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Costas Online
The Spanish Costas & Mainland Spain

Discover breathtaking coastlines, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable adventures from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.

The Coastlines & Interior Of Spain

Welcome to Costas Online, your guide to the mainland and coastal areas of Spain. Our website provides many useful articles about some of the top places to visit. This includes both island archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

Costas Online also covers many of the best attractions and things to do during your holiday. Much of the content we create is from experience during ober twenty years living here.

Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion. Spain's diverse coastlines promise a journey filled with beauty and discovery.

Spanish Costas Map

Map Showing The Spanish Costas Of Mainland Spain
Map Showing The Spanish Costas Of Mainland Spain.

Areas That Form The Kingdom of Spain

Forming the Kingdom of Spain are 17 autonomous regions, 15 of which lie on the mainland. The other two regions are the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands. There are also two smaller territories in northern Africa. The colonies of Melilla and Ceuta are the gateway from Africa to Europe.

The massive region of Andalucia forms most of southern Spain. This is the biggest region which consists of 8 provinces and 8.5 million inhabitants. Catalonia, Madrid and Valencian Community are also large regions. Galicia, Castile and León and Basque Country come next after the bigger mainland regions. Following these are Murcia, Castilla La Mancha and several smaller regions. Below are three of the main regions that we cover on this site. Our navigation at the top of the website contains a link to our Regions in Spain page. Here you will find information about all 17 regions.

Flamenco dancers in Andalusía

Andalusia

Home to the Alhambra, flamenco, and sun-drenched beaches along the Costa del Sol. Experience passion and history.

Andalusia
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Catalonia

Boasting Barcelona's Gaudí masterpieces, the Costa Brava's coves, and rich cultural heritage.

Catalonia
City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia

Valencian Community

Birthplace of paella, featuring Valencia's modern architecture and the beautiful Costa Blanca coastline.

Valencian Community

The Famous Spanish Costas

The Spanish Costas are the coastal areas of the mainland but also both sets of islands. Many often confuse these for belonging to the mainland only. The Spanish word “Costa” means coast so will include any territory with a coastline. For arguments sake, we will explain about those that are part of the mainland first.

There are more than 10 main Spanish Costas and several smaller coastlines in total. In the southern areas the most popular are the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca. Our map on this page shows most of these areas if you need a visual reference. Tossa de Mar and Blanes are two other super destinations here.

In the northeast is the Costa Brava which shares a border with France. There are several top locations here with Lloret de Mar being the most popular. Tossa de Mar and Blanes are two other super destinations here. This part of Spain was the first to undergo major improvements as part of the tourism boom in the 1950’s.

If you follow the coastline south you will come to the Costa Dorada which is also in the northeast. The literal translation is “Golden Coast” a reference to the sun shining on the beaches. Salou is not only the top location here but in all Spain. If you want to sample traditional Spain then the town of Cambrils is not far.

Beach scene on Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol

Famous for its year-round sunshine, golden beaches & vibrant nightlife. There are also world-class golf courses.

Costa del Sol
Secluded cove on Costa Brava

Costa Brava

Catalonia's rugged coastline. Featuring stunning coves, charming fishing villages, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic landscapes.

Costa Brava
Busy beach on Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca

The Valencian Community, is known for its long sandy beaches, lively resorts. Famous for its beautiful Mediterranean climate.

Costa Blanca
Family beach on Costa Dorada

Costa Dorada

South of Barcelona. Offering long golden beaches, family resorts, Roman ruins, and PortAventura theme park.

Costa Dorada
Windsurfing on Costa de la Luz

Costa de la Luz

Andalucía's Atlantic coast. Characterized by vast sandy beaches and strong winds perfect for water sports.

Costa de la Luz
Tropical coastline with palm trees

Costa Tropical

Granada's southern coast. Offering a subtropical climate ideal for growing tropical fruits, with secluded beaches.

Costa Tropical
Beach with orange groves on Costa del Azahar

Costa del Azahar

Stretching along Castellón province. Known for its orange blossoms, long sandy beaches, and family-friendly resorts.

Costa del Azahar
Lush green cliffs of Costa Verde, Asturias

Costa Verde

Asturias' northern coast. Characterized by its dramatic green cliffs, wild beaches, and the Cantabrian Sea.

Costa Verde
La Manga del Mar Menor, Costa Calida

Costa Calida

The Costa Calida or "Warm Coast" boasts more amazing beaches. Also home to La Manga del Mar Menor.

Costa Calida
Rugged coast of Basque Country

Costa Vasca

This coastline offers breathtaking cliffs & surfing beaches. Unique culinary experiences, and vibrant cultural cities.

Beach and cliffs of Costa Cántabra, Cantabria

Costa Cántabrica

Known for its stunning beaches, charming fishing towns like Santillana del Mar, and proximity to the Picos de Europa.

Explore Spain's Enchanting Islands

Canary Islands Of Spain

Some 2,500 kilometres southwest of the mainland is the Canaries archipelago. Forming this part of Spain are the 7 Canary Islands which lie in the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are among the top holiday destinations in the world.

This part of the Atlantic enjoys a sub-tropical climate where it rarely gets cold. In fact, this archepilago is well known for being one of the warmest destinations in Europe during winter and spring. Some call the Canaries the “Islands of Eternal Spring” a reference to the weather here. The climate is one of the main reasons these islands attract so much tourism. As it gets cold further north, tourist travel south to enjoy the warm weather on offer.

The most popular island is Tenerife which also has the biggest population. It’s close neighbour Gran Canaria is next which also see plenty of tourism. Next we have Lanzarote and Fuerteventura which are closest to Western Africa. Making up the 7 there are La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.

Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands are a smaller archipelago off the eastern coast of the mainland. There are 4 main islands in total with over one hundred smaller islets. These islands lie in the Mediterranean Sea where the climate is very different. As a result, there is more tourism here when the weather is warmer.

By far the most popular islands is Majorca with over 40 resorts to choose from. This island rivals Tenerife for tourism although not during the colder months. Ibiza is the next busiest which is world famous for it’s amazing nightlife. Making up the 4 main islands is Menorca and Formentera.

Golden beach on Orihuela Costa

Discover Orihuela Costa

Orihuela Costa lies in the province of Alicante and is famous for it´s stretch of blue-flag beaches. This area boasts a subtropical Mediterranean climate. The average annual temperatures here are between 18-20°C. It also offers a vibrant mix of relaxation, water sports and entertainment. This makes the Orihuela Costa a prime destination for sun-seekers and families alike.

Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig, La Zenia and Campoamor are some of the more affluent areas here. These suburbs are all coastal where you will find the stunning beaches. A short distance inland is Villamartin with it´s beautiful plaza and golf course. Punta Prima is another area that helps to form the Orihuela Costa. Ten minutes north is Torrevieja.

Explore Orihuela Costa