The first time I truly understood Spain’s love affair with the sea was on a misty Galician morning, standing on the deck of a ferry bound for the Cíes Islands. The Atlantic stretched ahead, slate-gray and restless, as gulls wheeled overhead like chaotic brushstrokes against the sky. When Playa de Rodas came into view—a crescent of sand so blindingly white it seemed to defy nature—I felt my breath catch. This wasn’t just a beach; it was a masterpiece, framed by pine-clad cliffs and waters that shifted from jade to sapphire with every ripple. Spain’s coastline is a symphony of contrasts, a 3,000-mile ode to salt, sun, and stories etched in sand. Let me take you on a journey to eight of its most spellbinding shores, where the Mediterranean whispers secrets and the Atlantic roars with wild abandon.
La Concha Beach in San Sebastián
Image via Spain.info
If you’re leaving from London, take an early red-eye Vueling flight to Bilbao Airport – the flight takes under two hours. From there, catch a quick 75-minute ALSA bus to San Sebastián. Alternatively, hop on the Eurostar to Paris, then switch to a TGV train to Hendaye. You can enjoy croissants as you glide past French vineyards. A short bus ride or taxi across the border will get you to San Sebastián’s La Concha promenade by sunrise. You’ll arrive as older swimmers glide through the calm sea and joggers follow the iron railings. The Zurriola Bridge shines gently in the morning light, making Santa Clara Island look like a perfect seaside postcard.
By lunchtime, swap your travel flask for a proper Basque meal. Families spread striped towels on the sand, pulling out fresh bread and chunks of Manchego cheese, while kids weave between sunbathers. If you took the train from Bilbao to San Sebastián, you’ll notice how the city mixes lively streets with peaceful beaches – one moment you’re stepping around surfboards at Zurriola Beach, the next you’re tasting local txakoli wine in the Old Town.
At dusk, join locals strolling along Paseo Nuevo with ice creams from La Viña. The sky turns shades of orange and pink behind Monte Igueldo, ideal for a sunset photo. Later, follow the smell of garlic prawns from Bar Txepetxa through the narrow streets. When it’s time to go, fly back to London via Bilbao or Madrid, or take a picturesque train to Paris via Hendaye, then the Eurostar home. You’ll probably spend the journey thinking about that seaside glow and your last tasty pintxo.
Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona
Barceloneta Beach is Barcelona’s lively seaside spot, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or playing volleyball on the golden sand. The promenade buzzes with joggers, cyclists, and skateboarders – you can rent a bike or just watch street performers while sipping a cold drink. For fun, try paddleboarding or join a game of beach football with locals. When hunger strikes, head to the nearby tapas bars and seafood restaurants. Tuck into fresh paella, crispy fried fish, or grab a juicy burger from one of the beachside chiringuitos (beach bars). Don’t miss the famous bombas (spicy potato balls) at places like Can Majó. Hotels range from budget-friendly stays to sleek options like the W Barcelona, with its wave-shaped design right on the sand. To get there, hop on the metro (L4 to Barceloneta station) or catch buses V15, 59, or D20. It’s also an easy 20-minute walk from the Gothic Quarter. As the sun sets, the beach transforms with music and laughter – the ideal place to end a day in Barcelona, sandy toes and all. Considering? Direct flights from London to Barcelona on Trip.com start from as low as £6 one-way and £29 for a return trip.
Ses Illetes in Formentera
Ses Illetes in Formentera is a slice of paradise, with powder-soft sand and water so clear you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean. Most travellers fly from London to Ibiza with airlines like British Airways or easyJet – the flight’s under three hours, perfect for a cheeky long weekend in the summer. From Ibiza, hop on a Balearia Ferry to Formentera’s La Savina port, it's just 35 minutes if you nab the fast service. From the port, it’s a 15-minute drive or bus ride to Ses Illetes.
Spend the day swimming in the calm shallows, floating on a rented paddleboard, or strolling along the beach’s gentle curves – it’s part of a protected nature area, so keep an eye out for seabirds. For fun, hire a bike to explore nearby hidden coves or join a boat trip from the shore. When hungry hits, beach shacks like Chiringuito Bartolo serve up fresh grilled sardines, salty pa amb oli (bread with olive oil and tomato), and icy lemonade. Fancy something fancier? Head to nearby Juan y Andrea, a seafood spot right on the sand, where dishes like garlic prawns come with views of passing yachts.
