Anchorage, Alaska city guide: What to do and where to stay in the capital of America's last frontier
The enormous US state may be twice the size of Texas, but it only has a population of under 750,000, and almost 300,000 of those people live in and around Anchorage.
Which makes this city where the wild meets the modern a great base for exploring the rest of the state. That is, if you want to leave town.
Sure, you can find a wide array of flights, boat trips and tours out of Anchorage, but there is also plenty to do right there.
And be prepared: in early summer, it can feel like the sun never sets.
What to do
Into the wild
Flattop Mountain, considered the most-climbed mountain in Alaska, is only 20 minutes away from downtown Anchorage and is ideal for those who pack their hiking boots wherever they go. Set in the enormous Chugach State Park – the third largest state park in the nation – the rest of the nearby landscape is ideal for hiking, biking and wildlife watching.
Story of the North
If you are hungry for knowledge, try the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center. Current short-term exhibitions include "Dog Show', while permanently on show include 'Art of the North' and 'Living our Cultures, Sharing our Heritage: The First Peoples of Alaska', which contains more than 600 Alaska Native cultural heritage pieces.
Local heritage
Having been open for more than two decades, the Alaskan Native Heritage Center uses exhibits, artist demonstrations, movies and performances to illustrate the life of the Alaskan natives. There are four tours a day.
In summer, a jaunt to meet the Ididaride husky dogs in Seward, just over two hours away, is a highlight. The Seavey family – led by three-time Iditarod husky race champion Mitch – puts on tours of their kennel and takes you on a two-mile ride. Not only that, you have the journey there from Anchorage. Seward can be reached by Alaska Railroad, or you can rent a car in town – whichever you choose, the route towards the Kenai Peninsula is beyond impressive, and you would be advised to take a camera with you.
At the high end of the scale is The Hotel Captain Cook, one of the 'Historic Hotels of America'. Artefacts in the hotel tell of the voyages of Captain James Cook and you can admire views of the Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.
Historic Anchorage Hotel
The three-star Historic Anchorage Hotel offers another step back in time – the staff even tell ghost stories from the property – and it bills itself as the premier boutique hotel in downtown Anchorage.
The Lakefront Anchorage
The Lakefront Anchorage is situated right beside Lake Hood, which is an Alaska floatplane base. The restaurant, The Fancy Moose, also has a patio that is perfect for sampling a drink while you watch planes take off.
Where to eat
Ask any local about the place to go, and invariably, they'll tell you to head for Moose's Tooth Pizzeria. It's renowned for Alaska specials, like salmon and reindeer sausage – though the more sedate 'Avalanche' pizza comes recommended – and there's plenty of craft beer. Be prepared to queue, though. For those who want a more chilled-out, traditional pizza vibe and maybe just a single slice, you can't go wrong with one of Uncle Joe's branches.
Snow City is a hotspot for brunch or breakfast, while the small, artisanal Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop is operated by a nationally recognised head baker and offers a whole range of baked goodies.
Looking for a sweet treat? You can't go wrong with a bit of ice cream, and Wild Scoops has you covered. This micro-creamery specialises in small-batch ice cream with local ingredients.
Where to drink
For those needing a caffeine fix, try Dark Horse. This charming, family-run operation takes its coffee seriously.
Anchorage is home to 12 breweries, and Turnagain Brewing can be found in the old premises of King Street Brewing, which moved a few blocks south. Turnagain's brewery is across three floors, and often has rotating food trucks outside for hungry guests.
Craft beer has swept across Anchorage, and another stop-off is 49th State Brewing Co. It has two large decks from which you can see Cook Inlet and Mount Denali on clear days.
And if you want that same feel, but wouldn't mind a bit of fresh Alaskan seafood with your pint, try out Glacier Brewhouse. The Williwaw restaurant and bar also has a roof deck, offering fine views; they also have a speakeasy.
Where to shop
You can try the open-air Anchorage Market, which offers something for everyone. The market, made up of over 200 vendors, is open on Saturdays and Sundays in summer. It's a good bet for Alaskan souvenirs or for fresh produce.
Downtown, you can get the ubiquitous mall experience at the 5th Avenue Mall. Don't expect anything artisanal or unexpected, but has all the hits you would expect.
If you want something that screams Alaska, you could try the Oomingmak, Musk Ox Producers' Co-operative and their gift shop. It should be your first point of call for hand-knitted items made from musk ox hair.
Architectural highlight
The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts can be found in downtown Anchorage. While the exterior is impressive, it is the grand auditorium that will take your breath away.
Nuts and bolts
What currency do I need?
US dollars.
What language do they speak?
English, though there are concerted efforts to save many of the native languages of Alaska.
Should I tip?
It is customary to tip in the US, with 18–20 per cent standard in restaurants.
What's the time difference?
GMT-8.
What's the average flight time from the UK?
