Spain has countless gorgeous beaches that draw millions of tourists each year. They are also a magnet for international visitors. Plenty of Spaniards also dream of moving closer to the sea permanently.
With roughly 8,000 kilometres of coastline, lapped by the Cantabrian Sea, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Spain has everything from white-sand beaches to wild, rugged shores with clear waters. Here are some of the best beaches in Spain, according to National Geographic, along with the cost of buying a home in each location.
- Playa de Oyambre, the best beach in Spain
- Playa de las Catedrales, one of Spain’s most appealing beaches
- Cala Granadella, among Spain’s 10 best beaches
- Macarella and Macarelleta coves, Mediterranean treasures
- Playa de Nogales, one of Spain’s loveliest beaches
- Caló d’es Moro, a Mallorca treasure
- Castro de Baroña, among the best beaches on the Iberian Peninsula
- Playa de Gulpiyuri, a beach unlike any other
- Cala d’Aiguablava, one of Spain’s most idyllic beaches
- Cala Saladeta, with some of Spain’s clearest water
Playa de Oyambre, the best beach in Spain
The journey starts in Cantabria. Set between the municipalities of Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera, beside Oyambre Natural Park, it is one of the best beaches in Cantabria. With two kilometres of white sand and a lovely dune system, it has an exceptional coastal setting.
The twin sandy beach of La Rabia also forms a spectacular inlet. In winter, the swells turn Oyambre into one of the best beaches for surfing on the Cantabrian coast.
According to idealista’s latest price report, buying a home in San Vicente de la Barquera costs an average of €3,199 per m².
Playa de las Catedrales, one of Spain’s most appealing beaches
Located near Ribadeo, Playa de las Catedrales forms part of the As Catedrais Natural Area and is internationally recognised for its striking coastline. Its stand-out features are the huge natural arches, some reaching 30 metres high.
This beach in Lugo, ranked as Spain’s fourth best, is particularly memorable at low tide, when it is possible to explore its caves and walk beneath its natural buttresses. It is a good spot for hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities.
The average price of a home in Ribadeo, where Playa de las Catedrales is located, stands at €1,839 per m².
Cala Granadella, among Spain’s 10 best beaches
Regarded as one of the loveliest beaches in Spain, and certainly among Alicante’s most attractive, Cala Granadella takes sixth place in the list of Spain’s best beaches. Sheltered in Jávea, between cliffs and pine trees, it is a small refuge of clear water and fine sand, helped along by the region’s excellent climate.
This unspoilt cove is one of the Costa Blanca’s most attractive and has received Blue Flag status every year since 1989. It can be reached via the road through La Granadella Forest Park, which ends at Cape Nao.
According to idealista’s latest price report, homes for sale in Jávea have an average asking price of €4,177 per m².
Macarella and Macarelleta coves, Mediterranean treasures
Macarella and Macarelleta are two neighbouring coves on Menorca’s south coast, within the municipality of Ciutadella. They are considered among the most attractive beaches in the Mediterranean, ranking 11th on National Geographic’s list. Both are part of the Special Area of Natural Interest on Ciutadella’s southern coast and are celebrated for turquoise water, white sand and their natural surroundings.
These idyllic coves can only be reached by sea or on foot and have become a major draw for international visitors. Their clear waters are framed by pine-covered cliffs that appear to tumble into the sea, creating a remarkable view.
The average price of homes for sale in Ciutadella was €4,392 per m² in July 2026.
Playa de Nogales, one of Spain’s loveliest beaches
In 14th place is Playa de Nogales, in Puntallana in northern La Palma. It stands out for its exotic black volcanic sand and striking natural setting. Surrounded by cliffs and a dense laurisilva forest, a subtropical laurel forest, it is a peaceful place away from the crowds for those after quiet and sea views. As well as its looks, Nogales is well suited to activities such as surfing.
Getting there involves a 15- to 20-minute walk along a path descending the cliff, so sensible footwear and comfortable clothing are necessary.
The average asking price for homes for sale in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is €2,781 per m².
Caló d’es Moro, a Mallorca treasure
Cala d’es Moro, in the municipality of Santanyí in south-east Mallorca, is an unspoilt cove with turquoise clear water, fine white sand and a remarkable natural setting. Ringed by rocky cliffs and pine trees, it is considered one of Mallorca’s, Spain’s and the world’s most attractive beaches.
Despite its popularity, Cala d’es Moro retains a calm, laid-back feel that suits time spent in nature. Its waters are particularly good for swimming, diving and snorkelling, with abundant marine life.
According to idealista’s latest price report, homes for sale in Santanyí average €5,671 per m².
Castro de Baroña, among the best beaches on the Iberian Peninsula
Located in the municipality of Porto do Son, Castro de Baroña beach stands out for its wild setting and the historical atmosphere around it. Sheltered beneath a rocky headland is a Celtic castro settlement, a fortified Iron Age village, dating to the 1st century BC. Its archaeological remains sit among dunes, pine groves and open sea.
The beach has coarse golden sand and Atlantic waters, with hardly any facilities, adding to its untouched feel. Popular with surfers and walkers, it captures the more ancient, legendary side of Galicia.
The average asking price for homes for sale in Porto do Son, A Coruña, is €1,377 per m².
Playa de Gulpiyuri, a beach unlike any other
Set among green meadows and coastal cliffs in Llanes, close to Ribadesella, lies one of the world’s most unusual beaches: Gulpiyuri. This tiny inland cove, declared a Natural Monument, is formed through a cave linked to the Cantabrian Sea. Saltwater flows inland and settles in a small hollow of white sand.
Surrounded by countryside, with no buildings or roads in sight, it can only be reached on foot. Its geological rarity and visual appeal make it a memorable stop for curious travellers and anyone drawn to places that are a bit different.
According to idealista’s latest report, homes for sale in Llanes average €2,447 per m².
Cala d’Aiguablava, one of Spain’s most idyllic beaches
Cala d’Aiguablava is one of the most emblematic beaches on the Costa Brava. This cove of pale, fine sand opens out between cliffs and pine trees, with a seabed clear enough to see several metres down. The setting has the feel of a Mediterranean postcard, with anchored boats and white houses high up in Begur.
Despite its near-wild, unspoilt appearance, it has good access, parking, facilities, restaurants and the nearby Parador Nacional, a state-run hotel. It suits a quiet day by the sea as well as kayaking along the coast or snorkelling.
Homes for sale in Begur cost around €4,199 per m² on average.
Cala Saladeta, with some of Spain’s clearest water
Hidden away on Ibiza’s north-west coast, Cala Saladeta is reached via a short path winding along the cliffs from Cala Salada. This Balearic spot has pale sand and transparent water, surrounded by untamed pine woods and flat rocks that lend themselves to a slower pace.
With no buildings or tourist facilities, Cala Saladeta has an unspoilt air that contrasts with Ibiza’s party-centred image. Although access is not particularly easy, it draws people looking for peace and nature each summer.
The sea is generally calm and well suited to swimming or snorkelling. Towards evening, golden sunlight casts pink reflections across the water, creating a dreamlike scene.
According to idealista’s price report, buying a home in Ibiza costs an average of €8,867 per m².
