Hola! Are you planning your next holidays and looking for the best beach towns in southern Spain? Understandable! After all, only in Southern Spain, along the Mediterranean and a bit of the Atlantic, there is over 1700km of coastline which is home to some of the best beaches in Europe! No wonder this country became a paradise for sun, beach, and watersports lovers!
But that still leaves you with a question – which beach town should I choose? Somewhere in Andalucia? Catalonia? Or maybe in more peaceful and undiscovered Region of Murcia? We’ve seen a lot of them during our 1 year in Spain and here is our subjective ranking. Vamos, let us show you the best beach towns in Southern Spain and help find your perfect spot to enjoy the sun, sea, and golden sand.
We categorized the list based on different Spanish coasts and added awesome beaches you can visit in each town. If you want to know more about a particular town just hit the link to a specific post about it!
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Beach towns on Costa Blanca
Calpe
Calpe is a very pleasant Spanish coastal town. It’s most famous for Peñon de Ifach mountain – a mighty rock that dominates the landscape and gives the area a very unique look (and which can be climbed!). Calpe also stands out for its charming and very colorful old town, picturesque sandy beaches, small hidden coves, and salinas where you’ll find dozens of cute pink flamingos.
Great beaches in Calpe: Playa La Fossa, Playa del Arenal Bol, Playa del Cantal Roig, Cala El Racó, Cala La Calalga, Platja Mascarat, and Cala La Calalga.
Learn more: 10+ Best Things To Do In Calpe, Spain
Altea
Altea is a very peaceful seaside white town where it seems as if time has stopped. It has something magical in it – narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning beaches with calming sea views come together perfectly. The town is known as the Cúpula del Mediterráneo which refers to the blue dome of the town’s main church, which even from afar is an iconic landmark of the Altea. The town is also a paradise for artists and art lovers – there you can find numerous workshops, small art galleries, and craft shops with various handmade items.
Great beaches in Altea: Playa la Roda , Playa De Altea, Playa del Albir, and Playa de L’Espigó.
Learn more: 10+ Best Things To Do In Altea, Spain In One Day
Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa is another lovely beach town in Southern Spain. It’s best known for three things: colorful houses, magnificent beaches, and delicious chocolate manufactured by the Valor company. Old, colorful, and often shabby houses give Villajoyosa a unique vibe and make it one of the most picturesque and colorful towns along Costa Blanca. Taking a walk through the maze of narrow streets and enjoying pretty squares is a pure pleasure.
Great beaches in Villajoyosa: Playa la Villajoyosa, Playa del Bol Nou, Platja Torres, or Playa del Varadero. There, you can also find a small and nice nudist beach – Racó del Conill.
Learn more: One Day In Villajoyosa, Spain. Complete Travel Guide
Benidorm
Benidorm is quite a unique beach town on Costa Blanca. In just about 50 years it evolved from a small, sleepy fishing village to one of the most popular holiday resorts in Spain. It’s often affectionately called the “Manhattan of Spain”. One look is enough to tell that Benidorm is totally different from most Spanish cities. Besides the unique coastline look with many skyscrapers, the town has a lot to offer – striking beaches, mountain views, vivid nightlife, and lots of attractions both for adults and kids.
Great beaches in Benidorm: Playa de Levante, Playa de Poniente, Cala Tio Ximo, and Playa de Finestrat.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Benidorm, Spain
Alicante
Alicante is the capital city of the Province of Alicante and one of the largest cities in Spain population-wise. Thanks to a typical Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters with lots of sunshine, Alicante is a very popular travel destination all year round. And no wonder because it has a lot to offer! From charming old town, hilltop castle, and unique Mushroom Street to many cultural attractions, vivid nightlife, delicious Mediterranean food, and great beaches. Alicante will be a great choice for a Spanish beach town if you’re also looking for some fun during your holidays!
Great beaches in Alicante: San Juan Beach, Postiguet Beach, Mutxavista Beach, Playa de la Albufereta, Almadraba Beach, and Playa del Carabassi.
Learn more: Things To Do In Alicante Old Town, Spain In One Day
Beach towns on Costa del Sol
Nerja
Nerja was once a sleepy fishing village and now it’s a very popular holiday resort in the South of Spain whose old town kept its traditional Andalusian charm. Besides a nice stroll among narrow cobbled streets full of whitewashed houses, Nerja can offer you a relaxing time on one of its sandy beaches with amazing mountain views behind your back. It also has impressive caves to discover and lots of nice restaurants to check out.
