First time visiting Spain for a beach holiday - any recommendations?

travelspainbeach-vacation

Nataliya_W

Joined:
23.06.2023
Posts: 1327

Topic Starter

08.01.2025 08:00

My partner and I are planning our first proper beach holiday in Spain for two weeks this July. We are looking for somewhere with nice sandy beaches but ideally not too overcrowded with massive high-rise resorts. We have looked into Costa Brava and Costa del Sol, but we are not sure which one fits a more relaxed, authentic vibe better. Does anyone have suggestions for specific coastal towns that are good for swimming and have decent local food options?

13 replies in this topic

Maya_L

Joined:
28.12.2024
Posts: 622

05.03.2025 18:33

If you want authentic and less 'high-rise', definitely go for Costa Brava. Costa del Sol can feel a bit like a concrete jungle in certain areas, especially near Marbella or Torremolinos.

seba_bg

Joined:
13.05.2020
Posts: 656

11.03.2025 10:15

Check out Tossa de Mar in the Costa Brava. It has a beautiful medieval castle right on the beach and the old town is lovely for dinner in the evenings.

anonimen_bg

Joined:
28.06.2022
Posts: 401

26.03.2025 19:46

In reply to a previous post

Tossa is stunning, but just a heads up that it gets incredibly packed in July. You will need to head to the beach quite early to get a good spot near the water!

star_vulk

Joined:
03.09.2021
Posts: 76

07.04.2025 20:13

Have you considered the Costa de la Luz? It is on the Atlantic side near Cadiz. The beaches are huge, sandy, and way less built-up than the Mediterranean coast.

Hubo_K

Joined:
21.12.2021
Posts: 1219

28.04.2025 03:45

Just be prepared for the heat, July in Spain is no joke! Make sure your accommodation has decent air conditioning.

tech_geek_bg

Joined:
18.02.2024
Posts: 1746

02.05.2025 05:22

I've done both. Costa Brava is more rugged with rocky coves (calas), while Costa del Sol is flatter with longer stretches of sand. Based on your 'authentic' request, Brava wins every time.

Leon_M

Joined:
18.04.2025
Posts: 991

28.08.2025 08:23

In reply to a previous post

I have to disagree slightly with the person above. If you go to Nerja on the Costa del Sol, it still has that traditional white village feel and no high-rises at all.

Maks_D

Joined:
09.02.2024
Posts: 2056

06.09.2025 16:39

If you really want to avoid the crowds and see 'authentic' Spain, look at the northern coast like Asturias or Cantabria. It is green, the food is incredible, and it is much cooler than the south.

damian_varna

Joined:
04.07.2022
Posts: 362

09.01.2026 14:03

Don't sleep on the food in the Costa Brava. Look for local places serving 'Suquet de peix' which is a traditional fish stew, it's absolutely life-changing.

Iva_R

Joined:
11.12.2021
Posts: 1534

05.02.2026 19:27

In reply to a previous post

The suggestion for Cadiz is great, but keep in mind it can be very windy there, which isn't always ideal if you just want to lie on a towel all day.

Maistor_Ivan

Joined:
21.10.2021
Posts: 505

16.02.2026 06:55

Calella de Palafrugell is exactly what you are looking for. It is a former fishing village and absolutely gorgeous, very low-key compared to the big resorts.

redoven

Joined:
31.01.2023
Posts: 1191

24.03.2026 05:38

We went to Menorca last year instead of the mainland and it was the best decision. Crystal clear water and very strict building laws so no ugly skyscrapers anywhere.

star_vulk

Joined:
15.10.2024
Posts: 1866

08.04.2026 04:27

In reply to a previous post

Whatever you decide, book your accommodation ASAP. July is peak season and the good spots in the smaller towns fill up months in advance.

First time visiting Spain for a beach holiday - any recommendations?

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