Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.
When most people plan a summer beach vacation to Spain, they dream of destinations like Ibiza, Mallorca, and Tenerife, and we can’t say we don’t blame them. These destinations offer long sunny days, soft sand beaches, turquoise waters, and many things to see and do. However, it’s worth noting that these places are often the busiest beach destinations, too.
Therefore, visit one of Spain’s lesser-traveled beach destinations to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a more relaxed beach vacation. Luckily, there are many. Here are 12 underrated beach destinations in Spain to show you what you’re missing. These places offer sun, sea, sand, and smaller crowds.
Let’s kick things off with Gijón, the largest city in Spain’s Asturias region. Found along the country’s northern coast, Gijón is best known for its maritime heritage, Roman ruins, and charming fishing village. However, its position on the Bay of Biscay coastline also makes it an underrated beach destination.
During your trip to the city, spend your time exploring local tourist attractions, indulging in authentic Spanish cuisine, and relaxing on one of the picturesque beaches. Two of the best beaches in Gijón are Playa de San Lorenzo and Playa de Poniente. They both offer soft golden sand, emerald waters, and easy access to the city’s amenities. Other notable attractions include Santa Catalina Headland, Palacio de Revillagigedo, and Plaza del Parchís.
Read also: Dreamy European Islands
We’ve visited Santander multiple times, and it remains one of our all-time favorite Spanish beach destinations. Nestled along Spain’s beautiful north coast, this picturesque city offers several golden sand beaches, impressive mountain views, lively historic squares, and authentic Spanish charm. Honestly, we can’t understand why it’s not more popular.
Your days in Santander will be spent hiking along the coastal cliffs, wandering along soft sand beaches, swimming in the calm, turquoise waters, and tucking into delicious Spanish cuisine. Must-visit places in the city include El Sardinero, Playa de Mataleñas, Playa de la Magdalena, Parque Cabo Mayor, and Antiguo Túnel de Tetuán. We also highly recommend watching the fiery sunset from Jardines de Piquío.
Read also: Top Beach Getaways in Spain
Despite being conveniently placed along Spain’s famous Costa del Sol, Nerja is an underrated and less-traveled beach destination, making it an excellent option for holidaymakers seeking a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. This beautiful seaside town in Southern Spain offers quiet beaches, picturesque walking trails, and a charming waterfront promenade.
At Balcón de Europa, you can admire panoramic views of the town’s beaches and the Mediterranean Sea. Meanwhile, a relatively new 547-foot (175-meter) long coastal path also offers impressive views. Regarding beaches, Nerja has many picture-perfect stretches of sand to enjoy, including Playa el Salón, La Caletilla, and Playa de la Calahonda. Other points of interest in the town include the Museum of the Village of Nerja, the Rainbow Steps, and Cueva de Nerja.
Read also: Spain’s Most Peaceful Places To Retire
When most people think of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago of exotic islands off the coast of Eastern Spain, they usually picture famous tourist destinations like Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca. While these places are ideal for a beach vacation, Formentera, the smallest inhabited Balearic Island, has much to offer, too, especially if you want to avoid the crowds and party atmosphere.
Only a 30-minute ferry ride from its party island sister (Ibiza), Formentera is a breathtaking island with prehistoric history, tropical beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and accommodation options to suit every budget. When you’re not soaking up the sun on white sand beaches like Ses Illetes Beach and Playa de Migjorn, sip cocktails at the beachfront and visit fascinating landmarks like La Mola Lighthouse.
Read also: Cheap Cities in Spain for Budget Travelers
If you’re searching for a summer vacation destination that combines beach vibes and big-city appeal, Cádiz is perfect, especially if you love history. One of Europe’s oldest cities, this fascinating city in southwestern Spain is filled with things to see and do. Better still, it’s home to several postcard-perfect beaches.
An ancient port city, you’ll spend much of your time in Cádiz wandering the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, searching for spectacular landmarks and historic architecture. You’ll also find yourself sunbathing on the beaches and tucking into paella by the sea. Notable attractions in the city include Playa de la Victoria, Playa de La Cortadura, Catedral de la Santa Cruz de Cádiz, and Torre Tavira.
Read also: Dreamlike Places in Spain
Couples planning a romantic Spanish vacation or honeymoon should consider staying in Agua Amarga, a vibrant fishing village and beach resort along the Almeria Coast. This small village is home to less than 500 people and untouched by large-scale tourism, so you can expect a peaceful holiday with authentic Spanish vibes.
