Top 5 Beaches to Visit in Spain

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España(Spain) boasts a wealth of beautiful playas(beaches). Read on to discover some of our favs!

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Playa de la Concha

Located in the city of San Sebastián(San Sebastian), in the heart of País Vasco(Basque Country), Playa de la Concha(Shell Beach) is often regarded as one of the most beautiful playas urbanas(urban beaches) in Europe. Its crescent-shaped shoreline, arena dorada(golden sand), and calm waters are framed by the lush green monte Igueldo(Mount Igueldo) on one side and the bustling old town of San Sebastián on the other. Given San Sebastián's renowned gastronomic scene, this beach is the ideal spot for combining relaxation and culinary exploration.

la concha 2

Playas de Formentera

Located near Ibiza(Ibiza) in the islas Baleares(Balearic Islands), the island of Formentera(Formentera) boasts some of the Mediterranean's most pristine beaches, with Playa de Ses Illetes(Ses Illetes Beach) being the most famous. Characterized by its powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it often draws comparisons to el Caribe(the Caribbean). The relative remoteness and lack of massive tourist infrastructure have preserved its belleza natural(natural beauty), making it a serene getaway.

Ses Illetes

Playa de las Catedrales

Playa de las Catedrales(Cathedral Beach) is located in Lugo, Galicia(Lugo, Galicia). This natural maravilla(wonder) is famous for its awe-inspiring formaciones rocosas(rock formations), which resemble catedrales góticas(Gothic cathedrals). At low tide, visitors can walk among the arcos(arches) and cuevas(caves) sculpted by the mar Cantábrico(Cantabrian Sea). The rugged beauty of this spot, combined with the play of sunlight through the rock archways, offers a magical and almost otherworldly beach experience.

catedrales

Playa de Bolonia

Playa de Bolonia(Bolonia Beach) is located in Tarifa, Andalucía(Tarifa, Andalusia). This beach is often lauded for its natural beauty, golden sands, agua cristalina(clear waters), and impressive dunas de arena(sand dunes). Additionally, the ruinas(ruins) of the ancient Roman city of Baelo Claudia are located nearby, giving this sandy oasis an unusual blend of natural beauty and importancia histórica(historical significance).

playa de bolonia

Cala Macarelleta

Cala Macarelleta(Macarelleta Cove) is located on the island of Menorca(Menorca), a spot celebrated for its many pristine and unspoiled beaches. In particular, this serene and secluded cala(cove) is beloved due to its aguas turquesas(turquoise waters) and white sands.

Spanish Conversation

Ready to talk beaches in Spanish? Check out this conversation between two friends at Playa de la Concha to get you started!

Victoria:
Me gusta mucho venir a esta playa.
I love coming to this beach.
Roger:
Sí, ver el monte Igueldo mientras te bañas no tiene precio.
Yeah, seeing Mount Igueldo while you're swimming is priceless.
Victoria:
Además, está al lado del centro de la ciudad.
And, it's right next to downtown.
Roger:
¡Exacto! También me encanta que no hace excesivo calor en San Sebastián en verano.
Exactly! I also love that it's not too hot in San Sebastian in the summer.
Victoria:
¡Es un clima perfecto! ¿Te apetece ir de tapas después de la playa?
It's the perfect weather! Would you like to go out to eat tapas after the beach?
Roger:
¡Buena idea!
Good idea!