Looking to take a beach vacation without breaking the bank? Look no further than Spain! With a plethora of affordable options, you can still enjoy sun, sand, and surf without emptying your wallet.
Whether you’re planning a trip to the north or south, there are plenty of wallet-friendly beach destinations to choose from. These hidden gems may not be as well-known as popular all-inclusive resorts, but they offer the same fun and relaxation without the hefty price tag.
So, where should you go? Check out our list of the best affordable beach destinations in Spain. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or a place to catch some waves, we’ve got you covered.
The Most Popular Beaches in Southern Spain
Are you planning a trip to Southern Spain and want to soak up some sun on its beautiful beaches? Look no further, because we’ve got you covered with the best beaches in the region!
Natural Beauty and Scenic Views
Southern Spain’s beaches are not only great for sunbathing and water sports, but also for their natural beauty and stunning views. Check out these beaches for an unforgettable experience:
- Cala de la Granadella – Located in Javea, this beach is known for its crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery. It’s surrounded by rocky cliffs and pine trees, making it a great spot for hiking and exploring.
- Playa de los Genoveses – This beach in Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is a hidden gem, with its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling and exploring the park’s unique flora and fauna.
- Cala del Aceite – Located in Conil de la Frontera, this beach is known for its stunning sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great spot for a romantic stroll or a picnic with friends and family.
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Now that you know the best beaches in Southern Spain, all that’s left is to pack your sunscreen, grab your towel, and head out for some fun in the sun!
We have listed some of the most popular and cheapest beaches on the 2023 scenario. These beaches are splited on:
- Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
- Playa des Cristo, Málaga
- Playa de Bolonia, Cádiz
- Playa de Maro, Málaga
- Cortadura Beach, Cádiz
- La Manga, Murcia
And we have a PLUS TIP for you in the end, let’s check it out.
Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife
Nestled in the Orotava Valley, Puerto de la Cruz is the smallest municipality in Tenerife, but don’t let its size fool you. This charming fishing village boasts a beautiful old town with traditional Canarian houses and handicraft shops, making it an ideal spot for a quiet stroll.
One of the main attractions of Puerto de la Cruz is the Playa Jardín Complex, where you’ll find stunning black sand beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. And for families, there’s no shortage of fun with the Loro Parque zoo and the botanical garden offering educational and entertaining experiences.
But it’s not just about the beaches and attractions in Puerto de la Cruz. With Teide, the third tallest volcano in the world visible in the background, this town offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape. For a truly unique experience, spend a day relaxing in the saltwater pools of Lago Martiánez, designed by the famous artist and architect, César Manrique.
Accommodation options in Puerto de la Cruz are plentiful, with a variety of hotels to choose from. And thanks to its proximity to the Parque Nacional del Teide and easy transportation options, Puerto de la Cruz serves as a perfect base for exploring the rest of Tenerife.
In Puerto de la Cruz, visitors can immerse themselves in Canarian culture while enjoying the beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere of the northern part of the island. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem in the Canary Islands.
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The Food in Puerto de la Cruz
Discover Playa del Cristo in Málaga, Spain: A Beach for Everyone
Looking for a beach that has something for everyone? Playa del Cristo in Málaga, Spain is the perfect destination. Whether you want to relax and soak up the southern Spanish sun or bring your kids for a day of fun in the sun, Playa del Cristo has got you covered.
Relax and Unwind
The beach has two seaside bars where you can grab a drink and lounge on the sunbeds that are available to rent for a small fee. The sand is soft and clean, making it the perfect spot to spend an entire day (or two!) in complete relaxation.
Fun for the Whole Family
For those bringing their little ones, Playa del Cristo’s shallow water and children’s playground make it a great option. It’s a safe and clean beach where your kids can splash around and build sandcastles while you watch from the comfort of your sun lounger.
