Best Beaches in Spain: Valencia, Málaga, and Barcelona
Looking for the best beaches in Spain? From Valencia and Málaga to Barcelona, check out our guide to the best beaches in Spain.
Spain is known world wide for its beautiful beaches, incredible culture, and delicious cuisine. From North to South, and from East to West, Spain is home to some incredible beaches, and they’re not found on the islands! You’ll likely want to spend plenty of time under the Spanish sun, and like with all things in life, it’s always better to prepare. Check out our guide to the Best Beaches in Spain: Valencia, Málaga, and Barcelona before jetting off on your Spanish holiday!
Valencia
The city of Valencia offers it all: from beautiful beaches, to spellbinding architectural structures, and a rich cultural heritage. Valencia is home to many enchanting sights, but even better beaches.
Unlike other parts of Spain, Valencia is not as crowded, meaning you’re guaranteed a great beach experience here. The easiest beach to access is the Las Arenas Beach, which is located on the shores of the city. You can access this beach by public transit 30 mins, but walking will take you about an hour. Las Arenas is one of the best beaches in Spain due to its clean water, sand, and relative low development. Even in the summer months, you’ll find lots of space to sprawl out here!
Next to Las Arenas, you’ll find Playa de la Malvarossa. This famous beach can get very crowded with locals on weekends, but it’s a testament to its quality! Bring a blanket, an umbrella, and enjoy a day on the soft, white sand. You’ll quickly see why we’ve named these two as some of the best beaches in Spain.
Where to Stay in Valencia
Our top recommendation is Purple Nest Hostel, located in Valencia‘s city centre. You’ll love the atmosphere here, with great places to socialise and comfortable rooms to escape to. With clean facilities, friendly staff, and an amazing location, you’ll feel home at Purple Nest.
Málaga
Málaga is one of the most charming destinations in Andalusia, and is home to some of the best beaches in Spain. Located on the Costa del Sol, Málaga has become a favourite destination among an array of age groups for their beach holidays. But it’s not just all about the sun and sand here. Málaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and is also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. If you’re after a mix of culture and beach time, Málaga is the place for you!
Like most cities on the coast, Málaga has a gorgeous beach you can easily escape to. Playa de la Malagueta is located only 10 minutes from the city centre, and is a paradise of dark sand, moderate waves, and palm trees. You can rent beach umbrellas, sun beds, and even water sports equipment. And if you happen to be travelling with children, the beach also has a children’s play area!
If you’re willing to travel outside Málaga, we recommend heading to Playa de Calahonda. This is one of the best beaches in Spain, specifically on the Costa del Sol. Getting here can be either tricky or time consuming; assuming you have a drivers licence, we recommend renting a car to get the most out of your day at the beach. However, if this isn’t an option, you can take public transit, but expect it to take up to 90 minutes. While Playa de Calahonda doesn’t have the amenities most beaches do, it’s a very popular spot for scuba diving thanks to its crystal clear waters.
Where to Stay in Málaga
Our top recommendation in Málaga is Hostel de oasis Backpacker. This centrally located oasis offers something for everyone, and is known as a rather social hostel. Spend time on the amazing rooftop terrace, and relax after a day spent at the beach. With clean facilities, friendly staff, and free activities, you’ll love being their guest!
Barcelona
Sunny Barcelona is a top destination for travellers of all types. Whether you come here for the food and culture, the museums, the architecture, a football match, or the beaches, we’re sure you’ll love everything about Barcelona. Spend your days lounging at the beach, and your nights at various tapas bars or clubs around the city. Sounds like a dream holiday, right?
Together, Barcelona’s beaches stretch over 2,5 miles and are clean enough to swim in. In Spain, beaches which meet certain hygienic and quality standards are given a blue flag, and Barcelona is quite proud of their blue flagged beaches! Our favourite beach in Barcelona is Playa de Bogatel, and is easily accessible from the city. Whether you want to work out, lounge around, or go for a swim, you’ll love all this beach has to offer.
San Sebastian is another beach worth visiting, and is located next to Playa de Bogatel. While the facilities on both beaches are virtually the same, San Sebastian stands out due to its accessibility features. The beach has amphibious chairs for people with reduced mobility, and volunteers are on hand for those travelling alone and need assistance to enjoy the cooling waters of the Mediterranean.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Our top recommendation in the Spanish capital is Kabul Hostel Barcelona. Located at Plaza Real, Kabul is just a stone’s throw away to some of the city’s biggest attractions. has everything at just a stone’s throw away. While certainly known as a party hostel, Kabul is also famous for their friendly staff and incredible facilities.
Best Beaches in Spain: Valencia, Málaga, and Barcelona
We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best Beaches in Spain: Valencia, Málaga, and Barcelona. Whether you decide to visit one, or all three destinations, you’ll undoubtedly make incredible memories from your time under the Spanish sun.
If you’re looking for more information to help you plan your Spanish holiday, click aquí. Our blog ranges from city guides, to food guides, travel tips, and more, all in an effort to inspire your next getaway. For all the latest news at Famous Hostels, follow us or subscribe on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, y Youtube.