From beautiful Costa Brava coves and whitewashed Andalusian towns to volcanic Canary Island landscapes, these are some of the best beach towns in Spain to add to your travel list.
Spain is one of my favourite countries for a beach escape because there is just so much variety. You've got the mainland, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, all offering completely different landscapes, beaches and experiences.
Whether you're looking for somewhere lively with plenty of restaurants and nightlife, a quiet coastal escape or a beautiful town surrounded by nature, there is no shortage of options.
So, if you're wondering where to go for the best beach towns in Spain, here are 10 destinations worth adding to your itinerary.
Spain is one of my favourite countries for a beach escape because there is just so much variety. You've got the mainland, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, all offering completely different landscapes, beaches and experiences.
Whether you're looking for somewhere lively with plenty of restaurants and nightlife, a quiet coastal escape or a beautiful town surrounded by nature, there is no shortage of options.
So, if you're wondering where to go for the best beach towns in Spain, here are 10 destinations worth adding to your itinerary.
Costa Brava is one of the most underrated coastal regions in Spain and one of my favourites
10. Tarifa, Cádiz – Best for kitesurfing and adventure
Located at the southern tip of Spain, Tarifa is famous for its beaches, strong winds and excellent kitesurfing conditions. It's also one of the closest points in Europe to Africa, with Morocco visible across the Strait of Gibraltar on a clear day.
The town itself has a relaxed, bohemian feel, with a historic old town, plenty of places to eat and lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
If you want a Spanish beach town with a little more adventure, Tarifa is a fantastic choice.
Best for: Kitesurfing, watersports, outdoor adventures and a lively atmosphere.
9. Ribadesella, Asturias – Best for dramatic coastal scenery
Head north to Asturias and you'll discover a very different side of Spain.
Ribadesella sits on the Cantabrian coast, surrounded by green hills, rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches. The scenery here is wild and dramatic, making it a great alternative to the busier beach resorts of southern Spain.
Its location also makes it ideal for combining a beach trip with hiking and exploring northern Spain, including the nearby Picos de Europa.
Best for: Nature, hiking, dramatic views and escaping the crowds.
8. Sitges, Catalonia – Best beach town near Barcelona
Just south of Barcelona, Sitges is one of the easiest beach escapes to add to a Catalonia itinerary.
The town is known for its beaches, historic streets, restaurants, nightlife and vibrant arts and cultural scene. There are also quieter stretches of coastline and designated nudist beaches if that's your thing.
Its proximity to Barcelona makes Sitges particularly appealing if you want to combine city sightseeing with a beach holiday in Spain.
Best for: Beaches, culture, nightlife and a Barcelona getaway.
7. Corralejo, Fuerteventura – Best for dunes and outdoor adventures
If you're looking for one of the best beach towns in the Canary Islands, Corralejo should definitely be on your list.
Located in northern Fuerteventura, Corralejo is surrounded by enormous sand dunes, volcanic landscapes and beautiful beaches. The nearby Corralejo Natural Park is a particular highlight, with a spectacular coastline and huge expanses of golden sand.
There are also plenty of opportunities for watersports, boat trips and exploring Fuerteventura's volcanic landscape.
Best for: Beaches, sand dunes, watersports and outdoor adventures.
6. Cadaqués, Catalonia – Best for a picturesque coastal escape
There's something particularly special about Cadaqués.
This beautiful whitewashed town sits on the Costa Brava and is surrounded by rocky coastline, tiny coves and clear Mediterranean water. Its winding streets and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most picturesque coastal towns in Spain.
Cadaqués also has strong links to the artist Salvador Dalí, whose former home in nearby Portlligat is now a museum.
It's a little more difficult to reach than some of Spain's larger resorts, but that is part of what makes it so appealing.
Best for: Beautiful scenery, art, hidden coves and a slower pace of travel.
Located at the southern tip of Spain, Tarifa is famous for its beaches, strong winds and excellent kitesurfing conditions. It's also one of the closest points in Europe to Africa, with Morocco visible across the Strait of Gibraltar on a clear day.
The town itself has a relaxed, bohemian feel, with a historic old town, plenty of places to eat and lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
If you want a Spanish beach town with a little more adventure, Tarifa is a fantastic choice.
