Spain is a hot European country, where even in winter the temperature does not drop below 15 °C. If you have already seen the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, but were not delighted with the city beaches of Barcelona, then this article is for you. We’ll tell you about secluded picturesque places among rocks, forests, and even caves. Some places will be difficult to get to, but some are even suitable for families with children.
Entry rules
Russians will need a passport and a visa to visit Spain. The country is considered one of the most loyal in terms of conditions for applying for Schengen. The Spaniards issue visas for a long period more often than others, and the list of required documents is quite small. All requirements can be studied on the consulate website. The application fee is 80 EUR for an adult (about 5,800 rubles*).
How to get there
There are many airports in the country; it is better to choose one based on the largest city in the desired province. You can also fly to Barcelona or Madrid and travel from there by train or bus. There are flights from Moscow to Barcelona with transfers in Algiers (Air Algerie), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Cairo (EgyptAir), Abu Dhabi (Etihad Airways) and Belgrade (Air Serbia). One-way tickets cost from 20,000 rubles*.
View flights to Madrid
View flights to Barcelona
How to move around the country
By car
The most convenient option: you can go wherever and whenever you want and do not depend on public transport schedules.
By bus
The country has well-developed intercity communication, there are comfortable buses with USB connectors, coolers, wi-fi and reclining soft seats.
By train
Railway services in Spain are very developed: in addition to regular trains and express trains, there are several types of high-speed trains. The fastest of them travel at speeds of up to 300 km/h.
Cantabria
Playa de Langre Beach
A wild, unequipped beach near the village of Langre. The nearest large city is Santander, about 10 km from the beach. The coastline is quite short, mostly sand, but there are stones near the cliffs. Special shoes are not required, but you will have to watch your step. Entry into the sea is comfortable, without cliffs. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, the road to it is a lot of wooden stairs that pass among the mountains. There is a public parking area before the start of the descent.
Playa de Usgo
Another village 16 km from Santander, Miengo, attracts with a very small wild beach among the cliffs. The shore is sandy mixed with small pebbles; it is comfortable here without special shoes. Entry into the sea is convenient, without cliffs. Getting here is easy: there is a short path leading to the beach, with public parking in front of it. This beach is loved by surfers, but in general it is not very popular – even in high season there are not many people here.
Where to stay
Gran Hotel Victoria — from 7,000 rubles* per night.
Hotel Boutique Las Brisas —from 9,500 rubles* per night.
Eurostars Hotel Real — from 21,000 rubles* per night.
Balearic Islands
Beach Cala Macarelleta
Makarelleta Beach is located in the same bay as the main Macarella Beach – it is larger, more crowded, but not surrounded by nature. From the nearest town of Cala Galdana to the bay it is 2.2 km, or about 40 minutes at a leisurely pace. The descent to the beach is equipped with wooden steps.
The beach is hidden behind the rocks, and after 16 o’clock a shadow forms here. The rest of the time you can hide from the sun near the fir trees. Now a small cafe and toilet have been installed there.
Cala de Trebaluger Beach
A truly wild beach in Menorca – to get there you need to jump into the water from a small cliff. If you are not so extreme, there are several more trails leading to the beach. The closest point accessible by car is Mitzana, 2.5 km from Cala Galdana. From there, walk through the forest for about 45 minutes at a calm pace.
The water in the sea is crystal clear, turquoise, the entry is very smooth, without cliffs. Due to its location, the beach is very uncrowded. Compared to the previous bay, there is always a quiet place here.
Where to stay
Ilunion Menorca — from 5,600 rubles* per night.
Artiem Audax Adults Only —from 10,000 rubles* per night.
Meliá Cala Galdana — from 16,900 rubles* per night.
Asturias
Playa de Cuevas del Mar
A cove among the rocks near the city of Nueva de Llanes. The beach can be reached on foot, but in some areas the road does not have a fenced shoulder. The bay is surrounded by rocks that form underwater caves. This place is especially beautiful at low tide, when pools form around the stones and the sea seems to be divided into two parts. You can find small islands and where the waves meet.
The sand here is muddy and the waves change every minute, making it difficult to secure a beach umbrella. It’s better to leave things on higher ground. Large stones are hidden in the sand; special shoes are not needed, but it is better to walk carefully. You also need to be careful when swimming near rocks: because of the waves, it can be dangerous.
