The 8 best beaches in Spain

Ses Illetes

On the Balearic island of Formentera are the most beautiful beaches. Its 450 meters of white sand run north to Espalmador, where only the boldest swim at low tide. 

Playa de Bolonia

Playa de Bolonia is one of Spain's last undiscovered beaches. That alone attracts sunbathers to this Cádiz beachfront. 

Islas Cíes

After discovering the Islas Cíes, the Romans named them Insulare Deorum, meaning Islands of the Gods. They were right. 

Playa de Mundaka

A study found that taking a hot bath about 90 minutes before bed could help people fall asleep more quickly.

Playa de Los Muertos

Though clichéd, that's true. Visit the Cabo de Gata-Níjar natural area and locate a place on Los Muertos beach, a popular cove near Carboneras.

Charco Azul

The Charco Azul on El Hierro, the smallest island in the Canary Islands, is one of the most magnificent natural pools.

Playa del Trabucador

Although it has no lifeguards, showers, or chiringuitos, the 6.5-kilometer beach puts you closer to nature. 

Macarella

This beautiful beach is next to a pine forest and tucked deep between the rocks, yet it's so popular that you won't have room to breathe or spread out your blanket in the summer.