Best for: Kitesurfing, watersports, outdoor adventures and a lively atmosphere.
9. Ribadesella, Asturias – Best for dramatic coastal scenery
Head north to Asturias and you'll discover a very different side of Spain.
Ribadesella sits on the Cantabrian coast, surrounded by green hills, rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches. The scenery here is wild and dramatic, making it a great alternative to the busier beach resorts of southern Spain.
Its location also makes it ideal for combining a beach trip with hiking and exploring northern Spain, including the nearby Picos de Europa.
Best for: Nature, hiking, dramatic views and escaping the crowds.
8. Sitges, Catalonia – Best beach town near Barcelona
Just south of Barcelona, Sitges is one of the easiest beach escapes to add to a Catalonia itinerary.
The town is known for its beaches, historic streets, restaurants, nightlife and vibrant arts and cultural scene. There are also quieter stretches of coastline and designated nudist beaches if that's your thing.
Its proximity to Barcelona makes Sitges particularly appealing if you want to combine city sightseeing with a beach holiday in Spain.
Best for: Beaches, culture, nightlife and a Barcelona getaway.
7. Corralejo, Fuerteventura – Best for dunes and outdoor adventures
If you're looking for one of the best beach towns in the Canary Islands, Corralejo should definitely be on your list.
Located in northern Fuerteventura, Corralejo is surrounded by enormous sand dunes, volcanic landscapes and beautiful beaches. The nearby Corralejo Natural Park is a particular highlight, with a spectacular coastline and huge expanses of golden sand.
There are also plenty of opportunities for watersports, boat trips and exploring Fuerteventura's volcanic landscape.
Best for: Beaches, sand dunes, watersports and outdoor adventures.
6. Cadaqués, Catalonia – Best for a picturesque coastal escape
There's something particularly special about Cadaqués.
This beautiful whitewashed town sits on the Costa Brava and is surrounded by rocky coastline, tiny coves and clear Mediterranean water. Its winding streets and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most picturesque coastal towns in Spain.
Cadaqués also has strong links to the artist Salvador Dalí, whose former home in nearby Portlligat is now a museum.
It's a little more difficult to reach than some of Spain's larger resorts, but that is part of what makes it so appealing.
Best for: Beautiful scenery, art, hidden coves and a slower pace of travel.
Beautiful Sitges, Spain
5. Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava – Best for beaches, history and scenery
If you're looking for one of the most beautiful beach towns on the Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar is hard to beat.
This gorgeous coastal town combines sandy beaches, turquoise Mediterranean water, rocky coves and a historic old town. The medieval Vila Vella sits right beside the sea, creating one of those views you'll want to photograph from every angle.
Spend the day relaxing on the beach, wander through the narrow streets of the old town or follow the coastal paths to discover smaller coves and spectacular views.
Tossa de Mar is a great choice if you want a Spanish beach getaway that combines beautiful scenery, history and Mediterranean charm.
Best for: Costa Brava beaches, swimming, history, coastal walks and scenic views.
4. Marbella, Andalusia – Best for nightlife and luxury
Marbella is one of the most famous beach destinations in southern Spain, and there's a reason it continues to attract visitors year after year.
Located on the Costa del Sol, Marbella combines beaches with excellent restaurants, nightlife, shopping and plenty of things to see and do.
Don't just stick to the beach, either. Marbella's old town is full of narrow streets, pretty squares and traditional Andalusian charm, making it a lovely place to explore between beach days.
Best for: Beaches, nightlife, restaurants, shopping and luxury travel.
3. Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife – Best for a relaxing island escape
Located on the west coast of Tenerife, Puerto de Santiago is a great choice if you're looking for a quieter Canary Islands getaway.
The town has a relaxed atmosphere and spectacular volcanic scenery, with the famous Los Gigantes cliffs nearby.
It's an ideal base if you want to explore Tenerife during the day before returning somewhere a little more peaceful in the evening.
Best for: Relaxation, volcanic scenery, warm weather and exploring Tenerife.
