There’s something about the sea that just untangles your soul, isn’t there? The way the waves roll in, slow and steady like a heartbeat. The smell of salt in the air. The sunshine that doesn’t ask anything of you except to enjoy it. When life starts to feel a little too loud, I find myself daydreaming about the coast — and Spain’s, in particular, is pure magic.
Sure, the country has its iconic cities (and we love them), but venture out to the edges, where land meets sea, and you’ll find a different kind of beauty — calm, colourful, impossibly charming. These are the kinds of places where time feels like it stretches out for you, just a little.
If you’re craving that soft kind of escape, here are some of Spain’s most gorgeous seaside towns — little corners of calm where you can just be.
Cadaqués: The Artist’s Hideaway
You know those places that feel like they’ve been drawn rather than built? Cadaqués is one of them. Tucked away on the Costa Brava, this whitewashed village curves around the bay like it’s hugging the sea. It’s peaceful, artsy, and has just enough mystery to keep things interesting.
Dalí adored it here — you can visit his wonderfully weird house nearby, where eggs sit on the roof and everything feels like a dream. But even without the art history, Cadaqués has this soft, slow rhythm. Mornings sipping coffee by the water. Afternoons wandering cobbled lanes. Evenings watching the sky blush pink over the waves.
Nerja: Sunshine, Sea Breezes and Secret Caves
If you’re craving sunshine, head south. Nerja, on the Costa del Sol, might just be one of my favourite little gems. This cliffside town wraps around the coastline, crowned by the Balcón de Europa — a viewpoint so stunning it’ll make you pause mid-step. The sea sparkles below like something from a film.
It’s got lovely beaches, low-key vibes, and the Nerja Caves just outside of town — an underground world of natural wonder, where the air feels ancient and cool. After a morning of exploring, come back up, grab a scoop of mango gelato, and sit by the shore. Heaven.
By the way, if you’re bouncing between cities, I’d definitely recommend taking the train from Madrid to Barcelona — it’s quick, comfy, and the perfect excuse to plan some coastal stops along the way.
Comillas: For the Love of Gaudí and Quiet
I stumbled on Comillas almost by accident, driving through the green hills of Cantabria. And honestly? It felt like finding treasure. This town has soul — old stone houses, a chilled-out beach, and El Capricho, a delightfully bizarre house designed by Gaudí before he became Gaudí.
There’s something really grounding about Comillas. You can spend hours doing very little — reading in a plaza, watching the tide come in, eating sardines fresh off the grill — and it feels like exactly the right way to be.
Lekeitio: Where the Locals Know Best
Over on the Basque coast, Lekeitio is the kind of place that doesn’t try to impress — it just is, and that’s its charm. Fishing boats bob in the harbour, old men play cards by the shore, and the bars serve pintxos so good you’ll want to cancel all other plans.
Just offshore, a small island appears within reach at low tide, inviting you to wander across on foot. This place doesn’t have big hotels or flashy attractions, and honestly? That’s the best part.
Peñíscola: Medieval Feels with Sea Views
Peñíscola feels like it shouldn’t exist in real life. A medieval fortress perched on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by blue sea and backed by golden beaches. It’s dramatic in the best way. Walk through the castle walls, get lost in the tangle of narrow lanes, and you’ll half expect to run into a knight (or at least someone filming a Netflix show).
And yet, it’s not just about history. Down below, it’s all flip-flops, fresh seafood, and beach naps. Somehow, it manages to be both epic and relaxed — like it knows how to make an impression without trying too hard.
Almuñécar: Spain’s Underrated Tropics
If you like your seaside towns with a touch of the unexpected, head to the Costa Tropical and check out Almuñécar. It’s warm almost all year, full of palm trees, and blessedly off most tourists’ radar.
It’s the kind of place where you fall asleep to the sound of waves, wake up to the smell of oranges, and spend your days slipping between beach towels and tapas tables. And the sunsets? Don’t even get me started.
Cudillero: A Burst of Colour and Charm
This tiny fishing village in Asturias looks like it was built by someone playing with a paint set. Brightly coloured houses spill down the cliffs to the harbour, and every corner is a photo waiting to happen.
It’s quiet here, in a lovely way. You’ll eat some of the best seafood of your life, sip cider poured from ridiculous heights (it’s a Basque thing), and wonder how this place hasn’t been overrun by influencers. Don’t tell them, okay?
Some Real Talk Travel Tips
Let’s keep it real:
- Go during the shoulder seasons. May, June, or September are ideal — warm weather, fewer crowds, cheaper stays.
- Trains are a dream in Spain. Especially if you’re city-hopping. The journey on the train is smooth and effortless, unlocking an array of coastal adventures along the way.
- Pack light, pack comfy. You’ll be walking on cobblestones, climbing stairs, and chasing sunsets.
- Don’t over-plan. Sometimes the most unforgettable meals, views, and memories come from unexpected turns.
Spain’s coastal towns aren’t just places to visit — they’re places to feel. These are the places that invite you to unwind, exhale, and rediscover the joy of simply being. Whether you’re watching fishing boats come in at dawn, laughing with strangers over grilled octopus, or just lying in the sand listening to the sea — these towns give you permission to just be.
And in a world that moves way too fast, that’s kind of priceless.
