In the world of travel, Spain is famous for many things. Madrid, Barcelona, wine, gastronomy, and of course, the famous Spanish Riviera and its scenic Atlantic or Mediterranean coastlines. There are many famous beaches in Spain that most people would like to visit, some famous for being the party hubs of Europe (like Ibiza), others for being some of the continent’s finest holiday destinations, but in the coastal world of Spain, there are also a lot of gorgeous yet secluded spots that most tourists aren’t aware of. This article is all about that- some of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Spain for people who like to enjoy a peaceful holiday.
Best Times to Visit Spanish Hidden Beaches
The best time to go to Spain’s secret beaches is during late spring (May to early June) and early autumn (September to early October). These months are perfect for sunny beach vacations: the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea temperature is comfortable for swimming without overcrowding in the coastal resort areas. Besides enjoying cozier coves, better accommodation rates, and truly coastal experiences, you also get to immerse yourself more deeply in local life, especially in those hidden spots that do not have enough infrastructure for tourists.
Summer is very short in the northern part (like Asturias or Cantabria) but very fine, so going in July is a must. Also, in the southern and Balearic islands, avoid the peak of August heat and choose the shoulder months instead, so you can enjoy the hidden paradises more without the crowds.
Playa De Barayo (Asturias)
We’re starting this list of hidden beaches in Spain with Playa de Barayo, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Spain. It’s the longest beach on the Asturian coast, and a protected natural park since 1987. The beach is a spot of nature where marshlands, sand dunes, a sea river, and a beach made of fine sand come together, forming a natural paradise that is hardly ever visited because of the restricted vehicle access and wild atmosphere.
You can get there on foot by following the walking trails from Sabugo or Puerto de Vega, which makes it even more secret and charming.
For a comfortable base from which to explore the Barayo area, we invite you to look at Hotel Rural 3 Cabos in Navia(≈3.5 mi/5 km), a warm and peaceful rural retreat, ideal for beach excursions and long walks.
Gulpiyuri Beach (Asturias)
This amazing inland “tidal sinkhole” beach is located near the northern coast, just a short walk from Llanes. The beach has golden sand, underground caves, pristine nature, and aqua blue waters.
The beach is small, well protected from direct sunlight, and can only be accessed on foot through the coastal path; no roads lead directly to it. It is best to visit at high tide if you want to see the most impressive waves coming in through the underwater tunnel.
Stay at either Hotel Villa Marrón or La Fonte in Llanes (both ~0.5 mi/1 km away), which provide lovely guest‑house comfort just a short walk from this unusual treasure.
Playa El Portillo (Asturias)
This beach lies to the east of Llanes, above cliffs from which the sea extends into the land, and can be reached on foot from either Llanes or Celorio. Its charm is in the caves formed by the sea, the sandy beach revealed at low tide, and the rustic quietness, which is ideal for those who don’t mind a short walk.
This place is a mecca for surfers who come here to ride the waves, go kayaking, but also locals who have dogs find it great as they can take their dogs out when it is off-season. It’s not very well known, mainly because of its remote location and lack of signage pointing to the beach, but that just makes the beach even better if you ask me.
The La Farola del Mar Hotel and Hotel-Restaurante Rocamar are the two hotels nearest to the beach if you want to go for a walk along the coast.
Praia Arnela (Galicia – A Coruña province)
Praia Arnela, the beach on the Costa da Morte of Galicia, is wide and raw, accessible by a short dirt road and footpath, thus remaining mostly free of crowds. The wind-twisted dunes, the rock protrusions, and the vibrant Atlantic surf are a surfer’s paradise and an ideal place for a relaxing experience.
Cala Bramant (Catalonia)
This little Mediterranean bay near Begur, Catalonia, remains largely forgotten because of the steep road and the hidden coastal path. Between the cliffs covered by green pines, there are sands and very smooth stones that complement perfectly the peaceful, bright azure waters, and the soft sound of the pines and the ocean.
