Spain has about 8,000 kilometres of coastline and 3,000 listed beaches, only Italy has a longer coastline in Europe! It’s not a surprise: Spain is one of “the” top tourist destination for European with more than 20% of European travellers. For those in search of sun and sand at any time of year,… yes, you found it!

You will find excellent facilities and sandy beaches in all the Spanish Regions. In 2022, 120.000 properties were bought by foreigners! Have a look at our detailed analysis if you want to read more on that: Who are the foreigners buying properties in Spain?

How could you quickly find a nice beach in Spain?

Of course, you have to ask it to the local residents. But we want to help you if you want to plan before getting there! Don’t hesitate to tell us, should you think we missed one! We helped you with four sources:

1.Our top beaches sorted per Spanish Costas

We have created Infographics for the main Spanish Costas. You will find on those everything you should know on the Spanish Costas: Airports, AVE stations, Cities, Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets, Shopping malls, Unesco sites, kids parks, Natural parks, Golf courses, Universities and of course the top beaches.

All our infographics on the Spanish costas

2.The Blue Flag rating: 579 beaches in Spain

3.The Q rating: 248 beaches in Spain

4.The Top 10 Spanish beaches according to the Tourist Bureau

1. Our ranking of the best beaches in Spain sorted by Costas

We have created a series of “Must see activities” for each Spanish Costas and incorporated those in our newly released infographics. Click on any link and you will find a pdf downloadable version of each of those infographics.

The best beaches in the Spanish Islands

The best beaches in the Balearic Islands

• Balnearion de San Juan
• Playa Illetes (Formentera)
• Cala Comte (Ibiza)
• Playa de Muro Beach (Playa de Muro)
• Cala Pregonda (Minorque)
• Cala d’Hort (Ibiza)
• Cala Macarelleta (Minorque)
• Port de Pollença Beach (Port de Pollença)
• Playa de Alcudia (Port d’Alcudia)
• Playa de Son Bou (Alaior)
• Playa de Llevant (Formentera)
• Cala Turqueta (Ciudadela)
• Cala Mitjana (Cala Galdana)
• Playa Aguas Blancas (Ibiza)
• Playa de Migjorn (Migjorn)
• Cala Saladeta (Sant Antoni de Portmany)
• Cala Millor Beach (Cala Millor)

Find everything on the Balearic Islands: its Airports, stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches.

The best beaches in Canary Islands

• Pozo de la Salud (El Hierro)
• Playa de Cofete (Morro del Jable)
• Playa de las Conchas (Isla de Graciosa)
• El Cotillo Beach & Lagoons (El Cotillo)
• Playa de Benijo (Almaciga)
• Sotavento Beach (Costa Calma)
• Playa de Sotavento (Playa de Jandia)
• Playa del Matorral (Pajara)
• Playa de Las Canteras (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)
• Monumento Natural de Ajuy (Fuerteventura)
• Playa Del Duque (Costa Adeje)
• Playa Dorada Beach (Playa Blanca)
• Piscinas Naturales El Caleton (Garachico)
• Playa El Bollullo (Puerto de la Cruz)
• Playa de las Vistas (Los Cristianos)
• Playa de Maspalomas (Maspalomas)

Know everything on the Canary Islands: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Spanish Costas

The best beaches in the Costa de Almería

• Balneario de Sierra Alhamilla (Almería),
• Monsul Beach (San Jose),
• Playa de los Muertos (Carboneras),
• Serena Beach (Roquetas de Mar),
• Playa de los Genoveses (Cabo de Gata),
• Playa de Aguadulce (Aguadulce),
• Cala de Enmedio (Agua Amarga),
• El Playazo (Rodalquilar),
• Garrucha Beach (Garrucha),
• Playas de Vera (Vera),
• Cala del Plomo (Agua Amarga)

Know everything on the Costa Almeria: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa de Azahar

