The Spanish coast: the top 10 destinations

Contents:

• 1. Costa del Sol: Marbella, Málaga and Nerja on the Costa del Sol

• 2. Costa Brava: Roses, Figueres and the picturesque coves of the Wild Coast

• 3. Costa de la Luz: The unspoilt beaches of the Coast of Light

• 4. Costa Blanca: Alicante, Altea and the natural beauty of the White Coast

• 5. Costa Verde, Asturias: the green beauty of northern Spain

• 6. The fascinating Costa Vasca: dream beaches and festivals on the Basque Coast

• 7. Costa de Almería: Unspoilt coastlines, desert landscapes and film locations

• 8. Costa Tropical: An exotic fruit paradise with picturesque coastal towns

• 9. The wild beauty of the Costa da Morte: cliffs, beaches and historic villages

• 10. Costa Barcelona: The diverse coastlines of Garraf & Maresme

1. Costa del Sol: Marbella, Málaga and Nerja on the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol, also known as the ‘Sun Coast’, is characterised by its mild climate, its stunning beaches and its rich cultural history. The best-known towns in this region are Marbella and Málaga. Marbella’s old town, with its narrow streets, white-washed houses and charming squares, is a must-see for every visitor, as is the famous Puerto Banús marina, renowned for its luxurious yachts and exclusive shops. Not far away lies Málaga, a city with a fascinating blend of Moorish architecture and modern flair. Visit the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress offering spectacular views over the city and the sea, as well as the Picasso Museum, which provides an insight into the life and work of the famous artist. Nerja, a charming coastal village, captivates visitors with its authentic atmosphere and the beautiful Playa de Burriana, a lively beach with numerous restaurants and water sports facilities. There is a wide range of accommodation on the Costa del Sol. The Eurostars Oasis Marbella, for example, spoils its guests with luxurious rooms and a fantastic view of the Mediterranean, right on the seafront in Marbella. In Nerja, La Morada Mas Hermosa impresses with its charming ambience and personalised service, just a few minutes’ walk from the popular Playa de Burriana. 

2. Costa Brava: Roses, Figueres and the picturesque coves of the Wild Coast

The Costa Brava, the ‘Wild Coast’ in north-eastern Spain, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery featuring rocky cliffs, crystal-clear waters and picturesque fishing villages. Roses, a charming coastal town, stands out for its idyllic beaches and its proximity to the Cap de Creus Natural Park, which captivates visitors with its unique rock formations, beautiful walking trails and hidden coves. In the heart of the Cap de Creus peninsula lies Cadaqués, an enchanting coastal village with white houses and narrow streets, which once inspired the artist Salvador Dalí. The town of Figueres attracts visitors with the Salvador Dalí Museum, which houses an impressive collection of works by the famous Surrealist. One particularly beautiful beach on the Costa Brava is Platja de Castell, an unspoilt sandy beach near Palamós. The coastline is also ideal for snorkelling adventures, particularly in the coves of Begur, where the crystal-clear water reveals a rich underwater world. For a stay on the Costa Brava, the Hotel Mediterráneo Park in Roses is a highly recommended choice of accommodation. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and offers comfortable rooms with views of the Mediterranean.

3. Costa de la Luz: The unspoilt beaches of the Coast of Light

The Costa de la Luz, the ‘Coast of Light’, lies on the Atlantic coast and is renowned for having the longest and most beautiful sandy beaches in Spain, as well as its picturesque coastal villages. Rota, a charming town with a fascinating old town, attracts visitors with its beautiful beaches, historic sights and lively markets. In Cádiz, you’ll find the stunning sandy beach of Playa de la Caleta. The town is also a cultural hub with a vibrant arts and music scene. Caños de Meca is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and idyllic beaches, fringed by impressive cliffs. Playa de Bolonia delights visitors with its sweeping dunes and the ruins of the Roman town of Baelo Claudia. The area around Tarifa is a world-renowned surfing hotspot. Here, the wind constantly whips through the Strait of Gibraltar, creating perfect conditions for windsurfers and kitesurfers. For a stay on the ‘Coast of Light’, we recommend the Hotel Duque de Nájera in Rota. It offers stylish rooms and magnificent sea views, situated just a few steps from the beach.

