Spain’s best city beaches

Spain attracts sun-seekers from all over the world and it’s also home to some of Europe’s most buzzing cities. In order to get the most out of both the cities and beaches, we’ve collected some of the best city beaches in Spain.

Sitges

While visitors might be tempted to linger in nearby Barcelona, a 35km trip southwest to Sitges will reward you with a wealth of beaches, and surprise you with historical sites. The miles of raked sands are best enjoyed if you’re an early riser, with La Fragata and Sant Sebastia the most popular family-friendly choices, that are also conveniently close to the town’s centre. For beachfront access, the Sitges Group Ribera Beach apartments are a coastal heaven.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

One of Spain’s most far-flung outposts, Las Palmas of the Canary Islands, has city, beach and island credentials to boast about. As the ninth-largest city in Spain, Las Palmas benefits from a remote location, a consistently good climate and the strands of west African culture that fuels it.
Las Canteras is the largest of the four main beaches and has different names for its various parts. For sporty visitors, La Cicer is the southernmost section and a great place for a kickabout or surfing, while Playa Chica is a more secluded and quieter part, so squeeze in a nap when you’re here. Once the sun sets, spend the night at Terraza – Beach Las Canteras, moments from the beach.

Alicante

Dynamic and buzzy, Alicante is popular among beach-goers on the Costa Blanca. Framed by lemony and tangerine-coloured homes, and flanked by Mount Benacantil and the towering Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Playa del Postiguet beach plays off against a dramatic backdrop. A few kilometers north and you’ll find San Juan Playa, Alicante’s best known beach, with its wide sands and constellation of beach bars. Slightly more removed but still within the city, it’s also home to an 18-hole golf course. Spend the night at contemporary Bazan 16, only 11 minutes’ walk down to the beach.

Salou

Just outside of effervescent Tarragona, you’ll find Salou, its sandy, more playful neighbour. With a few large beaches like urban Llevant and palm-fringed Ponent right in the city centre, it’s Salou’s lesser-known coves that certify it as a city for beaches. Cala Llengüadets can only be reached on foot, but it’s worth that little bit of extra effort as you’ll mainly have the sands to yourself. For even more privacy, head to Cala Penya Tallada – a cove sheltered by the red-clay cliffs and cupped by deep emerald waters. Nearby, L’Eixideta is a relaxed self-catering stay.

Vigo

Nestled on the Galician coast, Vigo was once an industrial port town and the home of Europe’s largest fishing fleet. Today Vigo is a popular tourist destination, thanks in part to its white beaches (there are around 45 of them in the surrounding area) and its charming seafront. A short bus ride takes you to Playa Samil, a wide crescent-shaped bay that functions as the perfect spot for a sundowner while watching the sun set over the distant Cíes Islands. Head to Playa do Vao for sapphire waters and the connected Isla de Toralla for secluded views of the Atlantic, before you get a good night’s rest at NH Collection Vigo.

Benidorm

Meander up the coast from Alicante and you’ll reach the holiday resort town of Benidorm. There are many beaches here but the two major city beaches comprise of Levante beach and its many sunbeds (there are thousands), and Poniente beach, a sweep of golden sand that’s a bit more secluded but still a hive of activity and energy. When you decide you need a break, retreat to Hotel Boutique Villa Venecia – its roof terrace is the perfect vantage point to soak up the sea views.