Location and Amenities
Playa del Cristo is located 74.5 km away from the city center of Malaga and is one of the beaches in the village of Trocha de Guadalobon, just 1.9 km from its center. The beach is easily accessible and offers a range of amenities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and a beach restaurant. You can also rent water sports equipment like catamarans and jet skis.
Tips and Warnings
The beach can get quite busy during high season, so plan accordingly. Additionally, while the sand is golden and the water is normal entry, special footwear is not necessary. All of the coastline is available for everyone to enjoy, so feel free to explore and participate in other activities like swimming and sunbathing.
Playa del Cristo is a beach that truly has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination on your next trip to Málaga, Spain.
Playa El Palmar, Cádiz
If you’re looking for a beach getaway that’s off the beaten path, look no further than Playa El Palmar in Cadiz. This hidden gem is one of the least crowded beaches in the region, but don’t let that fool you – there’s plenty to do here.
Surfing and Seafood Galore
With 5 kilometers of golden sand, Playa El Palmar is a surfer’s paradise, attracting wave-surfers in the winter and kite-surfers in the summer. But even if you’re not into water sports, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Take a leisurely stroll along the wooden paths that connect the main road with the beach, and admire the stunning views of the coastline.
When it’s time to eat, you won’t be disappointed. Playa El Palmar is famous for its fresh seafood, with plenty of beachside restaurants serving up grilled fish and other delicious dishes. And for those who want to party, the beach is home to lively bars with DJs and live music performances, making it a hotspot for young people looking for a real Spanish nightlife experience.
A Beach Village Like No Other
The string of houses, shops, bars, and restaurants that have grown up behind the beach give Playa El Palmar a wonderfully unsophisticated ‘village’ vibe. The beach attracts an incredibly loyal (and growing) crowd, making it a must-visit destination in the area.
For a change of scenery, take a hike southeast along the beach to Zahora and on to the Cape Trafalgar Lighthouse. Or head northwest to enjoy kilometers of virgin sand at Playa de Castilnono, which eventually joins up with Conil de la Frontera, a good hour’s meander along the shore.
Beyond the Beach
If you’re up for some sightseeing, there’s plenty to explore in the surrounding area. Just 15km from Vejer de la Frontera is El Palmar, along with neighboring beaches of Mangueta, Zahora, and Caños de Meca. Each beach has a different attraction and vibe, but all are worth visiting.
Conil de la Frontera, located nearby, is a hive of activity in the peak summer months, with wide beaches, narrow streets, shops, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants. And if you’re up for a day trip, head to the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, followed by a fresh fish lunch in a wooden beach bar with views across the straits to Morocco, and then a siesta or swim in the crystal clear waters of Bolonia – arguably the best beach on the Costa de la Luz, possibly one of the best in Spain!
Less than 15 minutes’ drive is sub-tropical Santa Lucia, where avocado and banana trees, along with a multitude of flora and fauna, enjoy an enviable climate nourished from the fresh spring water cascading through the village. Nibble some tapas on the terraces of the local bar El Toro or for those with a bigger appetite, devour the succulent grilled meats in La Castilleria and combine with a stroll up to the Roman aqueduct or sample the organic produce and local specialties of Isabel’s shop. Santa Lucia weaves a magic spell on visitors, and most return again and again.
How to Get On Playa El Palmar
To get to Playa El Palmar, fly into Jerez Airport, which is just over an hour’s drive away. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Cadiz and then rent a car or take a taxi from there. Check on Google Maps right below.
Playa de Bolonia, Cádiz
Escape to Playa de Bolonia in Cádiz, Spain, where you can find a hidden gem among the bustling southern coastline. Despite being recognized as one of the top beaches in Europe on TripAdvisor, it still remains a secret paradise, enjoyed mostly by locals.
As you make your way to Playa de Bolonia, you’ll be amazed by the untouched beauty of the area. The beach boasts white sand dunes, clear turquoise waters, and cozy bars and restaurants where fresh seafood is served daily. And if you’re an active traveler, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and horseback riding nearby, or you can explore the ancient Roman town of Baelo Claudia.
