Spain is invariably popular among tourists. The most beautiful cities of the country attract guests with their authenticity and unforgettable atmosphere in winter and summer. And Spain’s beaches are considered one of the best in all of Europe: there are a lot of cozy bays, seaside towns and coastal areas equipped for tourists.
The south coast is especially loved. Many people go on vacation here because there is a wide choice of things to do: from relaxing on the sand to active sports.
In Spain there are beaches with and without people, i.e. wild beaches. The latter sometimes have no conditions at all, except warm sand and clear water. But here everyone chooses a vacation to their liking – surrounded by infrastructure or in solitude.
I will tell about beach tourism in Spain: where the warmest sea and the best views, in which cities there are beaches with sand and pebbles, and also – what are the rules of behavior at the resorts.
Barceloneta, Barcelona
The oldest and probably the busiest beach in Barcelona. It is suitable for vacationers with children, lonely tourists or fun-loving groups. The coastal strip is about 90 meters wide and has enough space for everyone.
Barcelona is the southern coast of Spain, where it almost never snows, and in the summer it can be very hot. Therefore, at the peak of the heat, stores and other establishments close and Spaniards go home to rest for a couple of hours.
The water is warm and the coastal strip is clean and neat. In addition, the smooth descent into the water is convenient for children, elderly people and tourists with limited mobility. In summer there are special children’s corners, volleyball and mini-football courts. Right behind the beach there is a long path for cyclists and rollerbladers.
The beach is very developed in terms of infrastructure: cafes, restaurants and bars are always waiting for customers. Fresh water showers are free, as well as toilets, but you will have to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas.
The beach is monitored day and night. “Barceloneta has been awarded the Blue Flag, which means that the beach is not only well-equipped, but also safe and clean.
The beach is located in the city center, near the Olympic Port, easily accessible by metro to Barceloneta station.
Marbella, Barcelona
One of the most “free” beaches in Barcelona. It has a nudist area hidden from the other sectors behind a high hill covered with bamboo. One more thing: LGBT people are openly welcomed on this beach. Given this fact, it is not the best place to visit with children.
The coast of “Marbella” is very beautiful. The length of the beach is almost half a kilometer and the width is about 40 meters.
Marbella is always full of young people. Windsurfers and catamarans gather on the beach, so there is a lot of traffic not only on the beach, but also on the water.
There aren’t many bars and restaurants, although there’s always a glass of cava, Spanish sparkling wine. But there’s not much choice.
“Marbella” is well equipped: fresh showers, toilets, fountains with clean drinking water, deck chairs with umbrellas. There are also paths lined with wooden planks, so you don’t have to walk on the hot sand under the sun. And, as on other beaches of Barcelona, there are courts for basketball, volleyball and mini-football.
In “Marbella” you can not only swim, but also explore the surrounding area – there are very picturesque cliffs.
Capellans Cove, Salou
The Catalan town of Salou is world-famous as a magnificent sea resort. There are several bathing areas there, and all of them are clean, comfortable and have good infrastructure.
The city beach is usually very crowded during the season: not only Spaniards but also tourists from all over the world come here. Other beaches are much less crowded.
Capellans Cove is one of such protected corners, where no noisy crowds of vacationers do not reach. The thing is that this white sand beach is surrounded by a semicircle of rocks, like a fence. Of course, there are paths leading to the sea, but mostly tourists prefer more easily accessible options and stay on the central beaches.
The cliffs are not only picturesque and majestic, but also practical: they protect the shore from strong waves and create a sense of coziness. The coastal strip is quite small – about 200 meters long. However, there are few tourists here, so there is always room.
For all its isolation, the beach is not wild: you can rent chairs and umbrellas, have a snack in one of several restaurants or cafes.
Benijo, Tenerife
One of the most beautiful beaches of Tenerife with unusual black sand. This color is due to its volcanic origin. The cliffs around it are sometimes called crocodile’s teeth by locals because of their sharp peaks.
This beach is not a calm one. There are often storms and the waves can be very big – ideal for surfing. Many people come just to lie on the black sand and admire the scenery.
There’s not much shelter from the sun here, and to eat at the restaurant, you have to walk up to the road.
Important: Benijo is frequented by nudists.
You can get to the beach by bus number 946, which leaves regularly from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. You will have to leave your car in the parking lot of a restaurant and walk down to the beach.
Poo, Asturias
The beach of the town of the same name in Asturias, part of the East Coast, is shaped like a funnel. At high tide, it is completely flooded and becomes like a swimming pool. When the water recedes, it is a picturesque beach surrounded by capes covered with greenery.
The big waves do not reach here – you can safely go with children.
The “Poo” has everything you need for a beach vacation: sunbeds, showers, several cafes, staff who carefully monitor cleanliness. In the neighborhood there is a rich choice of restaurants and entertainment.
By the way, “Poo” is a great place for walking: the path going to the right of the beach will take you to viewpoints with rocks and islands.
Ses Illetas, Mallorca
The beach is in a cozy cove with white sand and clear transparent water. The views are magnificent: from here you can see several islands and the coast of Ibiza.
