Spain’s Secret Shores

1. Sa Boadella, Costa Brava

Golden sands, pine-scented air, and no crowds

A short drive from Lloret de Mar, Sa Boadella feels like stepping into a postcard from the 1950s, when Spain’s beaches were still wild and unspoiled. Flanked by pine forests and rocky cliffs, this quiet cove offers the best of Costa Brava without the packed sunbeds and souvenir stalls.

What makes it special? A natural lagoon-like bay, calm turquoise waters, and an unshakable sense of exclusivity.
Perfect pairing: A long, lazy seafood lunch at El Trull, where local gambas are grilled to perfection and best enjoyed with a crisp glass of Empordà white.
Stay here: Alàbriga Hotel & Home Suites, a five-star seafront hideaway with private terraces overlooking the Mediterranean.

2. Cala Fornells, Mallorca

An untouched retreat beyond the usual Balearic buzz

Mallorca’s beaches are legendary, but few remain as pristine and peaceful as Cala Fornells. This is where the jet set escapes for a quiet swim before retreating to their yachts.

What makes it special? Lush pine forests meet powdery white sand, creating a setting that feels straight out of a Mediterranean dream.
Perfect experience: A private, sunset seafood tasting at Zaranda, a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in modern Balearic flavors.
Stay here: Kimpton Aysla Mallorca, a boutique retreat built for slow luxury travelers who value privacy and exclusivity.

3. Pechón Playa, Cantabria

Where the Atlantic meets wild, untouched beauty

Unlike the polished sands of the Mediterranean, Pechón Playa is pure, rugged Atlantic drama. The cliffs rise higher, the waves crash harder, and the sunsets turn the sky into a painting of deep oranges and violets.

What makes it special? This beach is almost impossible to find without local knowledge, making it one of the most secluded spots in northern Spain.
Perfect experience: A private wine tasting at Bodega Miradorio de Ruiloba, where Cantabria’s Atlantic-influenced wines are still a well-kept secret.
Stay here: Palacio de Soñanes, a 17th-century palace turned into a boutique hotel with endless charm.

4. Playa Tamarit & Cala Jovera, Tarragona

Swim beneath a medieval castle

How often do you get to swim in the shadow of an 11th-century fortress? Playa Tamarit offers just that—a golden sandy stretch with a storybook backdrop. And for those who crave even more privacy, Cala Jovera, a tiny hidden cove just minutes away, feels like it was carved out just for you.

What makes it special? The historic setting combined with calm, crystalline waters makes it an unforgettable swimming experience.
Perfect experience: A degustation menu at Deliranto, Tarragona’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where each dish is part of a theatrical culinary journey.
Stay here: Mas La Boella, an exclusive boutique estate with its own vineyard and olive groves.

5. Praia de Lumebó, Galicia

Golden sands, seafood feasts, and Atlantic mystique

Galicia’s beaches are wild, untamed, and endlessly photogenic. Praia de Lumebó is one of its best-kept secrets—a breathtaking expanse of golden sand, surrounded by jagged cliffs and windswept landscapes.

What makes it special? The sense of complete isolation. You could spend an entire day here and see no one but seagulls and the occasional fishing boat.
Perfect experience: Dinner at D’Berto, one of Spain’s best seafood restaurants, known for giant Galician oysters, spider crab, and razor clams.
Stay here: Noa Boutique Hotel, a sustainable luxury escape overlooking the Atlantic.

6. Playa de Monsul, Almería

A cinematic beach straight out of Hollywood

Playa de Monsul isn’t just a beach—it’s a movie set. Featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, its volcanic rock formations and golden dunes make it one of the most surreal and striking coastal landscapes in Spain.

What makes it special? The desert-meets-ocean scenery that feels more like the Sahara than southern Spain.
Perfect experience: A private 4x4 tour through the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, where the barren landscapes and secret beaches feel like another planet.
🏨 Stay here: Cortijo El Sotillo, an eco-lodge with authentic Andalusian charm.

The true luxury of travel isn’t found in overbooked five-star resorts or crowded beach clubs—it’s in the rare moments of silence, the untouched landscapes, and the kind of experiences that stay with you long after your tan fades.