A guide to water sports in Spain, including the best beaches for surfing, diving and snorkelling.
Surfing Spain
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Spain offers a wide range of water sports due to its extensive coastline and diverse aquatic environments. Whether you prefer adrenaline-pumping activities or more leisurely pursuits, there are plenty of options to choose from. Spain has a wide range of beaches that are perfect for snorkelling, diving and surfing which you won't want to miss out on. No matter whether you're experienced or a beginner when it comes to water sport, spend the summer in style by heading to some of the best beaches in Spain for surfing, diving and snorkelling. These are the best places for water sport holidays in Spain, each providing unique experiences along its extensive coastline and surrounding islands.

Snorkelling in Spain: Menorca and Tenerife

Menorca
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Snorkelling in Spain presents a captivating opportunity to delve into the country's mesmerising underwater realms. Blessed with a diverse coastline and pristine waters, Spain unfolds a plethora of snorkelling havens where you can marvel at marine biodiversity, vibrant reefs, and thriving underwater ecosystems.

Offering a serene and immersive experience, snorkelling allows you to leisurely explore the captivating marine landscapes, observing the awe-inspiring array of multicoloured marine life that flourishes along Spain's picturesque beaches and secluded coves. Notably, the Canary and Balearic Islands stand out as prime destinations for snorkelling enthusiasts, beckoning with their crystalline waters and rich aquatic wonders.

Snorkelling in Menorca

Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera—collectively known as the Balearic Islands—are renowned for their turquoise waters and diverse marine life. We especially recommend Cala Galdana in Menorca, a great destination for a whole day of snorkelling in Spain. This beautiful cove is nestled between cliffs and has several secrets to explore. Get your goggles on and prepare to enjoy the submarine landscape at its finest.

After spending the day snorkelling in Menorca, your body will definitely need some rest. For this, we recommend heading to Cala d’en Xoroi, a lounge club nestled amongst the rocks where you can try some tasty local food and dine while enjoying one of the best sunsets in the world.

If you crave the allure of the Caribbean, look no further than Cala Macarelleta for your snorkelling escapade in Spain. Here, you'll be treated to the sheer delight of swimming in the mesmerising turquoise waters, transporting you to a tropical paradise right in the heart of the Spanish islands.

Snorkelling in Tenerife

Tenerife
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Tenerife stands as another haven for enthusiasts of water sports, particularly snorkelling and diving. With over 60 diving sites scattered along its picturesque coasts, the island offers a plethora of underwater wonders to explore. For an unforgettable snorkelling experience in Tenerife, we highly recommend indulging in the unique beauty of its black sand beaches. The striking contrast of colours between the ebony sands and the azure waters promises to leave you spellbound. Notable destinations such as Playa de Las Teresitas and Los Gigantes beckon with their pristine waters and abundant marine life, ensuring unforgettable snorkeling adventures amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Tenerife.

Diving in Spain: Mallorca and Lanzarote

Mallorca
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If you have mastered snorkelling, your next step without a doubt is diving. The possibility of exploring caves and the depths of the sea, as well as swimming alongside fish and reefs will convince you to take the plunge. 

Spain offers a rich underwater world for scuba diving enthusiasts. The Canary Islands, Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, and the Balearic Islands, particularly Mallorca and Ibiza, are known for their crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life.

Scuba diving in Mallorca

The Bay of Palma has an infinite number of spots to take the plunge and dive into the sea. You might even be in for a surprise, as this part of the Mallorcan coast is also home to several sunken ships. Will you strike gold and find some treasure?

Scuba diving in Lanzarote

Lanzarote
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Lanzarote’s pleasant climate allows you to enjoy diving at any time of year. The most popular area for diving in Lanzarote is Puerto del Carmen, where you'll be treated to a swim with all sorts of sea creatures, including seahorses.

Surfing in Spain: Asturias and Cadiz

Asturias
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Spain has numerous world-class surf breaks along its coastline, particularly in regions like Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, Galicia, and Andalusia. Surfing is a beloved activity, attracting both locals and international surfers.

Surfing isn't for the faint-hearted, but for those who are brave enough, Spain is home to some stunning surfing beaches where you'll be riding waves for hours on end. Whether you just want to give surfing a go as a beginner or if you're somewhat of a professional, Spain has something for you. 

Surfing in Asturias

We're off to the North of Spain, and San Lorenzo in Gijón, a generally crowded urban beach, also hides a quiet corner for surfing. Weather permitting, this spot is one of the best on Spain's northern coast, where you'll meet other surfers from all over the world. 

If you want to experience the history of surfing in Asturias, then you must head to Tapia de Casariego, where during the sixties people began to become fans of the sport. La Grande beach is small but it offers spectacular conditions for surfing.

Surfing in Cadiz

Tarifa
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If you're heading to Spain's Andalusia region, then you must take a trip to Tarifa in Cadiz. Its beaches, its wind, the silhouette of Africa on the horizon and, above all, its waves will delight the most experienced surfers.

And if you're a beginner surfer, don’t worry. Cadiz also offers beaches like Caños de Meca and El Palmar which are much more appropriate for beginners, where you can also take surfing classes this summer in Spain. 

These examples merely scratch the surface of the myriad water sports awaiting enthusiasts in Spain. With its varied geography and inviting climate, Spain stands as an unparalleled destination for aquatic adventures throughout the year. Whether you crave adrenaline-pumping excitement or serene relaxation, the Spanish waters offer something to delight every taste and preference. It's time to chart your course and embark on a journey to discover some of the finest locales for water sports holidays in Spain this summer.