Getting to Cala Bramant takes a bit of walking or boating, which has the effect of keeping out local beach-goers, and therefore, tranquility is preserved.
Hotel Aigua Blava provides not only easy access to Cala Bramant but also to other nearby coves in this scenic region.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of hidden gems in Barcelona.
Cala Estreta (Catalonia – near Calella de Palafrugell)
Situated a few km south of Calella de Palafrugell, Cala Estreta is a cove embraced by cliffs and a pine forest and is only accessible through the pedestrian GR-92 hiking trail or by small boat. The narrow inlet provides the perfect combination of turquoise water and white sand, which is ideal for calm swimming and snorkeling. The beach being off-road and trail-accessible ensures that the number of visitors is kept at a minimum.
Nearby stay: Hotel Port Bo—a quaint hotel by the sea that is within walking distance.
Cala Llentrisca (Catalonia – near Calella de Palafrugell)
Next on this list of hidden beaches in Spain, we have Cala Llentrisca, located just a short walk from Estreta. It’s a narrower and less visible beach, almost invisible because of the pine-covered hills. Rocky waters and a beach with little stones make it an ideal place for people who want to be alone and have a cozy talk with the Mediterranean Sea. No facilities, no people—only privacy and the beauty of nature.
Cala de Enmedio (Andalusia – near Carboneras, Almería)
This secluded beach is tucked away in the Cabo de Gata–Níjar Natural Park and reachable only through a rough dirt road and a brief walk. It is a beach of white sand, crystal clear shallow water, and fantastic cliffs that collectively make it a real undiscovered wonder. There were no beach bars, no umbrellas—only nature’s tranquility—and it was often empty, except during peak season.
Nearby stay: Hotel Senderos (≈1 km away), with breakfast and an indoor pool.
Playa Viveiro (Galicia – Lugo province)
This list of the best hidden beaches in Spain wouldn’t be complete without Viveiro, a gorgeous beach sheltered by nature, located in Galicia’s remote Lugo province. This sandy beach is situated between the rocky outcrops and the estuary, but it’s less famous due to the remote location, limited parking available, and frankly, because it’s not as popular as some other beaches in Galicia like the famous Playa de las Catedralas. The calm waters of the estuary are perfect for family time and for doing paddle sports, and a lovely bonus is the old town close by that gives the place a cultural dimension.
Accommodation close by: Hotel O Vilar, a place highly recommended for its location by the river and calm atmosphere.
Playa Monsul (Andalusia – Cabo de Gata, Almería)
Playa Monsul is a scenic beach framed by smooth volcanic rocks that’s best known for being used as a filming location for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The beach is also a part of the protected landscape of Cabo de Gata. To get to it, you can either go through a forested path or a road with limited access and parking restrictions, thus preventing large crowds. The beach’s golden sandy shore and rock formations are perfect for early morning or off-season walks when you can be sure that bus tours won’t be there.
Hostal El Dorado in San José (≈1 km) is a nice, cozy hotel and the closest accommodation option to the beach.
Playa de Azkorri (País Vasco – Getxo)
Playa de Azkorri, also known as Gorrondatxe, is a beautiful, quiet beach that has golden sand and dark pebbles. It is situated in Getxo, which is just a short drive or metro ride from Bilbao. The dunes of the beach are under a carefully monitored regeneration project, while the rocky headlands expose interesting geological formations that are even dating back almost 48 million years. The nudism practice in the secluded parts and the minimal development along the shore make it a place of tranquility and relaxation.
You can get there by a winding coastal road or local bus service to Getxo, followed by a short walk through greenery and dunes. It is a place that is safe and almost empty, yet it still provides surf, birdlife, and wonderful sunrises over the Cantabrian Sea.
Where to stay: Consider Azkorri Beach House, a modern, family-friendly guesthouse about 1.5 km from the beach, featuring kitchenette facilities and free parking, found on Booking.com.