How to get to Playa de Bolonia?
To get to Playa de Bolonia, take a 7km drive along CA-8202, which is a dead-end road that leads directly to the beach. The beach is located in the Parque Natural del Estrecho, where there are restrictions on construction, ensuring that the area remains unspoiled. As a result, you’ll find only two-story buildings in the nearby village of El Lentiscal, along with some chiringuitos (beach bars) and hostels.
One of the main attractions of Playa de Bolonia is its massive dune system, which is one of the largest in Europe. One of the dunes has even been declared a natural monument of Andalusia, with a height of over 30m and a length of 200m. These dunes and the surrounding vegetation also provide protection from the wind, making the beach a comfortable place to relax and soak up the sun.
Overall, Playa de Bolonia is the perfect destination for those seeking peace and tranquility on their vacation. So, pack your bags and head to Cádiz for an unforgettable beach experience!
Playa de Maro, Málaga: A Hidden Gem on the Costa del Sol
If you’re planning a trip to southern Spain and looking for a beautiful beach off the beaten path, you won’t want to miss Playa de Maro. Located just outside Nerja on the old N-340 coastal road, this beach is often ranked among Spain’s best beaches and for good reason.
A Beach with a Memorable Ambiance
Playa de Maro is a small but picturesque beach with crystal clear waters and a memorable ambiance, nestled among cliffs and fields. Despite its beauty, it remains relatively unknown in the easternmost part of the Costa del Sol. If you’re looking for a hidden gem, consider adding it to your list of beaches to visit in Malaga.
Easy Access but Limited Parking
While Playa de Maro is easily accessible from nearby holiday homes and apartments, parking is limited. You may need to park farther away and take a short walk to reach the beach. It’s recommended that you pack lightly to make the walk more manageable.
Unique Scenery and Abundant Marine Life
The beach features a hard, pebbled surface that extends for 500 meters in length and 20 meters in width. It’s surrounded by stunning scenery, including rock formations, bluffs, and the Maro waterfall. Nearby, you can see the ruins of an old Arab watchtower.
The Maro Cliffs and Cerro Gordo Natural Area provide a natural landscape that is rigorously preserved, extending all the way to the sea. Fishing is not allowed within this protected zone, which has led to an explosion of marine biodiversity.
Kayaking, Surfing, and Other Activities
If you’re looking for adventure, you can rent kayaks from Salamandra Multiaventura, a company authorized by the Ayuntamiento de Nerja. They have expert guides who can accompany you on your kayaking excursions. Prices start at 7.60€ per hour. The beach also offers surfing lessons and other activities.
Amenities and Facilities
Playa de Maro has everything you need for a comfortable day at the beach. If you don’t want to bring your own food, you can grab a bite at the beach’s chiringuito. They also offer lounge chair rentals, access for people with mobility difficulties, showers, bathrooms, and lifeguards during the summer months.
How to Get to Playa de Maro
If you’re driving from Nerja, take the old N-340 coastal road and look for the sign for Maro. Drive through the village and before the access road that takes you back to the N-340, you’ll arrive at a roundabout. Take the first exit to the right and follow the path down. This is the only access to Playa de Maro. As you descend the coast, you’ll see some stunning beaches. There are usually cars parked along the way.
During the summer and on weekends, you may need to park at the top and walk the rest of the way down. As a tip, don’t bring too much with you to the beach as the walk back up can be strenuous. Enjoy a great day of sun at the best beach in Maro.
Discovering Cortadura Beach in Cadiz
Have you ever heard of Cortadura Beach in Cadiz, Spain? It’s a hidden gem located between the township of San Fernando and the town of Cadiz, with a long stretch of fine-grained golden sand and a remarkable natural feature of sand dunes. This beach has been awarded not just one, but seven blue flags, which means it meets strict environmental and quality standards.