4. Costa Blanca: Alicante, Altea and the natural beauty of the White Coast

The Costa Blanca is famous for its endless sandy beaches and lively holiday resorts. In the bustling port city of Alicante, visitors can explore an impressive old town, from which they can visit the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, which offers a magnificent view over the city and the sea. Another highlight is the old town centre of Altea, a picturesque village with whitewashed house facades and narrow lanes that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Incidentally, it is said that the region’s white houses are the inspiration behind the name ‘Costa Blanca’. However, no one knows for certain where the name comes from. Benissa is a quiet little town inland, known for its medieval architecture and its proximity to the beaches of the Costa Blanca. Playa de San Juan is an endless sandy beach, ideal for long walks and all kinds of water sports. Nature lovers should visit the Montgó Nature Reserve, which delights visitors with its diverse flora and fauna. For a relaxing stay, we recommend the Hotel Casa del Maco in Benissa, a charming property with a restaurant renowned for its excellent Mediterranean cuisine. The Beach House Studios & Suites in Xàbia offers stylish accommodation right by the beach.

5. Costa Verde, Asturias: The green beauty of northern Spain

The Costa Verde in Asturias offers a spectacular landscape of green hills, rugged cliffs and long sandy beaches. With its lush vegetation, the “green coast” in northern Spain stands out distinctly from other coastal regions. Unfortunately, the rain – the very reason for the area’s overwhelming greenery – also deters many holidaymakers. Yet this green northern beauty actually has so much to offer. In small towns such as the charming Luanco, the picturesque Luarca and the idyllic Cudillero, visitors can experience a unique blend of culture and nature. The picturesque fishing village of Lastres offers breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Sea and a charming atmosphere that transports visitors back to a bygone era. The stunning sandy beaches, such as Playa de San Lorenzo in Gijón and the beaches of Barro and Torimbia in Llanes, are perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. Thanks to the powerful Atlantic waves and the expansive beaches, the coastal region is also a popular surfing spot. Cabo de Peñas, a headland at the northernmost tip of Asturias, offers spectacular views and is an ideal place for walking. Another special highlight is the sea geysers (Bufones) between Llanes and Pendules, which create impressive fountains of water at high tide and are inevitably reminiscent of Iceland. A highly recommended place to stay is the stylish Hotel Palacio de Luces near Luanco, which combines luxury and comfort in a beautiful historic building.

6. The fascinating Costa Vasca: idyllic beaches and festivals on the Basque coast

The Costa Vasca, the Basque coast in north-eastern Spain, offers a blend of tradition, cuisine and spectacular scenery. San Sebastián, for example, is famous for its shell-shaped bay, the Playa de la Concha – one of Europe’s most beautiful city beaches, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. San Sebastián’s old town, with its narrow streets and numerous pintxo bars, is a culinary paradise well worth exploring. The city also hosts the renowned international film festival as well as the famous Jazzaldia jazz festival. The bizarre cliffs and rock formations between Zumaia and Deba are not only a geological wonder but also served as a film set for the fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’. This diverse Basque coastal region is perfect for stunning coastal walks, surfing adventures and exploring the charming villages and towns. A stay at the Hotel Tres Reyes San Sebastián offers luxury and comfort in a central location, ideal for exploring the city and the surrounding coastal region.

7. Costa de Almería: Unspoilt coastlines, desert landscapes and film locations

The Costa de Almería in south-eastern Spain captivates visitors with its dry, Mediterranean climate, its unique landscape and its location on the edge of the desert. Distinctive towns and villages such as Almería itself and the idyllic San José offer an authentic insight into the region’s culture and history. A highlight is the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, one of Europe’s most unspoilt stretches of coastline, characterised by dunes, steppes and fields of cacti. Close by is also Europe’s only desert, the Tabernas Desert, famous as the filming location for films such as Sergio Leone’s spaghetti westerns and the James Bond film *Never Say Never Again*. A particularly beautiful beach on the Costa de Almería is Playa de los Genoveses, a picturesque cove with fine sand. Visitors can explore the rugged landscapes of the nature reserve on a jeep safari or a hike, or try their hand at kitesurfing in El Ejido, a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts. For a wonderful stay on the desert coast, we recommend the Finca Maltes San José or the boutique hotel El Olivar; both offer a charming atmosphere and are ideally situated for exploring the Costa de Almería.

