
The British newspaper The Telegraph recommends Spain for summer travel. The favourite holiday destination for Brits with more than 15 million visitors by 2022, it has compiled this ranking of the 20 best coastal cities in Spain. These are Spain's best seaside towns in 2023, including less touristy beach towns in Spain and traditional Spanish coastal villages.
Spain is home to some of the most beautiful and picturesque seaside towns in Europe. These towns are known for their sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, delicious seafood, and charming architecture. You can find elegant harbours such as the Port of Malaga, quiet beaches such as the hidden coves of Nerja, not to mention excellent seafood restaurants, whitewashed buildings and restaurants adorned with colourful bougainvillea flowers.
Topping the ranking of the best seaside towns in Spain in 2023 according to The Telegraph is Sanlúcar de Barrameda, a historic town located in the province of Cádiz in Andalusia, southern Spain. It is situated on the left bank of the Guadalquivir River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine.The town's seafood is renowned, and there are many restaurants and bars serving fresh fish and seafood dishes.

Second on the list is Cadaqués, a picturesque town located on the Costa Brava in Catalonia. It is known for its whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and stunning sea views. Cadaqués is also famous for being the home of Salvador Dali, and you can visit his former house, which is now a museum.

The podium of the best seaside towns in Spain is rounded off with another visit to the province of Cadiz and the town of Tarifa. Tarifa is situated on the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its beautiful beaches, world-class wind and kite surfing, and fascinating history. It is a great destination for those interested in water sports, nature, and gastronomy, and a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Here is the full top 20 ranking of the best seaside towns in Spain, with a map of where they are located, including towns with beaches with luxury restaurants and excellent gastronomy, spectacular villages for water sports and much more.

- Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz)
- Cadaqués (Girona)
- Tarifa (Cadiz)
- Sitges (Barcelona)
- Estepona (Malaga)
- Llanes (Asturias)
- Altea (Alicante)
- Garachico (Tenerife)
- Baiona (Pontevedra)
- Lekeitio (Bizkaia)
- Cudillero (Asturias)
- Puerto de Sóller (Mallorca)
- Denia (Alicante)
- Combarro (Pontevedra)
- Nerja (Malaga)
- Comillas (Cantabria)
- Mojácar (Almería)
- Peñíscola (Castellón)
- Fornells (Menorca)
- Puerto de Mogán (Gran Canaria)
Overall, Spain has no shortage of beautiful seaside towns to explore, each with its unique charm and character. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday or a cultural getaway, there's something for everyone in Spain's coastal towns.