24 Jun 9 of the Best Hidden Beaches in Spain
Updated June 2026
From the wild Atlantic beaches of Galicia to the pristine coves of the Balearics and iconic city and resort beaches around the country, Spain is fringed by some 8,000 kilometres of coastline. Coupled with endless blue skies and sunshine, it’s little surprise that Spain and beach holidays go hand in hand.
With that reputation brings the inevitable crowds, both locals and tourists, so it can be difficult to find your own little slice of sandy paradise. However, if you’re prepared to venture off the beaten track, it’s still possible to find a few hidden gem beaches Spain keeps largely to itself.
Here’s our guide to nine of our favourite hidden beaches in Spain.
9 of the Best Hidden Beaches in Spain
1. Artola beach, Costa del Sol
Although just 13 km east of Marbella, Playa de Artola-Cabopino feels a world away from the Costa del Sol’s busy resort beaches. This wide, golden sweep of sand backs onto the protected Dunas de Artola nature reserve, where rolling dunes, juniper scrub and sea daffodils create a wonderfully wild backdrop. The water here is exceptionally clear, and there’s a relaxed, natural vibe with some designated nudist stretches.
At around 1,200 metres long, there’s plenty of space to spread out with some organised areas at the eastern end next to the small Cabopino Marina, where you’ll find a few places to eat and drink after a day on the sand. History enthusiasts can walk up to Torre de los Ladrones, a coastal watchtower built during the period of Arab rule in Spain that’s now a protected Site of Cultural Interest. Nature lovers will enjoy wandering the protected dunes in search of coastal birds.
2. Los Muertos, Cabo de Gata
Don’t be put off by the name: Playa de los Muertos – ‘Beach of the Dead’ – is very much alive, with astonishingly clear water and an underwater world teeming with marine life. Set within the protected Cabo de Gata–Níjar Natural Park, this long, wild arc of fine white pebbles and turquoise water has no buildings or development to spoil the views.
Located around 70 km from Almería, between the coastal resorts of Carboneras and Agua Amarga, the beach is only accessible on foot via a steep path that takes around 15 minutes each way. It can feel taxing in the midday heat and there are no facilities once you arrive, so wear good footwear and bring everything you need for the day, including plenty of water. Naturally, do carry your rubbish back with you. The reward is a gloriously unspoilt, clothing-optional beach that still feels like a true natural paradise – one of the most unspoilt hidden beaches in Spain.
3. Bolonia, Tarifa
Around 20 km west of Tarifa, Spain’s southernmost city, Playa de Bolonia stretches for almost four kilometres along the edge of El Estrecho Natural Park. This broad sweep of white sand, framed by clear turquoise water and a vast shifting dune, still feels delightfully unspoilt. Constant winds make it a favourite with windsurfers, while naturists tend to gravitate towards the quieter, more tucked-away area of El Chorrito.
The towering Bolonia dune – the largest on the Iberian Peninsula – is a workout in itself, but the climb is rewarded with spectacular views over the bay and, on clear days, all the way to the coast of Africa. Just behind the beach, you can visit the ruins of Baelo Claudia, a remarkably well-preserved Roman town that offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s history and features on our new Hidden Gems of Southern Spain itinerary. There are a handful of restaurants in the former fishing village of Bolonia with more facilities in El Lentiscal, a little further along the beach.
4. Punta Umbría, Huelva
Huelva’s Atlantic coastline is one of Spain’s most underrated stretches of shore, with long, open beaches backed by dunes and pine forest that still feel low-key feel compared with the Costa del Sol. Located around 12 km from Huelva city, Punta Umbría is a small town sandwiched between the Odiel Marshes – one of the most important wetlands in Spain – and a golden sandy beach.
Popular with locals though less well-known among international tourists, the main beach borders the town and has lifeguards, chiringuitos (beach bars) and plenty of facilities during the summer. Head west and you’ll find a string of quieter beaches, including Los Enebrales, La Bota and El Portil, where you can still enjoy long, unspoilt stretches of sand backed by dense pines and low dunes.
5. Mónsul, Cabo de Gata
Nestled within the Cabo de Gata–Níjar Natural Park in southern Spain, Playa de Mónsul is one of a string of spectacular beaches along this wild stretch of coast. Accessed via a dirt track, visitors are treated to a landscape with barely a trace of human development, the shimmering sand framed instead by shifting dunes, sculpted rock formations and luminous blue water.
