Spain enjoys over 3,000 miles of coastline and has more Blue Flag beaches than any other country! With beautiful coastal towns in abundance, it can be tricky to narrow down your property search.
So, to help you out, we’ve chosen 5 gorgeous Spanish beach towns, each with a fascinating story to tell.
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San Sebastián – A haven for foodies
Let’s start in the north, with the captivating city of San Sebastián.
Situated in the Basque autonomous community, along the coast of the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastián is sometimes overlooked by property buyers who head straight to the southern coast. But with a unique charm, lively atmosphere, and stunning beaches, you’d be missing out if you didn’t give this city a chance.
San Sebastián has 11 Michelin starred restaurants
So, what makes San Sebastián so special? Well, to start with it has gained a reputation as one of the best places to eat in Spain – if not the world! With 11 Michelin starred restaurants for a population of just 180,000, it’s easy to see why people travel from all over the world to dine in the city.
Three of these restaurants have even been awarded three Michelin stars, which is one of the highest honours when it comes to food. Some local delicacies include Pintxos (Basque tapas), bacalao al pil pil (cod fried in olive oil until crispy) and Basque cheesecake.
Along with full stomachs, you certainly won’t be bored. The city’s calendar is brimming with cultural events, including the International Film Festival which usually happens in September and attracts a whole host of A-list celebrities to the city.
San Pedro del Pinatar – Mother Nature’s spa
Nestled at the top end of the Mar Menor, where the Costa Cálida meets the Costa Blanca, is the small seaside town of San Pedro del Pinatar. Fishing is very much at the heart of San Pedro del Pinatar, with fishermen setting off in the early hours before returning to auction off their catch at the daily fish markets.
However, San Pedro del Pinatar is actually famous for something different entirely. This small town has the biggest outdoor mud therapy sight in Europe. So, don’t be surprised when you walk along the beach and see people covered from head to toe in mud!
San Pedro del Pinatar has the biggest outdoor mud therapy sight in Europe (David Moreno Hernandez _ Shutterstock.com)
It is believed that the warm mud baths have therapeutic healing powers and help with arthritic pain, rheumatism and broken bones. Local legend even says that if you coat yourself in mud, walk 3km to the Molino de la Calcetera windmill and then wash the mud off in the same place you applied it, then you will have perfect health. It is recommended to do this procedure nine times for maximum effect – sounds like a good way to get fit too!
Imagine endless good times in your own Spanish holiday home! Download your free guide, How to Buy a Holiday Home in Spain.
Palma de Mallorca – Tanning but make it cultural
Mallorca holds a special place in many of our hearts, with around 10 million people visiting the island each year. The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has an enviable climate, friendly locals, sparkling beaches, and a vibrant and cosmopolitan capital city. All in all, it’s a wonderful place for both a holiday home and permanent residence!
The 12th century cathedral towers high above the seafront in Palma de Mallorca
You’ll find around half of the island’s population in the capital, Palma de Mallorca. The city is suave and sophisticated, with high-end boutiques, a classy old town and plenty of cafes.
But it is the twelfth century cathedral that is the standout landmark. Unusually close to the beach, sunbathers can enjoy the magnificent Gothic architecture without leaving their towels! Towering high above the seafront, the honey-coloured sandstone structure really is a sight to behold.
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Nerja – Live music in a cave
Fondly called “the jewel of the Costa del Sol”, Nerja is a pretty whitewashed beach town, just 40 minutes east of Málaga city. It enjoys 10 miles of sandy beaches offering an array of water sports including water skiing, scuba diving and sailing. Playa Burriana is a favourite among holidaymakers and is lined with numerous beach bars and stalls.
The regular summer concerts in the Nerja caves attract musicians from all over the world
The town has spectacular panoramic views of the glistening Mediterranean below, but it is the nearby caves that really put Nerja on the map.
Home to the largest stalagmite in the world and stretching for nearly 5 kilometres, the caves are on many people’s bucket lists. And if they don’t already sound cool enough, they are also a concert venue! The regular summer concerts in the caves have attracted musicians from all over the world and make for a truly memorable night out.
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Cádiz – The oldest city in Western Europe
Oozing with history and charm, Cádiz is thought to be one of the oldest cities in Europe. First inhabited by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC, the city in Andalusia now boasts a wealth of breath-taking architecture that has been influenced by all those that settled thereafter.
Cádiz is thought to be one of the oldest cities in Europe
Cádiz’s geography is also rather unique. It is almost completely surrounded by water, meaning there is a healthy supply of beaches and harbours to enjoy.
The best way to explore this enchanting city is by foot. A stroll through the city will take you back in time, with medieval cobbled streets leading to large café-lined plazas. The charming Old Town is enclosed by the remnants of the old city walls and is dominated by the towering dome of the Cathedral of Cadiz.
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If you’re preparing to come over to Spain to look at properties, make sure you know what to look for by reading our free guide, Your Viewing Trip.
