Discover Spain’s most famous beaches – their highlights and what it costs to live near them.
Mundaka
Mundaka Wikimedia commons

Spain boasts one of the most diverse and spectacular coastlines in Europe. Its beaches range from unspoilt coves with crystal-clear waters to vast stretches of sand offering every amenity, as well as tranquil shores bordered by lush forests.

But beyond being top holiday destinations, many of these coastal spots also make excellent places to live or invest in a second home. In this article, we highlight the most famous beaches in Spain, according to Go Guides, and explore current property prices in each area. We’ve also included three additional beaches worth discovering.

Ses Illetes beach (Formentera, Balearic Islands)

Ses Illetes
Ses Illetes Wikimedia commons

We begin the list with Spain’s most famous beach in the Balearic Islands. Located at the northern tip of Formentera, Ses Illetes is a true slice of paradise. With its turquoise waters and fine white sand, it’s often likened to the Caribbean, yet it retains all the charm of the Mediterranean. Set within the protected Ses Salines Natural Park, the beach offers an unspoilt environment, free from high-rise developments and large crowds, creating a laid-back atmosphere that draws both sailors and celebrities.

Easily accessible by car, bicycle or on foot, and offering stunning views of the nearby island of Espalmador, Ses Illetes is perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat in an exclusive, sophisticated setting.

Find accommodation on Formentera and visit Ses Illetes.

Formentera has a very limited real estate supply and strong international demand, which naturally drives prices up. According to the latest idealista price report, buying a home near Ses Illetes can cost around €8,780 per square metre.

Los Genoveses beach (Níjar, Almería, Andalusia)

Genoveses Beach (Níjar, Almería, Andalusia)
Spain.info

Situated in the heart of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, Los Genoveses beach is one of the last truly unspoilt stretches of coastline in Spain, and one of the most popular among visitors. Its surroundings remain entirely natural, with no buildings, beach bars or paved roads. Just golden sand, rolling dunes, native scrubland and the soothing sound of wind and waves.

Discover the holiday rental options in Níjar and visit Playa de los Genoveses.

The beach takes its name from a Genoese fleet that landed in the bay in the 12th century. Today, it remains an idyllic destination for those in search of tranquillity and natural beauty. Access is restricted during the summer months, helping to preserve its wild, uncrowded character.

According to the idealista price report, the average cost of homes for sale in Níjar stands at €1,445 per square metre.

La Concha beach (San Sebastián, Basque Country)

Concha Beach
Wikimedia commons

An undisputed symbol of San Sebastián, La Concha beach is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most elegant and iconic urban beaches. Renowned for its distinctive shell shape, the bay features calm waters, golden sand and a picturesque promenade lined with the city’s emblematic white railing. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

If you want to visit La Concha beach, don't miss the opportunity and book accommodation in San Sebastián.

Framed by grand architecture, historic spas, luxury hotels and an exceptional culinary scene, La Concha blends the pleasures of seaside living with the cosmopolitan charm of one of northern Spain’s most beautiful cities. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing or simply strolling along the promenade while enjoying views of Santa Clara Island and Mount Igueldo.

San Sebastián ranks among the cities with the highest property prices in Spain. According to idealista data, the average cost in Donostia–San Sebastián stands at €6,071 per square metre.

Maspalomas beach (Gran Canaria, Canary Islands)

Maspalomas
Turismo de Gran Canaria

Maspalomas beach is an iconic destination in the south of Gran Canaria, known for its truly unique landscape. An immense expanse of dunes stretches along the coastline, creating a spectacular and singular ecosystem in Spain. The Maspalomas Dunes, designated a Special Nature Reserve, offer visitors an unforgettable visual and sensory experience.

In Maspalomas, you will find a variety of holiday rentals.

The beach is expansive, with designated areas for families, naturists and LGBTQ+ visitors, making it an ideal destination for a wide range of people. Its proximity to the Maspalomas Lighthouse, scenic promenades and luxury hotel resorts adds to its appeal, offering the perfect setting to enjoy the sun all year round.

According to data from idealista, the average price of homes for sale in the Maspalomas-Meloneras area stands at €6,362 per square metre.

