Friends often ask me which beaches in Spain are truly worth visiting, and honestly? I get a little overwhelmed trying to answer. Spain has so many incredible stretches of sand that choosing just one or two feels impossible. Tourists usually flock to the Costa Brava or Costa del Sol, and while those regions are undeniably stunning (especially in the off-season), I secretly love when people stick to the popular choices—it means the hidden gems stay quieter for my own escapes.
If you’re dreaming of an epic Spanish beach vacation but want something more relaxed than Benidorm, let me take you beyond the usual tourist stops. These are the beaches where you can unplug, listen to the waves, and feel like you’ve stumbled upon your own private paradise.
Which Part of Spain Has the Best Beaches?
Spain is blessed with nearly 5,000 kilometers of coastline, so the “best” beaches depend on what you’re after:
For turquoise waters and white sand → Head to the Balearic Islands (Formentera, Menorca, Ibiza, Mallorca).
For wild, untamed coastlines → Explore Andalusia’s Costa de la Luz, especially Tarifa and Cádiz.
For hidden coves and dramatic cliffs → Check out Costa Blanca and Costa Brava.
For volcanic black-sand beaches → Fly to the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura).
Where Is the Clearest Water in Spain?
The clearest, Caribbean-like waters I’ve ever seen in Spain are:
Formentera – often called “the Caribbean of Spain” thanks to its insane clarity.
Costa Blanca coves – Cala Moraig and Cala Racó de Conill are top picks.
Pack a snorkel—you’ll thank me later.
Which Beaches Have the Best White Sand?
If powdery white sand is your thing, you can’t miss:
Ses Illetes (Formentera) – the ultimate white-sand beach in Spain.
Las Teresitas (Tenerife) – palm-fringed and picture-perfect.
Corralejo (Fuerteventura) – rolling dunes that look like something out of the Sahara.
Nicest Beach Towns in Spain
Some towns just feel like summer:
Tarifa – my personal favorite, with a laid-back surf vibe.
Nerja – dramatic cliffs and charming old streets.
Cádiz – history meets beach culture.
Mojácar – a whitewashed hilltop town by the sea.
Sitges, Benicassim, Altea & Calpe – all with their own unique character.
Top 20 Popular Beaches in Spain
Spain’s beaches are often awarded the Blue Flag (around 600 hold the distinction!). Before diving into lesser-known spots, here are the most famous ones travelers rave about:
Playa de la Granadella – Jávea, Alicante
Playa de Levante – Benidorm, Alicante
Playa de la Fossa – Calpe, Alicante
Playa del Portet – Moraira, Alicante
Playa de la Malagueta – Málaga, Costa del Sol
Playa de Bolonia – Tarifa, Cádiz
Playa de los Genoveses – Cabo de Gata, Almería
Playa de Alcudia – Mallorca
Playa de Muro – Mallorca
Cala Mondragó – Mallorca
Cala Pregonda – Menorca
Cala Macarella – Menorca
Cala Mitjana – Menorca
Cala en Turqueta – Menorca
Cala Salada – Ibiza
Cala d’Hort – Ibiza
Playa de las Salinas – Ibiza
Cala Gració – Ibiza
Cala Comte – Ibiza
Playa de Ses Illetes – Formentera
Discovering Spain’s Hidden Gems
Of course, some of the most magical beaches don’t make the typical “Top 20” lists. Spain is full of secluded calas, dramatic cliffside coves, and wild stretches of sand you might share with just a handful of people. Those are the beaches I treasure most.