Great beaches In Nerja: Playa de Burriana, Playa la Caletilla, Playa Torrecilla, Playa de la Calahonda, Playa El Chorrillo, Playa Carabeo, Playa el Salon, and nudist Playa de Cantarriján.
Learn more: 10+ Best Things To Do In Nerja, Spain In One Day
Benalmadena
Benalmadena consists of two main parts: Pueblo and Costa. Costa is a very popular holiday destination full of magnificent beaches and calm sea waters. Benalmadena Pueblo is the older part of the town located inland, which retained the authenticity of a typical Andalucian village to this day. It’s full of narrow streets, and whitewashed houses decorated with colorful flowers. There you’ll also find Castillo de Colomares – a building that looks like a fairy-tale castle.
Great Benalmadena beaches: Playa Arroyo de la Miel, Playa Malapesquera, Playa Carvajal, and Playa de Santa Ana.
Learn more: 7 Best Things To Do In Benalmádena Pueblo, Spain
Marbella
Without a doubt, Marbella is one of the most popular holiday destinations on Costa del Sol. This beach town is most famous for its vivid nightlife scene with many nightclubs and bars. There are plenty of beautiful sandy beaches, an enchanting old town with a typical Andalusian vibe, delicious food, as well as golf courses, and luxury shopping.
Great beaches in Marbella: Playa Venus, Playa de la Fontanilla, Playa Puerto Banus, Playa de Cabopino, or Playa de Nagüeles. For a luxurious beach club experience head to Nikki Beach.
Learn more: 10+ Best Things to do in Marbella, Spain
Torrox
Torrox claims to have the best climate in Europe, with an average annual temperature of 18°C! Sounds perfect for a beach holiday, doesn’t it? The town consists of two main parts: Pueblo and Costa. Torrox Pueblo is a small charming Andalucian hidden gem, located inland. Like most of the white villages, it’s full of narrow streets with whitewashed houses generously decorated with flowers. Torrox Costa has 9km of coastline with many beautiful sandy beaches and coves to explore, as well as a few attractions like a lighthouse or Roman Ruins.
Great beaches in Torrox: Playa de Torrox, Playa del Peñoncillo, Playa las Dunas, Playa Calaceite, and Playa de las Lindes.
Learn more: 7 Best Things To Do in Torrox Pueblo and Costa, Spain
Estepona
Estepona is a charming hidden gem in Andalucia, often overlooked in favor of other cities on Costa del Sol. In the 60s it was only a little fishing village and since then it developed into one of the biggest towns in the area. Nonetheless, the old town kept its charm, and strolling among its streets feels like stepping back in time. The newest part of Estepona is well-known for its colorful murals adorning many buildings. There, you’ll also find many lovely beaches, some even awarded a Blue Flag.
Great beaches in Estepona: Playa del Cristo, Playa Arroyo Vaquero, Playa de la Rada, Playa de Guadalobón, Playa de Punta Plata, or nudist Playa Costa Natura.
Learn more: 15+ Best Things To Do In Estepona, Spain In One Day
Beach towns on Costa Calida
La Manga del Mar Menor
La Manga del Mar Menor is a narrow piece of land that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor Lagoon, stretching for approximately 22km. Until the 1960s it was a natural and virgin area that was completely urbanized in just over dozens of years. Nowadays, it’s considered one of the most renowned tourist destinations in Murcia for sun, beach, relaxation, and watersports. La Manga offers beautiful sandy beaches and stunning views on both sides. It’s a place where you can choose if you want to take a dip into calm Mar Menor Lagoon waters or the little mightier Mediterranean Sea.
Great beaches in La Manga: Playa Veneziola, Playa del Barco Perdido, Playa de Marchamalo, Playa de Cavanna, Cala del Pino, Playa Ensenada del Esparto, Playa del Estacio and Playa del Pedrucho.
Learn more: Holidays In La Manga Del Mar Menor Murcia, Spain
Bolnuevo
Bolnuevo is a small fishing town that is home to a natural treasure – a unique-looking mushroom-shaped sandstone formation called Ciudad Encantada (eng. Enchanted City). Thanks to beautiful, golden-sand beaches over the recent years, it has become a very popular destination among holidaymakers. Thankfully, even despite that the old town has retained most of its old, traditional Spanish charm.
Great beaches in Bolnuevo: Playa Bolnuevo, Playa del Castellar, Playa de Bahía, and Calas de Bolnuevo.
