6 Secret Beach Towns in Spain

Overlooked by its castle, this ancient walled town has become a bit more popular since appearing in the hit show "Game of Thrones." However, while Spaniards are generally aware of this beautiful town, it hasn't made much of a blip on the international tourism radar. Less than a two-hour drive from Valencia, Peniscola is home to a picture-perfect old town, stunning views over the Mediterranean, and numerous sandy beaches worth exploring.

Galicia in northwest Spain is full of hidden gems—particularly the northern coastline (Rías Altas), with its many wild and uncrowded beaches. The small town and fishing port of Cedeira offers up pretty scenery and ample eateries to keep folks well-fed. Playa de la Magdalena is the town's main beach, with a small chiringuito (beach bar hut) at one end. It's clean, quiet, safe, and a great option for kids.

There are numerous tiny sandy coves to explore nearby and rugged cliffs to walk along. Another big stretch of white sand is at Playa de Vilarube, where the river, Rio das Mestas, meets the sea. Vilarube is a good surf spot, but it's also a lovely place to swim in the warm pools left by the tide. Its setting makes for some spectacular sunsets, too.

Asturias is a beautiful but lesser-known region of northern Spain, and within it, you’ll find Ribadesella, a small coastal town. Flanked by high mountains, this town is situated on the bay of the estuary of River Sella. The beach here features a dramatically curved stretch of golden sand. The area is well-known for its caves containing prehistoric drawings, and there are many more secluded beaches to discover on this stretch of coastline, including Playa de Gulpiyuri. Technically a flooded sinkhole, Playa de Gulpiyuri appears to be a landlocked beach, as the tide draws the seawater through a network of underground tunnels. Ribadesella is very picturesque, with colorful buildings rising above the white sand and turquoise sea.

Situated in Andalucia, on a stretch of Spain's south coast known as the Costa Tropical, Almuñécar not only has wonderful beaches and great weather, but it is only an hour from the famous city of Granada, which features incredible Moorish architecture. Furthermore, it is also not far from the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountain range. A rocky outcrop called the Peñones de San Cristóbal divides the town's two beaches, which both have numerous beach bars for refreshment.

Es Grau, on the northeast coast of Minorca, is a nearly perfect beach town for families. The shallow turquoise waters are ideal for small children (and adults), and while the sand may not be white, it is soft, and there is lots of it. The beach backs onto S'Albufera des Grau nature reserve, and you can catch a small boat from the village to other more remote beaches like Cala des Tamarells, an excellent spot for snorkeling.

The village is picturesque, with a handful of bars, restaurants, and shops, but not much else. Minorca is generally a low-key and family-friendly island and much quieter than its neighbors, Majorca and Ibiza, but the northern coast is the quietest area of all. This area has no resorts or huge hotels, yet it is only a 15-minute drive from Mahon, the capital city.

Tucked away in Galicia's northwestern corner, Viveiro offers an array of stunning beaches for every taste. The town's centerpiece, Covas Beach, sweeps across Viveiro Bay in a grand golden arc, complete with a bustling promenade. For those seeking quieter spots, the intimate Seiramar and Salcido beaches provide perfect alternatives—though beachgoers should note that Sacido's towering cliffs cast long afternoon shadows across its otherwise picturesque shore.

Just a short drive away lies the magical Playa de Abrela, where pristine white sands emerge unexpectedly from dense forests, creating a secluded paradise. Given the area's scattered coves and hidden bays, renting a car is essential to explore these coastal treasures fully.