Spanish Beach Holidays - the one-stop holiday destination all year round

Close your eyes and think of Spain... chances are you're envisioning sea, sand, and one of the country's many amazing Spanish coastal cities. Located in the southernmost part of Europe, just a stone's throw from Africa in Tarifa, the geography of the country makes it incredibly rich in terms of Spanish beach destinations. With the glamour of the Mediterranean, and the breathtaking swell of the Atlantic Ocean, the peninsula boasts two coastlines, with something for everyone, all year round.

If you’re looking to enjoy all of this, in this article we are highlighting the top cities where you can enjoy fantastic Spanish beach holidays along with our favorite beaches at each of them. Whether you’re the type to relax while enjoying the views and sunbathing or you’re a fan of water sports, there’s surely a perfect destination for you on our list.

Playa del Bogatell

Spain's second-largest city is legendary for its culture, architecture, beauty, and food. Imagine having all of these plus gorgeous beaches. Barcelona is a veritable feast for culture-vultures and beach-bums alike.

These are some of our favorite beaches to visit during a trip to Barcelona:

Platja de la Nova Icària

The Platja de la Nova Icària is a perfect choice if you’re visiting Barcelona with the whole family. Not only is it one of the quietest beaches in the city, but it also features a wide range of amenities, which include two volleyball courts, deckchairs, and parasols for hire, as well as multiple kiosks.

Playa del Bogatell

Relaxed and family-friendly with plenty of amenities, it’s no wonder that the Playa del Bogatell is one of Barcelona’s most popular beaches. It stretches for around 700 meters of gorgeous blue waters and includes recreational facilities like ping pong tables, a football pitch, and a volleyball court.

La Barceloneta

The iconic La Barceloneta beach is the area's best-known and one of its oldest. There are plenty of eateries in the area where you can try local seafood dishes. You’ll also find a range of facilities at the beach, including wooden footbridges that approach the waters, volleyball courts, and a children’s play area.

And what a better place to stay in Barcelona than the NH Barcelona Diagonal Center? Right in the heart of the technological district, it's also close to the stunning Olympic Port and within a ten-minute drive from any of these beaches. Spanish coastal cities don't get much better than this!

Playa de la Malvarrosa

Valencia is home to many charms. Thanks to its paradisiacal beaches on the shores of the Mediterranean, its one of the best cities where to enjoy fantastic Spanish beach holidays. Its attractions range wider as well, as the city boasts of fabulous museums (like those at the famous City of Arts and Sciences), stunning historical monuments, and a delicious local cuisine.

The following are some of the best beaches to visit in the city:

Playa del Cabañal

This sandy beach has something for everyone and becomes a real hot spot for nightlife in summer. El Cabanyal beach is located on the old fisherman’s quarter of the same name and has an impressive width of around 200 meters. You’ll be pleased to discover its beautiful waters along with the many restaurants in the area.

Playa de la Malvarrosa

Valencia's legendary beach has crystal waters, golden sands and is the undisputed favorite for locals. La Malvarrosa is also a very accessible beach, with the promenade taking you directly to it, and offers many services including kiosks, sunshades, and deck chairs. The beach also features a marked-out section for surfing, canoeing, and other water sports.

Playa de Pinedo

The Playa de Pinedo is a perfect beach in Valencia for getting away from the masses and marveling at its stunning dunes. It’s a beautiful fine golden sand beach that’s great for swimmers thanks to its tranquil waters. Visitors are also able to enjoy the many restaurants and bars in the area.

Down the coast in stunning Valencia, the NH Ciudad de Valencia, in the famous Avenida del Puerto, is extremely close to the world-renowned City of Arts and Sciences and the perfect springboard for a bit of beach-hopping. Playa de Pinedo is a 16-minute drive away from the hotel while El Cabanyal and La Malvarrosa are within 8 minutes by car.

Playa de Nagüeles

For glitz, glamour, incredible nightlife, and stunning scenery all in the same place, Marbella is the destination for Spanish beach holidays par excellence! Located in the Costa del Sol, Marbella is home to gorgeous beaches, a lovely Old Town, and many cultural attractions. It’s one of our favorite Spanish coastal cities!

Here’s are some of the best beaches to visit in Marbella:

Playa del San Pedro de Alcántara

Thanks to its beautiful promenade, the Playa San Pedro de Alcántara is a great beach to go on leisurely walks. It’s a large beach—with a length of 1400 meters and an average width of 25 meters—and offers convenient services such as free parking and many beach bars.

