Looking for the best beaches in Spain for your next holiday? With a coastline stretching over 5000 kilometres (3100 miles), Spain is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches to suit every type of traveller. From the dramatic black volcanic sands of the Canary Islands to the golden shores of mainland Spain and the white powdery beaches of Mallorca, Ibiza and the rest of the Balearic Islands, you’ll be spoiled for choice when planning your next beach holiday in Spain.

white sandy beach in Benidorm with palmtrees and the city skyline and sierra helada in the background

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Whether you’re seeking family friendly beaches, adrenaline-fueled watersport spots or peaceful corners to relax and unwind, Spain has it all. With so many stunning Spanish beaches to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain to visit, with insights from fellow beach lovers and travel enthusiasts.

They have shared their favourite Spanish beaches and top beach destinations complete with tips on the area, what to see, how to get there and the best things to do.

So read on to discover all that is on offer when planning your next beach holiday in Spain. And don’t forget to explore the local shops for unique Spanish souvenirs and stop by a local restaurant to savour some of Spain’s most tasty food.

Good to know: Some of the most popular and frequently visited beaches, such as those along the Costa Blanca, are not included in this list, as they deserve a post of their own and they are definitely worth a visit too. Discover here the most beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca.

Best Beaches in Southern Spain

Southern Spain is home to some of the country’s most iconic and sun-drenched beaches. From the vibrant shores of Costa del Sol to the more secluded coves along the Costa de la Luz, you’ll find a perfect blend of lively beach clubs, golden sands and crystal-clear waters.

Playa de Bolonia in Tarifa

Recommended by Alison in Andalucia

bolonia beach near tarifa with dunes and wide empty beach

Bolonia, situated between Tarifa and Zahara de los Atunes on Spain’s Costa de la Luz, is home to one of the largest sand dunes in Europe. Climbing to the top of the dune is worth the effort for the stunning views of the beach’s golden sands and crystal clear waters, the pine forests of the Estrecho Natural Park and the mountains of Morocco, around 20 miles away across the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is a mecca for kite surfers when the Levante is blowing, but it never feels too crowded, even at the height of summer.

If water sports aren’t your thing, there are plenty of walking trails through the pines and history buffs should take some time to explore the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, a testament to the area’s fish salting past. With only one road into town, a stunning drive between two rocky outcrops, Bolonia has, so far, managed to retain its laid-back vibe. There are just a few places to grab a drink and something to eat and out of season. you could well be the only person on the beach. Keep an eye out for the cows though as they love Bolonia beach as much as I do!

Malaga Beaches in Malaga

palmtrees, grass and beach by the sea in malaga
Photo Credit: Food and Drink Destinations
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Travellers have been heading to Spain’s Costa del Sol for decades, drawn by the warm sunshine and of course, the beautiful beaches. Málaga, located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, is known not only for its stunning coastline, including beaches right in the city centre, but also for its vibrant culture and historic charm.  While many of Spain’s other beautiful beaches are located in smaller, remote towns, Málaga offers the unique advantage of urban beaches just steps from the city.

Many of these beaches are easily accessible by public transport or a short drive. Malaga offers visitors with the perfect mix of daytime fun in the sun and lively nightlife, whether it’s strolling through the streets in search of the best tapas or enjoying a drink at a rooftop bar. With mild temperatures year-round, Malaga’s beaches can be enjoyed even in winter, often under bright blue skies.

At the center of Malaga’s coastline is the 3500 meter long San Julian beach. Other popular beaches in Malaga include Guadalmar, Misericordia and San Andres beach.

Playa de los Caños de Meca in Cádiz

lighthouse in the distance on playa de los canos in southern spain
Photo Credit: The Travelling Stomach

Whilst the sun soaked beaches of the Costa del Sol are well known by European tourists, if you want something a bit more rugged, head south to Playa de los Caños de Meca. Exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, the waters are perfect for windsurfing and longboard surfing, albeit perhaps a bit windy for sunbathing on occasion!