• Playa Almadrava (Benicàssim),
• Playa Benicarló (Benicarló),
• Balneario Villavieja (Castellón),
• Playa Marina D’Or (Castellón),
• Playa Romana(Castellón),
• Playa Moro (Alcocébre),
• Playa Sant Antoni (Cullera),
• Playa Gandia (Gandia),
• Playa Serradal(Alcocébre),
• Playa Xeraco (Xeraco),
• Playa Peñiscola (Peñíscola),
• Playa Alcossebre (Alcocébre),
• Playa Benicàssim (Benicàssim),
• Playa Vinaros (Vinarós)

Know everything on the Costa Azahar: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa Barcelona

• Balneario Titus (Arenys de Mar),
• Balneario Hotel Colón (Caldes d’Estrac),
• Santa Susanna,
• Malgrat de mar (Maresme),
• PREMIÀ DE MAR (Maresme),
• San Bartolomé y santa Tecla,
• Vilassar de mar (Barcelona),
• playa principal de Calella (Calella),
• Roca Grossa (Calella), Barceloneta Beach (Barcelona),
• La Playa de Sitges (Sitges),
• Beach Castelldelfels Barcelona (Castelldefels),
• Playa de Castelldefels (Castelldefels),
• Playa Balmins (Sitges),
• Bogatell Beach (Barcelona),
• Platja de Ribes Roges (Vilanova i la Geltru),
• Badalona Beach (Badalona),
• Passeig Marítim (Sitges),
• Nova Mar Bella Beach (Barcelona),
• Playa de Sant Sebastia (Sitges),
• Ocata Beach (El Masnou),
• Delta del Llobregat (El Prat de Llobregat),
• Playa del Hombre Muerto (Sitges),
• Sausalito Beach (Sitges),
• Platja de la Nova Icaria (Barcelone),
• Platja de Gava (Gava)

Know everything on the Costa de Barcelona: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa Blanca

• Poniente Beach (Benidorm),
• Playa de la Fossa o Levante (Calpe),
• Arenal Beach (Javea),
• Las Salinas de Torrevieja (Torrevieja),
• Promenade of Calpe (Calpe),
• Guardamar Moncayo Beach (Guardamar del Segura),
• Cala Finestrat Beach (Finestrat),
• Playa del Albir (El Albir), Playa El Carabassi (Elche),
• Cala del Moraig (Benitachell),
• Playa de Guardamar (Alicante),
• Altea Beach (Altea),
• Playa L’Ampolla (Moraira)

Know everything on the Costa Blanca: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa Brava

• Cala Senyor Ramon,
• Platja de s’Agaró,
• Cala Futadera,
• Platja del Castell de Palamos,
• Cala Boadella

Know everything on the Costa Brava: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa Calida

• Playa de Calblanque (Cartagena),
• Cala del Pino et Plage Entremares (La Manga),
• Playa Portús (Cartagena),
• Playa Barraca Quemada de La Llana (San Pedro del Pinatar),
• Playa Amarilla (Águilas),
• Playa La Carolina (Águilas),
• Playa de Percheles (Mazarrón),
• Playa Baño de las Señoritas (Lorca),
• Cala Cortina (Cartagena),
• Cala Blanca (Lorca)

Know everything on the Costa Calida: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa Daurada

• Balneario de Coma-Ruga (Vendrell)
• Llevant Beach (Salou)
• Llarga Beach (Salou)
• Playa de la Pineda (La Pineda)
• Capellans Beach (Salou)
• Cambrils Beach Platja Prat d’En Fores y Regueral (Cambrils)
• Playa El Torn Naturist Beach (L’Hospitalet de l’Infant)
• Playa El Milagro (Tarragona)
• Playa de Arrabassada (Tarragona)
• Playa La Savinosa (Tarragona)
• Platja de la Llosa (Cambrils)
• Playa Cristal (Miami Platja)

Know everything on the Costa Daurada: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa de la Luz

• Playa de Isla de Canela,
• Playa de Punta Umbria,
• Playa de torre de la Higuera,
• Playa de matalascañas,
• Playa cruz del mar,
• Playa del rompidillo,
• Playa la caleta,
• Playa de la Cortadura,
• Cala de Roche,
• Playa de los caños de Meca,
• Playa del Cañuelo,
• Paya de los Lances