Film buffs may recognise Playa de Mónsul from the closing scenes of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, which were filmed here, but in spite of its screen cameo, it still feels far quieter than many beaches in Andalucia. With its rugged setting and gently shelving shore, it’s one of the most atmospheric hidden beaches in Spain and a beautiful stop for anyone exploring Cabo de Gata.
6. Llafranc, Costa Brava
More an unsung hero than a hidden gem, the little fishing town of Llafranc sits on the Costa Brava, a coastline renowned for its rugged coves and picturesque villages. Strung over the hillside around the bay, whitewashed houses and low-rise hotels give this small resort a quietly glamorous feel; in the 20th century, it was a favourite of film stars and artists, including Salvador Dalí, and it remains popular with locals and French visitors from just across the border. Although very much an urban beach, its sheltered setting, pine-fringed promenade and Mediterranean-style houses give it a more intimate, seaside-village atmosphere than many of the Costa Brava’s better-known resorts. Outside the chaotic high season of July and August, it remains delightfully calm, while the town’s hotels, bars and restaurants make it an appealing option for those who like their hidden beaches in Spain to come with a few creature comforts.
7. Caló des Moro, Mallorca
You don’t have to fly to Asia or the Caribbean to find white sand and crystalline water – the Balearic island of Mallorca is one of the Mediterranean’s great beach paradises. Tucked into a narrow inlet on the island’s southeast coast about 6 km from the town of Santanyí, Caló des Moro is a small, dazzling cove framed by low cliffs and pine trees.
Once one of Mallorca’s best-kept secrets, it’s far better known these days and can get busy in high season, but its luminous water and dramatic setting still make it one of our favourite beaches when visited early or outside peak summer. There are no facilities and access is via a rocky path, so you’ll need sturdy footwear and to bring everything you need. For many travellers, though, that’s all part of the appeal of this hidden beach in Spain.
8. Calblanque, Murcia
Calblanque Regional Park is one of southeast Spain’s wildest coastal landscapes, with arid hills, long stretches of ochre and golden sand, secluded coves, fossil dunes, pale salt lagoons and rocky ridges all tumbling down to the aquamarine Mediterranean. The contrast between the scrubby mountains and the sea gives this corner of Murcia a remote, almost otherworldly feel.
In summer, vehicle access is restricted to protect the environment and manage the number of visitors, but outside the peak months you can enjoy peaceful swims and long walks along this incredible coastline. The real charm of Calblanque lies in following its trails, wandering barefoot along its quiet beaches, watching for birds and rich coastal flora, and soaking up views from the park’s low peaks – a vivid reminder that some of the best Spain hidden beaches are still found in places like this.
9. Gulpiyuri, Asturias
Often described as one of the smallest beaches in the world, Playa de Gulpiyuri is a tiny inland cove hidden in fields near Llanes in northern Spain, about 100 metres from the Cantabrian Sea. This flooded sinkhole, declared a National Monument, is roughly 40 metres long and feels like a secret saltwater pool, with water funnelled in through underground channels in the limestone cliffs.
At high tide the basin fills, creating a shallow, wave-washed lagoon of clear, cool water that’s especially popular with local families in summer thanks to its sheltered setting and calm conditions compared with the often-wild Bay of Biscay. There’s no road access and you’ll need to walk across meadows to reach it, but that short stroll only adds to its sense of discovery and makes Gulpiyuri one of the most memorable hidden beaches in Spain.
Discover Spain’s Hidden Beaches with Just Explore
From Andalucia to Asturias, we design tailor-made itineraries that weave in some of the best Spain hidden beaches alongside characterful cities, wine regions and cultural highlights. Whether you’re dreaming of wild Atlantic coves, quiet Costa Brava bays or secret Balearic inlets, we’ll build a trip that balances these off-beat treasures with the comfort and style you’re looking for.
If you prefer travelling in a small group, we run an annual Hidden Gems in Southern Spain tour each September, which includes a visit to Baelo Claudio with stunning views over Bolonia beach.
Ready to start planning your next Spanish adventure? Get in touch and let Just Explore create a bespoke journey that brings your favourite hidden beaches in Spain to life.