Beach vacation Spain

Spain consistently ranks among the top choices in Europe for a relaxed seaside break with children, and it’s easy to see why.

The Blue Flag remains one of the most recognised quality marks for beaches in Europe, awarded for water quality, safety standards, environmental management and accessibility.

The province of A Coruña is undoubtedly one of the most attractive coastal destinations in northern Spain.

Rodas Beach in Galicia is the only Spanish beach featured in the World’s 50 Best Beaches 2025, despite not being located in the Balearic or Canary Islands. Shaped like a crescent and stretching for 1.3 kilometres, its fine white sand – formed from crushed shells – connects the islands of Monteagudo and O Faro, two of the three that make up the Cíes archipelago. The beach currently holds 18th place in the global ranking.

Along the Spanish coast – particularly in the Canary Islands – there are beaches where the sand takes on a striking black colour instead of the usual golden tones. This distinctive feature is the result of volcanic processes that have shaped the landscape over thousands and even millions of years.

In several high-tourism areas, Spanish councils have brought in fines for going shirtless and wearing swimwear in town.

The province of Alicante stretches along more than 200 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline, forming what’s known as the Costa Blanca.

TimeOut has just released its roundup of the best cheap beach holidays in Europe for 2026.

Ibiza might bring to mind sprawling superclubs and world-class DJs, but the White Isle has a much quieter, bohemian spirit that’s easy to find.

When you picture Tenerife, you might think of the big, sunbaked resorts in the south. But travel to the island’s emerald-green northern coast to Puerto de la Cruz, and it's a different story.

Spain is home to a wealth of spectacular beaches, from hidden coves to sweeping stretches of golden sand, and there's something for every sea lover. But with such variety, choosing the “best” is no easy feat.

Surfing in Spain is not all about those daunting waves you see the pros catching.

When it comes to surfing in Europe, Spain is a fantastic all-rounder. The country has three distinct coastlines to explore: the powerful Cantabrian Sea up north, the warmer Atlantic shores down south, and even some surprisingly fun waves along the Mediterranean coast.

When it comes to getting your kit off on the beach, Spain has a refreshingly laid-back attitude. It means you can find everything from purpose-built naturist resorts where going without is the norm, to quiet, hidden calas where it’s just an unspoken local custom.

Just past the bustle of Barcelona, the coastline quickly reveals its softer side. You’ll spot rugged headlands, sandy stretches and villages with their own rhythm quite apart from city life.

You don’t need to be a sun-chasing expat or a part-time beach bum to spot the little blue flag flapping by the shore these days.

Spain’s coastline is world-famous, attracting millions of visitors each year to its beaches, from the Costa Brava and Andalusia to the Canary and Balearic Islands.

Although Bilbao is known for its world-class museums, modern architecture, and pintxos culture, its northern Spanish location places it tantalisingly close to the Atlantic coast.

While Barceloneta is the most popular beach in Barcelona's city centre, known for its lively atmosphere and urban backdrop, there are many more tranquil and beautiful beaches just a short journey away.

Exploring Mallorca in the summer offers an idyllic escape with picture-postcard beaches and a rugged coastline. The island attracts travellers from all over, especially Germans and Brits.

Barcelona is known for its vibrant city life and rich history, but also for its interesting coastline welcoming locals and tourists alike. And with the arrival of warmer temperatures, many choose to head to the beach to enjoy the sun and cool off.

Beach houses in Spain are always an attractive option for families and potential investors, especially during the summer season.

Fuengirola has been bestowed with the 'S' for Sustainability certificate for all its beaches by the Institute of Quality Tourism of Spain (ICTE), acknowledging the high standards of its 7 kilometers of coastline.

Are there any privately owned islands in Spain? There are, in fact, several. On the Spanish coast there is a selection of private islands that consist of just few hectares of land, some of which have luxury villas where you can enjoy an exclusive holiday.

The travel website TripAdvisor has published the Travellers' Choice Beaches, an award where they select the best beaches in Europe.