Know everything on the Costa de la Luz: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa del Sol

• Playa de la Cala Mijas (La Cala de Mijas)
• Playa La Carihuela (Torremolinos)
• Playa El Bajondillo (Torremolinos)
• Burriana Beach (Nerja)
• Puerto Cabopino Beach and Marina (Marbella)
• Playa de La Malagueta (Malaga)
• Playa Del Cristo (Estepona)
• Playa de la Cala el Cañuelo (Nerja)
• Playa de San Pedro de Alcantara (San Pedro de Alcantara)
• Playa Los Alamos / El Canuelo (Torremolinos)
• Playa Arroyo de La Miel (Benalmadena)
• Carvajal Beach (Benalmadena)

Find everything on the Costa del Sol: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa Tropical

• Playa de Calahonda,
• Playa de La Rijana,
• Playa de Castell de Ferro,
• Playa de La Mamola,
• Playa de La Herradura

Know everything on the Costa Tropical: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

The best beaches in the Costa de Valencia

• Playa de Malvarrosa,
• Playa de Pinedo,
• Platja de la Malladeta,
• Playa de San Antonio,
• Playa de Jeresa,
• Playa de Daimus,
• Playa de Oliva

Know everything on the Costa de Valencia: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches. Check our infographic.

2. Blue Flag rating: 579 beaches in Spain

In Spain, you can choose from 579 beaches, 100 Marina resorts and five sustainable tourist boats, all distinguished with the prestigious Blue Flag award, thanks to their quality and safety.

As such, Spain is the top nation in terms of site ranked by the Blue Flag system.

What does this mean?

• One out of five beaches in Spain has a Blue Flag!
• One out of six beaches in the World is Spanish!

This award is bestowed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). This institution was created in 1987 by Europe but now is a worldwide organisation.

What does this distinction guarantee?

The sites are ranked on 31 different criteria’s: Environment, Water Quality, Safety,… Have a look at the full list of criteria’s here.

Find the map with all the beaches, sorted by Access to the beach for disabled, Nudist, Sandy, Rocky, Inland, Coastal,…

3. Q for Quality distinction rating: 248 beaches in Spain

This rating is awarded by the Spanish Tourism Quality Institute (ICTE). The Tourism Institute ranks not only beaches but as well many different sites for the quality and safeness of their sites: campings, hotels, Golfs, Touristic activities,…

Find all lists of the best beaches for all the Spanish Costas in our papers on all the Spanish Costas and on the infographics: Enjoy all the Spanish Costas: get the best out of it: our top papers of 2017

4. The top 10 beaches according to the Tourist Bureau of Spain

1. Illetes, Formentera, Balearic Islands
2. As Catedrais, Galicia
3. La Concha, San Sebastian
4. Bolonia, Costa de la Luz
5. El Cofete, Las Palmas, Canary Islands
6. Cala Bassa, Ibiza, Balearic Islands
7. Las Canteras, Las Palmas, Canary Islands
8. Rodas, Galicia
9. Platja Gran, Cadaqués, Costa Brava
10. Cué, Llanes, Asturias, Costa Verde

Source: Spain Tourist Bureau

If you want to have some pictures of those beaches, google image is a good start but have a look at the impressive database on the website of Aena (the company managing the Spanish airports).

Are you booking your holidays soon? Read our last paper: Our best ideas for planning your holidays in Spain! Our top 2017 papers!

Here are 8 reasons why you need more holidays to enjoy the best Spanish beaches?

Don’t hesitate to tell us what’s your favourite beach or if you found an even more beautiful one to share with our readers!

Looking for a lawyer, an architect, a property hunter in Spain? Ask us directly!

Stéphane

Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Check the full HTBIS team here

The post Summer Edition: Where will you find the top Beaches in Spain? appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

We did this ranking according to the number of times our readers read those during 2017 (year of publication).

