Spain Beaches

I don't know of any place in the world that is similar to Cinque Terre (if someone else does, please post), however I went to Spain this last May and a favorite place was Malaga. It is definitely a larger city, but on the water. You can take day trips from this home base, but there is also plenty to see in Malaga.

The north coast from Foz to Gijon? There must be a gazillion little beaches along there that have never seen an american.

Tarifa. Off the beaten path because it' s not on a rail line, and not overly commercialized. It's a cute little town and there are cottage rentals. Fali and his brother Carlos at the Hotel Alborada can give you great advice.

I was also having a similar question, as I was in CT in 2008 but spent most of my time in Levanto, 1 town north and loved the whole vibe. I am going to Cadaques which I hope has that same small fishing town vibe. I doubt I will make it all the way down to Tarifa. I was looking for a place between Valencia and Barcelona, actually.

We have driven the coast from Gibraltar to Cadaques. A place like the CT does not exist on the Spanish coast. Much of it is overly developed and/or gnarly. Wished we had read Rick more closely in this regard. There are exceptions. Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava is nice. Family friendly. Nice beaches and Old Town. Beaches at Cadaques up the coast not as nice. Good snorkeling at Cap de Creus National Park north of town.Consider island of Menorca. Many beautiful beaches and megalithic archaeological sites. Quick flight. Not many Americans make it there since it's not on Rick's hit list. You'll need a car.

Everybody's aware that Spain has coastline that's not on the Med, right?

My vote goes for Tarifa too. The southern most tip of Europe with great beaches (sand not pebbles!) and friendly people. Lots of outdoor activities. You also have the option of an excursion to Morocco. Don't miss the Roman ruins just north at Bolonia - nice site on the beach with a fine museum.

What Ed is referring to is the beautiful, private, unbusy beaches of northern Spain. The little fishing villages and small towns along the northern coast are charming and colorful. I haven't been to Monterosso, so I don't know if it's comparable to that, but it would be my choice over the crowded, touristy beaches in the south - and it's not as hot in the north, either.

The beaches of French and Spanish Basque Counrty are beautiful, sandy, and warm (we had 85F+ end of Sept into October). Lots of interesting things to see and do as well.