But there is also no doubt that the choice of readers of Traveler (among 50 initial proposals) is appropriate: the Zarautz beach It is an indisputable wonder, a two-and-a-half-kilometre beach of fine golden sand that offers an idyllic walk, a little piece of Eden on the Basque coast.
Zarautz, a jewel of the Cantabrian Sea
Small hidden coves are very popular among beach lovers, but those of us who are more into open spaces are amazed by these kilometre-long sandy beaches that we have in Spain, from Sotavento to Bolonia, and from Nueva Umbría to Migjorn… passing through Zarautz which, unlike the previous ones, falls into the category of urban beaches.
And maybe it’s that combination of Untamed northern nature and charming seafront promenade of fishing aroma which has meant the victory in the vote of TravelerAnd if we add to this the iconic colourful awning huts, we have an unforgettable postcard of one of the most photogenic corners of the Gipuzkoa coast.
If we walk along the Zarautz sandbank from west to east, we first come across the diving boards that mark the end of the coastal walk that leads from Zarautz to Getariaa fantastic walk of less than an hour through this much revered area of the Basque coast.
At the western end of the beach is the Zarautz viewpoint where you can spend a good time enchanted while the waves break irreducible. And right next to it is the Narros Palacethe sentinel of the Zarautz arena for almost 500 years: not in vain on the shield above the arch of the entrance you can read the motto “Zarautz before Zarautz”.
Mecca of Basque surfing
If we continue heading east we can already begin to see that the sea in Zarautz is not exactly calm, something that has been taken advantage of for decades by surfers from all over the world, creating one of the most renowned centres for this sport on the Spanish coast, along with Mundaka.
But unlike the famous left wave in Biscay, which is only suitable for experienced surfers, in Zarautz we can learn the trade because its waves are generally not so complicated to ride and there is enough space for everyone.
They say that as early as the 60s some guys started to appear surfing the waves while the locals frowned: where are they going with those ironing boards? But it was soon understood that this was something more than a passing adventure. Since the 80s, Zarautz became a mandatory stop in the Cantabrian Sea for surf lovers, with figures such as Ibon Amatriain either Aritz Aranburu.
And once we leave behind the Zarautz promenade we arrive at the dunes and marshes of Iñurritzathe largest dune system in the province with its 17 hectares: here the river of the same name flows into the sea, creating a unique contrast with the eastern urban end of the beach. Well, there is also a golf course, although this is no longer so idyllic, at least for those who do not carry a 3 iron in their hand…
The (other) beautiful beaches of Spain
Zarautz won the jackpot for readers of Travelerbut there are nine other beaches that occupied the places of honour, starting with the “silver medal” for a beach that has little to do with Zarautz, except that here we can also see surfers.
This is the beach of Famarato the northwest of Lanzarote, the only Canarian beach that can be found among the top ranked. And we know that the lucky islands could easily take all the prizes, but it is not a question of dominating. This year it is Famara’s turn, with its six kilometres of sand protected on its northeastern flank by the Famara cliffs, creating another unforgettable postcard.
We go to other islands, in this case to the Balearic Islands, which also cannot be missing from a list like this, to discover the bronze medal: it is Cala Saonaa classic of the Mediterranean coves.
And Cádiz cannot be missed either, as it already won the prize last year with Bologna: this year it is the turn of Valdevaquerosa very popular beach among windsurfing enthusiasts.
In fifth position are The Cathedralsone of the most photographed beaches in Spain, and in sixth position another Cantabrian surfing icon: The crazy ones in Cantabria.
Calblanque In Murcia, the unique beach of Poo In asturias, North Beach in Gandia and Cala Fonda or Waikiki Tarragona, another Mediterranean symbol that is also among the most famous nudist beaches in Spain, closes the list. So, how many of the top ten beaches in Spain do you know? TravelerDo you agree with the result?
