From the Costa Brava to the Costa del Sol, these six seaside resorts rank among Spain’s most beautiful, combining golden beaches with Mediterranean charm.
From sheltered Mediterranean coves to vast Atlantic bays, Spain offers countless stopovers where you can move from lively bustle to complete tranquillity in just a few steps. With sweeping horizons, rich cultural heritage and fresh seafood flavours, these six seaside resorts cultivate a distinctive and gentle way of life.
San Sebastián, La Concha in all its splendour
The gastronomic capital of the Spanish Basque Country, San Sebastián unfurls its great arc of blond sand against a backdrop of Belle Époque architecture. A stroll along the promenade, a dip in La Concha Bay, a climb up Mount Urgull, pintxos at La Bretxa market — the day unfolds effortlessly.
On Zurriola beach, surfers carve their lines, while Michelin-starred tables confirm the city’s culinary reputation. Ondarreta beach and Santa Clara Island complete the picture, and festivals and concerts keep the season lively well into the evening.
Marbella, Andalusian elegance and golden light
At the foot of the Sierra Blanca, Marbella lines up refined beach clubs, historic gardens and an old town (casco antiguo) of flower-filled lanes. The ‘Golden Mile’ links the town to Puerto Banús, a spectacular marina where yachts gleam and lively terraces spill out along the quays.
Days alternate between swimming at Fontanilla beach, wandering towards the old town walls, and excursions to nearby white villages. Golf courses and beach clubs extend the pleasures until dusk.
Sitges, modernism and fine sand
Half an hour from Barcelona, Sitges pulses with creative energy. From modernist villas to the Maricel and Cau Ferrat museums, via charming white streets overlooking a palm-lined seafront, the setting is appealing all year round.
No fewer than 17 beaches follow one another, from the town centre to the coves of the Garraf Natural Park. This delightful seaside resort blends sea bathing with a vibrant cultural scene and evenings spent gazing out towards the horizon.
Altea, Mediterranean whiteness on the Costa Blanca
Perched above a coastline of pale pebbles, Altea reveals cobbled streets rising towards its church crowned with a cobalt-blue dome. Flower-filled balconies, artisan workshops and quiet cafés invite lingering, before a gentle stroll naturally leads to the Paseo Marítimo along the Mediterranean.
From Church Square, the view stretches across the bay, while below, the fishing harbour anchors the town’s maritime soul. Far from the crowds of Benidorm, the resort favours tranquillity, with beaches such as La Roda and Cap Negret and sweeping views of the Sierra de Bernia.
Port de Sóller, a seaside haven in Majorca
At the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, Port de Sóller nestles in a perfect bay, linked to the town of Sóller by a charming wooden tram. The historic train connecting Palma to Sóller adds a scenic journey through citrus groves to the day’s pleasures.
A morning on the sand, a boat trip to the small village of Sa Calobra, hikes along fragrant trails – pleasures accumulate throughout the day. In the evening, the quays light up, restaurants and bars set the pace for a leisurely promenade, and the mountains provide a magnificent backdrop at every turn.
Costa Adeje, volcanic gentleness in Tenerife
On the southern coast of Tenerife, Costa Adeje offers a succession of well-equipped beaches – El Duque, Fañabé, Torviscas – where swimming is possible all year round. Boutique hotels sit alongside larger resorts, while shops and restaurants line the seafront promenade.
Sometimes golden, sometimes basalt-black, the sand tells the story of the island’s volcanic origins. A short drive leads to Teide National Park, offering a change of altitude and a wealth of viewpoints. Other active breaks include boat trips for whale and dolphin watching, renowned water parks, and coastal paths for walking beneath a perpetually generous sky.
