Beach types
Every beach is different. Choose the kind you are after and we will show you all of them in Spain, on a map and by region.
- Sandy beaches
- Black sand beaches
- Pebble and shingle beaches
- Rocky beaches
- Urban beaches
- Family beaches
- Nudist beaches
- Surfing beaches
- Fishing beaches
- Coves
- Dog-friendly beaches
- Accessible beaches
- Blue Flag beaches
- Wild beaches
- River and inland beaches
Sandy beaches
2.500 beaches
Golden, white or fine sand: the most comfortable beaches for lying in the sun, playing and strolling along the shore.
Black sand beaches
323 beaches
Dark volcanic sand, mostly in the Canary Islands: it gets very hot in the sun, so bring footwear.
Pebble and shingle beaches
699 beaches
Pebbles and shingle: very clear, clean water; water shoes recommended.
Rocky beaches
358 beaches
Rocks and ledges by the sea, ideal for snorkelling when the sea is calm.
Urban beaches
795 beaches
Right in a town or city, with a promenade, facilities and public transport nearby.
Family beaches
936 beaches
Sand, facilities and easy access: good for children (lifeguards in season, Blue Flag or urban setting).
Nudist beaches
490 beaches
Official naturist beaches or beaches with a nudist tradition. Respect other people and local rules.
Surfing beaches
142 beaches
Waves for surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing or kitesurfing: mainly the Bay of Biscay, Galicia, Cádiz and the Canaries.
Fishing beaches
11 beaches
Places with a tradition of shore or jetty fishing. A recreational fishing licence is required.
Coves
720 beaches
Small sheltered beaches between rocks or cliffs, with calm water and plenty of charm.
Dog-friendly beaches
39 beaches
Beaches or stretches where dogs are allowed. Always check the local council's rules and times.
Accessible beaches
15 beaches
With boardwalks, amphibious wheelchairs or adapted bathing points for people with reduced mobility.
Blue Flag beaches
539 beaches
Beaches awarded the 2026-2027 Blue Flag for water quality, safety and facilities.
Wild beaches
586 beaches
Natural beaches away from towns, with no buildings and few facilities. Bring water and take your rubbish home.
River and inland beaches
684 beaches
Beaches and bathing spots on rivers, reservoirs and lakes inland, to cool off far from the sea.
How we classify: sandy, pebble, rocky, urban and nudist, from the MITECO beach guide data published on Wikidata and from OpenStreetMap; Blue Flag, from ADEAC's official 2026-2027 list; dogs, accessible, surfing and fishing, from OpenStreetMap tags; family, sandy beaches that are urban, have lifeguards or a Blue Flag; wild, sea beaches far from any settlement.