Neither Sitges nor Altea: Spain’s best seaside town lies in the province of Girona

• Fascinating Spain • Catalonia Spain can certainly boast about its seashore,stretching thousands of kilometres and the setting for some of the country’s most alluring towns. The candidates for Spai...

Fascinating Spain

30 января 2026 г.

Neither Sitges nor Altea: Spain’s best seaside town lies in the province of Girona

• Fascinating Spain

• Catalonia

Spain can certainly boast about its seashore,stretching thousands of kilometres and the setting for some of the country’s most alluring towns. The candidates for Spain’s best seaside town, from north to south, are undoubtedly plentiful and diverse, which is reason enough to know the people’s favourites.

Whether it be whitewashed homes under aMediterraneansun or the lush greenery of theCantabriancoast,each of these treasured towns along Spain’s shores possesses its own distinctive character. Here is a look at some of the crowning jewels of Spain’s coastline.

The voice of the experts

Calella de Palafrugell, Cataluña. | Shutterstock

Few people know Spain better than the followers of Fascinating Spain, a community whoshare a passion for discovering the best of the country.Coastal townsare always a popular destination for many, especially in summer, and it is worth knowing the reasons for their choices.

The Spanish seashoreis unquestionably full of picturesque towns. Nevertheless, in order to select thecrème de la crème, many charming and remarkable places will necessarily be omitted.

The top picks along the Spanish coast

The list begins in fifth place with an indisputable star of theCastellóncoast, Peñíscola, whose iconic castlemakes this beloved town easily recognisable. Fourth place goes to Calella de Palafrugell, along theCosta Brava, a place where white façades and the sounds of habaneras radiate a maritime essence.

As expected, the community’s top picks also include the Cantabrian coast, specifically inAsturias, where the towns of Lastres and Cudillero take third and second places respectively, owing in part to their picturesque charm andthe uncontestedbeautyof the Asturian coast.

Cadaqués, Cataluña. | Shutterstock

And Spain’s top coastal town is…

A quick look at the slender white church overlooking gleaming homes is enough to realise that this seaside town is among Spain’s greatest. The indelible views of the bay opening onto dazzling settings of Cabo de Creus meanthis can only be Cadaqués.

Cadaqués offersthe appeal of slate-covered streets, the magical surroundings of a natural parkand an artistic and literary tradition that makes this place an iconic holiday destination.

• Cadaqués and Portlligat, marvels of the Mediterranean coast

Cadaqués’ unique way of life is where Mediterranean sunlight breathes life into its dwellings and the blue-framed windows provide nautical reminders. After centuries of isolation, today Cadaqués shines as never before and is the clear choice by Fascinating Spain readers forSpain’s best coastal town.