Located on Cape Trafalgar, most well known for the naval battle which took place here in 1805, the beach backs onto an impressive set of dunes and a striking shoreline. You won’t find all the touristy restaurants and bars here that you would in Malaga, but rather adventurous travellers pulling out a surfboard or a surf kite and hitting the water. The Cape of Trafalgar still houses the majestic lighthouse, whose white walls sit proudly on the cape, framing the beach perfectly. If you are looking to stay in the area, don’t go anywhere else but Casa la Siesta for its tranquil gardens and beautifully decorated rooms.

Playa de Monsul, Cabo de Gata Natural Park in Almería

playa mansur in cabo de gata empty beach between large rocks and rocky hills
Photo Credit: Past The Potholes

One of the most interesting natural parks in Spain is the Cabo de Gata Natural Park in Almería. The semi-desert climate is filled with unique volcanic landscapes, traditional fishing villages, and plenty of secluded beaches. We hiked from the village of San José to Playa Mónsul, enjoying incredible ocean views along the way. Playa Mónsul is unlike any other beach we’ve visited. The volcanic activity, combined with the wind and waves the exposed coastline receives, has created otherworldly rock formations; like giant waves frozen in time.

Playa Mónsul has been featured in a few movies due to its alien landscapes. Most notably, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade filmed some scenes here. Another great feature of the Cabo de Gata beaches is that the nature reserve extends into the sea, making this an excellent spot for snorkelling or diving. The frequent winds also make a number of wind-powered watersports popular here.

Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve does have limited bus service from the city of Almería, but a car is the best way to explore the area. Aside from hiking as we did, it is also possible to drive to Playa Mónsul, although the number of cars is limited during the summer months.

Matalascañas and Asperillo beach in Huelva

asperillo beach in huelva with rocks
Photo Credit: Views of the World

Matalascañas is a beautiful beach, 7 kilometres long and 80 metres wide, in the south-west of Spain, in the province of Huelva. This sandy beach is a favourite among locals, as it boasts lots of restaurants and cafés. Young people love the summer nightlife. During the summer, shoulder months, and bank holidays, it can get crowded, with traffic jams to and from the beach.

However, during the winter months, it is usually deserted, especially when chilling winds blow inland. Even though this part of Spain is beautiful all year round, the contrast of the golden sand against the blue Atlantic is best appreciated with fewer people on it.

But if you happen to visit in the summer, head 17 kilometres north towards Huelva and you’ll find a deserted beach called Asperillo. This stretch of the Atlantic coast, bordering Doñana National Park has huge sand dunes. It is a bit more difficult to access and has no facilities.

Playa de la Barrosa in Chiclana de la Frontera, Cádiz

man with dog walking on barrosa beach near cadiz in the sunset
Photo Credit: Mindful Travel

La Barrosa is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches travellers can find in Andalusia. It’s located in Chiclana de la Frontera, a coastal town just half an hour drive from the city of Cádiz. La Barrosa Beach is about 8 kilometres long, stretching from the cliffs of Sancti Petri Beach to Loma del Puerco. This beach could easily stand alongside the top Mediterranean and Adriatic spots, like the islands of Croatia and Malta.

It is surrounded by dunes and the construction of houses or buildings on the beachfront is not allowed, which makes it even more special. In addition, this popular beach has been awarded important environmental quality marks, such as the Blue Flag, granted annually for its cleanliness.

There’s nothing better than walking barefoot along La Barrosa Beach first thing in the morning, when the sand is untouched and the beach completely empty. At the other end of the day, the sunsets here are truly magical when the Cádiz sky turns orange and pink over the sea and the Castle of Sancti Petri, all while you sip a mojito in a beach bar with live music.

Playa Carabeillo in Nerja

nerja beach in nerja with people sunbathing
Photo Credit: Explore Now or Never

Just a short distance from Málaga, the coastal town of Nerja is a true hidden gem on the Costa del Sol. It has all the beauty of more well-known beaches, but with fewer crowds. Playa Carabeillo is definitely the main attraction in this small coastal town, but beach access can be a bit tricky. There isn’t continuous access to the coast, but there are still plenty other of sandy beaches in Nerja to enjoy.

