Best beaches in Spain

Best beach for families

If you’re taking the kids on holiday and need a great family beach, try El Cristo in Estepona. Sandwiched between Marbella and Manilva on the Costa del Sol, this stretch of sand is well sheltered from the wind. And, the shallow, calm water here is ideal for your little ones to paddle in. Its location also makes it a great beach for sunseekers – these turquoise waters catch the sun’s rays well into the evening. And make sure you stick around for Estepona’s standout sunset.

Best beach for photographers

If you’re after something a bit different from your regular beach snap, El Golfo in Lanzarote should be your go-to spot. The volcanic landscape of the Canary Islands has created a lagoon inside a now-extinct crater, tucked next to one of the regions’ famous black sand beaches. Thanks to the algae that call it home, the water in the lagoon is green. Surrounded by red cliffs, El Golfo’s definitely not your typical beach. What’s more, this pebbled coastline is protected by its nature reserve status.

Best beach for peace and quiet

La Borrosa Beach in the Costa de la Luz s eight kilometres long, so you’ve got plenty of space to spread out here. This coastline is made up of sleepy fishing villages rather than bustling resorts, so it’s ideal for those seeking quieter Spanish beaches. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do here. There are loads of watersports on offer, including kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing. You’ve also got plenty of food spots along the promenade – but to really escape the crowds, head up to the sand dunes. Here, the only thing you’ll find is a beach bar serving drinks and Spanish snacks.

Best beach for luxury lovers

There are 24 beaches in Marbella, so you’ll definitely find one that suits you. Known for its glitzy reputation, you never know who you might run into on Puerto Banus’ urban beaches. The area’s a real celebrity magnet thanks to the flashy Golden Mile, and there are three beaches to choose from. Playa de Nueva Andalucia, which boasts Blue Flag status, is lined with beach bars and clubs for those looking to party, while Playa Puerto Banus is the local family friendly spot. And, completing the line-up is Playa del Rio Verde, which has Blue Flag status.

Ready to hit the coast?

Take a look at our Spain deals, or for more of our favourite beaches around the world, read our list of the best beaches in Greece.

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Author: Lizzie Butler