May 6, 2024, 8:36 am | Read time: 8 minutes

From the dramatic cliffs of the northern Atlantic to the gentle shores of the southern Mediterranean, Spain’s beaches offer an impressive variety. From popular, endlessly long sandy beaches to hidden, small coves, among Spain’s most beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone.

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1. Playa de Torimbia – on the Costa Verde in Asturias

Majestic mountains, blooming nature, and rugged coasts–Asturias in northern Spain attracts with numerous beautiful places along the Costa Verde. The Bay of Biscay is home to many charming fishing villages, all of which have beautiful coves. The Costa Verde translates to Green Coast, a fitting name, and stretches over 300 kilometers along the Bay of Biscay. There is no shortage of beaches here, but Playa de Torimbia is something special. The sand beach nestles against the sea in an unusual shape, appearing almost surreal in its beauty. Definitely one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches! While there are parking options near the beach, they are often crowded, especially in high season. Arriving early pays off. The beach is a twenty-minute walk from the parking lot, but the short walk is worth it! Our tip: Near the beach, there’s the Chiringuito De Torimbia restaurant with delicious seafood dishes.

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2. Praia de Rodas – on the Cies Islands in Galicia

Clear water and dazzling white sand–the Caribbean-like conditions make Playa de Rodas one of the most beautiful beaches in Galicia. Definitely a must on any Galicia bucket list! The beach on Monteaguo Island is accessible by ferry from Vigo in 40 minutes. The ferry ride itself is worth the trip. “Most beautiful beach on earth!” writes one user in her online review–and she might be right: The island is stunning, and hiking enthusiasts can enjoy great trails with guaranteed fantastic views from above. For beach visits, there are limited tickets available online and at the ports. To book them, you also need a code generated on another website. Ferries also reach the beach from the towns of Tangas, Baiona, Sanxenxo, and Portonovo. Prices vary depending on the season and city. Our tip: The restaurant Bar Restaurants Serafín Islas Cies offers not only good cuisine but also a terrace with a particularly beautiful view of the sea.

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3. Playa de Bolonia Tarifa – on the Costa de la Luz

Plenty of sun and endlessly long sandy beaches–this and more is offered by the Costa de la Luz, Spain’s Coast of Light in the south of the country. Over about 250 kilometers, the beaches here are strung together like pearls and are perfect for beautiful days at the beach with around 300 sunny days a year. Thanks to the fresh Atlantic breeze, it rarely gets too hot here. Perfect for lounging in the sun at Playa de Bolonia. The huge beach near Tarifa is impressive. Its feature is undoubtedly the 30-meter-high and 200-meter-long dune. Although the beach is usually well-visited, it never feels crowded due to its vastness. There are also good parking options, restaurants, and bars nearby. This beach leaves nothing to be desired, which is why it is one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches for us. The sheer mass of sand alone makes this beach worth a visit! Our tip: Right next to the beach, the Archaeological Museum of Baleo Claudia offers Roman excavations to admire.

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4. Playa de las Alberquillas – on the Costa del Sol

Lots of nature and sun-kissed sandy beaches–Andalusia’s Costa del Sol lives up to its name, which translates to Sun Coast. Anyone looking for summer, sun, and sea will find it here. With the multitude of beautiful beaches the Costa del Sol has to offer, choosing just one can be difficult. Still, we are particularly taken with Playa de las Alberquillas because of its seclusion. Admittedly, the path there requires some effort, but you are rewarded with peace and solitude! The chance to have the cove almost to yourself is great here. The beach is only accessible on foot via a narrow, steep path or by boat. Despite or perhaps because of this, this beach is one of Spain’s most beautiful for us! Our tip: Be sure to pack enough provisions! Sturdy shoes are also a must, and snorkeling is especially great here due to the many fish. For a meal after a long day in the cove, we recommend one of the restaurants in the fishing village of Maro, which is only a six-minute drive away.

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5. Playa Rijana – on the Costa Tropical

Subtropical climate, rugged rocks, and plenty of sun–the Costa Tropical is located in the province of Granada and attracts with numerous beaches, crystal-clear water, and an average temperature of about 20 degrees over 73 kilometers. The area includes five hubs: Almuñécar, Salobreña, Castell de Ferro, La Rábita, and Motril. Our beach of choice is Playa Rijana, located 20 kilometers from Motril and a hidden gem among Spain’s beaches. There are limited parking spaces on the hill, and a small path leads about 300 meters down to the cove. Playa Rijana is never crowded. However, parking spaces can fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot! Unfortunately, there are no dining options directly on the beach. If possible, bring enough food and drink. Our tip: Be sure to pack a diving mask and sunscreen, and sturdy footwear is a good idea due to the path.

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6. Playa de los Muertos – on the Costa de Almería

Wild beaches, a dark rocky coast, and sleepy fishing villages–the Costa de Almería stretches over 200 kilometers in southern Spain. Due to its proximity to the North African countries of Morocco and Algeria, summer weather is guaranteed here. Dark, impressive rocks, bright white sand, and the green of plants benefiting from volcanic soil. Playa de los Muertos translates to the Beach of the Dead. It is named in memory of those who fell victim to pirate attacks here in the past. Fortunately, there is no trace of that today; the beach is beautiful and absolutely peaceful. The vibrant blue of the water is particularly striking: “I was thrilled by this beach and will return one day because of the great color of the water,” writes one user in an online review. Playa de los Muertos is marked as a nudist beach, but the crowd is mixed, and you never encounter many people here. Our tip: For the walk to and from the beach, sturdy footwear is essential, and sun protection is crucial.

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7. Playa de los Cocedores – on the Costa Cálida

The sparkling Mediterranean, impressive natural landscapes, and plenty of sun–the Costa Cálida in the Murcia region in southeastern Spain stretches over 250 kilometers. Spain’s warm coast offers a fascinating mix of beautiful landscapes, historical architecture, and a variety of beaches where the mild climate can be perfectly enjoyed. Our favorite in this area is Playa de los Cocedores near Águilas. What makes this beach special are the caves that were once carved into the rock walls. The Beach of Cooking got its name from the historical practice of cooking seaweed here. The soda obtained was then used for making glass and soap. Besides its beauty, its history is another reason why it is one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches for us. There are a few small restaurants right on the beach, such as Chiringuito Los Cocedores, where you can enjoy Spanish cuisine with a sea view. Our tip: Be sure to take a closer look at the caves carved into the sandstone on a small exploration tour!