Playa Linda Vista

Pleasantly secluded and perfect for family picnics, the Playa Linda Vista stretches for around 650 meters of gravel and sand along its gorgeous blue waters. The many services available at the beach include beach bars, showers, and hammock rentals. There are also several car parks in close proximity.

The NH San Pedro de Alcántara is just an 18-minute walk or a 5-minute car ride to either of these two beautiful beaches. The hotel is located in the heart of a shopping area full of restaurants and bars and features a stylish rooftop terrace with amazing views of the sea and the mountains.

Playa Casablanca

Located on Marbella's stunning 'Golden Mile', Casablanca beach features clean and clear waters (ideal for swimming) and areas of sand and pebbles. The beach is 2610 meters long and is home to a dune reserve. There are plenty of services available at Casablanca beach as well as many different dining options.

Playa de la Fontanilla

This city delight is packed with wonderful chiringuitos and there are also many great restaurants in the area. Playa de la Fontanilla is also known for the quality of its beautiful clear waters, its golden sand, and the many services that it has on offer, which include parking, showers, and surveillance towers.

If you’re interested in visiting these beaches, book a stay at the NH Marbella, which is just a 5-minute drive from either of them. You’ll also be able to discover Marbella’s shops and restaurants from the hotel and enjoy its fantastic amenities, which include a beautiful terrace and an outdoor pool.

Playa de San Lorenzo

One of the less well-known Spanish coastal cities, this place is a bit of a gem, with its northerly location and dramatic landscapes making it the perfect getaway destination. Visit Gijón to enjoy its natural beauty, which includes natural beaches, and cultural attractions ranging from museums to archaeological sites.

Playa de San Lorenzo

Spotlessly clean and great for city beach strolls, the San Lorenzo beach is located right in the center of Gijón. The beach’s seashell shape makes it one of the most emblematic and recognizable in the region. It’s also one of its most visited.

Playa de Poniente

An urban leisure beach with protected swimming zones, Playa de Poniente is an ideal beach to practice water sports and to visit with the whole family. At 3 kilometers, it’s one of the region’s longest beaches. Along it you’ll find plenty of equipment for leisure activities, including for children.

The elegant NH Gijón has some spectacular sea views and close access to these beautiful beaches. Playa de Poniente is a 9-minute drive from the hotel while Playa de San Lorenzo can be reached by foot in 9 minutes or in 5 minutes by car.

El Sardinero

In terms of Spanish beach holidays, Santander, on the Cantabrian Sea, is right up there, with incredible restaurants, culture, and simply stunning coastlines, and when it's time to check out the beaches, refreshing in summer and wonderfully bracing during the winter months, you've got plenty of choice.

The city’s top beaches include the following:

Playa de los Peligros

Calm, sandy, spacious, and blissful, Playa de los Peligros is not to be missed when in Santander. It features tranquil waters with barely any waves, ideal for swimming. The beach also has many convenient services like parking, showers, and a children area.

Playa de los Bikinis

Playa de los Bikinis stretches for 250 meters of golden sand with tranquil waters that are not too deep, making it a great beach to go swimming in. It’s one of the most popular and scenic beaches in Santander.

El Sardinero

El Sardinero is a legendary beach right in the heart of Santander. It stretches for around 1300 meters of fine golden sand and gorgeous blue waters, with a wide promenade bordering it through its entire length. Visitors also enjoy the many restaurants and bars that are nearby.

The NH Ciudad de Santander is ideal for exploring these beaches, as they are all within a 6-minute drive from the hotel. The hotel’s privileged location is also near Santander’s business area, shopping options, and many great restaurants and bars.

Playa de la Concha

This alluring northern city has a stunning coastline. Located in Spain’s Basque Country, the picturesque San Sebastián is known primarily for its beaches but also for its charming old town and its fine restaurants. If you’re looking for a top destination where to spend memorable Spanish beach holidays, you can’t go wrong with quaint San Sebastián.

The city’s most sought-after beaches are:

Playa de Ondarreta

Charming, gentle, and surrounded by nature, Playa de Ondarreta is one of the top attractions for visitors of San Sebastián. This paradisical beach features crystalline waters and fine golden sand. It also has plenty of services and equipment available, ranging from a children’s park to a canoe rental service.