The beach has everything you need for a good vacation, including diving, surfing and sailing schools.
Illetas is very cozy, quiet and therefore suitable for tourists who want a break from the hustle and bustle.
Ses Illetas is a luxury resort, the hotels here are at least four-star, so the vacation will not be the most budget.
The nature here is not just beautiful: coniferous trees release beneficial phytoncides into the air, combined with sea salt they have a good effect on the immune system. The greenery here is of natural origin and has been preserved almost in pristine condition.
Banyalbufar, Mallorca
A stony beach near the town of the same name in northwestern Mallorca. The beach here is wild, with no developed infrastructure, as on most Spanish beaches. Take snacks and drinks with you: cafes and stores are located in the town.
The water is crystal clear and the snorkeling here is gorgeous – grab a mask and snorkel to admire the seabed.
The depth is shallow, about 4-5 meters, and there are strong winds. As on “Ses Illetas”, there are many pine trees, and the pine aroma can be felt in the air. Away from the sea there are vineyards, which descend to the water with peculiar steps-terraces.
The cove where you can swim is located near the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain. To get to the beach, you have to drive from the city center down Marina Street, turn left and go to the parking lot – it’s free. Then go down the spiral staircase that leads directly to the beach. GPS coordinates: 39.690476, 2.516883.
Sa Calobra Cove, Mallorca
Another beautiful and popular place in Mallorca. The road itself is a sight to behold. The serpentine road winds around cliffs, lush greenery, dives into tunnels – you’ll definitely want to stop at the observation deck and admire the views.
Parking in the bay is paid and there are restaurants nearby.
The way to Sa Calobra beach is through a pedestrian tunnel. It is wet and sometimes slippery, with water dripping from the ceiling, so you have to walk carefully. The beach is located between the rocks and occupies only about 20 meters. The surface is pebble – suitable for those who do not like to shake sand out of their swimsuit.
The depth comes quickly, but the water is clear and the bottom is clearly visible. If you are
going to explore the bay and generally like to dive, this is the place for you. Vacationers with small children are better to choose another beach.
The place is quite wild: when there are few tourists, you can hear mountain goats galloping along the rock ledges. At night, the beach is filled with echoing sounds of wildlife.
There are buses from Palma, but you have to change buses: first on route 340 and then on route 355. The exact coordinates are 39.850917, 2.799944.
San Juan, Alicante
The most popular beach in the city. The coastline here is impressive: more than three kilometers long and about 60 meters wide.
The promenade is modern and crowded, with restaurants and cafes open even at night. San Juan also has a Blue Flag – the beach is really very clean and neat.
The sand here is almost white and soft. The descent into the water is quite gentle, which is suitable for family recreation. There are children’s play areas and sports grounds.
Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented. However, the sunbeds offered here are quite far from the water, about 20 meters away. Running on the heated sand is not always pleasant, so many people prefer to sit in the open sun on the beach itself or bring umbrellas with them – it is not forbidden.
The easiest way to get to the beach is by rented car. You can also take a streetcar, but it takes a long time – almost an hour.
Cala Benirras, Ibiza
Where to go in Ibiza? Definitely Benirras. And not just because it’s beautiful, with clear water and picturesque cliffs all around.
Every Sunday there is a show of sorts on the beach. At sunset, local hippies gather by the sea with tamtams to watch the sun go down, an unusual Ibiza tradition. Many people come here especially to enjoy the views to the sound of the drums.
Tourists with children, groups of friends, lonely travelers, and hippies rest here. Sometimes they sing and play flutes and bongos, sometimes they sell jewelry and other trinkets. Their loyal attitude to all living things has been transmitted to the beach: you can freely relax here with pets.
There is a bar, restaurants with local food and small stores on site.
Hippies used to come to Ibiza communally, especially in the 60s and 70s. In 1991, the tradition of throwing parties grew into something more: the hippies opposed the First Gulf War and the event was called Drum Day. This caused a lot of trouble for locals and authorities, and in 2002 the celebration was banned.
The nearest town is San Miguel. From there you can reach the beach in 10 minutes by following the signs. Parking here is not very spacious. In the afternoon there are a lot of tourists and you have to leave your car on the side of the winding road.
Travel Tips
1. Don’t forget your sun protection! This is especially important on wild beaches. It is ideal to take an umbrella with you.
2. Locals often don’t speak English well – it’s worth learning basic phrases in Spanish. And, of course, use a phrasebook or translator on your phone.
3. It is not allowed to walk on the streets in swimming trunks and swimsuits. You can be fined up to 200 euros.
4. There is no smoking on beaches, except in specially designated areas. The fine for violation is not less than for walking around in a swimsuit.
5. Spaniards do not like to work long hours – often at 21:00, or even at 20:00 all the stores are already closed. If you want to buy something, you’d better do it in the afternoon.
6. In restaurants, waiters usually do not approach unless they are called. You need to signal that you are ready to order, and then you will be served quickly.
7. It is better to buy seafood directly on the coast: there they will definitely be fresh.