To orient yourself, look for the Balcony of Europe, a viewpoint offering gorgeous views of the coast stretching in both directions. Legend has it that the ‘balcony’ was so named by King Alfonso XII, who visited Nerja after a huge earthquake in 1885 and proclaimed it one of the best views in Europe.

Today, this is where the action is in town. During a local fiesta, the streets of Nerja come alive as women of all ages, from grandmothers to babies, wear beautiful, colourful flamenco dresses. After a busy tour of Andalusia, Nerja is the perfect place to unwind before heading back to Barcelona.

Playa Cantarriján in Almuñecar, Costa Tropical

playa cantarrijan with pebbles and a large rock
Photo Credit: The World in my Pocket

Playa Cantarriján is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Tropical, in Andalusia. Located in the Cerro Gordo Natural Park between Nerja and La Herradura, Playa Cantarriján is nestled between two mountains, making it a perfect spot for snorkelling and kayaking due to the mild currents. Because the beach lies within a cove, it is always protected from the wind.

The beach is accessible by car along an unpaved track from the main road, but only in winter. In summer, to avoid overcrowding, the track is closed, and a shuttle service operates for a fee of 1 euro, taking visitors up and down.

Playa Cantarriján is a naturist beach, though visitors are a mix of those who prefer to sunbathe nude and those who choose to wear bathing suits. What makes Playa Cantarriján special is its crystal-clear waters, where you can easily spot fish swimming around. The beach is relatively secluded during the week but gets busier on summer weekends. Arrive before noon to avoid the local crowds. The beach is rocky, so it’s recommended to wear special shoes for comfort. There are two beachside restaurants if you fancy lunch, or if you want to rent a beach chair and umbrella.

Best beaches in Northern Spain

Northern Spain offers a completely different beach experience, where dramatic cliffs meet wild, rugged coastlines. The beaches here are often quieter and less crowded, making them perfect for those seeking natural beauty and tranquillity. From the charming bays of Galicia to the sandy stretches of the Basque Country, northern Spain’s beaches offer a refreshing contrast to the more typical sun-soaked destinations.

La Concha Beach in San Sebastian

san sebastian view of the city and la concha beach from high above and the mountains in the background
Photo Credit: Liquid Traveling

La Concha (meaning “shell”) is without doubt one of the most stunning city beaches of Spain. Located in La Concha Bay in the picturesque Basque town of San Sebastián (called Donostia in Basque), this sandy beach stretches for 1350 metres (4430 ft.). It’s usually quite wide, around 40 metres (130 ft., but this varies significantly with the tides. At low tide, it connects directly with another beach, Ondarreta, which is smaller but especially popular with bodyboarders. At high tide, the beach shrinks, so it’s best not to leave anything too close to the shore. The water here is usually calm (unlike the waves at Zurriola Beach on the other side of town, a perfect spot for surfers and water sports lovers).

Above La Concha runs a wide promenade stretching from Mount Urgull and the marina to Mount Igeldo. From the marina, you can take a boat to Santa Clara Island and enjoy a splendid view from either of the hills (Mount Urgull requires a climb, while Mount Igeldo can be reached by funicular).

San Sebastián is especially worth visiting during the summer festival, Semana Grande, held in August. There’s an international fireworks competition, with a different display each night. The best view is from the sand at La Concha Beach. Other fun summer activities include the pirate boat race, which starts in the marina and involves reaching the beach in a hand-made pirate ship.

Rodas Beach on the CÍes Islands

white sand and blue ocean on rodas beach on cies island
Photo Credit: My Path in the World

The Cíes Islands are a true gem in northern Spain, and Rodas Beach is one of their crowning glories. Connecting the islands of Monteagudo and do Faro, this strip of white sand, along with the turquoise water, creates the most heavenly beach you could imagine. It was even named the most beautiful beach in Spain a few years ago.

