Beautiful, secluded beaches that are an hour's drive from civilization are all well and good, but there's usually not much you can do apart from lie on the beach and catch some rays.
If you're not that much of a beach person, you might prefer to visit one of the excellent city beaches in Spain. This gives you the opportunity to sample some of Spain's beaches but then to enjoy the culture of one of Spain's metropolises when you get bored.
On this page you will find a list of my favorite city beaches in Spain.
1. San Sebastian
Image: Damian Corrigan
Quite possibly the best city beach in Europe, let alone Spain. Sample the excellent local pintxos (the Basque name for tapas) and the climb Monte Urgull and Monte Igueld for some great views of the city.
2. Valencia
Even if you're not in Valencia for Las Fallas or Tomatina Tomato Fight, there is plenty to do in Valencia. The beaches are not really as close as they are in other cities, but it's just a short bus ride away.3. Cadiz
Image: Damian Corrigan
The little peninsula of Cadiz is an excellent retreat from nearby Seville. On the south coast, Cadiz has sunshine when some of the other cities on this page are suffering from bad weather. On the hother hand, the fact the city is surrounded by the sea on three sides means it rarely gets too hot. Cadiz's old town is a real treat - don't forget to try the city's famous fried fish!
- Cadiz City Guide
- Cadiz and Jerez Day Trip from Seville (buy direct)
- Cadiz Sightseeing Bus Tour (buy direct)
4. Barcelona
The ultimate Spanish city with a beach, even if the beach isn't all that. You'd do much better to take a short train ride from Barcelona to Sitges, but at least Barcelona has a beach.- Barcelona City Guide
- Barcelona Guided Tour (book direct)
- Barcelona Sightseeing Bus Tour (book direct)
- Barcelona Tapas Tour (book direct)
5. Malaga
Malaga is a seriously overrated city - there are far better places to visit in Andalusia. But it's a city and it has a beach, and (as with Cadiz), its location on the south coast makes it more likely to enjoy uninterrupted sunshine during your stay.- Malaga City Guide
- Malaga Sightseeing Tour Bus (book direct)
