Spain, with its 8,000 kilometres of coastline, is one of the favourite destinations for national and international tourists, for short stays, and also for second homes or even to relocate given the chance.
Although this year is pretty different from previous ones, the Spanish beaches are still expected to receive many visitors. Beaches are prepared, and all the necessary measures have been set up and put into place to avoid over populated beaches and the risks that crowds may cause, but you might want to consider a change of scene this year and discover beaches off the beaten track, and see for yourself the magic of the coastal wonders that Spain has to offer.
In this section, we are pleased to share some of Spain’s secret beaches, those that are not as overcrowded and less well known.
Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches of Andalucía, Comunidad Valenciana and the Balearic Islands. We hope you enjoy.
ANDALUCÍA
Marbella, Málaga – Dunas de Artola
Declared a Natural Monument in 2001, the landscape of this beach is made up of extensive sand dunes and native vegetation that can be explored on the coastal path that runs through them.
An extensive beach nestled in a unique natural setting, with crystal clear water and areas with sandbanks where you can enjoy a nice walk in the shallow waters.
Cádiz- La Barrosa
Endless beaches and white sand. If this is what you’re looking for, this is the ideal beach for you. La Barrosa in Sancti Petri has more than 8 kilometers of endless golden sand at the foot of the Sancti Petri Castle. If we add to this delicious gastronomy and memorable sunsets, Cádiz is the option.
Cádiz – Zahara de los Atunes – Playa de los alemanes
Its name comes from the fact that German ships were supplied in this bay during the Second World War. This beach is one of the most famous in Cádiz. With over 1.5 km of length, it’s characterized by its transparent and clean cold water, sand and tranquility. It is located next to a mountain, making it the perfect place when there is eastern wind, although somewhat more difficult to access, which must be considered if you are going with your family. If you do not know it yet, we encourage you to visit, this beach is a little paradise!
Huelva- Punta Umbría
The Costa de la Luz is one of those places that you must visit at least once in your life.El Portil beach is one of the best known in Punta Umbría. It is a family beach that is surrounded by three natural sites: the Laguna del Portil Natural Reserve, the Marshlands of Odiel Natural Park and the Enebrales Natural Park of Punta Umbría. A beach where you can find all kinds of services to enjoy a day at the beach and not worry about a thing.
ISLAS BALEARES
Formentera- Es Arenals
This beach is a classic for those who visit Formentera. It is one of the largest beaches on the island and the most visited.It is characterized by its wide sandbank and its shallow depth when entering. Its sand is white and very fine, and its waters are crystal clear turquoise. A beach close to home that makes you feel like you are in some Caribbean destination! 
Ibiza – Cala Tárida
Located on the west of the island, Cala Tarida is an extensive beach with excellent sports and leisure offer and a family orientated atmosphere, although it also has some of the island’s beach clubs where you can spend the afternoon with a cocktail in your hand.
Famous for spectacular sunsets and drumming sessions that go on well into the night, Benirrás is a true Ibiza experience. On the rugged north coast, this sandy beach and its hippy market attracts drummers, dancers, guitarists, fire-eaters and curious tourists all summer long.
The beach is on a protected coastline, with no hotels or tourist complexes. The beach is surrounded by nature reserves. The village market is on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May to October, and the best nights for drumming and real Ibiza atmosphere is on Sundays.
Menorca – Cala Turqueta
If you travel to Menorca we would tell you that it is the first cove that you must include in your list of places to visit. Although, of course, you must make time for other spectacular coves as well.
The beautiful Cala Turqueta in Menorca is hidden in an incredible environment, accessible through a path through a pine forest, like many other coves on the island. One of the best options to get there is by car because there is a car park where you only have 10-15-minute walk to the beach.
Menorca – Cala Escorxada
Very difficult to access and isolated from any urban nucleus, this beach is one of the quietest in the south. It’s a beautiful beach, with fine white sand and the classic turquoise waters that characterize the entire southern coast of Menorca.
There are no services on this beach, so if you decide to visit it you must bring food and drinks to spend the day. Keep in mind that it is a beach quite exposed to the sea, so it is better to go when the north wind blows, if you want to avoid powerful waves.
Mallorca – Playa de Alcúdia and Playa Muro
It’s the largest beach in Baleares, a 4-mile-long white sand beach, being a major pull for visitors to Mallorca. This beach area offers all kinds of services: restaurants, bars, sunbeds and parasols, there are also facilities such as toilets, showers and changing rooms. You can also find a wide range of water sport and cruise offers. This beach is not hidden, and it is very touristy, although, due to its vast extension, you can avoid crowds almost all year round. If it all gets too busy for you, take a stroll south towards quieter Playa de Muro which is sprinkled with sand dunes, pine trees and juniper bushes.
