Spain’s coastline is full of secret gems that offer tranquility without sacrificing beauty or comfort. You don’t have to be shoulder to shoulder with tourists to enjoy the best of what Spain’s beaches have to offer.

Between the massive mainland and the stunning Spanish islands, there are countless hidden beaches where you can enjoy clear waters and glorious natural surroundings in tranquility. Escape the tourist traps at these top hidden beaches and change your Spain game forever.

Hidden Beaches in Spain to Escape the Crowds

Cala Macarelleta, Menorca

Tucked into the southern coast of Menorca, this petite cove is the quieter, more intimate sibling of Cala Macarella, and quintessentially Mediterranean.

To reach the beach, you’ll need to start at Cala Macarella and take a 15-minute cliffside walk through pine groves and rocky paths. The trail can be steep in places, so it’s best avoided if you have young children.

There are also no facilities, so you must bring everything, including suitable shade structures and plenty of water. The reward is a stunning bay with clear, warm water and soft, delicate sand.

The fact that it’s difficult to get to and lacks amenities deters many visitors, but it’s not entirely untouched, so don’t expect complete solitude. The natural beauty when you arrive and calm, turquoise waters make the trek worth the effort.

Cala Macarelleta is not for the casual beachgoer or families, so if you’re looking for a more peaceful Spanish beach vibe, put this one on your list.

“Stunning, definitely worth a visit. This is a really stunning beach and well worth a visit, and the extra 10-minute walk from Cala Macarella.” Tourist05085202326, TripAdvisor  

Cala del Pilar, Menorca

Cala del Pilar, set on Menorca’s northern coast, is known for its red sands, clear waters, and peaceful surroundings. The beach is undeveloped, with no bars or shops. Plus, there is little shade, so you must come prepared.

Access is via a paved road that turns into a well-kept dirt track leading to a small parking area. From there, it’s a 35–45-minute hike through pine forests and hills, ending with a wooden staircase. The trail is uneven but manageable for those with good mobility.

The location is best for adventurous visitors or families with older children. The lack of facilities and the length of the hike make it unsuitable for small children or those requiring accessibility.

The trade-off is dramatic cliffs and raw landscapes all the way down to the red sand beach. The open water can develop large swells, so checking the forecast is recommended before committing to the hike down. Getting in the water to cool off when you arrive is part of the experience, especially on warmer days.

“The trail was well-maintained and ended in a beautiful beach. Come prepared to spend the day; most hike down with umbrellas, etc. The trail starts as dirt/shade, with the middle as rocky paths in full sun, ending in well-maintained stairs to the beach.” Teal Benevides, AllTrails

Cala Salada, Ibiza

Cala Salada, located 2.9 miles outside San Antonio on the island of Ibiza, is a popular beach known for its natural beauty and clear turquoise water.

Access is limited, with the road closing to private vehicles between 9:30am and 5:30pm, so you should plan to arrive early, use the shuttle bus, or book a boat cruise from nearby ports.

Once at the cove, you’ll find a small sandy beach bordered by cliffs and fishermen’s huts. This beach isn’t as secluded, and there is a beach restaurant cut into the rock offering Ibizan dishes, sun loungers, and parasols for rent. A lifeguard is on duty during the day, so it’s a good option for families.

The shallow, calm waters are also ideal for families with small children, though the hike down can be tough. For extra peace and quiet, you can walk over rocks to Cala Saladeta, a smaller cove with equally impressive beauty.

Cala Salada offers a blend of natural scenery and practical facilities, making it well-suited if you need something more accessible. The compromise is that you don’t get the same solitude that you would at Cala del Pilar, but it’s still a beautiful beach to chill.

“A magical corner. Cala Salada is one of the most magical beaches that can be found in Ibiza, ideal for families or those looking for relaxation and disconnection.” juliajg93, TripAdvisor

Playa de Gulpiyuri, Asturias

Leaving behind the Balearic Islands and their sun-drenched coves, we head to mainland Spain, to Asturias, where the coast hides one of Europe’s most surreal natural wonders: the inland beach of Playa de Gulpiyuri.

Located over 100 meters from the Cantabrian Sea in Asturias, it is technically a flooded sinkhole. The beach is formed by seawater channeling through underground caves, creating a small, sandy area surrounded by grass and limestone.

Access to Gulpiyuri is a short walk from the village of Naves. There is no direct signage to the beach, and parking is limited, so you should plan your trip in advance. And the final section must be completed on foot.

The beach is a good option for families with young children, as the water remains shallow. Unfortunately, this does mean the area can become crowded during peak season despite its remote setting.

The Principality of Asturias has designated Playa de Gulpiyuri a Natural Monument, which means rules are in place to protect the site, and you must be respectful. This helps preserve natural beauty for all to enjoy.

It is by no means a conventional beach choice, but it has a unique natural landscape with luscious greenery and picturesque walks in the surrounding area.

“Must visit. Unique beach because of the water emanating from the rock. You can take a towel and fridge….there is room there but when the water rises the beach is over, important before visiting check the tides.” Irina S, TripAdvisor

Melide Beach, Galicia

After tracing the wild elegance of Asturias, we arrive in Galicia. On the island of Ons, just off the coast of Pontevedra, Melide Beach is one of the region’s most pristine and secluded coastal escapes.

Melide Beach is accessible only by boat, typically from the port of Vigo, Bueu, or Sanxenxo. The journey itself is part of the allure, a scenic ride across the Ría de Pontevedra, with views of the Cíes Islands and the rugged Galician coastline.

Once on Ons Island, reaching Melide requires a short walk through pine groves and sandy trails. The path is well-marked and relatively easy, though unsuitable for strollers or those with mobility issues. The sand is soft and golden, the water is perfect for snorkeling, and the views are impressive.

The beach is officially designated as a nudist beach, though visitors of all preferences are welcome, and the atmosphere remains respectful and relaxed.

There are no facilities at the beach itself, but the island has a few rustic restaurants and cafes, including the well-known Casa Checho serving up local seafood.

Melide Beach is protected as part of Galicia National Park’s Atlantic Islands, and is difficult to reach, creating the perfect blend of isolation, natural beauty, and quiet luxury.

“Nice beach but very difficult to reach by car. Do not access by car! The way out is forest track, pretty bad, but you can get there. The problem is on the way back, impracticable if you don’t have a 4×4. The beach was not open on Sunday, and there was also no lifeguard. The very nice, clean, and quiet beach, fine sand, lots of vegetation (no shade on the beach itself from noon), and the Cíes Islands are seen very close. Pretty cold water and moderate waves. Access to the beach is walking through the pine forest about 10 minutes if you leave the car in the parking lot (which I do not recommend) or less than 3km if you make the walk from Donón.” Estefania R, TripAdvisor

Our Favorite – Melide Beach

Access issues can help to keep crowds away from Spanish beaches. As one of Europe’s busiest tourist destinations, it’s hard to find peace anywhere during peak travel times.

It’s worth putting in the extra effort to get the solitude you desire, and for this, you can’t go wrong with Melide Beach.