Top 15 Resorts to Experience in Spain

Spain, a mesmerizing nation situated in southwestern Europe, captivates travelers with its abundant history, vibrant culture, and varied landscapes. Whether your ideal vacation entails a resort that offers a plethora of activities and pristine beaches or one that encourages exploration at your own pace, Spain presents a multitude of destinations that will meet your preferences.

The country’s lively celebrations, passionate flamenco music, and exquisite cuisine, including paella and an assortment of tapas, create a sensory experience that embodies the essence of Spanish culture. With sun-kissed Mediterranean shores, charming towns, and celebrated art collections, Spain offers a captivating amalgamation of history, art, and natural splendor, ensuring an unforgettable journey through its remarkable traditions.

This compilation showcases a diverse array of locations, ranging from the bustling resorts along the “costas,” where modern skyscrapers overlook the sea and the energy is perpetual, to quaint fishing hamlets and coastal locales that evoke a sense of timelessness.

Here follows an overview of the 15 premier holiday resorts in Spain.

1. La Manga, Murcia

Source: flickr

If an active vacation is what you seek, La Manga in Murcia stands as an ideal choice. This elongated sandbar stretches for 21 kilometers and is, at times, less than 100 meters wide.

Hotels and apartment complexes line La Manga’s perimeter, with the open Mediterranean to the east and the Mar Menor lagoon, a large and shallow body of water favored for windsurfing and kayaking, to the west.

During the summer months, water sports centers operate throughout La Manga, often connected to beach bars. If you need a moment of relaxation, you are never far from the beach, and numerous top golf courses in Europe are just minutes away.

Website: https://lamangaclub.com/en

2. San Sebastián, Basque Country

Source: flickr

Located on the northern Atlantic coastline, close to the French border, San Sebastián has been a refined holiday destination since the late 19th century. In terms of culinary experiences, it is challenging to find a superior destination within Spain: Of the seven Spanish restaurants awarded three Michelin stars, three are situated in this resort.

The pintxos, which are small dishes featuring imaginative and diverse flavor combinations, are also noteworthy. The city’s beaches are exceptional, and the iconic La Concha beach is a standout feature. It boasts a crescent of golden sand protected by two headlands and the offshore Santa Clara island.

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/easlc-hotel-maria-cristina-a-luxury-collection-hotel-san-sebastian/overview/

3. Marbella, Costa del Sol

Source: Flickr

Marbella and its neighbor Puerto Banus are often likened to Spain’s equivalent of the French Riviera, and this comparison is valid. It serves as a seaside haven for affluent visitors, where luxury vehicles and boats shimmer under the sun.

To cater to these elite clientele, Marbella offers Michelin-starred restaurants, luxurious hotels, world-class golf courses, art galleries, and upscale boutiques.

For the general public, the old town features beautiful plazas interspersed with cobblestone streets, and a long stretch of beaches aligns the coast, six of which proudly carry the Blue Flag designation.

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/agpmb-marriotts-marbella-beach-resort/overview/

4. Conil de la Frontera, Cádiz

Source: flickr

This charming whitewashed beach town on Andalusia’s Atlantic coast is cherished for its lively atmosphere. It is predominantly Spanish youth from Seville and Madrid who contribute to this vibrant environment, particularly in the summer months.

Warm summer evenings allow for bar-hopping through the pedestrianized old town, while enjoying cold Cruzcampo beers and tasting seafood tapas such as chipirones (fried baby squid) and gambas al ajillo. The nearby beaches are outstanding, many of which are secluded enough for naturism. The expansive Playa de la Fontanilla is located right in front of the resort, while Cala del Aceite is a 270-meter-long cove situated near the port, monitored by lifeguards during the summer.

Website: https://hostalcampito.com/casas-rurales-en-conil.html

5. Ribadesella, Asturias

Source: flickr

Asturias is a region characterized by its dramatic and expansive natural beauty, where the Picos de Europa mountains remain snow-dusted for much of the year, and the coastline features lush green hills cascading down to sweeping, crescent-shaped beaches. Ribadesella, located at the mouth of the River Sella, is one such destination, with a beach that is sheltered from the ocean and consequently features gentle, rolling waves.

This area was once settled by many Spanish merchants who prospered in the Americas, leading to the construction of opulent mansions in Ribadesella during the 1800s. Moreover, for those who appreciate ocean-side strolls, the grassy cliffs and myriad coves along the local coastline are inviting.

Website: http://www.hotelarenaribadesella.com/

6. Port de Pollença, Majorca

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The sight from the beach at Pollença may be one of Majorca’s most breathtaking. This resort is located where the majestic Tramuntana mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea. To the north lies Cap Formentor, the rocky headland at the island’s northernmost extremity, and to the east is Cap des Pinar, which helps to safeguard the bay from strong winds and currents.

Surrounding the area is a dramatic mountainous landscape that is best enjoyed along the Pine Walk promenade, which follows the bay. You can relax under a palm umbrella on the beautiful sandy beach or explore the tranquil waters of the bay using a kayak or pedal boat.

Website: http://www.lagoletahoteldemar.com/

7. Benalmádena, Costa del Sol

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When residents of Málaga seek a proper beach day, they often head south to Benalmádena, a family-friendly resort. In the 1950s, it was among the first coastal destinations to welcome significant tourist traffic, largely due to its thirteen clean, well-maintained sandy beaches spread over 10 kilometers of coastline.

Four of these beaches (Carvajal, Torrevigía, Torrebermeja-Santa Ana, and Fuente de la Salud) proudly hold the Blue Flag designation. For families with children, Aqualand, the largest water park in the area, is conveniently located in nearby Torremolinos.