As part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, the islands and beach are a nature reserve and protected area. On the islands, you’ll only find a visitor centre, a restaurant and a camping area, allowing you to enjoy unspoilt nature. This also means that services like showers, sunbeds and even trash cans are unavailable, so be sure to keep that in min, and of course, take all your rubbish back with you to the mainland.

How to get to the Cíes Islands: Several companies, such as Cruceros Rías Baixas, Mar de Ons and Naviera Nabia, operate ferry services from Vigo, Baiona, and Cangas to the islands. You must book your tickets in advance, as daily visitor numbers are limited and authorisation is required to visit (which you can obtain during the booking process). Or book a sailboat excursion with skipper from Vigo.

Nemiña Beach in Galicia

woman jumping in the sunset on nemiña beach in galicia
Photo Credit: A World to Travel

Nemiña Beach is a long, wild stretch of fine sand located on Galicia’s Costa da Morte (Death Coast), a region known for its rugged coastline and dramatic natural beauty. Tucked away between the towns of Fisterra and Muxía, it offers consistent waves that attract surfers, yet remains remarkably quiet and uncrowded, even in summer.

With its expansive shore, gentle breezes and untouched surroundings, Nemiña is ideal for those seeking a peaceful spot to enjoy nature or practise water sports. The beach is also a scenic stop for pilgrims walking the Camino between Fisterra and Muxía. Nearby, the small village of Lires has a popular beach bar, accessible by car or even a short swim when sea conditions allow.

Playa de las Catedrales in Galicia

cathedrals beach with large boulders and people walking between
Photo Credit: Traveldrafts

Playa de las Catedrales or Cathedrals Beach in the north of Spain is one of the country’s most striking and unusual beaches. Shaped by the Atlantic Ocean, its cliffs and rock formations have been sculpted into natural arches and sea caves, making it a truly magical place. To fully appreciate it, you need to visit at low tide, only then can you explore the caves and arches on foot. Access is only possible during low tide, as the beach is submerged when the tide comes in.

The whole Galician coast is marked by wild beaches with many cliffs. It’s a region well worth visiting when travelling in Spain, and Cathedrals Beach is undoubtedly a must-see. Located on the northern coast of Galicia, about 10 km west of Ribadeo, it’s especially popular in summer. Be aware that the beach can be chilly, particularly in winter. This is northern Spain, after all and the sea is always cold, but on warmer days, it’s a great spot for sunbathing and even a swim if you’re brave enough.

Somo Beach in Santander

somo beach in santander with people sunbathing
Photo Credit: Stuart Fahy

The north of Spain is often overlooked when it comes to Spanish beaches. However, there are many reasons to visit, and my personal favourite is Somo, just outside Santander in the northern region of Cantabria. While Santander itself boasts some of the best city beaches in Spain, Somo offers something different. Despite its small size, Santander has a reputation for being an affluent city with somewhat closed-minded residents. Somo couldn’t be more different. The area has a relaxed, surfer vibe and feels more akin to Cornish towns in the UK, such as Newquay.

The beach is a long stretch of golden sand, perfect for enjoying hot summer days away from the city, with incredible views across the bay towards the picturesque Magdalena Palace. One thing you don’t always find on Mediterranean beaches is good surf, but Somo, with its own surf school, is a popular year-round spot for learning—if you can brave the freezing Cantabrian Sea in winter! But surfing isn’t the only sport here. Beach volleyball nets dot the sand, with groups often on the lookout for extra players. And if the action gets too hot, a quick dive into the waves will soon cool you down.

Getting to Somo is easy. Ferries run throughout the day from the bay in Santander, taking just 30 minutes and costing less than €5 for a return ticket.

