National Geographic had launched a special edition with a complete selection of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. The magazine features more than 100 beaches, including peninsula and the famous Balearic and Canary Islands.
Obviously, it is a bit difficult to visit so many beaches in one trip, so we have made a short selection by some regions to make it easier for you to visit depending on which Spanish region you will be visiting. In this post we will focus con the beaches in the Peninsula, but don’t worry, we have another post dedicated to the Spanish Islands only.
ANDALUCÍA
Playa de Matalascañas
Near the Doñana National Park, this beach is considered the capital’s beach for Sevillans. It became famous for its “tapón”, which is nothing more than the eroded remains of the Torre de la Higuera, that collapsed in a tsunami in 1755.
Playa de Bolonia
Famous by its dunes, this beach it is indeed beautiful. Here, in addition to enjoying the turquoise water, you can windsurf, enjoy unrivaled nature, or join the others in “chiringuitos”. Think that’s not enough? Well, at low tide you can still enjoy the natural pools that form in the “Baños de Claudia”.
Playa de Calahonda
Scenario of the TV series “Verano Azul”, it is as if time has not passed on this beach. Certainly, on this small beach, between cliffs, you will find many locals living in Nerja
Playa de los Muertos
Not long ago, in 2018, fishermen found among their nets a huge amphora from Roman times, proof of a trade route region between Fenicia y Tartessos. It is a beach of crystal clear water, but that requires attention, famous for its strong winds that cause the shock of the waves with the rocks and also known for its abrupt depth, which seems to be surprising to many people.
CATALUÑA
Cala Roca de L’illot
It is difficult to make a selection of some beaches in Catalonia. Blessed with breathtaking landscapes, in this region you will be able to indulge for a long time in beautiful beaches (and slightly chilly water, of course). We start with L’illot, with a landscape that escapes from the sameness of beaches with vast areas of sand. In this Cala, the sand is replaced by rocks and the indescribable blue speaks for itself. It is important to say that getting to paradise is not such an easy task, be prepared for the walk.
Cala Sa Boadella
Do you recognize this place? The scene of Penelope Cruz and Matthew McConaughey’s kiss in the movie Sahar (2005), it is perfect for people who enjoy hiking. Traditionally nudist, the beach also admits bathers wearing clothes.
Platja Es Castell
Ah nature. In 1994 the neighbors, by a vote, succeeded in embargoing a project to build a resort with a golf course in this region. The beauty of this place, among rocks, lots of green and blue is overwhelming.
Cala Sa Tuna
Changing a bit from the air of calas amidst natural parks, we have Cala Sa Tuna, in the heart of the Costa Brava, a postcard setting with its little white houses. Ideal for those who like calm and crystal-clear seas.
CANTABRIA
Playa de Oyambre
June 14, 1929, landing of the first flight between the United States and Spain. It is true that the plane was going to Palma, but the pilot needed to make an emergency landing on the sands of Oyambre beach. Bordered by the Natural Park of Oyambre and the Ría de la Rabia, this beach is famous for the Curva de Oyambre, a small sand peninsula formed by the winding Ría de la Rabia. Beautiful.
Playa de Arnía
The rocks of the Playa de Arnía are called “farallones”. They are limestone strata sedimented at the bottom of the sea 90 million years ago. They have been raised almost to the vertical by the thrust of the continent against the tectonic plate of the Cantabrian that is located under the coast. And all of that is to say that, no doubt, this is a unique location that it is worth a visit.
Playa del Sardinero
Not sure if it is one of the most beautiful, but it is one of the most famous, no questions asked. When the King Alfonso XII decided to live near by the beach, the former sardine fishing area became gradually one of the main seaside neighborhood in Europe at the time. At that moment, the beach was reserved for the aristocracy only.
GALÍCIA
Praia de As Catedrais
A natural spectacle, one of those places that is worth taking a detour to see. The beach of the cathedrals is near La Coruña and got its name because of its rock formations, just look at the photo to understand. Declared a Natural Monument, it is not the best place for swimming and its outflow is limited. IMPORTANT: to get in you need to reserve your “spot” online (it’s very easy to find on google) and to get to the “cathedrals”, you need to pass through a piece of sand/rock that disappears when the tide rises, so it’s very important to know the time of the tide. For those who are not from beach towns, when the website says that the low tide time is at 10am, this means that it is the lowest time and soon it will start to fill up. Get to the beach about 1h30 or 2h before that, so you can get there and back without too much trouble, ok?
Praia de Rodas
Located on the Cíes Islands, it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Its super thin, white sandstone contrasts perfectly with one of the deepest blues you will ever see. Las Cíes are integrated with the Islas Atlánticas National Park, and you can get a ferry in Vigo to get there.
Praia de Xilloi
Peacefull. There are beaches just as beautiful (or even more), it is true, but I can’t remember ever feeling so in peace and calm on a beach before, not even the deserted ones. Xilloi Beach is quiet in every way and a true paradise to spend a morning.
Have you ever been to any of those beaches or have other suggestions?
Please share with us and we’ll catch up for our next Post.
Time to enjoy summer full mode!
