The Best Beaches in Spain

Canary Islands

Four of the Spanish beaches are in the Canary Islands, out in the Atlantic, where wind and currents are strong. Playa de Cofete on Fuerteventura lies at the end of a gravel track of 17 to 20 km from Morro Jable that rental car insurance does not cover; a bus runs twice a day. There are no lifeguards. Playa de Sotavento, on the same island, has constant wind and a sandbar that floods at high tide into a long lagoon. Playa de las Conchas on La Graciosa flies a red flag most days and is about an hour's walk from Caleta de Sebo.

City beaches

Playa de Las Canteras in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Playa de La Concha in San Sebastián are both in the middle of a city, with a promenade behind the sand. A volcanic reef called La Barra keeps the water calm at Las Canteras. High tide narrows La Concha considerably. Playa de la Barrosa at Chiclana de la Frontera is about 8 km of flat sand with a promenade of restaurants, public showers and paid parking in summer.

Park islands

Ses Illetes on Formentera sits inside a natural park that charges cars and motorbikes €3 to €6 to enter, and it has no shade. Playa de Rodas in the Cíes Islands needs a Xunta permit in addition to the ferry booking from Vigo. The water there is very cold even in August, and the seagulls steal food.

Playa de los Muertos

Playa de los Muertos at Carboneras is a pebble beach under volcanic cliffs, a steep walk of 15 to 20 minutes below its paid car park. It has strong currents and no lifeguard or shade.