Playa de la Concha

A sandy, urban beach that's so easy to get to, Playa de la Concha also offers magnificent views to its visitors. Appropriately named due to its seashell shape, the beach has a length of around 1350 meters and is suitable for many beach sports, like surfing, windsurfing, beach volleyball, and even football.

The NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu is a simply stunning hotel in one of the city's high-end neighborhoods, just a stroll from these beautiful city beaches, it doesn't take more than 8 minutes by car to reach either of them.

Playa Calas de Alicante

Few places in Spain are as synonymous with beaches as Alicante, on the iconic Costa Blanca, and they certainly don't disappoint! The city’s also known for its amazing weather and its vibrant cultural life—it’s truly one of the top cities where to enjoy Spanish beach holidays.

These are some of our favorite beaches in Alicante:

Playa de Agua Amarga

Dog-friendly and super close to the city, the Playa de Agua Amarga is a fantastic beach in Alicante that’s about half a kilometer long. It features fine golden sand and all kinds of services, including bars, restaurants, lifeguard services, and kiosks.

Calas de Alicante

If you want to experience a touch of paradise while in Alicante, visit one of its many stunning coves. These calas, as they are known locally, have a unique charm thanks to their semi-circular shape. Some of our favorite coves to visit in Alicante include the Calas del Cabo de la Huerta de Alicante and the Cala de la Mosca.

The beautiful NH Alicante is just 13 minutes by car from these fabulous destinations. Book a stay at this modern hotel, located right in the city center, and enjoy its wonderful amenities, which include a rooftop swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, and a sauna.

Playa del Pinar

A Mediterranean jewel in eastern Spain with some incredible coastline and beautiful mountains, Castellón is a great city for those seeking to enjoy Spanish beach holidays. Beyond its natural beauty, visitors will also be pleased to discover Castellón’s historic attractions and its typical seafood dishes.

These are some of the city’s best beaches:

Platja El Palmeral

Platja El Palmeral is an urban beach, perfect for sandy strolling, with plenty of amenities like beach chairs and mobile walkways. It’s around two kilometers long and delights its visitors with the cleanliness of its waters and its fine sand.

Playa del Pinar

Playa del Pinar is a Blue-Flag beach in Castellón and perfect for a family day out thanks to its recreational areas for children and its lifeguard services. It’s very spacious and boasts of beautiful golden sand. The Planetarium is an interesting nearby attraction, just meters from the beach.

The NH Castellón Turcosa hotel is less than 15 minutes away by car from both of these beaches, plus it offers its guests some stunning views of the Mediterranean and Royal Nautical Club.

Playa El Rinconcillo

Europe's most southerly port is full of tourist attractions. A visit to Algeciras (located near the Strait of Gibraltar) will give you the opportunity to delight in its historic landmarks, like the famous Moorish Castle, and, of course, its natural beauty. It’s one of the most charming Spanish coastal cities you can visit.

These are some of Algeciras most gorgeous beaches:

Playa de Palmones

With its crystal-clear water and its fine golden sand, Playa de Palmones is without a doubt one of our favorite beaches in Algeciras. The waters remain mostly calm, making it a great spot to go swimming at. There are also many local restaurants and bars nearby where you can continue your evening.

Playa de Guadarranque

This semi-urban beach features beautiful rolling dunes, which grant it a picturesque touch. The waters at Playa de Guadarranque are calm and great for swimming. The available services include parking, showers, and cleaning services.

Playa el Rinconcillo

With its exquisite views of the Rock of Gibraltar, the Playa El Rinconcillo is a must-visit when in Algeciras. It’s a very large beach, with a length of 4 kilometers and an average width of 30 meters, and one of the region’s most visited. The waters are tranquil, making it suitable for visiting with the entire family, and a wide range of services are available.

The NH Campo de Gibraltar is perfect for exploring these beautiful beaches, since they are all within a 12-minute drive from the hotel. You’ll also be able to explore other attractions when you stay at this hotel, such as the Parque Natural de Los Alcornocales and your choice from some of the best golf courses in the region.

