In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Rodas Beach, followed by Las Catedrales Beach and Bolonia Beach.
Choosing the best beaches in Spain is almost impossible with thousands of kilometres of coastline. We looked for variety: wild beaches, turquoise coves, city beaches and some of the most surprising in Europe.
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1. Rodas Beach
Cíes Islands, Pontevedra
White sand, crystal-clear water and a protected setting within the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. Visitor numbers are limited, which helps preserve it.
2. Las Catedrales Beach
Ribadeo, Lugo
At low tide you can walk among rock arches tens of metres high. A unique natural spectacle; check the tide times before you go.
3. Bolonia Beach
Tarifa, Cádiz
A huge sand dune, clean water and, right by the beach, the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia. Nature and history on the same walk.
4. Ses Illetes
Formentera, Balearic Islands
Turquoise water that looks Caribbean thanks to the posidonia seagrass meadows that keep it clean. One of the Mediterranean's most famous views.
5. La Concha Beach
San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Spain's great city beach: a shell-shaped bay with its white railings and Santa Clara island in the middle.
6. Mónsul Beach
Cabo de Gata, Almería
A great volcanic rock, a dune and an almost desert landscape inside a natural park. It was a filming location for movies such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
7. Cofete Beach
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Miles of wild sand beneath the mountains, with no buildings in sight. You reach it by a dirt track and the surf is usually strong: it is more for admiring than swimming.
8. Cala Macarella
Menorca, Balearic Islands
A white-sand cove surrounded by pine trees and cliffs, with calm turquoise water. Menorca's classic postcard.
9. Gulpiyuri Beach
Llanes, Asturias
A beach in the middle of a meadow, about a hundred metres from the sea, filled with water through an underground tunnel. Small and surprising.
10. Es Trenc
Mallorca, Balearic Islands
A long, unspoilt beach of fine sand and shallow water, protected as a natural area. Ideal for families.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most beautiful beach in Spain?
It is hotly debated. In our ranking, Rodas beach on the Cíes Islands wins for its white sand, crystal-clear water and protected setting.
Do you need a booking to visit Las Catedrales beach?
In high season (Easter and summer) access to the beach is regulated and you must request a free permit in advance. Check the official website before you go.
How do you get to the Cíes Islands?
By boat from Vigo, Cangas or Baiona. Daily visitor numbers are limited and you need an authorisation before buying your ticket.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.