Beaches in Eastern Spain

Castelldefels beach near Barcelona

beach house at castelldefells playa near barcelona
Photo Credit: Backpack & Explore

Castelldefels Beach is a 5-km-long sandy beach located about 20 km from Barcelona. If you’re looking to unwind after exploring the city’s major tourist attractions, Castelldefels is a perfect offbeat addition to your Barcelona itinerary. While there are plenty of beach bars and evening parties, it’s still possible to find a quiet, peaceful spot, even during peak season.

There are also many upscale hotels and restaurants near the beach. The beach is well-equipped with sunshades, shower cubicles, toilets, children’s play areas, and games rooms, among other facilities. It’s a great place for couples, families, and party-lovers alike. Free Wi-Fi is available along the entire beach.

You can also walk to the Olympic Canal of Castelldefels, located within 1 km of the beach. This artificial canal was built for the canoeing competitions during the 1992 Summer Olympics. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot Barcelona football stars like Lionel Messi or Luis Suárez, who have been known to live in Castelldefels.

Platja Gran in Tossa de Mar

fishing boat and old castle on the beach in tossa de mar and people sunbathing
Photo Credit: Raw Mal Roams

Tossa de Mar is located about 100 km north of Barcelona, on Spain’s famous Costa Brava. The most convenient and nearest airport is Girona, just 36 km away. Tossa de Mar is a small yet very charming town, home to a beautiful beach called Platja Gran.

There are many excellent restaurants by the beach where you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a view. The beach is wide, with coarse sand and crystal-clear water. But what makes it truly special is the stunning castle that sits right beside the beach on Mount Guardí. Built in the medieval era, the castle is remarkably well preserved.

In addition to a relaxing day on the beach, you can take a leisurely walk up the neighbouring hill to explore this picturesque fortress, originally constructed to defend the residents of what was once a fishing village. You can still see cannons positioned at the castle towers. And when you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a truly spectacular view of the beach and the Mediterranean Sea.

Playa de las Arenas in Valencia

playa de las arenas in valencia with sup boards and people enjoying the wide beach

Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and the best place to eat it is right at the beach. Valencia’s proximity to the sea makes it such an attractive place for a city trip. You can visit the old town centre with its medieval alleyways and monuments, or the cutting-edge Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias by Calatrava in the morning. And when you start feeling peckish, you simply hop on a rental bike or a tram to the beach.

Within 10 minutes, you will find yourself on the promenade of Playa de las Arenas, full of restaurants that serve the best paella in the city. There’s nothing better than having paella in Valencia with a view over the Mediterranean. After lunch, not only can you spread your towel and have a little nap in the sand, you can venture to the striped beach huts and get a massage. How’s that for a relaxing city break! Parasols and sunbeds are also available for rent.

A lot of Spanish coastal towns have become overpacked seaside resorts. Valencia’s Playa de las Arenas is popular, though luckily far from overcrowded. There are restaurants and bars and a few hotels, but that’s it. Therefore, no matter how far into the high season, the atmosphere remains relaxed. If you feel like treating yourself to a day of beach fun and relaxation, Marina Beach Club is a Las Arenas hotspot you should visit, according to Mooiststedentrips. You can take a dip in the pool, have a cocktail at the pool bar, and watch the sunset whilst sipping a glass of Agua de Valencia.

Platja de Sant SebastiÀ in Sitges

On the east coast of Spain, Platja de Sant Sebastià is a small beach in the seaside town of Sitges. Even though it’s the main beach, it still maintains its charm and quaintness. Behind it is a breezy pedestrian promenade lined with palm trees, and to the side, the whitewashed church perched atop a hill, the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla.

If you get tired of lying on the sand, you can also walk nearby to the local shops, get lost in the narrow alleyways, or have a slow-simmered paella at one of the seafood restaurants on the seafront. Platja de Sant Sebastià also has several amenities like active lifeguards, sunbeds, umbrellas, and showers. Families love this beach for its fine sand and the gentle slope of the sea bed, so little ones can also splash about comfortably in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the perfect place to spend a whole day as you’ll find plenty of things to do in the area!