Find out the most loved Spanish Cities of our readers in 2017

1. Barcelona real estate market is rising in 2017
2. Real estate foreign investors are discovering Madrid
3. Alicante: the Spanish pearl
4. Have a look at the property market in Tenerife
5. Malaga is always a place for your dream house
6. Valencia, the third biggest city in Spain, is a centre of interest for foreigners
7. Discover the charm of the south and invest in Seville
8. The Ibiza real estate market is going very well
9. Mallorca, a paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean
10. Zaragoza Real estate market in 2017

None of your favourite city is here?

Check our main summary paper, you can find it back easily here:

We published another very interesting article on the same subject: Which are the top 10 Spanish cities where foreigners are buying properties NOW?

Before picking your city, don’t forget to check our monthly weather statistics on the top 20 Spanish Cities:

Monthly Weather Statistics on top Spanish Cities

Looking for an expert in Spain? Ask us directly!

Stéphane

Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Check the full HTBIS team here

The post 2017 Review: Find out the most loved Spanish Cities appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

The Ibiza real estate market is going well

Like most Mediterranean islands, Ibiza is really spectacular. Its crystalline sea with dreamlike views, beautiful white villages, rural roads, flowering fruit trees and much more, make this island a special place.

Why Ibiza?

With an average temperature of almost 18 degrees and more than 300 days of sunshine a year, that makes this island a paradise where one can bathe in the sea almost every month of the year. In addition, you can enjoy some of the best gastronomic experiences in Europe with the Mediterranean diet as a flag.

Ibiza is also very accessible. In half an hour by plane you arrive from Barcelona, in an hour from Madrid and in two hours you fly from London. It is possible to work during the week in the city and enjoy the weekend on the island.

How is the real estate market?

The average price per square meter of Ibiza (about € 4,500) is one of the most expensive in Spain. In the capital of the island, Ibiza, the average price was just above € 4,700 at the beginning of 2017. As for properties, in May of this year, the average price stood at € 830,000, which meant an increase of almost 30% with respect to the previous year.

Check this chart of National averages vs the Balearic islands.

As for foreigners, according to the real estate agency Ibiza VIP Area:

“British, German, Dutch and French are the biggest buyers, with English and German being the most investing this year in the sector.”

Where to live in Ibiza?

Dennis Wesenberg of the real estate agency Kühn & Partner SL explains that

“most foreigners buy homes in Es Cubells and the southern part of the island, and also in areas around the center of the city of Ibiza like Talamanca or Can Pep Simon.”

The city of Ibiza or Vila (as the locals call it to differentiate it from the concept of the whole island) is the largest and most complete in terms of services, communications and leisure options that can be found throughout the island. In addition, it is a very good area to live with children as it has most of the island’s schools and countless parks and play areas. As far as Es Cubells is concerned, it is a much quieter area than the capital, but not far from it.

If what is wanted is the action, Sant Antoni de Pormany is the nerve centre of the movement ibicenca. In this town, thousands of tourists arrive every year to enjoy the sun, beach and party. It is a leisure centre full of commerce and services of the first level in which there is never time to be bored.

For those who want tranquillity, there is the town of Sant Joan de Labritja, located in the north of the island. In it, you can enjoy the most authentic and natural face of the island. It is one of the least populated and with less tourism. It also has basic services covered.

Another quiet town is also Santa Eulària des Riu, an ideal place to rest. It is the ideal place to travel with family and enjoy a quiet holiday. It is also very close to Ibiza town.

How to get around in Ibiza?

There is a road network that leads to every corner of the island, and there are also Different bus lines that lead to the populated areas of this one.

Ibiza airport has flights to the largest cities in Spain and Europe. There are also boat connections to the other Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera) and to Barcelona and Valencia.

If you want to read more on the Balearic Islands, read our article on the Balearic Islands: Everything you ever wanted to know about the Balearic Islands.

Find everything on the Balearic Islands: its Airports, stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches.

Find all our other detailed maps on all the Spanish Costas and the Balearic Islands.

If you want to invest in the Spanish real estate market in Spain, don’t hesitate to read our special report with the 10+ reasons why you should have a look at the Spanish property market.

Have a look at the yearly weather statistics of Ibiza and of the 18 biggest cities in Spain.

Have a look at our ePostcards before planning your next holidays in Spain.