2. Nerja, Málaga – Best for traditional Spanish charm
If you're looking for a beach town on the Costa del Sol that combines beautiful coastline with plenty of character, Nerja is a fantastic option.
The town is famous for its Balcony of Europe, spectacular sea views and collection of beaches and coves.
Spend your time wandering the narrow streets, stopping for tapas and exploring the coastline before watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.
Nerja can get busy, particularly during the summer, but it still retains plenty of its traditional Andalusian charm.
Best for: Couples, families, beaches, food and Andalusian culture.
1. San Sebastián, Basque Country – Best for beaches and food
Taking the number one spot on my list is San Sebastián, also known as Donostia, in northern Spain.
Set on the Bay of Biscay, this beautiful coastal city is home to the famous crescent-shaped La Concha Beach, calm waters and some seriously impressive scenery.
But San Sebastián isn't just about the beach. It's also one of Spain's best destinations for food, particularly if you love pintxos.
You can spend the morning relaxing on the beach, hike up one of the surrounding hills for panoramic views and then spend the evening wandering through the old town sampling pintxos.
For me, the combination of beaches, food, culture and scenery makes San Sebastián one of the best coastal destinations in Spain.
Best for: Beaches, food, culture, scenery and a city-and-sea getaway.
If you're looking for one of the most beautiful beach towns on the Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar is hard to beat.
This gorgeous coastal town combines sandy beaches, turquoise Mediterranean water, rocky coves and a historic old town. The medieval Vila Vella sits right beside the sea, creating one of those views you'll want to photograph from every angle.
Spend the day relaxing on the beach, wander through the narrow streets of the old town or follow the coastal paths to discover smaller coves and spectacular views.
Tossa de Mar is a great choice if you want a Spanish beach getaway that combines beautiful scenery, history and Mediterranean charm.
Best for: Costa Brava beaches, swimming, history, coastal walks and scenic views.
4. Marbella, Andalusia – Best for nightlife and luxury
Marbella is one of the most famous beach destinations in southern Spain, and there's a reason it continues to attract visitors year after year.
Located on the Costa del Sol, Marbella combines beaches with excellent restaurants, nightlife, shopping and plenty of things to see and do.
Don't just stick to the beach, either. Marbella's old town is full of narrow streets, pretty squares and traditional Andalusian charm, making it a lovely place to explore between beach days.
Best for: Beaches, nightlife, restaurants, shopping and luxury travel.
3. Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife – Best for a relaxing island escape
Located on the west coast of Tenerife, Puerto de Santiago is a great choice if you're looking for a quieter Canary Islands getaway.
The town has a relaxed atmosphere and spectacular volcanic scenery, with the famous Los Gigantes cliffs nearby.
It's an ideal base if you want to explore Tenerife during the day before returning somewhere a little more peaceful in the evening.
Best for: Relaxation, volcanic scenery, warm weather and exploring Tenerife.
2. Nerja, Málaga – Best for traditional Spanish charm
If you're looking for a beach town on the Costa del Sol that combines beautiful coastline with plenty of character, Nerja is a fantastic option.
The town is famous for its Balcony of Europe, spectacular sea views and collection of beaches and coves.
Spend your time wandering the narrow streets, stopping for tapas and exploring the coastline before watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.
Nerja can get busy, particularly during the summer, but it still retains plenty of its traditional Andalusian charm.
Best for: Couples, families, beaches, food and Andalusian culture.
1. San Sebastián, Basque Country – Best for beaches and food
Taking the number one spot on my list is San Sebastián, also known as Donostia, in northern Spain.
Set on the Bay of Biscay, this beautiful coastal city is home to the famous crescent-shaped La Concha Beach, calm waters and some seriously impressive scenery.
But San Sebastián isn't just about the beach. It's also one of Spain's best destinations for food, particularly if you love pintxos.
You can spend the morning relaxing on the beach, hike up one of the surrounding hills for panoramic views and then spend the evening wandering through the old town sampling pintxos.
For me, the combination of beaches, food, culture and scenery makes San Sebastián one of the best coastal destinations in Spain.
Best for: Beaches, food, culture, scenery and a city-and-sea getaway.
Nerja, Andalucia is a stunning coastal town with great year round weather
RSS Feed
