The places, most named first
From the 5 guides that rank for "best beach towns in spain"
Named by 3 of 51. TarifaOne writer's favorite beach town in southern Spain.At Spain's southern tip, windy enough to draw windsurfers and kitesurfers.Named by 3 of 52. San SebastiánKnown for the crescent-shaped La Concha bay and its food.La Concha is listed as one of the best beaches in Spain for families.
Named by 3 of 53. MallorcaPlaya de Muro is a family-friendly beach with shallow water and water sports.Palma is the island's capital and the base for exploring its beaches.Best time to visit MallorcaBest beaches in MallorcaBest places to visit in Mallorca
Named by 2 of 54. NerjaOn the Costa del Sol, with beaches and an old town.Burriana Beach has facilities and water sports.
Named by 2 of 55. FormenteraIts beaches are called the Caribbean of Spain for clear water and white sand; Ses Illetes is the best known.Ses Illetes suits couples, best between late May and early October.Named by 2 of 56. MenorcaCoves such as Cala en Turqueta and Cala Macarella stand out for clear water.Cala Macarella is a secluded cove for snorkeling, best from May to September.Best beaches in Menorca
Named by 2 of 57. SitgesJust south of Barcelona, with a lively culture and nightlife scene.Over 17 sandy beaches, including family-friendly and LGBT-friendly ones.
Named by 2 of 58. AlteaA white-washed town with a blue-domed church on the Costa Blanca.Playa de la Roda is a pebble beach with clear water.
Named by 2 of 59. CádizSits on a small strip of land almost surrounded by the Atlantic.Called the oldest continually inhabited city in Spain.Named by 2 of 510. IbizaKnown for party nightlife, but also history such as the Dalt Vila old town.The island is the go-to spot for ravers and full-moon partiers.Best time to visit IbizaBest beaches in Ibiza
Named by 2 of 511. MálagaLa Malagueta city beach is good for a dip, a stroll or grilled seafood at beachfront restaurants.Also a culture stop, once home to Picasso.Best time to visit Málaga
Named by 2 of 512. BarcelonaBarceloneta beach is a classic spot for an evening drink after sightseeing.Suggested as the start of an easy first coastal trip, then a train down the coast.Best time to visit Barcelona
Named by 2 of 513. TenerifeLas Teresitas Beach has white sand.Has two climates on one island.Best time to visit TenerifeBest beaches in Tenerife
Named by 2 of 514. Costa BravaSuggested for coves and walking.A car is needed for the Costa Brava coves.
15. CadaquésA white-washed Costa Brava town that drew artists such as Dalí.Small pebble beaches with clear water; Cap de Creus park is nearby.
16. LlanesA northern coast town with beaches and rugged cliffs.Cuevas del Mar beach is surrounded by caves and cliffs.
17. Zahara de los AtunesA small fishing village on the Costa de la Luz with a long sandy beach.Hosts a tuna festival in May.18. AlicanteEasy for beach holidays, with plenty of tourist infrastructure for families.The marble-tiled Explanada de España promenade runs along the port.
19. FuerteventuraOne of two places one writer picks for finding a new great beach every day.Corralejo Beach has white sand.
Fares from your city
Pick a place for live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
When to go
Travel guides most often name April to June and September to October as the best time to visit Spain.
Questions people ask
- Where are the best beaches in the south of Spain?
- One guide's favorite in the south is Tarifa, with Nerja, Cádiz and Mojácar also named as good beach choices.
- What part of Spain has the clearest water?
- One writer found the clearest turquoise water in Formentera, Menorca and Fuerteventura, plus some Costa Blanca coves.
