Seaside cities and towns in Spain, places where you can truly unwind
Longing to pack your bags? Spain has some 8,000 km of coastline where you'll find towns that are perfect for a getaway, and for enjoying the combination of sea and city life. But if you're not too sure where to go, read on for a list that includes cities from the north and the south of the country. Just choose the one that's the best fit for your getaway. Let’s go!
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Ribadeo
Well-known for its famous beach, Praia de As Catedrais, Ribadeo (Lugo) is a favourite spot on the Galician coast. Its estuary is on the border with Asturias, and you can often see boats and people doing watersports. Once you've soaked up the maritime landscape and the atmosphere of the port, why not go for a stroll around the old quarter. You can see the Art Nouveau pazo or mansion built by the Moreno brothers, and take a walk up to the Trinidad chapel to admire panoramic views of the estuary and the multicoloured houses of indianos, migrants who left for the Americas to seek their fortune, and later returned home.
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Santander
A city in the north of Spain on the Cantabrian Sea, known locally as La Novia del Mar (the bride of the sea). Its history is a heady mix of aristocrats and fisherfolk. And you'll feel how these two worlds are entwined as you wander through the streets of the city centre. The area around the Sardinero beach is where you’ll find the palatial buildings which are a part of the essence of Santander, such as the Palacio de la Magdalena, evoking the time when the Royal Family spent their summers here. You can also visit the Cathedral-Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, or check out some contemporary art at the Centro Botín. Any time of year is good for a visit to Santander, and for falling in love with the city and the sea.
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Donostia-San Sebastián
Continuing along this same northern coast you'll come to San Sebastián, the capital of the Basque country. A place to enjoy films and fine dining with sea views. The bay lies between Mount Igeldo and Mount Urgull. Whether in winter or in summer, a stroll along the shore on the Playa de la Concha beach is always a pleasure. This place too was a summer residence for the royalty and aristocracy of the 19th century. The city still has a feel of the belle époque, which combines with a more contemporary style as reflected in buildings such as the Kursaal. And another symbol of the city should not be missed: a set of sculptures by Eduardo Chillida called the Peine del Viento. When you start feeling peckish, wander around the old quarter where you’ll find bars offering pintxos (tapas).
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Sanlúcar de Barrameda
The south of Spain is a captivating place. On the Atlantic coast you'll find Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz). The town is located very close to the Parque Nacional de Doñana, next to the Guadalquivir estuary. A town of whitewashed houses, like most of the Andalusian coastline. Perhaps the most interesting thing you can see here are the famous horse races on the beach each year in August, at the time of the town's main fiesta. But if you amble through its streets you can see sights like Santiago Castle and the palace of Los Infantes de Orleans y Borbón, and end the day with a walk on one of the long beaches. The sunsets are spectacular! In Spain you have a whole sea of options for relaxation and real enjoyment with those you love.
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