Playa de Muro, Mallorca
Playa de Muro in Mallorca is a long, peaceful beach with soft white sand and clear turquoise water, perfect for swimming or just soaking up the sun. Most British travellers grab easyJet or British Airways flights from Gatwick or Bristol to Palma de Mallorca Airport around 2.5 hours. The beach sits in the Bay of Alcúdia, it’s a 45-minute drive along the Ma-13 motorway from the airport. Rent a car at the Mallorca airport, follow signs for Alcúdia when driving. Or take a TIB 302 bus to Playa de Muro.
Once you’ve dumped your bags at one of the pine-shaded hotels near the beach, the real fun begins. Families love building sandcastles or splashing in the calm shallows, while active types can try paddleboarding, kayaking, or cycling along the flat paths behind the dunes. Alternatively, rent a paddleboard from the kiosks near the northern end and glide over water so clear you’ll spot crabs playing hide-and-seek in the shallows. When hunger strikes, visit one of the beachfront chiringuitos (beach bars) – grab a seat under a straw umbrella and tuck into fresh grilled fish, crispy tumbet (Mallorcan veg stew), or a cooling lemon sorbet. Nearby restaurants like Sa Palmera serve hearty paella, and you’ll often hear the sizzle of spicy sobrassada sausage on the grill.
Cala Macarella, Menorca
Arriving in Cala Macarera from the UK is like unveiling a secret handshake – most visitors fly to Menorca Airport (MAH) from Stansted or Manchester on easyJet or Ryanair, making the easy 2-hour crossing of the Mediterranean. From there, rent a car and drive 40 minutes west to Ciutadella or take a TMSA bus through the almond groves to the old town. However, if you like a slower pace, the ferry from Barcelona to Ciutadella take about 4 hours – perfect for spotting dolphins while your mates are stuck in airport queues.
Once you’ve chucked your gear at hotels Near Cala Macarella or hotels in Ciutadella de Menorca – the proper adventure begins. That hike to Cala Macarella? It’s like stepping into a BBC nature documentary. The trail weaves past drystone walls older than your nan’s fruitcake, leading to cliffs where the sea suddenly explodes into that unreal turquoise. Rent a kayak from the beach shack and paddle to Macarelleta’s hidden twin cove, where the water’s so clear you’ll feel like you’re floating over liquid glass.
After working up an appetite dodging sardine shoals, refuel with Menorcan cheese pastries from the cooler-toting beach vendors – they’re sweeter than a Spanish abuela’s compliments. Post-siesta, follow the cliff path south for sunset views that’ll make your Instagram followers properly jealous. Fancy extending your trip? Ferries from Ciutadella to Valencia take 8 hours overnight, or catch a Vueling flight to Barcelona for Gaudí-spotting.
Playa de Bolonia, Andalusia
Picture via tripadvisor
Playa de Bolonia in Andalusia is a wild, beautiful beach with golden sand and bright blue waters, ideal for swimming or lounging under the Spanish sun. Adventurous types can climb the huge sand dunes at one end of the bay – the views from the top are worth the effort! The beach is also great for windsurfing or kite flying thanks to the steady breeze. History fans will love the nearby Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, where you can explore ancient streets and old factories. After working up an appetite, grab a table at a beachside chiringuito (beach bar) for fresh grilled sardines, garlicky prawns, or crispy tortillitas (shrimp fritters). For a proper meal, head to nearby Tarifa for tapas bars serving local dishes like pescaíto frito (fried fish). For overnight stays, base yourself in laidback surf towns along the Costa de la Luz or boutique hotels near Tarifa’s old town.
To get there from the UK, start with flights from London to Gibraltar or Seville by British Airways and easyJet in under three hours. Then hire a car for the 2-hour drive as the public transport to Playa de Bolonia is limited. The journey’s part of the fun, passing through rolling hills and white villages. If you’re winging it without a car, Malaga to Algeciras trains connect with buses heading towards the beach – though timetables run on Spanish time. If you want to extend your trip, tag on a few days in Seville post-beach; the Seville to Madrid train makes city-hopping a doddle.
