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Better beaches in North or South Spain??

Posted by on

Hi!
I've been looking to go to Spain this summer in mid July, and had assumed the best beaches were along the Mediterranean (I've been to Greece and the mediterranean water was amazing!) but upon doing some research it seems that the better beaches may be in the North, possibly in Asturias? My family is really looking for the best beaches in Spain, but as we plan to start in Barcelona, it would be more convenient to go to beaches along the mediterranean coast. How do the beaches compare in the North and South, and which is better? We would prefer the beaches to be very scenic (possibly comparable to Greece?) , but easily accessible. Also, is the water on the beaches on the Atlantic coast cold? I live in the United states and the atlantic beaches have had cold water even in the middle of the summer.
if we do end up doing Northern Spain, How is this itinerary:
Barcelona: 4 days with day trip to Tamariu, Costa Brava
Santander: 2 or 3 days? How long would we need here?
Asturias: Still unsure of which cities (suggestions are welcome) possibly two or three cities in 5-6 days?
Also, should we spend 1-2 days in Bilbao? We are not really the museum type, but hear it is worth seeing?

I appreciate any/all help!

Posted by
7175 posts

The Atlantic coastline of Asturias / Galicia is definitely more spectacular.
However that doesn't necesssarily make for a good beach.
For water temperature alone and beach comfort I would go Meditteranean.

Posted by
270 posts

We toured some of northern Spain last summer (early July). We saw beaches in Vigo (Cies Islands) and Santander. Great beaches both places, but the water was chilly (and I'm from New England). I managed to get in and stay in for a little while), but it's not like the Mediterranean beaches. A few years ago we stayed in Geteria (near San Sebastian)... I loved the beaches there. Big waves, warm water. Oh, and last year we spent a few days in Bilbao, too. We're not big fans of modern art, but the museum was very cool. If you get to Bilbao, take a few hours to check it out. The architecture and grounds alone are very interesting. And Bilbao is a great city. Buen Viaje!

Posted by
10 posts

Thanks so much for the replies! Marctshark, you mentioned that San Sebastian had warm water, but that is also on the Atlantic coast. Do you think it was because of the time of year you visited? Do you think the water would be much warmer in mid July?
Also, are the beaches at San Sebastian crowded? And how nice is the city?
Thanks again for all of the help!

Posted by
55 posts

We were in San Sebastian last year at the beginning of July. (and Lekeitio, too, which is also on the northern coast) The water in San Sebastian was great! (I am a native to the Finger Lakes in NY state, so I am accustomed to swimming in cold water in the summer and I found the sea to be very pleasant) The beach was quite crowded. About 3 years ago, we went to La Coruna and the beaches there were not as crowded, but I think San Sebastian is probably a better beach choice. We loved walking around San Sebastian. The pinxto bars are great and it is a nice little city. We stayed 4 days and wished we had a full week. Last summer we also went to Barcelona and I found the beaches there to be very crowded and I didn't enjoy the atmosphere. Those were the city beaches. I understand that if you travel away from Barcelona you can find some very nice beaches.

Posted by
270 posts

The water near San Sebastian was nice when we were there. That was two years ago and we were there during the first week of July. Last year the water seemed to take longer to warm up. Oh, I forgot to add, the beaches in Santander were outstanding! We'd go back there in a minute. The next time I go, I'm going to stay at the Gran Hotel Sardineiro. It's a glorious hotel from the late 1800's that sits across the street from a beach. We stayed at a place on the water facing the boats...a different part of town with a great view, but a walk to the beach. I think by mid-July, the water should be warm enough wherever you go.

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