Travel Guide
Golden Sands & Cheap Beer: These Are The Top 5 Beach Destinations In Spain Right Now
Mar
Come rain or come shine, Spain remains one of the most popular destinations globally.
We guess we’re lucky now that spring is finally here and temperatures are rising across much of the sun-drenched Iberian country.
This year, it is predicted to welcome over 100 million tourists, who are largely drawn to its sandy Mediterranean beaches, vibrant culture, and of course, affordable prices—at least by U.S. standards, but hey, it’s not like Europeans themselves are complaining when beer is around $3.
However, if you think the likes of Barcelona, Madrid or Malaga are leading booking trends, you’re in for a big surprise.
This year, the top 5 ‘most competitive’ destinations in Spain are none of the usual hotspots, as revealed by Exceltur:
Marbella
A resort town lining the aptly-named Costa del Sol, Marbella is only an hour’s drive from bustling Malaga, yet it feels a lot quieter and more exclusive in comparison, with 16 miles of sands, hugged by an azure Mediterranean and a lively Puerto Banús marina.
It is somewhere you go primarily for leisure and living it up, so it’s no wonder there is a big selection of beach clubs and nighttime venues, as well as beachfront hotels on offer—for instance, Ona Marbella Inn has overnight rates starting at $78 this season.
Trendy as it may be for the beaches, don’t miss out on Marbella’s gorgeous Renaissance-era, whitewashed Old Town, with flower-framed balconies, and postcard-ready Plaza de los Naranjos, a public square bordered by orange trees and a medieval church.
Benidorm
A fast-growing coastal resort within easy reach from Valencia, Benidorm is somewhat of a ‘Cancun for Brits’: our U.K. friends love coming here regardless of season for the sunny temps, the pints of beer for as cheap as $2 in some of the local bars, and the buzzing social scene.
It is definitely not somewhere you go to beat the crowds, however, as it can get jam-packed not only with English guests, but Northern Europeans in general as soon as April—if you’re here for the fun, the $38 hotels and accessible parties, we can’t see how crowding would be much of an issue.
When in Benidorm, make sure you check out its 2 stretches of golden sand, Levante and Poniente beaches, both backed by palm trees and tapas bars, and for the gay travelers out there, the Old Town, found at the foot of a ruined castle, has a plethora of LGBT-friendly bars to pick from.
Playa de Palma
A well-frequented resort strip on the island of Mallorca, a stone’s throw away from the charming capital city of Palma, Playa de Palma is your best bet for a carefree Mediterranean escapade in the off-season, before the big cruise liners come.
It is lined with the usual upscale hotels and bars, it boasts a wide range of gourmet restaurants and souvenir shops, and its Aqualand El Arenal water park is guaranteed entertainment for the whole family—plus, it’s way more affordable to visit now ahead of summer.
One night at the 4-star Hotel Vibra Palma Cactus is only going to cost you $78 (prices are 20% down for the season), and if you’re looking for a no-frills eatery by the ocean that won’t break the bank, Kanistesa has delicious seafood and drinks at an average bill of $23.
Calvià
Lining the southwestern coast of Mallorca, Calvià is a trendy resort municipality home to Magaluf, a development strip famous for its luxurious hotels, and within short driving distance of a number of iconic Mallorcan beaches, including Cala El Toro.
It is everything you’d expect a relaxing weekend in Mallorca to be, with all the sparkling Spritz served at laid-back beach bars, early-night swims in warm waters, and even island-hopping: we know, Mallorca is an island itself, but have you heard of the Malgrats?
A collective of islets off the Calvià shoreline, they boast secret coves bathed by a bright-blue ocean, unique geological formations, and most fascinatingly, they’re home to a thriving Mediterranean marine life, from barracudas to swordfish.
Adeje
Number one on the list, Adeje sits on the southwestern part of Tenerife, a Spanish island in the Atlantic, and it is yet another increasingly-popular leisure destination, just over an hour drive from the bustling capital Santa Cruz.
It is far more peaceful in comparison, with none of the crazy traffic and cruising scene, and it’s largely sought-after for its myriad of beautiful beaches: think the golden-sanded Playas del Dique, Fañabé, and Torviscas, or the secluded, romantic Playa de Troya.
It’s more of an exclusive beach getaway, so if it’s an all-inclusive hotel you’re keen on, you should be prepared for higher overnight rates—still, you can find decent-enough rates in the local Hard Rock Hotel or the adults-only Iberostar Selection Sábila, starting at $262 a night.
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