Muro beach (Mallorca, Balearic Islands)

The most famous beaches in Spain: which ones are they and how much does it cost to live there? Playa del Muro, Mallorca
Mallorca.com

We return to the Balearic Islands for Spain’s next famous beach, this time in Mallorca. Situated in the Bay of Alcúdia, Muro beach is the island’s quintessential family-friendly destination. Stretching over five kilometres, the beach boasts fine white sand and shallow, calm waters, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for children to swim.

Set in a peaceful, natural environment near the S'Albufera Natural Park, it’s ideal for those looking to combine beach holidays with outdoor activities. A wide range of amenities including hotels, holiday rentals, playgrounds and restaurants has cemented Muro beach’s reputation as one of the best beaches in Mallorca for a holiday with family or friends.

Don't miss out on the holiday rentals in Mallorca and discover Playa de Muro.

Although located in Mallorca, one of the most sought-after islands in the Mediterranean, Muro beach offers slightly more affordable property prices compared to areas such as Palma or Port d’Andratx. According to idealista, the average price of properties for sale in Alcudia stands at €4,567 per square metre.

Las Catedrales beach (Ribadeo, Lugo, Galicia)

Cathedral Beach, Ribadeo
Wikimedia commons

We now head north to discover the next beach on the list, located in Ribadeo, a stop along the Northern Way of St. James. Playa de las Catedrales (which translates as cathedral beach) is one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on the Galician coast. Its name pays tribute to the towering rock formations that rise from the sand like natural flying buttresses, sculpted over centuries by the relentless force of the sea and wind.

Ribadeo has a wealth of holiday rentals, are you going to miss the opportunity to visit Las Catedrales beach?

The spectacle is at its most impressive at low tide, when visitors can walk among the arches, caves and natural columns that resemble the intricate stonework of a Gothic cathedral, carved not by human hands, but by nature itself. Due to its popularity, access to the beach is restricted during peak season to help preserve its unique environment and ensure a more peaceful experience for those who visit.

According to the latest idealista price report, the average price of properties in Ribadeo is €1,410 per square metre.

Mundaka Beach (Vizcaya, Basque Country)

Mundaka
Mundaka Beach Wikimedia commons

We return to the Basque Country to discover another of Spain’s most iconic beaches. Located on the coast of Vizcaya, within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, Mundaka Beach is an epic destination for surfers from around the world. The reason? Its renowned left-hand wave, considered one of the best in Europe, and one of the longest in the world.

This wave can break for over 400 metres, making Mundaka a regular fixture on the professional surfing circuit. But there’s more to enjoy than just the surf; the surrounding landscape is equally impressive, with forests, marshes, cliffs and a picturesque old town with a strong nautical character that adds to the area’s unique charm.

Would you like to discover Mundaka? Check out its holiday rentals.

The average price of homes for sale in Vizcaya is €3,109 per square metre, reflecting a 10.8% increase over the past year.

El Silencio beach (Asturias)

Beach of Silence
idealista/news

As its name suggests, Playa del Silencio (which translates as silence beach) is a haven of tranquillity. This small pebble cove is framed by steep, verdant cliffs that shelter it from the outside world. To reach it, visitors must follow a footpath from the village of Castañeras, in the picturesque municipality of Cudillero (Avilés region), a route that naturally limits footfall and helps preserve the beach’s serene, almost mystical atmosphere.

There are no beach bars, umbrellas or buildings here, just sea, sky and untouched nature. It’s Asturias at its purest: the perfect spot to disconnect, reflect or simply take in one of the most photogenic landscapes in Spain.

If you'd like to spend a few days on holiday in Avilés and discover Playa del Silencio, you have no excuse: find holiday homes.

What’s more, living here is affordable properties in Cudillero average €1,497 per square metre.

Torremolinos (Málaga, Andalusia)

Torremolinos
Torremolinos Wikimedia commons

Torremolinos, on the Costa del Sol, has reinvented itself over recent decades to become a world-class destination. Its wide beaches such as Bajondillo and Los Álamos offer excellent services, numerous leisure areas, and a lively atmosphere all year round.

