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Best Beach Destinations in Spain

Southern Spain and Mallorca top the list
Sarah Rogers

August 3, 2012 // By Sarah Rogers

By Sarah Rogers
August 3, 2012

 

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With 6,500 kilometers of coastline, thousands of safe, beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine, it is no wonder that Spain is one of the world’s top tourist and beach destinations! Whether you want to unwind on a sandy shore, seek the thrill of water sports or have some overdue fun with friends and family, Spain’s beaches are a great choice for your next vacation.

Indeed, this Mediterranean country has the most Blue Flag beaches in the world. These international awards are given to beaches with the best water quality, safety, services and environmentally responsible management.

Though you might be tempted, no one spends 100% of their time on the beach. Luckily, Spain has a number of destinations that combine the best beaches with the best of Spain. We’ve got our eye on: rugged Mallorca, luxurious Marbella and fun Roquetas.

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Marbella

Popular among the rich and the jet set, Marbella is a dazzling, cosmopolitan resort town and luxurious beach destination on Spain’s southern coast. The town has a charming Renaissance era core as well as three marinas, dozens of beaches and many high-end homes. While mansions, yachts, luxury cars and celebrities are common sights in Marbella, people of all socio-economic statuses take to the beautiful beaches and local leisure activities.

There are 24 beaches in Marbella, but the Puerto Banús beach is one of the highest rated and most popular. There you’ll find white sand, water sports in the summer, a palm tree-lined promenade, a mini golf course, disabled access ramps and views of the yachts in the port.

Mallorca

Part of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca is a beautiful island with a privileged location in the Mediterranean Sea. Having 550 kilometers of coast and unspoiled landscapes in the interior, Mallorca is known for its beaches, pretty coves called ‘calas’ and all-around natural beauty. The island’s clear waters are great for swimming, sailing and windsurfing, while the interior of the island has mountains, lots of protected forestland, and trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. In fact, Mallorca is a popular vacation destination for many Spaniards and Germans, particularly couples and families. From Spain or Europe, it only takes a couple of hours by plane to reach Son San Joan International Airport on Mallorca.

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Roquetas de Mar

Roquetas de Mar in Almería is a southern coastal town popular among Spanish families as a summer retreat for its pretty beaches, excellent weather and sports. In fact, there are several beaches in Roquetas de Mar, including Aguadulce Beach with its white sand and Los Baños with its black volcanic sand, where visitors can swim and windsurf. The beach at Urbanización Roquetas de Mar also has a pretty promenade with gardens and there are many shops nearby. Don’t miss Roquetas de Mar’s historic core, either, with its castle, Arab watchtower and several churches. 

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Sarah Rogers

About Sarah Rogers

Sarah loves all things Spain, although she can usually be found in Madrid.

Read more about Sarah Rogers here.


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