Spain has secured two spots in TripAdvisor’s 2026 ranking of the world’s best beaches. The recognition places the country firmly on this year’s global coastal map, with two island favourites making the cut.
Spain in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards
The annual Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches are based entirely on the volume and quality of reviews left by travellers. Rather than a panel of judges, the ranking reflects consistent feedback from people who have actually spent time on the sand.
In 2026, two Spanish beaches made it into TripAdvisor's global top 25. Their inclusion highlights not just scenery, but reliable infrastructure, clean water and well‑managed natural surroundings.
Platja de Muro, Mallorca
Platja de Muro, or Muro Beach, sits in the north-east of Mallorca, along the sweeping Bay of Alcúdia. Ranked 12th on TripAdvisor's list, it forms part of a long sandy coastline backed by dunes and pine trees.
Just behind the beach is Parc Natural de s’Albufera, the largest wetland in the Balearic Islands. It’s a protected area with walking and cycling routes, adding a quieter, nature-focused side to what could otherwise feel like a classic resort zone.
Why travellers rate it highly
The water here is shallow and clear, staying calm on most summer days. The beach is wide enough for long walks, and even in peak season, you can usually find space if you wander a little further along the shore.
Families looking for kid-friendly beaches tend to appreciate the gentle entry into the sea, while residents value the mix of services that stay open beyond July and August. Around Alcúdia Bay, you’ll find a blend of holiday apartments and year-round homes, with a steady international community woven into local life rather than dominating it.
Playa de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
At number 20 on TripAdvisor's best beaches list, Playa de Maspalomas, or Maspalomas Beach, stretches along the southern coast of Gran Canaria, next to the Dunas de Maspalomas nature reserve. The dunes are the real scene-stealer, rolling inland in soft, golden curves that feel closer to the Sahara than mainland Spain.
The beach itself runs for several kilometres, connecting Maspalomas with the neighbouring top Spanish Blue Flag beach, Playa del Inglés.
What makes it stand out
The shifting dunes create a landscape that changes subtly with the wind, while the Atlantic adds a different character to the sea compared with the Mediterranean
One of the big draws here is the climate. Southern Gran Canaria stays mild through winter, which has shaped a strong community of seasonal residents and longer-term expats.
- Property for sale on Maspalomas Beach
- Long-term rentals on Maspalomas Beach
- Holiday rentals on Maspalomas Beach
Spain’s island coastlines still draw global attention
Having both Mallorca and Gran Canaria recognised in the same year highlights the range Spain offers. The Balearics bring pine-backed Mediterranean bays, secret coves, and easy access to mainland Europe, while the Canaries deliver volcanic terrain and a subtropical climate further south. This consistent performance also sits alongside Spain’s strong record of Blue Flag beaches, which reflects ongoing attention to water quality and coastal management.
International interest in areas such as Mallorca remains high, particularly around the stretches highlighted among the best beaches on the island. Plus, conversations around cheap houses for sale in Spain near the beach show that buyers are still weighing lifestyle against long-term value rather than chasing a headline position on a list.
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