8. Costa Tropical: An exotic fruit paradise with picturesque coastal towns

The Costa Tropical, on Spain’s southern Mediterranean coast, is renowned for its subtropical microclimate, which creates ideal conditions for exotic fruits such as pineapples, papayas, bananas, mangoes and avocados. The region attracts visitors with its diverse landscape of tropical plantations, green hills and crystal-clear waters. The coastline is dotted with lively coastal villages such as Calahonda, Almuñécar and Salobreña. Among the most beautiful beaches on this tropical coast are Playa de San Cristóbal and Playa de la Herradura. Hidden coves such as Cala Rijana beckon with their crystal-clear waters. For a stay on the Costa Tropical, we recommend the stylish and elegant Hotel Helios Costa Tropical, which is situated right on the beach and offers modern comforts alongside magnificent views of the Mediterranean.

9. The wild beauty of the Costa da Morte: cliffs, beaches and historic villages

The Costa da Morte, the ‘Coast of Death’, lies in the far north-west of Spain in the region of Galicia. The name may sound sombre, but this rugged and unspoilt coastline is a true natural wonder. The Costa da Morte is renowned for its wild coastal landscapes, rugged cliffs and secluded coves. Particularly impressive is the Cabo Vilán lighthouse, one of the oldest and most iconic lighthouses in Spain. It offers a breathtaking view across the roaring sea and the rugged coastline. Another special experience is a visit to the ‘cemetery of shipwrecks’ in Camariñas, where abandoned shipwrecks serve as a reminder of the treacherous waters. The Costa da Morte is rich in maritime history and folklore, which comes to life in the local museums and in the stories told by the fishermen and locals. Playa de Carnota is one of the region’s most impressive beaches, with its fine sand and clear, blue water. A stroll along this beach at sunset is an unforgettable experience. The coast is also a paradise for walkers, with numerous footpaths along the cliffs and through the lush Galician countryside. For a stay on the Costa da Morte, we recommend the Hotel Playa de Laxe, which offers comfortable accommodation right on the beach.

10. Costa Barcelona: The diverse coastlines of Garraf and Maresme

The Costa Barcelona, the coastal region surrounding the city of Barcelona, encompasses the picturesque areas of Garraf and Maresme. Barcelona’s coastline is characterised by a mild Mediterranean climate, lush vegetation and a varied landscape ranging from golden sandy beaches to rolling hills. Its proximity to Barcelona makes the coastal region an ideal destination for a combination of city and beach holidays. The charming little town of Sitges, known for its lively cultural scene, historic buildings and beautiful beaches, is a wonderful place to spend some time. In the coastal resort of Calella, visitors can expect a relaxed atmosphere; the town is particularly popular for its long beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Costa Barcelona offers a wide range of activities: sunbathing and swimming on the beaches of Castelldefels and Calella, hiking and cycling in the Garraf Natural Park, or visiting the vineyards in the Penedès region. Sitges is also famous for its lively nightlife and numerous festivals, including the international film festival. For a unique stay on the Costa Barcelona, we recommend the Eurostars Sitges, a luxurious hotel with stunning sea views, modern amenities and a prime location from which to explore the beauty of the Costa Barcelona.

Conclusion: The Spanish coast offers an impressive variety of destinations, from the rugged cliffs of the Costa Brava to the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol. Each region has its own distinctive character and offers unique experiences, whether through historic sights, stunning beaches or exciting activities. Whether you want to relax, explore or get active, the Spanish coast has something to suit every traveller.

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