‘Everyone is happy’: readers’ favourite beaches in Spain

From tiny coves to breezy surfing meccas, our tipsters tell us about their best Spanish coast discoveries

Not well known among British visitors, the 7km of Isla Canela beach’s golden sands on the western tip of the Costa de la Luz are an indulgent joy. This is where the Spanish go to holiday, usually in the intense heat of July and August, but these golden sands are never crowded, and the Atlantic breeze offers a welcome respite from the Andalucían temperatures. The promenade is fringed with Spanish chiringuitos (no Irish bars nor “traditional English roasts” here), where you can pass the time sipping a cool drink or enjoying fried fish and Gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic oil). There is even a summer cinema on the beach. Relax – it doesn’t get better than this.
Julia Edwards