Beach towns on Costa de Almeria
Towns of Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park
Cabo De Gata-Nijar Natural Park is one of the most unspoiled corners of Europe, and the largest protected coastal area in Andalusia. There you’ll find some of the best wild beaches in Spain, crystal clear sea waters perfect for swimming or scuba diving, breathtaking views at every step, dozens of hiking trails, and many peaceful places where you can just sit, relax, and soak a peaceful vibe. In Cabo de Gata you’ll also find a few charming tiny villages perfect for your relaxing, beach holidays like San Jose, Las Negras, Agua Amarga, or Carboneras.
Great beaches in Cabo de Gata: Playa de los Muertos, Playa de Monsul, Playa de los Genoveses, Playa Las Negra, Playa Los Escullos, Playa Cala de Enmedio.
Learn more: One-Day Trip From Almeria To Cabo De Gata-Nijar Natural Park
Almeria
Almeria is one of the most beautiful beach towns in Andalusia, located in the warmest and driest region of Spain. It’s a city with character and a great vibe that will keep you entertained for a long time. Almeria is best known for its impressive well-preserved Alcazaba, a unique-looking cathedral, a charming old town perfect for lazy strolls, and tranquil beaches with mesmerizing blue Mediterranean Sea waters. What’s more, it still isn’t a very popular travel destination (often overlooked for nearby Malaga or Granada) so if you hate crowds you’ll appreciate its calmness. Almeria is a great holiday destination for most times of the year.
Great beaches in Almeria: Playa de San Miguel, Playa del Zapillo, Playa de La Termica, and Playa de la Garrofa. For more spectacular beaches you should visit Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, located just a few kilometers from Almeria city.
Learn more: 10+ Best Things To Do In Almeria City In Spain
Roquetas de Mar
Roquetas de Mar is one of the most popular holiday resorts on Costa de Almeria where thousands of people flee to look for the sun and relaxation. And no wonder! Beautiful sunny weather all year round with little rain and an average temperature of 18°C, golden sandy Blue Flag beaches, mesmerizing blue sea waters, modern hotels, many restaurants, and a wide range of activities… All of that makes Roquetas de Mar a great holiday destination in Andalucia. It’s hard to believe that only during the last about 50 years this town has evolved from a traditional fishing village into a modern holiday resort!
Great beaches in Roquetas de Mar: Playa la Romanilla, Playa de La Bajadilla, Playa Serena, Playa de las Salinas, Playa de Aguadulce.
Learn more: Things To Do In Roquetas de Mar Near Almeria, Spain
Beach towns on Costa de la Luz
Tarifa
Tarifa is the southernmost point of Spain and mainland Europe. It lies right across Morocco, in a place where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet. Thanks to strong, constant winds Tarifa is called Europe’s capital of the wind, and hence is one of the world’s most popular destinations for water sports. Tarifa also boasts one of the best and most beautiful beaches in the region and a charming old town with a very chilled-out vibe.
Best beaches in Tarifa: Playa de Los Lances, Playa de Valdevaqueros, Playa Punta Paloma, Playa Los Alemanes, and Playa La Caleta.
Also, about 20km from Tarifa, you can find Playa de Bolonia with the spectacular Bolonia Dune and ruins of the Roman city Baelo Claudia.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Tarifa, Spain – Complete Travel Guide
Cadiz
Cadiz is a charming and quaint Andalucian city located on a narrow slice of land, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the oldest, and most continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, first settled by the Phoenicians around 3000 years ago! Later, Romans settled there and built an impressive city. Over the years Cadiz was one of the most important ports in Europe and also was a starting point for Christopher Columbus’s travels. Nowadays, it’ll enchant you with amazing landscapes filled with blue water, fishing boats, and golden sandy beaches, as well as a charming old town full of history.
Great beaches in Cadiz: La Caleta Beach, Playa de Santa María del Mar, and Playa de la Victoria.
Learn more: 15+ Best Things To Do In Cadiz, Spain In One Day
Beach towns on Costa Dorada
Sitges
Sitges is a small beach town located close to Barcelona. If you’re looking for a place with scenic beaches, a delightful old town, a relaxed vibe, lively festivals, or fierce all-night-long parties – Sitges will be a great choice for you. No matter if you’re a party-seeker or just looking for a picturesque getaway destination in Catalonia – this town should satisfy all your interests and needs. Also, Sitges is one of the most liberal and open-minded cities in the world with an amazing LGBT-friendly atmosphere!
Great beaches in Sitges: Platja de la Fragata, Platja de la Ribera, Platja de Sitges, Platja de l’Estanyol, Platja de Sant Sebastia, nudist Platja dels Balmins.
