10 Hidden Coastal Gems in Spain You Must Visit in 2026

1. Cala Macarelleta, Menorca

Address: Cala Macarelleta, 07740, Menorca, Balearic Islands

Hours: Accessible year-round, best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a postcard, Cala Macarelleta is where that dream comes true. Tucked away on the southern coast of Menorca, this crescent-shaped cove is a symphony of turquoise waters and powdery white sand, framed by pine trees that sway gently in the breeze. The journey here is part of the magic—you’ll need to hike about 20 minutes from the nearest parking area, but every step is worth it when you’re rewarded with a beach so pristine it feels like you’ve discovered it.

The water is shallow and crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling among the colorful fish that dart between the rocks. There are no beach bars or umbrellas here, just the sound of waves lapping against the shore and the occasional cry of a seagull overhead. Pack a picnic, bring a good book, and prepare to lose track of time. For the adventurous, a short walk over the rocks leads to Cala Macarella, its equally stunning neighbor, where you might find a few more souls but still far from the madding crowd.

2. Cudillero, Asturias

Address: Cudillero, 33150, Asturias

Hours: Best explored during daylight; restaurants and shops typically open from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Cudillero is the kind of place that makes you question why you’ve never heard of it before. This fishing village, cascading down a steep hillside in Asturias, is a riot of color—houses painted in hues of blue, yellow, and pink stack atop one another like a child’s building blocks. The harbor is the heart of the town, where fishermen unload their daily catch and the air is thick with the scent of salt and seafood.

Wander the narrow, winding streets, and you’ll stumble upon tiny plazas where locals gather to chat over glasses of sidra (Asturian cider). Stop at a family-run restaurant like El Pescador for a plate of merluza a la sidra (hake cooked in cider), a dish so tender it practically melts in your mouth. For the best views, climb to the top of the village to the Mirador de La Garita, where the Atlantic stretches endlessly before you. Cudillero isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to feel, where the rhythm of life is dictated by the tides and the warmth of its people.

3. Cala del Pino, Cabo de Gata, Almería

Address: Cala del Pino, Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, 04115, Almería

Hours: Accessible year-round, but best visited during spring or fall to avoid extreme heat.

Cabo de Gata is Spain’s best-kept secret, a wild and untamed stretch of coastline where the desert meets the sea. Among its many hidden coves, Cala del Pino stands out for its raw beauty. This tiny beach is accessible only by a short hike from the nearby village of La Fabriquilla, and its isolation is part of its allure. The sand here is a mix of golden and volcanic black, a testament to the area’s dramatic geological history.

The water is a deep, mesmerizing blue, perfect for a refreshing dip after the hike. There are no facilities, so bring plenty of water and snacks, and don’t forget your sunscreen—the Andalusian sun is unforgiving. As you sit on the rocks, watching the waves crash against the cliffs, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stumbled upon the edge of the world. For a truly magical experience, visit at sunset, when the sky turns shades of pink and orange, and the sea reflects the fire of the sun.

4. Comillas, Cantabria

Address: Comillas, 39520, Cantabria

Hours: Best explored during daylight; attractions like El Capricho have specific visiting hours.

Comillas is a town that feels plucked from a fairy tale, with its grand 19th-century architecture and lush green landscapes. This was once the summer retreat of Spanish royalty, and its opulence is still evident in the whimsical designs of buildings like El Capricho, a Gaudí-designed villa that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook. But Comillas isn’t just about its past—it’s a place where history and nature coexist harmoniously.

The town’s beach, Playa de Comillas, is a wide stretch of golden sand that’s perfect for long walks or simply lounging with a book. For a more secluded experience, head to nearby Playa de Oyambre, a wild and windswept beach backed by rolling dunes. After a day of exploring, treat yourself to a meal at El Comillano, where the cocido montañés (a hearty stew of beans, pork, and cabbage) will warm your soul. Comillas is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left, a reminder of the quiet elegance that Spain does so well.

5. Cala Xarraca, Ibiza

Address: Cala Xarraca, 07810, Ibiza, Balearic Islands

Hours: Accessible year-round, but best visited in the shoulder seasons (May-June or September) to avoid crowds.

Ibiza is famous for its nightlife, but beyond the neon lights and thumping bass lies a different kind of magic. Cala Xarraca, on the island’s northern coast, is a haven of tranquility where the water is so clear it’s like swimming in liquid glass. This small, rocky cove is known for its natural mud baths—locals and visitors alike slather themselves in the mineral-rich mud, said to have healing properties, before rinsing off in the sea.

The beach is surrounded by cliffs covered in pine trees, creating a sense of seclusion that’s rare on an island known for its parties. There’s a small beach bar, Cala Xarraca Beach Club, where you can sip on a cold beer or a refreshing sangria while watching the sunset. For the adventurous, the nearby Cova de Can Marçà, a cave with underground lakes, offers a mystical exploration into the island’s hidden depths. Cala Xarraca is proof that Ibiza has many faces, and this one is serene, beautiful, and utterly captivating.

