Travelers seeking sun, sea, culture, and the warmth of the Mediterranean need not look any further than the Spanish Coast. Beach hotels in Spain will situate you right on the shore, and usually provide guest-only private beaches, swimming pools, and striking scenery. The Spanish coast is also rich and diverse, so no matter whether you’re seeking a week lazing on the beach, a cultural trip in Catalonia, or an adventure vacation throughout Balearic Islands, beach hotels in Spain will deliver your ultimate getaway.
Beach Hotels in Spain © Parador de Cádiz
Beach Hotels in Spain: The Best from Spain’s Diverse Coast
Barcelona: History & Culture in Catalonia’s Capital
© Hotel Duquesa de CardonaSome who visit the thriving, cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, forget that it bumps up against the Mediterranean, which makes it the ideal destination for families and couples looking for a city break combined with a relaxing beach getaway. You get the best of both worlds with beach hotels in this Spanish city, as beaches all along Catalonia’s coast provide deep blue water, golden sands, and plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy some delicious local tapas and a porron of rich Spanish vino.
Venture up to Montjuïc for sweeping views of Barcelona harbor and stroll down the colorful La Rambla, a gorgeous tree-lines boulevard packed with cafes and kiosks, which connects to the enormous Plaça de Catalunya square. Book a beach hotel in Spain close to the sunny La Barceloneta neighborhood, which features the city’s most popular stretch of sand and the fascinating Museum of the History of Catalonia.
Valencia: Art, Science, & the Beach
Travel further south along the blissful Spanish coast and you’ll eventually hit the stunning port city of Valencia, known as Spain’s city of arts and sciences. Packed with interesting futuristic structures and traditional Baroque churches, Valencia is a city of contrasts. Beach hotels in this part of Spain will show off Valencia’s many wild, Blue Flag beaches which can be explored year-round, as the area is gifted with long, hot summers and mild winters. Two of the most popular beaches to frequent on any vacation are Playa de la Malvarrosa and El Cabanyal – an attractive part of Valencia’s ‘sea village’ and the perfect spot to stop for a bowl of delicious, fresh traditional paella.
For five days and nights, Valencia springs to life in a uniquely colorful and cultural way, as the citzös many neighborhoods celebrate La Fallas each March. The continuous street party celebrates the tradition of Valencian ‘ninots,’ or puppets, and has ties stretching as far back as the Middle Ages. The celebration features parades, fireworks, comedy, traditional dress, and plenty of eating. It also offers a unique vacation experience, and would be a great time to book a beach hotel in Spain.
Marbella: Life of the Party on the Costa del Sol
© Don Carlos Leisure Resort & SpaSpain’s southern coastal resort is popular among Europe’s younger crowd, yet it offers a quieter pace of life than its larger sister city of Málaga, further north along the Costa del Sol. A beach hotel in Marbella is perfect for days lounging on the 27km of golden sands, swimming in the deep blue ocean, and enjoying the lively atmosphere which springs into life after dark. Beach hotels in southern Spain offer views overlooking the coast, Puerto Banús marina, or northwards towards with gorgeous Sierra Blanca Mountains. Adults-only hotels are also available to make your vacation extra exclusive.
To relax in style and maybe practice your swing on the nearby golf course, head to Cabopino marina, a quiet spot usually overlooked by travelers vacationing in Marbella. This peaceful marina is a truly Mediterranean destination where families can enjoy the protected beach and even hire pedalos, boats, and go on dolphin trips from the protected harbor. Back in Marbella; spend an afternoon in the delightful old town, exploring the colorful streets adorned with eye-catching flower arrangements. Dine alfresco as evening draws in.
Palma de Mallorca: The Mediterranean City Where Cultures Collide
Located to the west of the largest of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca attracts visitors for its glorious beaches, lively nightlife, intriguing historic sites, and access to the island’s many natural wonders. In the shadow of the souring Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains, Palma de Mallorca is a great central location for a beach hotel in Spain, and is ideal for exploring everything this island has to offer. Head into the heart of Palma and visit the imposing La Almudaina, a former Arabian fort which was claimed as a royal residence some 600 years ago. Another remnant of Arab influence in Palma can be found at Banys Arabs, an ancient bath house from the time of the Moors.
Mallorca is a stunning island, and many travel here to explore the ancient towns and stunning vistas found all over from the seat of a bicycle. However if you’re planning on staying put, Palma de Mallorca provides gorgeous beach hotels overlooking the ocean, only a stone’s throw from the beach bars and cabanas of Palma City Beach and the craggy inlets of Pesca Atardecer, which are just begging to be explored by foot or snorkel.
Canary Islands: Island Life & Tropical Charm
© Bahia del DuqueAzure water, diverse topography, and mysterious underwater sculptures all make a blissful vacation on the far-flung Canary Islands, a tropical archipelago off northwest Africa. The seven volcanic islands that make up the Canaries are the perfect solution for travelers seeking a beach hotel in a unique part if Spain. Head to the largest island of Tenerife, where the Teide National Park begs to be explored and the attractive port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife dazzles visitors with its historic ruins and tropical botanic gardens. Spend some time in a beach hotel in Lanzarote, and explore the incredibly beguiling underwater masterpiece found at the bay of Las Coloradas, where 35 sculptures lie mysteriously on the seabed.
Gran Canaria is home to 60km of coastline, making it a vast and varied place to book a beach hotel in Spain. Black, volcanic sand is a common site here but that shouldn’t put you off, as beaches like Las Canteras and Anfi del Mar also provide excellent swimming opportunities and great access to amenities like seafood restaurants and boat rides, so you can spend hours on the sand without having to stray too far to enjoy everything the Canary Islands has to offer.
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