Playa de Orzán

In the heart of La Coruña in the autonomous community of Galicia, Finisterre is a stunning northern village with attractions including its beautiful beaches, an amazing gastronomy with many great seafood dishes, and the comfortable weather present in the city throughout the entire year

Here are some of the top beaches to visit in Finisterre:

Playa del Orzán

Long, wide, and sandy, Playa del Orzán is a great option if you’re looking to practice sports like beach volleyball or surfing. It’s a very popular beach and offers services like showers, first aid, and parking. Pets are allowed for certain parts of the year.

Playa de Riazor

Also very frequented is the Playa de Riazor, truly one of Europe's urban beach gems. It’s an incredibly beautiful beach with coarse sand and a length of around 610 meters. It offers plenty of services and is located near many restaurants and bars where you can try the local cuisine.

With stunning sea views and a stroll from the harbor NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre is just a short drive from these beaches, it doesn't take longer than 8 minutes to reach either of them. Book a stay at the hotel and enjoy its privileged location along with amenities like a spa and sports facilities.

Playa de Sopelana

If you're looking for Spanish beach holidays destinations with a huge dose of culture and gastronomy on the side, check out cutting-edge Bilbao. Besides its beautiful beaches, you’ll also be able to explore the city’s many fascinating museums (like the famous Guggenheim Museum), its quaint Old Town, and the delicious local specialties.

These are some of Bilbao’s best beaches:

Arrigunaga

Surrounded by cliffs and offering stunning views, Arrigunaga Beach stretches for around 600 meters of fine sand and soft waves. Located in the town of Getxo, it’s a great beach to go for a swim or even surfing. The available services include a gymnastics and sports area, a children’s play area, lifeguards, and showers.

Playa Arrietara

Due to its strong waves, Playa Arrietara is considered to be a surfer's favorite. It’s also suitable for other activities like beach volleyball and going for leisurely strolls as you enjoy the gorgeous views. The beach is around 820 meters long and has parking spaces available.

Playa de Sopelana

If you’re looking for a beautiful, laid-back beach that’s great for surfing, you can’t go wrong with Playa de Sopelana. It features strong waves and a sea promenade. The beach is also very accessible, whether you’re getting there by foot or by car.

The NH La Avanzada hotel is within 13 minutes by car from these urban beaches. This four-star hotel also offers modern accommodations with plenty of natural light, several rooms for meetings and events, and the fantastic Txipiron hotel restaurant.

Playa del Confital

You don't get many more iconic destinations than the Canary Islands when it comes to Spanish beach holidays. Not only does it offer amazing weather all year round, but Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is also home to many cultural attractions including its historical architecture and museums like the Museo Canario.

Here's a selection of some of the top beaches in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria:

Playa de las Canteras

Perfect for strolling, surfing, and socializing, Playa de las Canteras is one of the city’s most popular and largest beaches. It has a length of more than two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful waters. Services include hammocks and umbrellas for rent as well as areas for children. There also many restaurants and bars to enjoy near the beach.

Playa del Confital

Playa del Confital is a low-key beach with a cool vibe. It offers amazing views over the bay and crystalline waters. The beach is often quiet and is suitable for a range of water sports, including surfing and bodyboarding.

Playa de los Muellitos

Playa Los Muellitos is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s urban beach par excellence. It’s very popular, with visitors often choosing it for practicing surfing or simply swimming. After an afternoon at the beach, you can visit one of the many restaurants and bars present in the area.

The NH Imperial Playa is just a 9-minute walk from Las Canteras and within a 12-minute drive from the other two beaches. This four-star hotel boasts of a hotel restaurant with amazing views of the sea and of comfortable and stylish rooms (some of which have private sea-view terraces).

Cala Cortina

Cartagena is a fascinating Roman and Carthaginian city that’s well worth checking out. It draws plenty of visitors interested in its Roman sites (like the stunning Roman Theatre), its Modernist architecture, and, of course, its fabulous beaches.

Cala Cortina

Cala Cortina is a small but incredibly charming and beautiful beach in Cartagena. It has a length of 210 meters and its clear waters are nothing short of gorgeous. It also has plenty of services available, ranging from beach bars to a picnic area and a play area for children. If you stay at the NH Cartagena, you’ll be just a stroll away from the harbor front and its many shops and pavement cafés, and a 14-minute drive from the Cala Cortina cove. You’ll also enjoy the hotel’s fantastic amenities, which include stylish rooms (some of which have ocean views), and a colonial-style gastro bar.

Don’t hesitate and start enjoying the Spanish beach holidays of your dreams. Get booking and get beaching!