10 best beaches in Spain you’ll want to visit this year

Widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Spain – and Europe as a whole, for that matter – Ondaretta is reason enough to visit northern Spain.

Just outside San Sebastian, this beach boasts a wide, sandy stretch and spectacular views, plus plenty of outdoorsy activities like surfing. Kiddos especially will love the floating pontoons, which come equipped with slides and jumping areas.

For an even more adventurous outing, rent a kayak and paddle over to tiny Santa Clara Island, which boasts its own beach (and fewer crowds).

This spectacular beach requires some effort to reach via a series of twisting, hairpin turns. But once you’re there, it’s well worth it, with pristine water, plenty of shade from tall pine trees and gorgeous views of the beach set against the mountains. 

The water is relatively calm too, making Formentor one of the best beaches in Spain for families. During peak season, lifeguards also are on duty.

Temperatures stay relatively warm from May until October, making it a great place for off-season swimming. Within a short drive is Cap de Pera Lighthouse, which offers sublime sunset views.

Popular with both tourists and locals alike, this iconic sandy stretch is close to the Malaga’s city center, making it a cinch to access for day trips to the beach. You’ll know you’re there when you see the “Malagueta” sculpture that looks like sand, which is a popular photo opp.

Beach volleyball is common here, and trendy beach bars add to the buzzy atmosphere. When it’s time to cool off, keep in mind that the water gets deep quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on kiddos.

Barcelona’s easternmost beach (“llevant” means “east” in Catalan) also is its newest. It opened in 2006 after a remarkable renovation from an industrial area full of factories.

Today, it’s a lively spot for beachgoing families, tourists and locals, who flock here for the soft sand and beautifully clear water, with gleaming skyscrapers in the background. And those who wants to try their hand at surfing can take advantage of couple of surf schools on site.

For getaways that blend beach days with urban exploration, Las Arenas is one of the best beaches in Valencia, Spain.

Its location a short walk from the city center makes it a cinch to spend mornings (or entire days) at the beach before exploring the city’s vibrant dining or nightlife scene.

In addition to its convenient location, Las Arenas is spacious, wide and clean. Small vendors sell drinks and snacks, and a beach promenade, complete with a separate bike lane, is excellent for strolling.

For an easy day at the beach without leaving Barcelona, head to its most popular beach: Barceloneta, which is easily accessible via public transport or walking.

There’s always something happening here: sand artists, volleyball games and sailing races. And a wide seaside promenade is a lovely spot for an evening stroll.

When hunger strikes, hit up one of the several restaurants or food vendors nearby. One word of advice: Do not leave any personal belongings unattended, as theft is common, especially during the summer high season when the beach is packed with locals and tourists..

This quaint coastal town less than an hour by train from Barcelona is sometimes referred to as the Saint Tropez of Spain – as well as the gay capital of Europe.

It boasts 17 beaches, each with its own flavor. But to mingle with the locals, head to Saint Sebastian beach: a compact cove just east of the main city center. The sand is soft, the water is clear and the views of the city do not disappoint.

When it’s time for a meal, simply wander into town to take your pick of restaurants serving traditional tapas and seafood-centric dishes.

Located in Costa Adeje in front of some of the island’s most luxurious hotels, this gray sandy beach is bordered by a promenade that links it up with several other beaches. 

Arrive early to snag a sun lounger and parking, then settle in for a lovely day at El Duque, a Blue Flag beach with soft sand and a lovely holiday atmosphere.

You can rent umbrellas and loungers for a decent price. Some restaurants and beach bars are a little spendy, however. You can also pick up snack and drinks at a nearby grocery store.

This stretch of sand is one of several beaches linked by a promenade in Marbella, one of the toniest towns along the Costa del Sol. Bajadilla is slightly less crowded than some of the other beaches, but it can get busy on weekends.

The beach is great for active-minded travelers, too. Round up the gang for a volleyball match on the courts, head out in a pedalo or go exploring in a kayak. The beach is a short walk from Marbella’s city center, with several restaurants and chiringitos nearby.

Long known for its world-famous parties, Ibiza also boasts a range of stunning beaches, too. One of them is Benirras Beach, in the island’s northeast corner.

Known for its chilled-out vibe and amazing sunsets, the beach consists of a small, rocky cove. The beach is fairly undeveloped, but still has sun loungers and restrooms available, plus a market on some days.

On Sunday evenings, stick around to watch the drum circle at sunset – a fitting way to soak up the longstanding boho vibe this iconic island is known for.