Website: https://www.hotelbenalma.com/en/

8. Llafranc, Catalonia

Source: flickr

While Spain’s largest tourist destinations may not be lacking in charm, many resorts along northern Catalonia’s Costa Brava provide a more sophisticated appeal. Llafranc exemplifies this upscale ambiance with an intimate and refined atmosphere.

This upscale setting is likely accentuated by the delightful walkway that follows the resort’s 300-meter Blue Flag beach. Instead of the usual palm trees, this area is dotted with aromatic palm trees, beneath which are the awnings and parasols of high-quality seafood restaurants popular among locals, rather than typical tourist traps.

Website: https://www.hotelelfar.com/en/

9. Benidorm, Alicante

Source: holidaynights

The enduring popularity of Benidorm is easily explained: For those seeking family-friendly attractions, beautiful sandy beaches, an abundance of dining options, and vibrant nightlife, everything is conveniently located within reach. The skyline of Benidorm, featuring an array of skyscrapers along two beachfronts, creates an invigorating ambiance, complemented by the rugged mountains that provide a picturesque backdrop.

Both Levante and Poniente beaches are spacious enough to provide space for visitors even during the height of summer. The resort also houses water parks, go-karting tracks, mini-golf facilities, paintball arenas, a prominent theme park, and an extensive selection of bars and nightclubs.

Website: https://www.hotelvillavenecia.com/

10. Santander, Cantabria

Source: flickr

For those looking to escape the summer heat of the Mediterranean, a cooler destination like this port city on the northern coast could be the perfect alternative. Indeed, the Spanish royal family chose Santander as their summer retreat in the early 20th century.

The Palacio de la Magdalena, built for King Alfonso XIII, remains a landmark to visit, featuring lovely grounds at the end of a peninsula along the ocean’s edge. On warm days, El Sardinero, a broad expanse of golden sand continuously praised as one of Spain’s best urban beaches, beckons for relaxation.

Website: https://www.hotelchiqui.com/en/

11. Torrevieja, Alicante

Source: flickr

If you’re drawn to the beaches and amenities of the Costa Blanca but wish to avoid the high-rises and boisterous nightlife characteristic of Benidorm, Torrevieja offers a tranquil, family-oriented alternative. Firstly, nature plays a central role here, as the resort is flanked by two vast salt lagoons.

These lagoons have historically fueled the local economy through salt mining for centuries. Visitors can even enjoy bathing in these mineral-rich waters. Along the Mediterranean coast, you’ll find a marina and a series of sandy beaches. Among them, La Mata, located to the north, extends for miles and is particularly impressive.

Website: https://hotelplayasdetorrevieja.com/

12. Port d’Andratx, Majorca

Source: flickr

In southwest Majorca, this resort presents a juxtaposition of traditional and modern lifestyles. Having served as a fishing port for many years, you can still witness this aspect of the local economy when fishermen bring their fresh catch to shore each evening.

However, Port d’Andratx has evolved into an exclusive enclave for the wealthy, adorned with luxurious villas and an abundance of upscale boutiques. The marina, lined with luxury yachts, presents a stunning sight.

For those interested in sailing, Andratx provides numerous opportunities, or you might choose to unwind in one of the local rocky coves for an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming.

Website: https://www.hotelpergolamallorca.com/

13. Portinatx, Ibiza

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As you unwind on a beautiful beach flanked by pine trees and gaze over the serene aquamarine waters, the bustling nightlife associated with Ibiza may seem far away. Portinatx is a picturesque resort nestled against Ibiza’s rugged northern coastline, featuring three compact beaches, each equipped with sunbeds and all essential amenities.

The protective barriers of the local beaches, featuring Playa Porto Beach, S’Arenal Gros, and S’Arenal Petit, allow for tranquil conditions. Crystal-clear waters also make this area popular for diving and snorkeling. Despite its small-town charm, Portinatx is equipped with an impressive range of modern tourist facilities, including numerous upmarket all-inclusive hotels and apartments.

Website: https://www.barcelo.com/es-es/barcelo-portinatx/

14. A Coruña, Galicia

Source: flickr

A Coruña ranks as Galicia’s second-largest city and boasts six Blue Flag beaches within close proximity. Among these, Riazor and Orzán are right in the city and accompanied by a scenic promenade. Riazor is also a favored spot for surfers, making it an attractive locale for those looking to learn due to its manageable swells.

Beyond surfing, the city offers a wealth of attractions including the UNESCO-listed Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, the elegant arcades of Avenida de la Marina, and exquisite seafood fresh from the Atlantic. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to savor a mariscada, a traditional Galician seafood feast.

Website: https://www.hesperia.com/es/hoteles/espana/la-coruna/hotel-hesperia-a-coruna-centro

15. Los Cristianos-Playa de las Americas, Canary Islands

Source: amazingtenerife

If you’re a younger traveler seeking a holiday that combines beach time during the day with vibrant nightlife, this resort is an ideal choice. With two broad, sweeping sandy beaches protected from the Atlantic’s currents, the Canary Islands provide an inviting and warm environment year-round.

From the port located between the two beaches, boats embark for whale and dolphin watching excursions, jet skis can be rented, and there is a golf course within the resort’s vicinity. Moreover, during summer evenings, Verónicas, a neon-lit kilometer of bars and nightclubs, ensures that the festivities continue late into the night.

Website: https://www.dreamplacehotels.com/en/hotel-tigotan/