Playa de Estorde (Galicia – Cee, A Coruña province)
Praia de Estorde is located just outside the small town of Cee, in Galicia’s picturesque Costa da Morte. Its wide and gently inclined sand meets a peaceful estuary on the sides of the cliff. The beach of Estorde is not often mentioned in most of the guidebooks and is quite overshadowed by more touristy beaches in the area, and its limited parking furthermore ensures very calm and local-only crowds, even in summer.
To get there, you must use winding country roads, either park on-site or in nearby Cee, and then go on foot down a rural path.
Accommodation option: Casa de Piedra Playa de Estorde, a rustic two‑bedroom holiday house with a sea view, a private garden, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Playa de Del Madero (Cantabria – western coastline)
Situated between the cliffs along the Cantabrian coast, just about twelve kilometers west of Santander, Playa de El Madero is a curved beach with dark sand that is surrounded by cliffs and pine trees. It is an unfrequented beach due to difficult access: a narrow road goes down to a footpath that further descends to the beach; hence, it is a place that is known to a few locals and hikers only.
The best way to get there is by parking at the cliff-top parking area and then following the winding paths that may be slippery after the rain. The resulting solitude is rewarded by dramatic views, great waves, and a landscape that feels truly unspoiled.
Playa del Silencio (Asturias – near Cudillero/Oviedo)
Also known as one of Asturias´s best hidden secret beaches, Playa del Silencio is located near Castañeras, southwest of Oviedo. This deserted cove of gloomy and dark sand is surrounded by sharp limestone cliffs, only accessible by a winding footpath along the cliff from the small village of Castañeras.
Limited parking, no facilities, and the trekking (steep in some parts) make sure that it is rarely crowded, even during summer. The water here is of an emerald tone, and very often, it is like a mirror early in the morning, just right for a peaceful day in the woods or for taking pictures.
Where to stay: Hotel El Rosal de Cudillero (approx. 10 km away) is a small and cozy place for those who like nature and a fishing village ambiance.
El Palmar Beach (Andalucía – Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz)
This vast beach, which faces the Atlantic Ocean, is situated 11 km south of Vejer de la Frontera. El Palmar was a name that only Spanish surfers knew until recently, and it remains off the radar of most international tourists even today because there is no public transportation and no high-rise resorts anywhere in the area and its five-kilometer stretch of soft sand, rolling swell, and relaxed “Cádizfornia” vibe make it a true hidden gem.
Either you drive down from Vejer or take the bus to get there. The bus goes along the line Cádiz‑Conil‑El Palmar, so if you take it, you will need to walk when you get there, as it will only get you to the edge of the area. The area is not far from the sea and is mostly dotted with surf lodges, small lodgings, and places for glamping, which means that the development is still minimal and the harmony with nature is not disturbed.
Where to stay: Opt for Nexo Surf House—an ocean-view hotel with surf amenities that is very popular among surfers.
Cala Aiguablava (Catalonia – Begur, Costa Brava)
Cala Aiguablava is a stunning half-moon beach near Begur, Catalonia, lined with pine trees, draped cliffs, and calm, transparent waters. Although definitely popular in summer, the steep trail leading to it and local coves, which are a natural barrier, remain agents of the local charm. The GR-92 coastal trail is one of the ways, the other is driving and parking uphill, then walking to the beach.
The cove’s calm bay is perfect for safe swimming, anchoring small boats, enjoying a peaceful atmosphere, or even snorkeling or diving to explore the rocky underwater life.
Accommodation: Parador de Aiguablava—an old hotel on top of cliffs with a view of the bay is a great option.
Playa de Langre (Cantabria – Ribamontán al Mar)
Located 5 km east of Somo, Playa de Langre is a double horseshoe bay with a golden beach and 25-meter-high cliffs stained with green patches of local vegetation. The beach is divided into two parts—one bigger, one smaller. One of the main reasons here is less crowded than other places in the area is because parking is only available at the cliff´s top, and getting here means walking down stairs, which is not so appealing to most visitors.
The small beach has a very special atmosphere with water that is far less agitated and, therefore, safer for young children, while the larger one is usually riled a bit by the Atlantic, thus it is enthusiastically accepted by surfers; however, the calm end of the beach is often the place where most nudists are.
