You don’t have to journey far to encounter one of Europe’s premier coastlines. The Guardian’s travel team highlighted 40 top beaches across Europe, with six of them located in Spain. The list showcases diverse shoreline beauty, from rugged coves to long stretches of sand that invite exploration and relaxation alike.
This Calblanque Regional Park earns its place on the Guardian’s list by offering pristine, nearly untouched coves and accessible sandy trails. Its landscape blends gentle dunes with protected coves, creating a peaceful escape within reach of more developed resort areas.
On The Guardian’s European beach list, Calblanque sits alongside five other sandy zones in the Balearic Islands, the Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia. Spain may not dominate the roll by sheer count, but its presence is meaningful, while Greece leads the chart with seven destinations. France follows closely, with Italy and Portugal contributing five each. Croatia offers three spots, and Ireland, Germany, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Turkey and Albania each contribute one. For a complete view, readers should consult the cited publication.
Below is a summary of what The Guardian emphasizes about each Spanish beach on the ranking.
Calblanque Regional Park. THE RISE OF WILLIAM
Calblanque, Region of Murcia
Its proximity to the developed resort of La Manga, paired with an enduring wild spirit, earns Calblanque praise for beaches and coves that remain largely unspoiled and natural. Notable sections include Playa Larga, the largest and busiest stretch, alongside Playa Parreño and Playa Negrete, each offering a distinctive atmosphere and feel for visitors.
Wildlife enthusiasts will find the reserve a sanctuary for sea turtles, badgers, foxes and flamingos, underscoring the area’s value beyond mere beachgoing. The landscape encourages quiet exploration, rewarding careful observers with close encounters with coastal flora and fauna.
Sound Diseases. DC
Ses Illetes, Formentera
Described as among the Mediterranean’s most dazzling beaches, Ses Illetes reveals a spectrum of blue tones as shallow waters glide toward the horizon. Infrastructure is intentionally minimal, preserving a sense of pristine serenity. Yet the anchored Es Ministre’s chiringuito and the long-established Juan y Andrea restaurant remain enduring favorites for visitors seeking a simple, satisfying meal with a view.
Torimbia beach. LOM
Torimbia, Asturias
Torimbia presents a majestic arc of fine golden sand bordered by ferns and lush green hills. In the summer, a beach bar offers grilled fish, drinks and ice cream, while outside peak season travelers should come prepared with provisions. The site is known for naturist friendliness and a strong connection to nature, inviting a relaxed, unhurried beach day.
Karnota beach. XUNTA / TOURISM.GAL
Carnota, Galicia
Regarded as a Galician treasure, Carnota unfolds along a string of stunning beaches with wooden walkways threading from marshlands into a gently curving bay. The dunes and surrounding shrubs frame a landscape that feels both dramatic and intimate, making it a favorite for walkers and photographers alike.
Cala Trebaluger. flickr
Cala Trebaluger, Menorca
The Guardian draws attention to the careful balance of dunes, cliffs and pine forest that envelops Cala Trebaluger, creating a dark, enveloping ambiance. The beach favors a minimalist approach, with no sun loungers or gear cluttering the sands, preserving a natural, unhurried atmosphere for those seeking solitude.
Sopelana, Basque Country. TOURISM BASQUE COUNTRY
Sopelana, Basque Country
The Basque coast is praised for its relative under-the-radar status to international visitors, featuring the pebble cove of Menakoz and the Barinatxe area. The latter is popular with nudists and paragliders, contributing to Sopelana’s distinctive charm and a sense of rugged coastal character that rewards curious explorers.