12 Best Beach Towns in Spain

The best beach towns in Spain offer a combination of stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of other attractions. From the finest picturesque beaches on its coastline, lush palm trees, and white sand to pristine beaches, charming beach towns, and lively urban beaches – there is something for everyone. Spain offers some of the most picturesque and charming beach towns around. Some examples are Costa del Sol on the southern coast and San Sebastian on the northwest coast.

However, the best beaches in Spain exist along the southern edge of Spain, stretching from the Catalonian capital Barcelona and its architecturally-impressive town to the southern tip of Gibraltar. Let’s learn more about beach towns in Spain!

What is the prettiest coastal town in Spain?

One of the most beautiful coastal towns in Spain is San Sebastian. This stunning port city, situated on the Bay of Biscay, offers wonderful white-sand beaches, stunning mountain views, and plenty of sightseeing opportunities. The city’s rich cultural history and relaxed atmosphere add to the overall experience. Its winding streets are filled with tapas bars, delicious local cuisine and vibrant nightlife. The quaint cobblestone plazas are perfect for people to enjoy Spanish life at its finest. What sets Spain apart from other coastal towns is its dramatic landscape, surrounded by emerald green hills that provide a unique backdrop for this gorgeous gem of a town.

What is the best small town to live in Spain?

For those looking to live in a small town in Spain, Malaga offers an authentic and quintessential Spanish experience with bustling streets and stunningly preserved architecture. The mix of old-world charm and modern amenities make it a great place to reside, while beautiful beaches and nearby nature provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation. The unique cultural flair, incredible cuisine, and friendly atmosphere also make it ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the Spanish lifestyle.

What is the best coastal beach town in Spain?

Most of us know Spain for its stunning Mediterranean coastline and idyllic beach towns, but which is the best?

1. Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular beach towns in Spain, located on the Mediterranean Sea, and offers a sunny climate all year round. The beach towns along this stretch of coastline are famous for their vibrant nightlife and golden sand beaches. There are dozens of beach bars and restaurants to choose from Spanish coast and plenty of activities for those seeking a more active vacation.

2. San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a picturesque old town perched on the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its pristine beaches and white sand beaches. This beach town is known for its very heated nightlife and traditional whitewashed houses, in addition to its seafood restaurants and golden sands. The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and scuba diving, and there’s also the nearby La Concha Beach to explore.

3. Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca is a beautiful beach town located on Spain’s southeastern coast, and it’s known for its golden beaches and beach life. The city center is known for its narrow streets and picturesque palm trees, while the nearby La Concha Beach is great for beach bars and vibrant nightlife. The town is also centrally located to some of Spain’s most stunning coastal cities, including Valencia and Alicante.

4. Santa Clara Island

People consider Santa Clara Island one of the most beautiful beach towns of the northern coast of Spain. This idyllic island is home to some of the best beaches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and plenty of picturesque old town streets. The island also offers great opportunities for scuba diving and other sea sports.

5. Costa de la Luz

Costa de la Luz is a beach town located on the Atlantic Ocean in southern Spain and is renowned for its golden sand beaches, rich history, and local culture. Its beach life is great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the Mediterranean climate, while its city center is ideal for exploring the many traditional restaurants and beach bars. It’s also home to some of Spain’s most pristine beaches, making it a popular destination for beachgoers.

6. Marbella

Marbella is an important tourist destination for European royalty in the style and luxury of high-end yachts and luxury motor cars. Costa del Sol has numerous spectacular sites and restaurants, numerous Michelin-starred restaurant experiences, and fantastic beaches like Calanhonda Beach and Cabopino Beach. The historic Old Town of Marbella is the area’s most popular attraction, with its cobbled streets and colorful plazas. It’s also a great shopping destination, with a wide range of shops and boutiques.

7. Alicante

Alicante may be one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches for those seeking a pleasant yet relaxing holiday. The coasts of Costa Blanca have been an important tourist attraction since the 1800s and are popular for their pristine golden sand beaches and breathtaking mountain scenery. Alicante offers many attractions, from historical monuments to museums and art galleries to vibrant nightlife. The city’s main beach, Playa del Postiguet, receives plenty of locals and visitors alike. It’s easy to spend a day here, enjoying the beautiful beaches and the lively beach bars.

Although a portion -like Benidorm- is full of high-rise hoteliers, most of Alicante maintains its authentic charm. The paved streets with marble-tiled palms are a famous sight in the center of Alicante, and they are characterized by the highest quality along Playa de la Postiguet and San Juan Playa.

8. Ibiza Town

The most popular of these islands is the party island Ibiza Town. The Town is arguably the most popular destination for party pets, but it has more calmness and tranquility. A gorgeous harbor is located in Ibiza City and consists of an older city on top. It is surrounded by paved pavements, walls, and a number of cannons in the old town known as Dalt Vila. Plus, the historic town provides terrific views over pristine blue oceans. The Ibiza area provides more authentic experiences than the area near San Antonio.

9. Costa de la Luz (Huelva and Cádiz)

It is a region in the southwest of Andalusia that extends along the coastal areas of the provinces of Huelva and Cadiz. It was named after the very clear sunlight that shines in the enormous sandy areas throughout the season. Costa de la Luz has large beaches with clean water from the Atlantic Ocean.

10. San Sebastián, Basque Country

One of Spain’s best coastal beach towns is San Sebastián, located in the autonomous Basque Country. With its many beaches along the Cantabrian Sea, it offers unique beauty and stunning views for beachgoers. The famed Playa de la Concha comes alive during summer with its crystal-clear water and lush surroundings. San Sebastian beaches represent city symbols and city model beaches.

San Sebastián also has a rich culture and history to explore, with iconic Basque architecture sure to immerse travelers into this city’s enriched lifestyle. There are plenty of shopping and dining opportunities in San Sebastián, from traditional small boutiques, bars, and cafes to modern malls and contemporary cuisine.

11. Tarifa

From luxury resorts to vibrant nightlife, Tarifa has it all. The town’s white-washed buildings and sandy beaches provide visitors with an unrivaled level of relaxation while they take in the stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Along with being home to some of Europe’s best surf spots and sunsets, Tarifa boasts a lively cultural scene with galleries, music festivals and historical sites located within its city limits. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a place to relax, Tarifa is a place travelers of all types should visit.

12. Valencia

Spain is home to a wide array of stunning beaches, offering travelers sun, sand and a unique experience. Among the best beaches Spain has to offer are those located in the beautiful city of Valencia. Valencia’s stunning shorelines provide everything from tranquil retreats to lively, energetic nights out and everything in between. With its crystal clear water and gorgeous sand dunes, it’s no surprise that visitors flock to these stunning stretches of coastline throughout the year for an unforgettable beach holiday experience.

A word from SublimeSpain

Spain is a paradise for beach lovers. From stunning beaches to a vibrant culture and grand architecture, Spain is a great place for beachgoers and vacationers alike. With its long coastline and temperate climate, plenty of luxurious beach towns have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an escape to the Mediterranean ocean or seeking out an adventure in quaint fishing villages, you will probably find something on this list that will make your trip unforgettable. So if you’re planning a trip to Spain, don’t forget to explore some amazing beach towns—you won’t regret it!