Let’s Go To The Beach! These Are The Best Seaside Towns In Spain

When you think Spain, you think beaches. The quality of the beaches is perhaps what the country is best known for and is one of the main reasons that Spain attracts so many millions of tourists every year.

Spain boasts more Blue Flag beaches than any other country in the world.

But with so many beaches to choose from, which are the best ones? Which are the best seaside towns in Spain?

A great seaside town needs so much more than just picturesque beaches. It also needs great restaurants, a robust infrastructure, and warm, welcoming people.

The experts at The Telegraph have compiled a list of the 20 best seaside towns in Spain. Here’s the complete top 20 list and our picks of the best 10:

The 20 Best Seaside Towns In Spain

20. Puerto de Mogan
19. Fornells
18.  Peniscola
17. Mojacar
16. Comillas
15. Nerja
14. Combarro
13. Denia
12. Port de Soller
11. Cudillero
10. Lekeitio
9. Baiona
8. Garachico
7. Altea
6. Llanes
5. Estepona
4. Sitges
3. Tarifa
2. Cadaqués
1. Gibraltar

Our Picks Of The 10 Best Beach Towns In Spain:

10. Puerto de Mogán

In 20th place is Puerto de Mogan which is in Gran Canaria. This beach boasts a vibrant and bustling marina. What makes this beach town unique is the canals that run between its low rise buildings, giving it the look and feel of both Andalucia and Venice. The pretty marina is home to brightly coloured boats lined with stylish restaurant terraces. Every angle is a photo opportunity! Nearest airport: Las Palmas (33 miles).

9. Fornells

This beach town is on the island of Menorca in the Balearic island and its famous for its lobster stew. In fact the Spanish royal family visit the town to eat the caldereta de langosta regularly. But that’s not the only reason to visit this Spanish beach village. It has a stunning beach: a long bay of golden sand that is sheltered, making it a great place to learn to dive, sail, or kayak. Nearest airport: Mahón (18 miles).

8. Cabopino

Situated in the heart of the Costa Del Sol, Cabopino is an idyllic setting with a breathtakingly beautiful beach. It is located between Marbella and Fuengirola meaning that you have all the amenities of these larger and more well known settings, but in a more authentic environment. Artola-Cabopino is considered one of the best beaches in the Costa Del Sol, and is a natural paradise with undulating sand dunes. Nearest airport: Malaga (40 miles)

7. Mojácar

You’ll find this beach in the Almería province, Andalucía. It’s located close to the Tabernas desert so it’s no surprise that the beach here has a 10 mile strip of sand. The views here are incredible and the town boasts pretty white washed houses. This is an authentic and welcoming Spanish town. Nearest airport: Almería (51 miles).

6. Nerja

You’ve probably already heard of Nerja. This is an incredibly popular resort town in Malaga province, Andalucía but it still has plenty of Spanish character and charm. Take in the view of the Mediterranean from the clifftop Balcón de Europa esplanade and don’t miss the Cuevas de Nerja, a spectacular cave complex just outside the town. This is a great year round destination thanks to its sub tropical climate too. Nearest airport: Malaga (50 miles).

5. Playa De La Cala Mijas

Playa De La Calas Mijas is a vibrant small town with plenty of restaurants and bars. It also has an abundance of small independent shops, which lend it a local charm. The beach is right in the heart of things: an urban beach that is both beautiful and convenient at the same time. The beach is 35 metres wide and 2,000 metres long, so although it is crowded in the summer months, there’s plenty of room for everyone. Nearest airport: Malaga (30 miles).

4. Estepona

Located in Malaga province, Andalucía Estepona is growing in popularity with Spain’s more well heeled visitors thanks to its increasing numbers of luxury hotels. This is a pretty town that is already an established resort area. But it’s still retained its charm without the artificial glitz of nearby Marbella. Away from the beach you’ll find a maze of narrow streets and white washed houses in the old town, all decorated with pretty brightly coloured flower pots. Nearest airport: Gibraltar (28 miles) and Malaga (50 miles).

4. Playa De La Carihuela

Located in the popular town of Torremolinos, Playa De La Carihuela is a lovely clean beach with plenty of restaurants and bars. It also boasts a long promenade, so if you don’t want to get sand between your toes then you can still walk along the seafront and enjoy incredible views of the sea. Away from the sea front you can visit the Molino de Inca Botanical Garden and enjoy the excellent nightlife that Torremolinosis famous for. Nearest airport: Malaga (10 miles)

3. Tarifa

Another beautiful beach town in Cádiz province, Andalucía, Tarifa is one of the best places in the world for windsurfing and kiteboarding. This means it has a laid back surf-style vibe and is filled with boho bars and boutiques. You can also explore the walled town and its Moorish castle. The beaches here are truly magnificent and stretch on for miles. Nearest airport: Gibraltar (26 miles).

1. Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Located in Cádiz province, Andalucía, this is a laidback town which is a mecca for foodies. This shellfish served here is some of the best in the region and the town is world renowned for the manzanilla sherry that is unique to the town. Taking the ferry across the river or horse back riding along the shoreline are two popular activities to enjoy in Sanlucar de Barrameda. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Donana nature reserve. Nearest airport: Jerez (21 miles).

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