Mallorca – Cala Deià
Cala Deià is a small cove a little away from the popular mountain town of Deià, in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, in the northwest of Mallorca. The beach is only 70 meters long, and mainly made of small pebbles and large rocks. Here visitors enjoy a small rocky beach with transparent blue-green waters, the majestic mountain environment, the stone houses and good food. Cala Deià has two restaurants, both with good quality food, including fish, paella and tapas.
It is not a beach adapted for families, as it’s not sandy and doesn’t offer many services. Residents and tourists, especially Germans, often visit it. It does not have umbrellas nor deck chairs, nor does it offer water sport activities. It does have toilets and showers. Cala Deià is a true experience. Visit this quite hidden beach although in a popular location for its charm, its history and its cozy and hippie atmosphere.
COMUNIDAD VALENCIANA
Valencia – Playa Malvarrosa
This endless sandy beach, despite being right next to the large city of Valencia, has never seen a lot of development, especially if you compare it to other large beaches in the area such as Benidorm. La Malvarrosa remains largely clutter-free, clean, safe and popular with the locals. As a result, it doesn’t feel touristy and has a pleasant local feel to it.
The beach offers a luxury of space and all the main facilities. There is a large promenade lined with palm trees and plenty of restaurants and bars, serving excellent local dishes like Paella or Fideua.
Another plus is that these city beaches are easily accessible by bus or tram, or even by bicycle or on foot.
Valencia – Port Saplaya and Little Venice
Port Saplaya is a colourful building complex right at the beach, amongst boats moored next to tropical gardens, bars, lovely terraces and channels, you’ll find yourself in a landscape similar to one you would find in Venice, which is why it’s called the Little Venice of Valencia.
Although its beach is quiet and one of the best beaches of the Valencia area, it does offer many services, as many locals live in the village all year round, because of its fantastic location and great communication, only 7 km from the centre of the city of Valencia.
Port Saplaya emerged from an old seaport area which used to be used for the exportation of the famous chufa or tiger nuts that are grown in the area. These little nuts that grow in the fields around the port are made into the traditional drink of Horchata, which you must try if you visit.
Valencia – Cullera
Like many Mediterranean towns, Cullera is split into two parts: the town and the beaches, dominated by a small mountain known as the ‘Munt de l’Or’.
Upon arrival, you will find a real Spanish town and authentic beaches enjoyed by locals as well as Spanish tourists from Madrid whose second homes are located here. It is rare to see or hear many foreign tourists. Cullera’s beaches are an ideal getaway for those who want some peace and a variety of beaches to choose from. Quiet, clean and vast sandy beaches are found along this local village.
Alicante – Saladares – Urbanova Beach
An easy, 5km drive from Alicante City centre, this is one of the longest beaches on Alicante’s southern coastline, taking up a considerable length of 16000 meters and 50 meters in width. As the beach is in a local residential area it doesn’t attract large crowds which is good if you want to relax peacefully. The seemingly endless beach never feels crowded. Paddle barefoot by the waves or explore the rolling, natural sand dunes.
Nevertheless, there is are many services for visitors, such as beach patrol with lifeguards and watchtowers, toilets, foot showers and parking facilities.
The next beach is the dog-friendly Playa Agua Amarga, which also has pedal boats for rent—so you can pootle about the waters, perhaps seeking out the next secluded bay.
Alicante – Cala Jugadora
Tucked below the white lighthouse of Cap de Creus, this hidden beach in Alicante was the favourite hiding place of the famous artist Salvador Dali and writer Joseph Pla. This beautiful coastline of sand comes flanked by craggy cliffs and lapped by transparent waters, perfect for snorkelling. The access is not very easy, but it’s more than worthwhile: it’s a half-hour, downhill hike from the nearest car park, following a dry riverbed dotted with fragrant plants.
Alicante – Playa de la Albufereta
Northwest of the city of Alicante, you’ll find this residential area with this amazing this stretch of sand, which comes with a wave of fascinating history: the name comes from the small coastal lake that occupied this spot, ringed by a harbour that served the Ancient Roman village of Lucentum. To sunbathe here is to lie on the origins of the Alicante province. This lovely beach is the locals’ favourite, with soft, pale sand, rocks jutting into the water, and outside bars (“chiringuitos”).
Alicante – Playa del Coco
The twin curves of this relatively small and quiet beach curl towards a rocky breakwater, while local fisherman land their catch nearby, completing the idyllic scene. The harbour, whose waterside tapas restaurants overlook rows of sleek yachts, is a lovely, peaceful spot to sit and stare out to sea – despite the central location, and it’s a great place to dine seafood and enjoy the peach and lovely landscape.
Alicante – Playa de Marianeta Cassiana
This sandy smudge is one of five small, secluded bays tucked just below Parc Natural del Montgó, a mountainous nature reserve and idyllic picnic spot. Further along, a string of endless coves zigzagging the coast, with their crystal-clear waters, invite you to stay until sunset, perching on the end of one of the stone jetties. Afterwards, you might want to walk into Dénia, a picturesque port town with top-rated seafood restaurants.
