront promenade, home to a vast range of trendy boutique shops. Valencia was the birthplace of paella, and there are plenty of restaurants along the beach where you can give this authentic Spanish dish a try for yourself.
#5 Papagayo, Lanzarote
The volcanic Canary Islands are located around 1,300km from the coast of mainland Spain and are a top-rated destination for a Spain holiday. One of the most popular beaches in the Canaries is Lanzarote’s Papagayo, set in a stunning volcanic landscape unlike anything you’ll find on the Spanish mainland. Colorful fish dart about your feet as you wade into the clear water, and the rocky shoreline shelters many isolated coves, which are perfect for hanging out in if you’re after some peace and quiet.
Summary
Spain has so many beaches to choose from that it is hard to whittle it down to just five. The country offers a great mix of busy city beaches packed with things to do and places to eat and secluded beaches in picture-postcard locations, preferred by the locals. Wherever you travel in Spain, you’re sure to have some incredible beaches on your doorstep if you’re by the coast.