From the longest to the most fun: ten Galician beaches you have to visit this year

When it comes to summer holidays, everyone has their own beach habits and favorite stretch of sand, but Galicia’s more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline offer options for all. For scorching hot days and windy ones, for learning to swim or getting an adrenaline rush surfing impossible waves, for those who want to do anything but sit on a sunbed and for those who won't give up their afternoon nap, for strolling, taking a dip, relaxing... Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it on a Galician beach.

For a picnic

Praia Xardín, en Boiro

As its name suggests, the surrounding environment is one of the main attractions of this coastal enclave. A true natural paradise where eating, having a snack, or simply relaxing with sea views borders this semi-urban beach. Although this green area is equipped for a proper picnic, complete with benches and picnic areas, laying out a towel or blanket on the grass is always a safe bet. This also makes it a perfect spot for families, where kids can run around, play, or read a book. Plus, it’s packed with trees, providing plenty of shade for those who won't give up on their classic holiday nap.

To enjoy the beach bars

A Barrosa, en O Grove

An option to extend summer leisure beyond the beach in one of the most popular areas of the Rías Baixas. Most amenities are located along the first stretch of the beach, where you can do everything from renting sunbeds and umbrellas to enjoying a meal or a drink at the beachside spots. However, if A Barrosa is famous for anything, it is for hosting one of the most iconic venues in all of Galicia: Náutico de San Vicente. A true temple of live music right at the ocean's edge. In its more than three-decade history, artists such as Leiva, Coque Malla, Iván Ferreiro, and Guitarricadelafuente have graced its stage.

The longest

Carnota

Hands down, the best beach for a good long walk. To be precise, the longest walk you can take on any Galician beach, as its nearly seven kilometers in length make it the absolute longest in the region. Located in the parish of Santa Comba, stretching all the way from Lira to Caldebarcos, it has managed to remain virtually untouched, with fine white sand and crystal-clear waters. It features several entry points, though the most popular is Boca de Río, which leads straight to the heart of the beach. A perfect spot to get lost and stay hidden in a picture-postcard setting with Mount Pindo in the background. Walking it end to end and back practically counts as a stage of the Camino de Santiago.

The funniest

Baltar, en Sanxenxo

Located right next to Portonovo harbor in Sanxenxo, this beach offers leisure options that go way beyond sunbeds and umbrellas. Starting in the water, where the fun isn't just taking a dip: it features a massive 1,750-square-meter inflatable water park complete with giant slides, balance challenges, jumping platforms, and floating obstacles. And the energy doesn't stop on the sand, where sports take center stage. There's a beach soccer pitch, though volleyball is the star attraction, with permanent courts, frequently organized federated tournaments, summer circuits, and open-air playing areas.

To go with animals

Punta Corveira, en Barreiros

More and more people don't want to leave their dog behind on hot days, and the Galician coast has plenty of options for them too. One of the most famous is this beach in A Mariña Lucense, located at the eastern end of Lóngara Beach. Bordered by the Sarxendez stream and the rocks of Punta Corveira, it has become a true paradise for pets. The Barreiros Town Council was a pioneer in this area and, for years now, furry companions have been more than welcome here. They can run off-leash year-round, 365 days a year—unless they belong to potentially dangerous breeds—and there is even a dedicated dog shower.

For a peaceful swim

Coroso, en Ribeira

With its newly reclaimed Blue Flag and a brand-new beach bar right on the seafront, this is the town's most popular urban beach. It is particularly appealing to families thanks to its fine white sand and calm waters with hardly any waves. Entire generations of Barbanza locals have learned to swim on this coastline, which resembles a saltwater pool. Another major draw is the chance to take a walk around the area. The beach stretches from the marina to Punta Coroso and is lined by a promenade overlooking Ribeira, Rúa Island, and the outer reach of the Ría de Arousa.

The most intimate

Perbes, en Miño

Sitting right on the border between the A Coruña towns of Miño and Pontedeume, foot traffic on this beach starts as early as spring and stretches nearly into autumn. The reason? Its half-kilometer span boasts its own microclimate, which varies depending on where you pitch your umbrella. The back wall just below the Miramar restaurant offers the most sheltered spot, staying warm even on windier days; at the other end, near Savi restaurant, you'll find the coolest area, ideal for muggy, hot days. Its gentle waters also make it perfect for a peaceful swim.

For adventure lovers

Ézaro, en Dumbría

A haven of peace to unwind after a day of adventure on the Costa da Morte. Visiting the famous Xallas River waterfall is a must-stop, and reaching its mouth aboard a kayak offers a truly unique perspective. Equally impressive is the view from the Ézaro lookout point, a natural balcony framing Cape Finisterre in the distance. To top off an action-packed itinerary, you can take on one of the many hiking trails across Mount Pindo. And when it comes to recovering after all that legwork? What better way to wrap up the day than taking a dip and soaking up the sun. Complete with a nearby picnic area, it sits just about a kilometer from the waterfall.

For surfers

Pantín, en Valdoviño

Although the options the Galician coast offers surf lovers are virtually endless, this is the ultimate haven for those who roam the coastline daily in search of waves. Well-known among regulars for the surfing vibe that fills every square meter, it is famous —both inside the surf community and beyond— for the Pantín Classic. This championship is the only qualifying event of the World Surf League held in Spain, drawing surfers from all over the globe to this one-kilometer stretch of sand every late August. But action at the renowned 'wave factory' isn't confined to August or even the summer season, as more than a half dozen schools and camps offer lessons year-round.

The highest-rated in the entire Ría de Pontevedra on Google

Bascuas, en Sanxenxo

Without making a big fuss about it, this location became the absolute queen of Google. Nestled between Montalvo and Pragueira beaches, back in the summer of 2023 it emerged as one of the highest-rated spots along this Pontevedra coastline—scoring a 4.7 out of 5 from users—who raved about its crystal-clear waters, fine sand, and a beach bar complete with a sea-view terrace. One of the main quirks that sets this stretch of sand apart is that naturism has been practiced here for over 40 years. That said, regulars of these waters in the heart of the Rías Baixas note that over the past half-century, its visitors have evolved toward a much more family-oriented crowd.

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