Las Canteras, Gran Canaria
Image via Barcelo
Las Canteras in Gran Canaria is a bustling city beach with golden sand and calm waters, thanks to its natural rocky reef. Spend your day swimming in the clear lagoon-like sea, snorkelling around the reef to spot colourful fish, or trying surfing at the livelier northern end. The wide promenade is perfect for strolls – grab an ice cream, watch street artists, or join locals doing yoga at sunrise. For lunch, try beachfront spots like La Marinera for garlicky grilled squid or Tasca Galileo for Canarian classics like papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes with spicy sauce). Stay at seafront hotels like Hotel Reina Isabel or cosy apartments steps from the sand. To get there from the UK, fly to Gran Canaria Airport (around 4.5 hours), then take bus line 1 or a 20-minute taxi ride to Las Palmas. The beach sits right in the city, so you can swap flip-flops for shoes and explore shops or museums nearby. With its mix of city buzz and beach relaxation, Las Canteras feels like two holidays in one.
Cala d’Hort in Ibiza
Image via Spain.info
Cala d’Hort is a peaceful beach with golden sand and clear waters, framed by the dramatic rocky island of Es Vedrà rising from the sea. Spend your day swimming in the calm bay, snorkelling to spot fish darting around the rocks, or simply soaking up the sun while staring at the famous view. Adventurous types can hike the cliffs for even better photos of the coastline. For food, try the beachside chiringuitos (beach bars) – Restaurante El Carmen does tasty grilled seafood, fresh salads, and local dishes like bullit de peix (fish stew). Stay in laid-back boutique hotels like Hostal La Torre, a short walk away with sunset views, or rent a villa tucked into the hills nearby. To get there from the UK, fly to Ibiza Airport (around 2.5 hours), then hire a car or take a 40-minute taxi ride southwest – buses are rare here. The drive winds past pine forests and dusty hills, giving you a taste of Ibiza’s wilder side.
Playa de las Catedrales, Galicia
Image via Spain.info
Playa de las Catedrales, on Galicia’s rugged coast, is a striking beach known for its dramatic cliffs and natural stone arches. At low tide, you can wander through the maze of rocky formations, snap photos of the cathedral-like arches, or explore hidden caves and pools. Check tide times in advance – the arches disappear underwater when the tide rolls in! Kids love searching for crabs in the tide pools, while walkers enjoy the cliff-top paths with sweeping sea views.
Nearby, you’ll find cosy seafood spots serving fresh Galician specialities like pulpo a la gallega (octopus with paprika) or hearty empanadas. For a treat, try the local Albariño wine. Accommodation options range from simple guesthouses to comfy hotels in Ribadeo, the closest town, just a 15-minute drive away. Book ahead in summer, as it gets busy. To reach the beach from the UK, catching a flight to Santiago de Compostela, Airlines like Ryanair offer direct flights from London, making it a convenient hop across the channel. Upon arrival, renting a car is your best bet for the scenic two-hour drive to the beach. Alternatively, fly to Porto in Portugal and head north by car (about three hours). Public transport is limited, so driving is easiest. This route hugs the coastline, offering glimpses of the Atlantic’s wild beauty.
If you’re in no rush, consider taking a ferry from Portsmouth to Santander, followed by a scenic drive along Spain’s northern coast. This leisurely route allows you to soak in the Costa Verde’s verdant beauty before reaching Playa de las Catedrales. Whether you choose to stay in cliffside cottages or hotels in Ribadeo, the beach’s dramatic rock formations and the rhythmic crash of waves promise an unforgettable experience.
Spanish beaches are calling
Spain’s beaches cater to every taste, from lively hotspots to hidden coves. On the Costa del Sol or Canary Islands, sun-seekers lounge on golden sands, swim in clear waters, or try snorkelling and paddleboarding. Family-friendly spots like Playa de Muro in Mallorca have calm shallows, while Ibiza’s shores buzz with beach bars and music. For wilder beauty, head to Costa Brava’s rocky bays or Galicia’s dramatic Playa de las Catedrales. Many beaches have nearby hotels or apartments, and most are a short flight from the UK – budget airlines serve coastal cities like Malaga or Alicante. Whether after relaxation or adventure, Spain’s coastline delivers.
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