Playa de la Paloma
The beach is located in the village of Entreplayas near the city of Oviedo. It’s a tiny coastline with several coves, turquoise water and fine white sand, so you won’t need special shoes. The entrance to the water is very smooth; there are small rocks and stones on the sand, but they will not bother you. The bottom is smooth and safe.
This is a fairly quiet and uncrowded place. The Esteiro River also flows along the shore, separating part of the beach. The river is shallow, you can ford it or climb several sandy hills, where there is a small bridge. In addition to parking near the beach, there is a campsite, security and a waste sorting area.
Where to stay
Hotel Carreño —from 4,000 rubles* per night.
Pensión San Jorge— from 5,400 rubles* per night.
Hotel Hontoria —from 8,200 rubles* per night.
Eurostars Hotel de la Reconquista — from 12,800 rubles* per night .
Alicante
Cala del Moraig
Considered one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the Costa Blanca. It is located near the town of Benitachell. This is the only non-wild beach in our selection – it is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, and there is a cafe on the shore. It is often crowded with tourists, but this place is worth visiting for its “wild” part – a whole network of underwater caves.
The most famous of them is Cova dels Arcs. It consists of three arches, half recessed in the water. There are quite a lot of people there, so there are always rescuers on duty nearby. The beach itself is pebbly, so special shoes will not be superfluous.
Cala Ambolo
Another, but wild beach not far from Benitachell. This is a tiny cove among rocks with turquoise water and light, small pebbles, so it is recommended to wear special shoes. The entrance to the water is quite sharp and rocky. Not far from the shore there is a stone island with a cave, which attracts snorkelers.
It’s easy to find a parking spot near the beach, from which you need to walk along a rocky mountain path. The difficult road puts many off, so there are always few people on this beach.
Where to stay
Dreamsea Mediterranean Camp —from 6,600 rubles* per night.
Casa Cumbre del Sol —from 9,000 rubles* per night.
CASA CALISTROS — from 9,900 rubles* per night.
Catalonia
Cala Sa Forcanera
A beautiful secret beach in Costa Brava surrounded by rocky cliffs. This is a tiny coastline with several bays. The beach has rocky areas, but most of it is covered with golden fine sand, so you won’t need special shoes.
The beach is located near the village of Blanes, the nearest large city is Girona. The distance from tourist centers can create problems for travelers who cannot rent a car.
Cala Boadella
Not far from Blanes there is another incredibly beautiful beach. It’s easier to get to—just 25 minutes (about 1.5 km) on foot from the center of the village of Lloret de Mar and you’re there. The bay is surrounded by rocks, hills and forest, through which there are convenient paths.
Because of its favorable location, the beach is not as wild as its “neighbors” – tourists know about it, and on the shore there is a small cafe and an equipped toilet.
Where to stay
Hotel Costa Brava —from 6,300 rubles* per night.
Hostal Sa Malica —from 9,200 rubles* per night.& ;nbsp;
Hotel Santa Marta — from 16,900 rubles* per night.
Galicia
Playa de Las Catedrales
The beach is located near the city of Lugo. It is surrounded by cliffs and rocks, which, with their unusual shape, form intersecting arches reminiscent of the walls of a cathedral. The coastline is long and covered with golden sand, the entrance to the sea is smooth, no special shoes are required. The beach is equipped with a toilet and a restaurant.
The beach is considered a national monument and during the high season from April to September you need to reserve a time slot to visit (it’s free). Thanks to this there are not many people on the beach. Be sure to check the tide chart before visiting, otherwise the base of the cliffs will be under water.
Playa de Gures
Not far from the town of See, 600 meters from the village of Kanelinas, a deserted beach overgrown with jungle is hidden. You can get here on foot, as there are convenient paths through the forest. If you are traveling by car, there is a dirt road leading down from the asphalt road, but you cannot drive along it, you will have to leave the car on the side of the road.
The coastline is covered with golden sand, entry into the water is quite calm, no special shoes are required. The beach is not equipped with amenities, but there is a cafe a seven-minute walk away.
Where to stay
Viviendas Turísticas Rosa —from 4,400 rubles* per night.
Apartamentos sapoconcho —from 4,950 rubles* for night.
Hotel Mi Norte —from 6,900 rubles* per night.& ;nbsp;
A Lobeira Grande – from 9,900 rubles* per night.
*Prices are current at the time of publication.
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