Canary Island Beaches

Papagayo Beach in Lanzarote

playas papagayo in lanzarote with people sunbathing on the beach between large rocks
Photo Credit: Wanderwings

Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, is full of contrasts, especially when it comes to its landscape. If you drive north, you’ll find rugged cliffs; if you head south, golden sand beaches await you. Speaking of golden sand beaches, one of the finest in the area is Playas del Papagayo, about an hour’s drive from the capital city, Arrecife.

Known for being one of the best spots for snorkelling on the island, this secluded beach is a true gem. However, getting there may be a bit of an adventure. It is located in a national park, and you’ll have to go off-road through the park to get there, after paying a minimal conservation fee, of course. But once you’re there, you’ll be happy you made it. Alternatively, you can reach it on foot or by water taxi from the neighbouring Playa Blanca. Besides relaxing on the beach, the area is ideal for short hikes to any of the surrounding mounds to see if you can spot the nearby island of Fuerteventura.

Playa del Castillo, Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife

back sand beach in playa del castillo in tenerife with palmtrees
Photo Credit: Are We There Yet Kids

If you’re looking for truly unique beaches to visit in Spain, then what could be more unusual than one covered entirely in black sand? There are several places around the world where you can see these beaches formed by volcanic fragments and lava, but my very favourite is Playa del Castillo in Puerto de la Cruz on the Island of Tenerife.

Playa del Castillo is one of the quieter beaches in Puerto de la Cruz, which, in my opinion, makes it the best. It has a few sunbeds, a wooden path down to the waves, and is surrounded by black rocks, which just adds to the atmospheric sand. Fair warning: black sand retains heat better than yellow or white sand. It’s lovely over the summer months but can be red hot on your toes in peak heat. When you get bored of building black sandcastles and soaking up the sun, head up the steep steps to the pedestrianised walkway, where you’ll find a few lovely cafés and beach clubs, or even visit the main attraction in Puerto de la Cruz, the Loro Parque Zoo.

Cofete Beach in Fuerteventura

cofete beach in fuerteventura, large golden sandy beach with mountains surrounding near the ocean
Photo Credit: Surfing the Planet

The beaches of the Canary Islands are world-famous, and among them, Fuerteventura deserves special mention. From white sand beaches to volcanic ones, you can find a wide variety of amazing beaches there. If we had to pick one of these special beaches in Fuerteventura, it would be Playa Cofete.

This beach shows the wild and rugged side of the island. Cofete Beach is a 12-kilometre long golden sand beach on the west coast of the Morro del Jable Peninsula. It’s not easily accessible, as you have to drive a steep dirt road to cross the mountain to get there from the more urbanised part of the island. The views of this pristine beach from the mountain pass are simply fascinating. Since Playa Cofete is remote, the beach is never busy and you can often have it all to yourself. It’s also important to mention that the currents on this side of Fuerteventura are quite dangerous; therefore, you must swim with caution.

Maspalomas Beach in Gran Canaria

dunes of maspalomas in gran canaria in low light
Photo Credit: A La Jode

One of the most famous beaches in the Canary Islands is Maspalomas Beach, which sits on the south-east corner of the island of Gran Canaria. Even though it’s a popular tourist spot, it’s well worth making a journey to visit, even if it’s just for a day. What makes Maspalomas Beach so impressive isn’t so much the beach itself, but the backdrop behind it. Maspalomas Beach backs onto a 404-hectare area covered in sand dunes.

The Maspalomas sand dunes are impressive at first sight, but it’s only once you get into them that you appreciate just how massive they are. You can walk the entire length of Maspalomas Beach all the way to the equally famous Playa del Inglés Beach. As you do, you’ll enjoy the sea on one side and the towering dunes on the other the entire time. The dunes also hide one of Spain’s most famous nudist beaches, if that’s your kind of scene!

Many travellers choose to stay in this area of Gran Canaria because there are so many things to do in Maspalomas in addition to the beaches. If you choose to stay elsewhere, you can easily visit on a day trip by taking any bus that stops at the Faro de Maspalomas bus station.