It sits on a 1,640-foot (500-meter) long golden-sand beach and is protected by a prominent headland. As such, you can expect easy access to the beachfront and calm emerald waters that are perfect for swimming. Admittedly, there isn’t much to do in Agua Amarga, but that’s the beauty of it. You don’t need an excuse to kick back, relax, sunbathe, and enjoy local cuisine.
Read also: Affordable Beach Destinations in Europe
Northern Spain beach towns like Lekeitio are often overlooked by tourists, who seek warmer weather, more resorts, and a vibrant nightlife. While places like Lekeitio might not be as hot or lively, they still have much to offer. That’s why they’re often much more popular with locals seeking an escape from daily life.
Located halfway between San Sebastian and Bilbao, Lekeitio is a vibrant fishing port along the Basque Coast with some of the best beaches in Northern Spain. Aside from its beautiful beaches, which include Isuntza Beach and Karraspio Beach, the town also features a medieval Old Town. You’ll find exciting sights here, such as Oxangoiti Palace, Palacio Uriarte, and Erdi Aroko Harresia. The picturesque Isle of San Nicolas is also worth a visit.
Read also: Beautiful Castles to Explore in Spain
The next underrated Spanish beach destination on our list is San Sebastián, a lively coastal city in Northern Spain known best for its stunning scenery, cultural richness, and pristine beaches. Keen surfers might also be pleased to know that the city is famous in the surfing world for its magnificent surf spots.
So, what are you waiting for, book your flights, grab your board, and hit the waves. When not tackling the waves, wander along the scenic bayfront promenade, wine and dine in fancy restaurants, and explore the Old Town (Parte Vieja). San Sebastián’s best beaches are Playa de Ondarreta and Playa de la Concha. They offer emerald waters and long stretches of soft golden sand and are perfect for families, couples, and surfers.
Read also: Explore Spain Like a Local
L’Ametlla de Mar
L’Ametlla de Mar is a small fishing village along Spain’s Mediterranean east coast. It’s rarely considered a possibility by beachgoers planning a beach vacation, but it has everything you need to enjoy a laid-back beachside holiday. Brimming with charm and character, you can expect beautiful beaches, a village jam-packed with history and culture, and a lovely waterfront.
Beachgoers visiting the village will likely spend most of their time at Alghero Beach. This is a small sandy beach where you can sunbathe, swim in the sea, hire a kayak, or buy a refreshing beverage at a waterfront bar. Other things you can do in L’Ametlla de Mar include hiking, exploring the village, and sailing.
Read also: Scenic European Beach Towns
Families looking for somewhere fun to vacation with their children and adventure enthusiasts searching for their next thrill should book a holiday to Tarifa, a watersport mecca on the Iberian Peninsula. This beautiful beach destination in Southern Spain is renowned for its strong winds, which make it one of the world’s best spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Furthermore, jet skiing, surfing, and snorkeling are also popular. The hub of Tarifa’s watersport action is Playa de Los Lances, a long golden-sand beach with a crystal-clear turquoise sea. To top things off, Tarifa also features historic cobbled streets, a centuries-old castle, and an extensive fortress begging to be explored.
Read also: What Not To Do When Visiting Spain
The penultimate underrated Spanish beach destination on our list is A Coruña, a gorgeous port city on Spain’s northwest coast. Like Santander, the city is best known for its several beaches, clear turquoise waters, and scenic coastal paths. Two of our favorite beaches in the city are Playa del Orzan and Praia das Lapas.
Once you’ve had your fill of A Coruña’s beaches, discover the city’s most iconic landmarks in the medieval Old Town, including Castelo de Santo Antón, Iglesia de Santiago, and Igrexa de Santo Domingo. Make sure you also leave time to walk to the fascinating Torre de Hércules Roman lighthouse. It was built in the 1st century and offers spectacular coastal views.
Read also: Spain’s Instagram-Worthy Spots
The final underrated beach destination for you is Ribadesella in Northern Spain. Like other beach destinations on our list, this charming fishing port is an excellent place to visit if you want more peace and relaxed vibes. Home to less than 7,000 people, you’ll enjoy slow jaunts through the town, strolls along the beach, and afternoons spent relaxing by the sea.
We don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty great. The main port is connected via a bridge, with the best beach, Playa de Ribadesella, on the Sella River’s left side. If you time your visit right, you can watch the annual canoe race down the river. Other notable Ribadesella attractions include Tito Bustillo Cave, El Collado House, and Palacio de los Prieto-Mellado.