The coastline of Cortadura Beach is a great place to start your surfing journey, especially for beginners, as the waves here are soft and gentle. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a newbie, Cortadura Beach is the perfect place to practice and advance your skills in kitesurfing. Plus, you can also enjoy the stunning view of the wild vegetation around the area.
This beach is equipped with everything you need for a perfect day out. You can find various restaurants, toilets, showers, and changing rooms. Lifeguards are also present, ensuring your safety while you enjoy the water. Sun loungers are available for those who want to soak up the sun and relax, and for those who are interested in learning how to kitesurf, you can also find kitesurf schools and shops.
During weekdays, you can enjoy the 3.9 km sand tongue almost to yourself. However, it can be quite crowded on weekends, especially during the month of August. Despite the lack of facilities, the isolation of the beach calls for people to bring their own coolers, drinks, food, and everything else they need to spend the whole day soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea.
The beach has a big group of sand dunes that are of high biological value. There are two types of dunes in the area, the primary and the secondary dunes. The entire dune system has several gateways that lead to the beach from the parking area, but only three are high enough to prevent bathers from causing damage to this system.
At the closest area to Cadiz, there is a beach stretch where the waves are good, and it is frequented by lovers of surfing. The combination of the good waves and the stunning view of the sand dunes make this area one of the best spots in south Spain mainland to surf.
If you’re planning a trip to Cadiz, make sure to add Cortadura Beach to your itinerary. With its impressive natural features, soft waves, and everything you need for a day out, you won’t regret making the trip to this hidden paradise.
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La Manga, Murcia: A Strip of Paradise
Looking for a stunning beach destination for your next vacation? Look no further than La Manga, a strip of paradise located in the beautiful region of Murcia, Spain. Spanning over 21 kilometers, La Manga Del Mar Menor is home to some of the best beaches in Murcia. Whether you’re looking to spend quality time with your family or try your hand at water sports, La Manga has something to offer everyone.
Fantastic Facilities
All the beaches in La Manga boast excellent facilities, including restaurants and bars, rental sunbeds and parasols, clean restrooms with showers, and sporting equipment rentals. So, no matter how you plan to spend your day at the beach, you’ll have everything you need.
How to Get on La Manga
La Manga is easily accessible by bus, train, air, or car. The nearest airport is Murcia-San Javier, which is only 39 km away. Buses run daily from Cartagena and Murcia to La Manga, making it easy to get to this beautiful destination.
La Manga’s beaches have something for everyone, from crystal clear waters to stunning views. The strip of land that makes up La Manga separates the Mar Menor, a large coastal lagoon, from the Mediterranean Sea. The Mar Menor’s calm, shallow waters make it the perfect place to try your hand at water sports. Whether you’re into kayaking, paddleboarding, or windsurfing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to try out new activities.
International Flavor
La Manga is known for its excellent service and international character. You’ll find a variety of services and leisure activities to keep you entertained, from restaurants to shopping to sports. And with a growing residential and commercial area, you’ll find plenty of vacation homes with easy access to the beach and all the amenities you need.
Nature Lovers’ Paradise
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll fall in love with La Manga’s unique landscape and calm waters. The Mar Menor’s calm waters and unusual landscape make it a haven for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike. So, pack your bags and head to La Manga for a vacation you’ll never forget!
PLUS – Popular Beaches for Surfing and Water Sports
If you’re an adventure seeker and looking for some action-packed fun, Southern Spain has some of the best surfing and water sports beaches in Europe. Check out these spots:
- Playa de Famara – Located in Lanzarote, this beach is a surfer’s paradise, wBest mobile phone plans in Europe for tourists 2023ith consistent waves all year round. It’s also a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Tarifa Beach – Known as the wind capital of Europe, Tarifa Beach is a hotspot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. It’s also a great spot for beginners, with plenty of schools and rental shops available.
- Playa de Valdevaqueros – Another popular spot in Tarifa, Playa de Valdevaqueros is a favorite among both surfers and kiteboarders. It boasts long stretches of golden sand and consistent waves throughout the year.