Particularly popular with the LGBTQ+ community, the town features a wealth of inclusive venues, hosts events such as Pride, and boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with world-renowned DJs performing every weekend. Its enviable climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, along with its proximity to Málaga Airport, makes it an ideal location for both holidays and permanent living.

Don't miss out on holiday rentals in Torremolinos to spend a few days on its beaches.

Torremolinos offers good value for money compared to other areas along the Andalusian coast and the Costa del Sol, but its rising global popularity has pushed property prices upwards. Currently, homes for sale in the town average €3,633 per square metre.

Playa d'en Bossa (Ibiza, Balearic Islands)

Playa d'en Bossa
Wikimedia commons

We pack our bags and head to the vibrant island of Ibiza to discover one of Spain’s and indeed the world’s most famous beaches. Playa d’en Bossa is synonymous with partying, music and endless summers. As the longest beach on Ibiza, it is also one of the liveliest in the Mediterranean. Its nearly three kilometres are lined with luxury beach clubs, world-renowned nightclubs such as Ushuaïa and Hï, designer hotels and restaurants boasting sea views.

By day, visitors from across the globe bask in the sun on Balinese beds while enjoying cocktails; by night, the area transforms into the heart of Ibiza’s nightlife. Yet beyond the revelry, there are quieter stretches at either end of the beach, perfect for those seeking relaxation.

Sounds good to you? It's your chance to find accommodation on Ibiza and relax for a few days on the island.

Ibiza is one of the most expensive places to live in Spain, and Playa d’en Bossa is no exception. According to idealista data from June 2025, the average price of a home in Figueretes - Platja d'En Bossa is €5,738/m². Purchasing property here for rental purposes means high returns.

Bolonia beach (Tarifa, Cadiz, Andalusia)

Bolonia Beach
Turismo de Cádiz

Bolonia beach is a wild, natural treasure nestled within the Estrecho Natural Park. Its golden sands, crystal-clear waters and iconic dune rising over 30 metres high offer visitors a truly spectacular sight. Bolonia maintains a rustic, tranquil atmosphere, free from large urban developments and overcrowding. The area is protected due to its significant ecological and archaeological value, hosting the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia right on the shoreline. It’s also a prime spot for water sports such as surfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and windsurfing.

Every summer, Tarifa becomes a top destination for both national and international tourists, so booking accommodation well in advance is highly recommended.

The average price of property in Tarifa is €3,981/m².

Los Locos beach (Suances, Cantabria)

The most famous beaches in Spain: Playa de los Locos
idealista/news

We head back to northern Spain to explore one of the country’s most popular and striking beaches. Located in Suances, a well-loved coastal town in Cantabria, Playa de Los Locos is a must-visit for surfers and fans of the wild Cantabrian coastline. Known for its powerful waves, rugged surroundings and youthful, sporty vibe, it’s a favourite spot for adventure seekers.

The beach is framed by cliffs, with access down a flight of steps from a breathtaking viewpoint. Despite its unusual name, it reflects the unpredictable nature of the sea here. Suances itself is a lively town, boasting excellent cuisine, a lively summer nightlife and plenty of trails to explore along the Cantabrian coast.

Discover holiday rental options in Suances and discover Los Locos Beach.

The price of homes for sale in Suances has increased in recent years due to tourist demand, although it remains reasonable compared to other northern regions. Specifically, it has risen 36.9% in the last year, reaching €2,770/m2.

North beach (Peñíscola, Castellón)

North Beach of Peñíscola
Wikimedia commons

We conclude our tour at one of the most popular family-friendly beaches: Playa del Norte. Stretching nearly six kilometres of fine, golden sand, it offers stunning views of Peñíscola’s old town and its iconic Papa Luna Castle. This is one of the most well-equipped urban beaches in the Mediterranean, boasting a Blue Flag, a promenade, sports facilities, children’s play areas and a wide selection of restaurants.

Peñíscola has a variety of accommodation, are you going to miss out?

The town has grown in popularity in recent years, both as a holiday destination and for second homes, yet property remains affordable compared to other coastal areas in Spain.

According to idealista data, the average price to buy a home in Peñíscola is €1,947/m² (June 2025).