Beaches, Spain

Benicassim

Rewarded a Certificate of Excellence, the beach at Benicassim is one of the most breath-taking to be found anywhere in Spain. This fantastically well-maintained beach is comprised of golden sand, set against the dazzling blue waters of the Atlantic ocean. Not usually crowded, it’s a perfect place if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to relax.

The beach is lined with straw umbrellas and sunbeds are available to be hired, making it the ideal place to soak up the sun in comfort. Paddleboarding is a popular way many people choose to spend the day, with boards available to rent from nearby kiosks.

The promenade behind the beach also makes for a scenic stroll, and the wide array of cafes, bars and restaurants give you plenty of dining options to choose from during your visit to Benicassim. Hotels can be found close to the beach, too, meaning you can wake up to this staggering sea view every morning.

El Cotillo

A favourite beach with visitors from around the world, the beach at El Cotillo is not to be missed if you are staying in Fuerteventura. The white sands of El Cotillo make the sea turn a gorgeous turquoise colour, so when you go swimming, it’s like floating within a precious gem.

The lagoons are ideal for children who want to go paddling, as well as older visitors who fancy a proper swim. El Cotillo is considered to be the perfect beach to bring the whole family – a good time will be had by all.

The small cliffs at the top of the beach also mean you have shelter from the sun if the heat starts to get to you. El Cotillo beach is spotlessly clean and well maintained, making it a safe place to stroll barefoot. There are also facilities to play various sports on the sand, such as volleyball, and with civilisation not too far away, you can also reach toilets and cafes pretty easily.

Es Trenc

Stroll along two kilometres of golden sand and swim in the crystal-clear water that laps upon the shore of the gorgeous beach of Es Trenc. Lying on the coastline of Mallorca, Es Trenc is often referred to as Mallorca’s answer to the Caribbean.

It may be two kilometres long, the beach is only about 20 metres wide, creating an intimate setting. Nonetheless, it is still a very popular destination for those who fancy taking a stroll, both during the day and in the evening to watch the sunset.

The beach is well facilitated, with sunbeds and parasols available for hire. There are also lifeguards on duty, as well as toilets and ramps for the disables. Es Trenc is also close to various restaurants, meaning you won’t go hungry during your visit.

If you are searching for a less commercial beach than some in Mallorca, Es Trenc is an excellent choice, giving you the chance to beat the crowds but still enjoy all the facilities.

Genoveses

Genoveses beach has a large and free car park so, while it may be a little off the beaten track compared to some of Spain’s other beaches, it’s still well worth the visit.

The sand is much darker than that of other Spain beaches, but it is still a very clean place to visit. Many people opt to visit Genoveses by walking from San Jose, which takes about 30 minutes; it stretches for a few kilometres, giving you enough sand for a decent stroll once you get to the beach. The sand is soft and the water is clear, so it’s perfect for bringing your children to play and paddle.

This beach is ideal for peace and quiet, but be warned, it is not especially well facilitated. There are no lifeguards or sunbed rentals, so it is advised you bring sun protection and, take extra care if you do choose to go swimming.

La Concha

Considered by many to be the finest beach in San Sebastian, La Concha can be found in the Concha bay. A great many people even call this the most beautiful city beach to be found anywhere in Europe.

During the summer, the shallow waters of the beach make it the perfect location to bring small children who want to have a safe paddle in the sea. Further out, yachters, fishermen and water sports enthusiasts can indulge in their passions, safely.

Because this stretch of gorgeous, golden sand is a city beach, it’s extremely handy for facilities such as shops, where you can purchase sun cream and drinks, and public toilets. You also have a good choice of bars and eateries to choose from, close by.

The city lights illuminate the beach in the evening, making it the perfect setting for a romantic stroll as the sun goes down, guided by the city lights.

Playa de la Barrosa

Playa de la Barrosa stretches for almost four miles in the Province of Cadiz. The site of the Battle of Barrosa in 1811, it has a rich history and cultural significance, as well as being a fantastic and picturesque place to bring the whole family for a day out.

The palm tree-lined promenade lets you take in the real beauty of this beach before you’ve even set foot on the golden sand. Decking provides access to the sand itself, so if you or a member of your party is disabled, you still should be able to reach the shore, pretty easily.

Sun beds are available to rent, bars are close by and a lifeguard station ensures swimmers are safe. This beach is a favourite with those who want to take a romantic sunset stroll along the shore, and you can often spot couples walking along the beach in the evening, hand in hand.

Playa De Mazagon

Playa de Mazagon is an expansive and astoundingly beautiful beach, located in Mazagon. One of the true beauties of Playa De Mazagon is the fact that it is actually linked with several other, equally excellent beaches along the coastline. This makes for a wonderfully scenic walk, which can last for a short while or for hours, depending on how adventurous you are feeling.

Image of Playa De Mazagon, copyright Jose A. Source: Flickr.

There’s also plenty for you to do at Playa De Mazagon. Surfing is a popular pastime, particularly during the summer. Paddleboarding is also a much-loved summer sport among those who enjoy water sports.

If you are would rather take up a more restful sport, you can go fishing – either on an excursion or just by sitting in the bay. You also have plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from close to the beach, many of which provide you with a fabulous ocean view while you dine or enjoy a drink.

Playa de Ses Illetes

Playa de Ses Illetes beach in Formentera is often compared to the beaches of the Caribbean, thanks to its dazzling white sand. This incredibly clean beach is the perfect place to bring the family for a day out in the sun.

While it may be a small beach compared to others in Spain, it is very well equipped. Sunbeds are available for hire, as are umbrellas and parasols. If you’re visiting in the summer, it’s advisable to get there early as Playa de Ses Illetes is known to get very busy in peak season.

The sea is very clean and, thanks to the white sands, appears a gorgeous aquamarine colour – you can see right to the bottom of the ocean. Dinghies and yachts are found further out to sea, but are not permitted into the designated swimming zone, so children and adults are able to swim safely in the waters around Playa de Ses Illetes.

Playa Del Cristo

Playa Del Cristo beach is situated in Estepona and is very easy to reach from the hotels on the seafront. The Havana Lounge Bar sits right on the beach itself, serving fantastic food and refreshingly cold drinks. There are also plenty of other beachfront bars in the vicinity, ensuring you have plenty of options to choose from when keeping hydrated and cool. Enjoy a range of fresh seafood and salads as you sip on a cocktail and hear the waves in the distance.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Sunbeds and umbrellas are in large supplies and the sea is very shallow in the bay, making it the ideal place for young children to experience their first paddle.

The beach is usually filled with families during the day, but is the perfect place to take a romantic sunset stroll in the evening. With many hotels along the coast, you also have a wide choice of shops and eateries close to Del Cristo Beach.

Torremolinos

Torremolinos can be located in Costa Del Sol, one of the most popular tourist areas in all of Spain. This is, in no small part, down to the fact that Torremolinos actually boasts six beaches: Los Alamos, Bajondillo, Playamar, La Carihuela, Montemar and El Saltillo.

Thanks to the main promenade, which stretches for 7 kilometres after additional and new landscaping, all the beaches are linked and one can easily be accessed from another. Along this sunny stretch, a massive range of hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants are available to visit and stay in. Enjoy a delicious seafood meal as you bask in the stunning sea views, or listen to the waves crash into the shore while sipping a refreshing beer in a beachfront bar.

Sunbeds, umbrellas and various watersport equipment is available to rent on Torremolinos’ beaches, ensuring that you and the family don’t get bored or sunburnt during your stay.