10 best-rated beach destinations in Spain

In the north of Mallorca hides one of the most impressive beaches in the country—Playa de Muro. Located in the Bay of Alcudia, this beach stands out for its white and fine sand and the extensive pine forest that surrounds it. Designated as a Natural Area of ​​Special Interest and, therefore, protected by the Government of the Balearic Islands, this spectacular beach is set within the S’Albufera Natural Park, one of the most attractive landscape sites in the country.

Visitors are sure to enjoy the more than five kilometres of beaches bathed by crystal clear waters, among which you can find wonderful hotels, restaurants, car rentals and a variety of activities to enjoy during the summer months, such as cycling, golf, kite surfing and windsurfing.

This Guipuzcoan city is the whole package thanks to its growing gastronomic selection. Some of the most renowned chefs on the planet have chosen this coastal city to open the doors to innovative restaurants such as Arroka Berri, Abarka, Zeria, Sebastian or Alameda.

Hondarribia preserves a beautiful old town, surrounded by the only medieval wall of the province of Guipúzcoa. The narrow streets form a labyrinth of cobblestones that invite visitors to discover the typical Basque architecture, where colourful wooden balconies stand out, as well as the Baroque buildings that give it such a personality. Obviously, none of this would be the same without the spectacular 800-meter beach washed by the blue of the Cantabrian Sea.

Ribadeo owns the bronze medal for the third-best beach destination in Spain. This Galician town located on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea offers visitors hundreds of attractions to enjoy a dream vacation. Galician gastronomy is well known for being one of the most appetizing in the country and Ribadeo is an ideal destination to taste the delicacies that the sea offers.

The star attraction of Ribadeo is the Beach of the Cathedrals, one of the most spectacular beaches in the country where the rock formations draw beautiful arches that make up a landscape of incomparable beauty. Other essential attractions are Pancha Island and its lighthouse, the Mirador de Santa Cruz, the Puerto Deportivo, the estuary and the San Damián castle.

The municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera belongs to the Bay of Cádiz and has positioned itself as a travellers’ favourite in search of sun, beach, sea, excellent accommodation and first-class cuisine. In the urban centre, you can see monuments of great historical interest such as the Church of San Juan Bautista and the Hermitage of Santa Ana.

The beaches of Chiclana are among the most beautiful on the Costa de la Luz—and probably the entire peninsula. The beach of La Barrosa is a beautiful expanse of sand eight-kilometres- long bathed by the waters of the Atlantic or you can enjoy the beach of Sancti Petri, inviting you to enjoy summer days lying on its golden sand. Now, if you’re a fan of golf, Novo Sancti Petri is the destination for you!

Cala Millor, also known as Son Moro and Cala Nau, won’t disappoint visitors. This beautiful beach is located on the east coast of Majorca has two-kilometres of sand bathed by the Mediterranean. The promenade that accompanies it stands out for its shops, bars and seafront hotels that offer services of the highest quality.

Ribadesella is an authentic jewel on the Cantabrian coast. From here you can appreciate the imposing Picos de Europa while you take a dip in the sea next to the mouth of the Sella River. Nothing like walking the spectacular promenade of Santa Marina, where in addition to contemplating the beautiful beach, you can see the unique Indian buildings that give it so much personality.

The biggest attraction of this town is actually not the beach, it is the Tito Bustillo Cave—declared a World Heritage Site and considered one of the largest and most important references of Paleolithic art.

The importance of this port dates back to the time of the Romans and the Visigoths and although much time has passed, the Andalusian charm has been preserved and the walls that give it so much history have been preserved—the Gate of the Villa, the towers of Roche, Puerco and Castilnovo and the Tower of Guzmán.

The 14-kilometres of beaches are a paradise of spectacular beauty. White and fine sand and translucent waters are the most evident features of the coast. Fuente del Gallo, La Fontanilla and El Roqueo are small and isolated seaside spots, while it is marvellous to see the imposing cliffs and coves of Camacho, Melchor, El Frailecillo and Cala Encendida.

It is impossible to deny that the Caribbean is beautiful, but truthfully, the beaches of Colonia de Sant Jordi are a near-second. This Majorcan town, belonging to the municipality of Ses Salines, is of incomparable beauty with its marina, known as being a paradise for sailing enthusiasts.

With the Cabrera archipelago on the horizon, Es Trenc beach is the largest stretch of virgin coastline on the island. This corner is famous for the practice of nudism and for its warm and transparent waters. Less famous, but equally beautiful, are the beaches of Es Carbó, Dolç and Dels Estanys, which you have to access by walking along a pleasant path by the sea. We can not fail to mention the impressive salt pans, that give the name to the municipality, that definitely deserve a visit.

Located between the Doñana National Park and the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, Sanlúcar de Barrameda has preserved its charm and its original architecture can be seen in the narrow and zigzagging streets. Probably the most recognizable of the city is the chamomile wine cellars and the famous horse races that take place on the extensive beaches.

And what to see in Sanlúcar de Barrameda? Beaches, many beaches! The Jara, Bonanza or Las Piletas are the most outstanding and ensure visitors a wonderful summer experience. In addition, the town hosts a large number of monuments such as the Palace of the Infants of Orleans and Bourbon, where the Town Hall is currently located; the Castle of Santiago, dated in the XV century; the palace of the dukes of Medina Sidonia and the church of Our Lady of the O.

Located between the Mediterranean coast of the Valencian Community and the Sierra Bernia, Altea is a typical coastal town crowned by the white and blue tiles of the Church of the Virgen del Consuelo (a visit is obligatory and a vantage point from where you can see the whole region).

Spend late afternoons strolling through the streets and discover the studios of artists and artisans who exhibit their work to tourists or walk to the Jaime I shopping street in the lower part of the city. Beaches? There are a plethora—La Olla, Cap Negret, Cap Blanch, La Roda and El Mascarat.