No matter which part of coastal Spain you find yourself in, you’re not going to be too far away from stunning beaches. But which of these Spanish beaches will steal the show of your camera roll after the trip is over?
With wild Atlantic swells in the north, Balearic blue in the east, and golden dunes backed by Roman ruins in the south, coming up with a list of picture-perfect beaches can prove to be overwhelming. This guide helps you with just that!
Here, we’ll walk you through eight beaches that are as photogenic in person as they are online. So whether you’re packing a DSLR or just your phone with a smart camera, these spots are guaranteed to drive a flurry of fans toward your Instagram feed.
1. Playa de Ses Illetes (Formentera)
- Where: Formentera Island, Balearic Islands
- How to Reach: Ferry from Ibiza, then drive or bike north
- Ideal For: Yacht aesthetics, water clarity, barefoot luxury
This beach is probably one of the most photogenic beaches in Spain. Taking pictures of this beach doesn’t require any special skills, as the beach is photogenic from every angle.
This beach features shallow, crystal-clear water that meets a narrow strip of spectacular white sand. It not only looks good from the shore itself, but the view from the top is equally surreal. Luxury boats often anchor off the shore, adding that high-end touch. But the beach itself is totally accessible and walkable and an equal hit amongst families as well as influencers.
The lack of accommodation here or the absence of showers and changing facilities would hardly matter when you are here, as the place is nothing short of heaven on earth.
2. Playa de las Catedrales (Galicia)
- Where: Lugo Province, Galicia (Northwest Spain)
- How to Reach: Fly into A Coruña or Santiago de Compostela, then drive 1.5–2 hours to Ribadeo
- Ideal For: Offbeat coastal explorers, dramatic natural backdrops, tide-sensitive content
This northern gem is one of Spain’s most unique beaches. Here, you will find natural rock arches that mimic the architecture of Gothic cathedrals stretching out across the sand.
However, to capture the best photos from your visit, you must time your visit right. During high tide, most of the beach disappears, but when the tide is low, it transforms into a surreal walking gallery of arches and sea caves.
Plan your visit during golden hour. You will love the shadow play between the rock pillars. They will add texture and depth to every frame. From above, you can also snap moody overhead shots of the cliffs.
Be aware that in the summer, you need a permit to visit the beach.
3. Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta (Menorca, Balearic Islands)
- Where: South Coast of Menorca
- How to Reach: Fly into Mahón, drive 40 minutes, hike 20–30 minutes
- Ideal For: Turquoise water lovers, hiking beachgoers, drone shooters
These twin coves in Menorca are nothing short of a tropical paradise They are a bit difficult to reach and are only accessible by trail or by boat. The parking spots closer to the trail also fill up fast during the summer months.
So, while they’re not the most family-friendly beaches on the island, if you can plan a visit, they are an absolute photographer’s dream. Pine forests lead to fine white sand and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. If you can, use a drone to capture the signature curve of each cove from above for stunning images.
Between the two, Cala Macarella is larger and more family-friendly, while Cala Macarelleta is the quieter, smaller sister.
There are no facilities, so please bring water, sunscreen, and snacks. Avoid mid-day in high summer the cove fills up by 10 a.m.
4. Playa de Mónsul (Andalusia)
- Where: Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, Almería
- How to Reach: Fly into Almería, then drive 45 minutes
- Ideal For: Desert tones, minimalist photos, off-season solitude
Mónsul Beach in Andalusia is all about volcanic sand and rugged cliffs. The beach exudes such a dramatic feel that filmmakers love the beach. You might recognize this beach since a few scenes from Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade were shot here.
For stunning shots, visit at golden hour (a tip we’ll give a lot throughout this article). It brings out a spectacular contrast between the grey sand and red rock formations. It’s a dream for lovers of wide landscape shots as well.
Beyond photography, the beach is great for family travelers. You can spend time in the beautiful waters with the fish and waves playing around you. There’s no shade, no vendors, and no cell signal, so pack accordingly. Avoid peak midday sun and wear grippy shoes if hiking surrounding rocks.
5. Caló des Moro (Mallorca, Balearic Islands)
- Where: Southeast coast of Mallorca, near Santanyí
- How to Reach: Fly into Palma de Mallorca, drive 1.5 hours, then walk 15–20 minutes down a rocky trail
- Ideal For: Dreamy turquoise visuals, secluded vibes, cliffside photos
This cove has blown up on Instagram, and for good reason. Carved into limestone cliffs and framed by pine trees, Caló des Moro feels like a private slice of the Mediterranean heaven. The water is almost impossibly clear and turquoise. The cove is also small and private.
However, please note that the beach is quite small. The beach is also not ideal if you’re traveling with young kids or people with walking difficulties, as the path down is steep and features 119 steps. It is also best to wear sneakers instead of flip-flops for your visit to this beach so you can make it down the steps without risk of injury.
To make the most out of your visit to this place, go early in the morning for clean shots without random photo-bombers.
6. Playa de Gulpiyuri (Asturias)
- Where: Near Llanes, Asturias
- How to Reach: Drive from Llanes, then walk 15 minutes
- Ideal For: Quirky content, short video reveals, geological oddities
This one’s wild: a hidden saltwater beach with no ocean in sight. The sea seeps in underground and fills a shallow pool that appears to have been carved out by accident.
It is too tiny to be called a proper beach. Additionally, the access is complicated and not great for those who want to visit it in a hurry. You need to allocate enough time for your visit here and factor in traffic delays when getting out.
In terms of photography, you can not only get beautiful shots during high tide from the little beach itself, but for more surreal shots, spend time grabbing some pictures from above.
The surrounding fields make it look like someone dropped a beach into the middle of farmland. This beach is ideal for reels with a surprise angle or content showcasing lesser-known natural spots.
7. Cala Salada & Cala Saladeta (Ibiza)
- Where: North of San Antonio
- How to Reach: Drive to Cala Salada, then hike 10 minutes
- Ideal For: Summer energy, golden hour, cliff jump content
This isn’t the party side of Ibiza. These two beaches are absolute gems for people who love tranquil beaches with crystal-clear waters. Out of the two beaches, Cala Salada is slightly more popular due to its ease of access. Kids can play here, and there are enough places to lounge. Plus, the water is also swim-friendly, unlike a few other beaches on this list!
For Instagrammable pictures, you should arrive early in the morning when the crowds are sparse.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind a bit of climb down rocky cliffs, Cala Saladeta packs the beauty of Cala Salada and takes it up a notch. This beach is tinier, calmer, and much more secluded. There are no bars or facilities here, making it perfect for clean photography, especially around sunset.
8. Playa de Bolonia (Andalusia)
- Where: Near Tarifa, Cádiz Province
- How to Reach: Drive ~40 minutes from Tarifa
- Ideal For: Dune shots, kite surfing videos, historical backdrops
The Playa de Bolonia is an unreal combination of a beach surrounded by ancient ruins and towering sand dunes. The actual beach, with its fine sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, is a treat in itself, too.
In terms of its Instagrammable quotient, you can shoot Sahara-style dune climbs, Atlantic surf, and even explore the Roman city of Baelo Claudia just behind the beach.
The beach is often windy, which is a blessing in hot summers, but in cooler weather, it may add to the chill. It’s part of a protected natural area, so it stays relatively untouched. Respect the dunes; don’t slide down them.
<p>The post These Stunning Spanish Beaches Are as Beautiful as They Look on Instagram first appeared on Travelbinger.</p>