Learn more: 10+ Best Things To Do In Sitges, Spain
Cambrils
Cambrils is a small Spanish town with a chilled vibe, fantastic beaches, and breathtaking views. And with not as huge crowds as some of the nearby places! What’s more, if you’re a food lover you’ll find yourself in heaven too, as Cambrils is considered the gastronomy capital of Costa Dorada! Yummy! During summer months it’s a popular holiday spot. It’s a great choice for more relaxed beach holidays in Catalonia.
Great beaches in Cambrils: Platja del Regueral, Platja de la Llosa, Platja de l’Esquirol, Platja de Vilafortuny, Platja del Cavet, and Platja De l’Ardiaca.
Learn more: 10+ Best Things To Do in Cambrils, Spain
Salou
Salou is best known for being one of the most popular holiday spots on Costa Dorada which offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. There you’ll find nice views, sandy beaches, exciting attractions for people of all ages, and lively nightlife. If you’re looking for some thrill and adrenaline rush be sure to visit PortAventura World – a world-renowned theme park featuring a diverse array of attractions from heart-pounding roller coasters to captivating live shows.
Great beaches in Salou: Platja de Llevant, Platja de Ponent, Platja dels Capellans,Platja dels Llenguadets, Platja Llarga, Cala Penya Tallada, Cala Font, or Platja de la Cala Crancs.
Learn more: 10+ Best Things To Do In Salou, Spain
Tarragona
Tarragona is a real heaven for history buffs and those who want to escape Barcelona crowds. It’s a place where history comes to life at its best and surrounds you wherever you go. Numerous Roman ruins and archeological sites, ravishing medieval old town, gripping festivals featuring human towers, and great beaches… Tarragona has it all and even more, and definitely will keep every traveler entertained.
Great beaches in Tarragona: Platja de Tamarit, Platja Arrabassada, Platja Llarga, Platja dels Capellans, Cala Fonda and Platja Savinosa.
Learn more: 15+ Best Things To Do In Tarragona, Spain
Beach towns on Costa del Azahar
Peniscola
Peniscola is a charming white village with a typical Mediterranean vibe that can literally steal your heart. Whitewashed houses with blue ornaments, narrow cobblestone streets decorated with flowers, charming squares, house entirely covered in shells, a castle, and lovely beaches are waiting for you there. No wonder in 2013 Peniscola was named one of the most beautiful villages in Spain!
Great beaches in Peniscola: Playa Sur, Playa Norte, Playa de Peñiscola, and Platja del Morrongo.
Learn more: One Day In Peniscola, Spain – The Best Things To Do
Benicassim
Benicassim is a tiny and peaceful town perfect for typical, chilled beach holidays. We won’t lie – there isn’t much to do there, except for typical holiday activities. Amazing sandy beaches, delightful blue sea water, mountain areas in the backdrop, and lack of hordes of tourists make Benicassim a great destination. Oh, and there’s also a fantastic coastal path – Via Verde del Mar, perfect for various fresh air activities with amazing views!
Great beaches in Benicassim: Platja d’Heliòpolis, Platja Torre San Vicente, Platja del Gurugú, Platja de la Renegá, Platja del Pinar.
Learn more: One-Day Trip Ideas From Benicassim, Spain
Best beach towns in Southern Spain – Summing up
Uff, that’s it! There are so many beautiful beach towns in Southern Spain, right? And that’s just a small drop among them all! One thing is undeniable – the choice is huge. We hope this post was helpful, and now you’re one step closer to choosing your dream holiday spot, best suited to your needs. Enjoy your time there!
One more tip. Traveling by car, without a doubt, is the best and the fastest way of getting to all mentioned beach towns and exploring the area. So if you’re not traveling by car, we recommend you rent one using the Rental Cars website.
Discover more amazing beaches in Spain 🏖️☀️
Our opinion about beach towns in Southern Spain & our TOP5
Until now we’ve spent over 1 year exploring Spain, and out of it 10 months along the Mediterranean. We lived on Costa Blanca, Costa de la Luz, Costa del Sol, Costa de Almeria, Costa Dorada, Costa del Azahar, and Costa Calida. During that time we had a great opportunity to visit quite a lot of places and got to know them pretty well.
Overall, we really enjoyed all mentioned towns (otherwise we wouldn’t recommend them to you!) and we think they are great choices for beach holidays. The choice is wide, from touristy spots with many attractions to peaceful places without crowds, and we’re sure that everyone will find their perfect spot.
Our TOP5 beach towns in Southern Spain? We choose Tarifa, Altea, Benicassim, towns in Cabo de Gata, and Cambrils!