Accumulatively, you can spend up to 13 hours in the air, but as there are no direct flights to Anchorage, you will have at least one stopover.
How should I get around?
You can use the People Mover bus services in town, but due to the spread-out nature of Anchorage, a rental car may be useful.
What's the best view?
Earthquake Park offers a view over the Knik Arm and Chugach Mountains; however, there are great options all over town.
what to do in the instance of encounters with wildlife like bears.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Excruciating Las Vegas drinks prices go viral as tourism tanks in city amid rip-off fury and Trump travel boycotts
Stunned Las Vegas partiers went viral after sharing the extortionate drinks prices vendors are charging in Sin City amid its tanking tourism industry. Drinks in the party hotspot are through the roof despite dwindling tourism numbers, with one horrified reveler sharing his shock at the prices in front of him at the Flamingo pool. A bucket of six Coors lights was priced at a staggering $76.99, with 24 cold ones running up to $290.99 - a near 15 times markup from its usual $20 price. 'I can keep going here,' the partier who filmed his menu said as he listed off the pricey options. Cases of Topo Chico or Truly hard seltzers, which typically cost around $30 to $35, were also sold for almost $300. For drinkers who want a mixed cocktail, a large Bloody Mary would set them back $40 per drink. And six shots, a total of just 9 fluid ounces, costs $99.99 in the party hub on the iconic Vegas strip. Food options at the pool weren't any more reasonable, with a chicken tender platter or a cheeseburger slider plate running up to $89.99. 'Get ready to spend if you want to go to the Go Pool,' the shocked partier added. For drinkers who want a mixed cocktail, a large Bloody Mary would set them back $40 per drink, as the partier who filmed the menu said: 'Get ready to spend if you want to go' It comes after a shock new report to Las Vegas's Convention and Visitors Authority warned that the number of airline passengers arriving at the city will continue to plummet in the coming months. The tourism body was told in the report by Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consulting that capacity rates at the gambling hotspot's Harry Reid International Airport are forecast to drop dramatically in the second half of 2025. They warned the number of inbound passengers will plunge to around 95,000 seats per day for the rest of the year - a worrying prediction that represents a 2.3 percent fall from 2024 numbers. The decline is largely being fueled by a sharp 18.5 percent drop-off in traffic from Canada, which typically comprises the largest share of international visitors to the Nevada city, per the Las Vegas Review Journal. The loss of Canadian tourists has cancelled out gains from other continents, including a 31.7 percent increase in airline capacity from Asia and a 21.6 percent increase jump from Europe excluding the United Kingdom. The shock report cemented a steep decline in tourism to Las Vegas, with previous statistics from April showing it was losing upwards of 300,000 visitors per month since the start of 2025. The number of Canadian passengers flying to Las Vegas fell to an average of 2,412 per day this year, according to the report - blamed by some on the election of Donald Trump to the presidency in January and his subsequent jibes at Canada. Trump quickly launched a hostile attack on the country and threatened to make it America's '51st state' if it did not submit to his tariff demands. With Canadians making up a large part of all tourism to Sin City, Trump's antagonism of its residents may have played a role. As the downward trend was beginning to snowball in February, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Steve Hill told the Journal that he was hearing from many angry Canadians about the president. 'There's an awful lot of the anecdotal conversation around Canadians being angry and upset about tariffs and talk around annexing the country,' he said. 'We've seen consumer confidence numbers drop pretty significantly over the past couple of months.' In May, the World Travel & Tourism Council also reported that in its forecasts for 2025, the US was set to lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending. 'While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the 'closed' sign,' Julia Simpson, the council's president and CEO, said in a news release at the time. Another reason for the recent drop in Las Vegas is due to a maintenance issue with Spirit Airlines, the second busiest carrier at Reid International Airport. The maintenance issues have grounded 50 planes in Spirit's fleet, which has significantly reduced its capacity, according to Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consulting senior director Joel Van Over. 'They have an issue with their (jet) engines,' Van Over said. 'They have to pull that engine off the plane, fix the cracks, put it back on the plane, and that whole process takes about 300 days. 'So obviously they can't just do a plane a year because it would take them 100 years to get that done.'