6. Llanes, Asturias

Address: Llanes, 33500, Asturias

Hours: Best explored during daylight; restaurants and shops typically open from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Llanes is a town that wears its heart on its sleeve. Located on the rugged coast of Asturias, it’s a place where the sea is both a provider and a muse. The town’s harbor is a bustling hub of activity, with fishermen mending their nets and boats bobbing gently in the water. But what makes Llanes truly special are its "cubos de la memoria" (memory cubes), a series of colorful murals painted on the breakwater by local artist Agustín Ibarrola. Each cube tells a story, a fragment of the town’s history and culture.

For beach lovers, Playa de Toró is a must-visit—a sweeping stretch of sand backed by dramatic cliffs. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the coastal path to the nearby Bufones de Pría, natural geysers that shoot seawater into the air when the waves crash against the rocks. After a day of exploring, head to Casa Poli for a plate of fabada asturiana, a rich bean stew that’s the perfect antidote to the coastal breeze. Llanes is a town that invites you to slow down, to savor the moment, and to fall in love with the simple pleasures of life by the sea.

7. Cala Varques, Mallorca

Address: Cala Varques, 07680, Mallorca, Balearic Islands

Hours: Accessible year-round, but best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds.

If you’re looking for a beach that feels like a secret, Cala Varques is it. Located on the eastern coast of Mallorca, this hidden cove is accessible only by a 30-minute hike through a pine forest, which makes it all the more rewarding when you finally arrive. The beach itself is a stunning stretch of white sand, flanked by towering cliffs and lapped by waters so clear you can see the fish darting below the surface.

There are no facilities here, so bring everything you need for the day—water, snacks, and plenty of sunscreen. The lack of amenities only adds to the beach’s charm, making it a place where you can truly disconnect from the world. For the adventurous, there’s a small cave at one end of the beach that’s perfect for exploring (just be sure to bring a flashlight). Cala Varques is the kind of place that reminds you why you travel—to find those rare moments of pure, unadulterated beauty that take your breath away.

8. Mundaka, Basque Country

Address: Mundaka, 48080, Basque Country

Hours: Best explored during daylight; surf shops and restaurants typically open from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Mundaka is a town that lives and breathes the sea. Located in the heart of the Basque Country, it’s famous for its world-class surfing—this is where the Mundaka wave, one of the most legendary left-hand breaks in the world, draws surfers from across the globe. But even if you’re not a surfer, Mundaka’s charm is undeniable. The town is a maze of narrow streets lined with traditional Basque houses, their wooden balconies overflowing with flowers.

The harbor is the heart of the town, where fishing boats bob in the water and the air is thick with the scent of salt and grilled fish. Stop by a pintxo bar like Txepetxa for a taste of local delicacies—try the txangurro (spider crab) or the bacalao al pil-pil (cod in garlic sauce). For a quieter moment, take a walk along the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a stunning estuary that’s home to a rich variety of birdlife. Mundaka is a place where the sea is not just a backdrop but a way of life, and its energy is infectious.

9. Cala Montjoi, Costa Brava

Address: Cala Montjoi, 17486, Roses, Costa Brava, Catalonia

Hours: Accessible year-round, but best visited in the shoulder seasons (May-June or September) to avoid crowds.

Cala Montjoi is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden treasure. Located on the rugged Costa Brava, this small cove is accessible only by a steep, winding road or a scenic hike through the Cap de Creus Natural Park. The effort is well worth it—Cala Montjoi is a secluded paradise, with crystal-clear waters and a pebbly beach that’s perfect for a quiet day by the sea.

The cove is also home to El Bulli, the legendary restaurant that was once considered the best in the world. While the restaurant itself is no longer open, its legacy lingers, and the area still attracts food lovers who come to pay homage to its culinary genius. For a taste of the local flavors, head to nearby Roses, where you can sample fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant. Cala Montjoi is a reminder that sometimes the best experiences are the ones you have to work a little harder for.

10. Cala del Aceite, Tarifa

Address: Cala del Aceite, 11380, Tarifa, Andalusia

Hours: Accessible year-round, but best visited during spring or fall to avoid extreme heat.

Tarifa is known as the windsurfing capital of Europe, but just a short drive from the town lies Cala del Aceite, a hidden gem that offers a quieter, more intimate experience of the coast. This small, rocky cove is accessible only by a steep, unpaved road, which makes it feel like a world away from the bustling beaches of Tarifa. The water here is a deep, inviting blue, perfect for a refreshing dip after the hike down.

The beach is backed by dramatic cliffs, and the views out to the Strait of Gibraltar are breathtaking—on a clear day, you can see the coast of Africa in the distance. There are no facilities here, so bring everything you need for the day, including plenty of water and snacks. For a taste of local culture, head back to Tarifa and explore its narrow, whitewashed streets, where the influence of both Spain and Morocco is evident in the architecture and cuisine. Cala del Aceite is a place where the sea feels endless, and the world feels a little bit smaller.

Final Thoughts

Spain’s coastline is a treasure trove of hidden gems, each with its own unique charm and character. Whether you’re seeking the solitude of a secluded cove, the warmth of a fishing village, or the thrill of a world-class surf break, these 10 destinations offer something for every traveler. In 2026, as the world continues to seek out quieter, more meaningful travel experiences, these are the places where you can truly connect with the soul of Spain.

So pack your bags, leave the crowds behind, and set out to discover the magic of Spain’s hidden coastal gems. The sea is waiting, and its secrets are yours to uncover.