If a holiday along the coast with golden sands, blue waters, friendly hospitality, combined with succulent cuisine appeals to you, Portugal and Spain are sure to have exactly what you are looking for in your next summer holiday.  

With a short flying time, affordable prices and suitable destinations for families, couples, lovers of nature and cultural enthusiasts, these countries have always been two of the top favourite beach holidays in Europe.  

Take a read of our experts pick of the top destinations in Portugal and Spain that are sure to be exactly what you are looking for in your next beach break.  

Spain, Europe’s sunniest country, has hot and dry summers and mild winters and an obvious choice for a beach holiday. Ibiza, Lanzarote and Majorca are amongst the top three favourite destinations in Spain to visit and the Mediterranean Sea will never disappoint. If you are searching for long, relaxing days at the beach, attractions right on your doorstep and a selection of bars and clubs that are open until sunrise, destinations such as Barcelona, Ibiza and Marbella are ideal for you.  

As Tenerife is the largest and most developed of the Canary Islands, it has always been picked as a destination for those wanting a mixture of peace and tranquillity and a vibrant nightlife. Home to one of the most significant harbours in the Atlantic Ocean, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the vibrant capital of the island. Spending a summer holiday in Tenerife will not only give you the opportunity to enjoy the perfect beach holiday, but to also spend time exploring quirky shops, museums, impressive architecture, botanical gardens, superb restaurants and unspoilt palm-lined beaches dotted around with extensive golden sands.  

As many of the beaches in Spain are jam-packed with tourists, if you prefer to escape to a more secluded haven, typically only known by the locals, there are still many places to visit to escape the crowds and should be part of any enthusiastic travellers bucket list. Just a few miles from Malaga, Nerja is one of the best kept secrets of the Costa del Sol. With exceptionally clean waters and enhanced with tropical fish, ideal for snorkelling. Featuring a natural landscape of hills and cliffs characterising the beach, Nerja is the ideal setting to spend a relaxing day enjoying the sunshine.  

A good alternative to the crowded island of Majorca is Cala Llombards, a stunning beach destination, surrounded by pine tress and bushes. With the waters clear and shallow, it is suitable for younger visitors as well as several water sports opportunities available.  

Es Grau, located in the northeast coast of Menorca, is a charming fishing village situated within a protected nature reserve rich in marine life. With a beautifully unspoilt natural beach, it is perfect for those looking for a hidden gem, also ideal for families with young children.  

One of the more exclusive parts of the Costa Brava is Llafranc, relatively unknown to tourists, making it the ideal destination for those wanting to catch some much needed peace and quiet away from some of the more chaotic Spanish beaches. This particular beach is part of a larger urban area, meaning you will have many amenities available include bars, restaurants and hotels to choose from. 

Portugal is an incredibly fascinating country, recognised for its rich marine life, cultural monuments, extensive sandy beaches, magnificent views along the coast, charming villages, historical buildings and a very friendly hospitality.  

Known for its popular resorts and the lowest prices in Europe, the Algarve is one of the top beach locations with its beautiful coastline, golden sandy beaches, stylish hotels and a range of bars and restaurants, making it the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a lovely relaxing break and only a short three hour flight from the UK. Albufeira, Portimao and Vilamoura are amongst some of the popular resorts, offering a wide range of amenities and attractions.  

Along the eastern coast of the Algarve are impressive islands including Armona and Tavira, with miles of sand, ideal for anyone wanting a break in the sun and tucked away from the crowds. Both islands can be accessed by boat and are surrounded by spectacular beaches with warm waters.  

Western Algarve, stretching from Lagos to Sagres is an excellent choice for lovers of nature as it remains one of the least spoiled parts of the Algarve. The main characteristics of Lagos include striking cliffs, breath-taking sea views and caves, leaving you truly amazed.  

Sagres, a tranquil fishing village, is home to many glorious beaches protected by soaring cliffs, a picturesque harbour at Baleeira, impressive hotels and a favourite destination amongst surfers, hikers and cyclists. In comparison to the east side, this area of the Algarve is cooler, providing a refreshing break from the scorching summer heat.  

Whilst the Algarve is extremely busy during the summer months, a few miles along the coast is Costa Vicentina, an emerging and affordable beach resort, the smaller towns of Zambujeira do Mar, Aljezur, Vila Nova de Milfontes and Porto Covo are coastal towns, boasting an overwhelming selection of beaches, gorgeous seaside villages with a traditional atmosphere and white picturesque buildings. Simply a perfect getaway to incredible walks along the coast, enjoying breath-taking views or relax and unwind on one of many hidden and secluded beaches.  

You many also fancy taking a visit to Alentejo, Portugal’s finest wine and food producing region with unspoilt villages, an area sometimes compared with Tuscany and the perfect destination for food and wine lovers. 

The Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, north just a few miles of Lisbon, is an area boasting beautiful coastal scenery and secluded havens such as Portinho da Arrábida and Galapos beaches, both very much still a hidden secret for many visitors.  

With deserted sand dunes and fantastic views, Comporta Beach, further down in the south, is a holiday destination preferred by wealthy Portuguese families and famous names including Monica Belluci, Christian Louboutin and Madonna, all have been long seduced by the charms of Portugal.  

For those wanting a bit more to see and do and not too much relaxing will find plenty of things to do and see in Portugal as its relatively easy to combine a relaxing beach holiday with cultural activities. Why not visit the capital Lisbon, home to impressive monuments, exquisite cuisine and cultural attractions. You could also dip your toes in the charming nearby village of Cascais, a coastal town with sea front hotels, buzzing beaches, fascinating historical forts and a wide selection of restaurants. A visit to Portugal has to be on any traveller’s list.  

If you feel inspired by these beach holiday destinations and want to know more, please speak with our travel experts to help you choose your perfect holiday in the sun.