Where to stay: Hotel Playa de Langre or a cozy guesthouse in Langre village—simple rural accommodation perfect for walkers and beachgoers.
Punta del Fangar Beach (Catalonia – Delta de l’Ebre, Tarragona province)
At the very end of the Ebro Delta, Punta del Fangar is a place that is usually empty and covered with sand dunes, lakes, and marshes. The place is mostly open and wild, and it is mostly accessed by driving and walking through the reserve.
Because of its remoteness and scenic beauty—the dunes blending with the local Mediterranean tidal flats—the area remains little visited by tourists. It’s perfect for surfing, birdwatching, and watching the sunset in peace.
Where to stay: Hotel Delfín near Sant Carles de la Ràpita is only ~15 km away and is known for providing farm-to-table meals and delta-view rooms.
L’Ahuir Beach (Valencia region – near La Llosa)
A lovely beach 5 km away from La Llosa in Castellón, Playa de l’Ahuir is a serene sandy cove located between pine tree-covered dunes and cliffs. Due to the absence of direct road access, it has very few visitors who either walk through the dune reserve for 1 km or arrive by bike. This, in turn, acts as a natural filter that retains the beach’s wild, unspoiled character.
With its fine sand and gentle water, it is ideal for families or couples who are looking for a quiet place near Valencia. The dunes and pine grove are like a Mediterranean oasis in the midst of a golden coast.
Where to stay: Hotel Bonestar near Peniscola/La Llosa is located only 10 km away, offering beachside convenience and local cuisine.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like to check out our list of hidden gems in Valencia.
Playa de Arenillas (Cantabria – Castro‑Urdiales)
Playa de Arenillas is a small beach near the village of Islares on Cantabria’s eastern shore, just a tiny cove 50 m long and 15 m wide that disappears between high tides. The beach is protected by cliffs and can be reached from a short walk from a small parking area off the N‑635, and it is semi‑urban yet pleasantly hidden.
The water is crystal clear and calm, and the beach is completely surrounded by rocky edges that make it the perfect place for lazy snorkeling and a little bit of surfing, especially at low tide. The facilities are very simple—just a few showers, bins, and the presence of a lifeguard during the season. The beach is also a part of a protected coastal zone.
Where to stay: The nearby Villa Merceditas (~ 8 km away) is a charming villa, perfect for a relaxed Cantabrian weekend.
Cala del Barronal (Almería)
Located deep in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, Cala del Barronal is a tiny cove hidden among the ochre rocks. It has no road access, so it can be reached only by a 1‑hour walk or by kayak from the nearby beaches, such as Cala Enmedio, which makes it a very peaceful place. Beach with a sandy bottom, warm and shallow turquoise waters, and shadow from the rocks over the beach—this place is a virgin home that is very far from the noisy tourist crowds.
It is secluded because of its protected status, absence of buildings, and the fact that it can only be reached after a certain amount of effort. There are no bars, toilets, or the possibility of renting an umbrella—only nature and silence.
Accommodation option: Eco-Turístico Cortijo Romero, about 5 km away, providing rustic cottages, perfect for those who want to explore nature.
Playa de los Muertos (Almería – Carboneras)
Last but not least, we conclude this list of hidden beaches in Spain with Playa de los Muertos. Despite its moody name (“Beach of the Dead”), this Almería gem is still one of Spain’s most beautiful undiscovered spots, sitting between Punta del Sombrerico and Punta de los Muertos. The journey is a steep coastal path—parking at the top is also limited, so many people never get there. But if you make it, you’ll have 300 m of sand with grey-black pebbles that go along with crystal-clear water currents. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and swimming, especially at noon when the water glitters like emerald.
Where to stay: Book a room at Cala Arena or Hostal Los Geráneos in Carboneras, both located only a short drive away.
How did you like this list of the best hidden beaches in Spain? Do you know of any other beaches that deserve a mention? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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