Playa de las Conchas in La Graciosa, Lanzarote

child running on playa de las conchas in lanzarote
Photo Credit: Travelynn Family

With its fine white sand and turquoise waters, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking you’d been transported to the Caribbean. But Playa de las Conchas is an absolute gem of a beach, although not the easiest to get to. Firstly, you need to take the 30-minute ferry from Órzola, at the northern tip of nearby Lanzarote. As you step off the ferry onto La Graciosa, you feel like you’ve been transported a million miles away, with its sandy roads and a simpler way of life. There are no paved roads on this island and only 700 people live here.

Playa de las Conchas is on the opposite side of the island. You could walk there or hire a bike. But as I was visiting with just my 3-year-old son, we clubbed together with some other travellers and hired a 4×4 to take us. When you disembark the ferry, walk to the right and to the line of 4×4s waiting for tourists. There are no facilities whatsoever at Playa de las Conchas, so bring all food and drink with you, and take all rubbish away with you. For those visiting from Lanzarote with kids, do bear in mind that there is no shade for little ones.

Balearic Islands Beaches

Cala Macarelleta in Menorca

macarelleta beach in menorca with lots of trees and blue water
Photo Credit: Le Long Weekend

On an island blessed with as many beautiful beaches as Menorca, it takes a little something special to stand out from the crowd. But special sums up Cala Macarelleta perfectly. Its remote location, wild and natural beauty, sheltered position and fine white sand all add to its appeal. And if you prefer to bathe sans swimsuit, it’s the perfect place for that too. The little sister of the more accessible Cala Macarella, this Balearic beach is worth the extra effort to get to.

A short coastal walk will deliver you around the cove in no time, and provide breathtaking views on the way. In the summer months, when the car park at Cala Macarella is closed, you’ll need to walk a bit further. Follow the Camí de Cavalls track from either Cala Turqueta or Cala Galdana to reach the secluded Cala Macarelleta, or hire a boat to arrive in style! Because of the beach’s remote location, you’ll need to pack the day’s essentials with you, including plenty of water and snacks to see you through.

Cala Mitjana in Menorca

Menorca is home to 99 beaches, making it a brilliant destination for those wanting to soak up all the vitamin D which, let’s be honest, is everyone. Our favourite beach on this Balearic beauty? Cala Mitjana, a gorgeous cove located on the south of the island. The bright white sands, shimmering turquoise water, ivory-coloured limestone cliffs, and surrounding Mediterranean pine trees make it feel as if you’re somewhere slightly more exotic, like New Caledonia or the Caribbean. Yet this laid-back Menorcan gem is the perfect place to while the long summer days away.


Although most beaches on Menorca are far quieter than their mainland rivals (looking at you, Greece), in the height of summer you’ll need to head to Cala Mitjana early to secure yourself a prime position on the bright white sands. If you’re looking for a smaller alternative, Cala Mitjana’s baby sister, Mitjaneta, is a short swim/walk away. There’s only space for 20 or so sun-seekers, so make your way there early!

Calo des Moro Beach in Palma de Mallorca

calo des molo palma de mallorca a small beach with rocks and trees
Photo Credit: Borders & Bucket Lists

Located on the southeastern point of the island of Mallorca lies a hidden bay named Caló des Moro. This small lagoon-like oasis is usually quite empty (except in the summer months). Not only is Caló des Moro a relatively well-kept secret, but it is also quite difficult to reach its sandy shores. To get to the beach, one must navigate around and over quite a rocky, downhill path. However, the reward is completely worth it. Once you reach Caló des Moro, there are beautiful white sandy shores and turquoise waters.

If you turn away from the water, there is another surprise: little orange caves. They can make the perfect little picnic spot, especially if you’re hoping to get some shade from the sun. On each side of the beach, there are steep, greenery-filled cliffs, protecting the lagoon from the huge ocean waves. It’s a perfect little secluded oasis.

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