Get our insights right to your mailbox? Register to our newsletter: https://howtobuyinspain.com/en/newsletter/

Looking for an expert in Spain? Ask us directly!

Stéphane

Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Check the full HTBIS team here

The post The Ibiza real estate market is going very well appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

Mallorca, a paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean

According to the British newspaper “The Times”, Mallorca is the first on the list of the best places for travelling and living. Its quality of life, weather and easy going people makes this Mediterranean island a dream for those interested in investing in a second home. Of course Palma is one of the most expensive city to live in Spain with Madrid and Barcelona but stil very much cheaper than a lot of cities.

What will you love in Mallorca?

Mallorca has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, it is possible to swim from March/April to November.

The island also has some of the best beaches that we can find in Spain, such as Torrent de Pareis or Cala Varques. Besides, Mallorca also offers the opportunity of doing hiking and trekking in the wonderful mountains of Serra de Tramuntana.

Although Mallorca is a small island, it is one of the most cosmopolitan areas of Spain.

Who are the real estate buyers in Mallorca in 2017?

Trinidad Moreno, from the real estate agency Morcas, points out that “Scandinavians are the top buyers of property on the island, followed by Germans and British. Although lately Swiss are getting more interested in investing in Mallorca”.

What does it cost to buy a second home in Mallorca?

Similar to all Spanish cities, the real estate market in Mallorca also suffered a deep descent during the years of the crisis (around 39%), but since 2015 it is experiencing a slow rise thanks to foreign investments. Nowadays, the price per square meter in the capital, Palma de Mallorca, is 1.657€.

Comparison of prices in the Balearic Islands and in Spain

Transaction Growth of 11% in 2016

There are signs that the market will keep growing because in 2016, there was a growth of 11% in the transactions, and the forecast for 2017 is that the market will keep growing.

Discover the best new build projects in Balearic Islands available right now

Where would you want to live in Mallorca?

Palma de Mallorca, the capital, offers an excellent location due to its proximity to the airport and the sea. It is also the biggest city of the island and offers a large variety of places where to live. Casc Antic and Calatrava are the trendiest areas to live now because they are in the centre of the city and offer all basic facilities (hospitals, shopping malls, supermarkets, etc). Portixol is a nice area next to the Sea. For those longing for a quiet place not far from the city, the best choice is Son Vida. This place has different golf fields and a harbour (Port Portals) to give a home to your boat (if you have one of course).

Sóller is a great area if you want to live in a small town surrounded by the fields, close to the harbour and the beach. It also has a vibrant Saturday market.

Pollença is the perfect place if you are looking for a seasonal residence because this small town has a bustling life during the warm period (in winter most of the shops and restaurants are closed). Pollença also has a big British community.

If the sea is not your top priority, the central area of the island is for you. There are plenty of villages were to live in their local shops and restaurants. Just in case, the beaches are not far thanks to the size of the island.

Get in and around Mallorca

Mallorca can be reached by ferry and plane. There are plenty of ferry lines that connect with Ibiza, Menorca, Barcelona, Valencia and other cities in Spain and the Mediterranean.

The airport offers routes to the main cities of Spain and Europe. There are different highways that bring you to every corner of the island, and there is also a train line that crosses the island from the south (Palma de Mallorca) to the north.

If you want to read more on the Balearic Islands, read our article on the Balearic Islands: Everything you ever wanted to know about the Balearic Islands.

Find everything on the Balearic Islands: its Airports, stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches.

Find all our other detailed maps on all the Spanish Costas and the Balearic Islands.

If you want to invest in the Spanish real estate market in Spain, don’t hesitate to read our special report with the 10+ reasons why you should have a look at the Spanish property market.

Have a look at the yearly weather statistics of Mallorca.

Have a look at our ePostcards before planning your next holidays in Spain.

Get your insights right to your mailbox? Register for our newsletter.

Looking for an expert in Spain? Ask us directly!

Raimon

Senior Journalist and writer at HTBIS

Check the full HTBIS team here

The post Mallorca, a paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean appeared first on How to buy in Spain.