Reuters
5 hours ago
- Reuters
Air Canada, flight attendants deadlocked with strike looming
MONTREAL, Aug 15 (Reuters) - The prospect of a systemwide work stoppage by Air Canada's ( opens new tab unionized flight attendants loomed large on Friday with a strike deadline just hours away, despite a government plea for both sides to return to the bargaining table. Canada's largest carrier has said it expects to cancel 500 flights by the end of the day, ahead of a threatened strike just before 1:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, leaving some 100,000 passengers to find travel alternatives. The union representing Air Canada's 10,000 flight attendants urged the minority Liberal government of Prime Minister Mark Carney not to agree to the carrier's request to impose binding arbitration on both sides. The union said imposing arbitration would stop the first strike by Air Canada flight attendants since 1985, after contract talks between the two sides stalled over demands for higher wages and compensation for unpaid work. "The mere prospect of ministerial intervention has had a chilling effect on Air Canada's obligation to bargain in good faith," said the Canadian Union of Public Employees. Patty Hajdu, Canada's Minister of Jobs and Families, urged the two sides to work with federal mediators. "Right now, the only focus should be on getting a deal,' she said. FlightAware data showed Air Canada had cancelled 174 flights as of 1:00 p.m. ET on Friday (1700 GMT). A further 94 were delayed. At Toronto's Pearson International Airport, the world's hardest hit on Friday for cancellations according to FlightAware, Air Canada passengers lined up in front of a desk to ask workers for information about flights. A strike would hit Canada's tourism sector during the height of the summer travel season. Recording studio owner Robyn Flynn, 38, told Reuters that her Friday afternoon flight from St. John's in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador to Montreal had been delayed twice. Despite the inconvenience, she said she backed the attendants. "They deserve a salary increase ...and if our flight gets cancelled, I 100% blame Air Canada, not the flight attendants," said Flynn, travelling with her three-year-old daughter. The Canada Labour Code gives Hajdu the right to ask the country's Industrial Relations Board to impose binding arbitration in the interests of protecting the economy. Although the board is independent, it routinely agrees to request for arbitration once it has studied the matter, a process that can take a few days. The Toronto region Board of Trade called on Ottawa to step in, saying a strike would hurt Canada's global reputation. Under Justin Trudeau, Carney's predecessor, the government intervened quickly last year to head off rail and dock strikes that threatened to cripple the economy. "(Ottawa) might decide to use that, but it's not as pressing an economic issue for the country as when the railway or the ports were on strike," said Rafael Gomez, director of the University of Toronto's Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources. "The stakes are not as fraught." In a note, TD Cowen analyst Tom Fitzgerald estimated a three-day strike could cost the airline C$300 million in EBITDA, referring to earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes and amortization. The dispute hinges on the way airlines compensate flight attendants. Most have traditionally paid them only when planes are in motion. But in their latest contract negotiations, flight attendants in both Canada and the United States have sought compensation for hours worked, including for tasks such as boarding passengers. New labor agreements at American Airlines (AAL.O), opens new tab and Alaska Airlines (ALK.N), opens new tab legally require carriers to start the clock for paying flight attendants when passengers are boarding. American's flight attendants are now also compensated for some hours between flights. United Airlines' (UAL.O), opens new tab cabin crews, who voted down a tentative contract deal last month, also want a similar provision. Air Canada and its low-cost affiliate Air Canada Rouge normally carry about 130,000 customers a day. Air Canada is also the non-U.S. carrier with the largest number of flights to the U.S., despite recent cutbacks in travel there from Canada due to trade tensions.
Times
6 hours ago
- Times
27 of the best beaches in Spain
Spain has been the top destination for UK holidaymakers over the past 25 years and, with more than 3,000 beaches to its name, it's hardly surprising. Visitors could set up camp on a different stretch of golden sand every day for a year and still only have skimmed the surface. From buzzy urban hangouts studded with chiringuitos (beach bars) to secluded, pine-scented coves that justify the hike required to reach them, the country's coastline is as diverse as it is magnetic, drawing devotees year-round. Outside of the June-to-September high season, crowds are fewer and prices lower — with spring and autumn reliably warm and the Canary Islands representing a safe bet for winter sun. Whether you're looking to surf wild Atlantic swells or feast on fresh-off-the-grill calamari with your toes in the Med, these are our favourite beaches in Spain. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue Menorca's rugged north coast, which receives fewer visitors than the island's south, offers natural beauty and tranquillity in spades. A case in point is the remote Cala Pregonda, home to distinctive, copper-coloured sands, dazzling turquoise waters and a string of rocky islets ripe for exploration. You'll need to pack enough drinking water, sun protection and snacks to last the outing's duration: getting here involves a 30-minute walk along a section of Menorca's historic, 115-mile Cami de Cavalls trail — and when you do arrive, there are no services. To find it, coming by car from Es Mercadal, take the road towards Fornells, turn off at the sign for Cavalleria beach, and then follow the path marked 'Binimel-la', where there's free parking. The second your toes sink into that glittering sand, every step of the journey will have been worth it. A half-hour's drive inland, boutique hotel Vestige Son Vell occupies a lovingly restored 18th-century manor house framed by an agricultural estate. Guests can flit between two outdoor pools, two restaurants and activities ranging from sunrise yoga to late-night stargazing — and take romantic strolls through the period drama-worthy formal gardens. • Read our full guide to the Balearics• Best family hotels in Menorca At the pebbly Cala Pedrosa, about a mile south of the horseshoe bay of Tamariu, you are sheltered from the world beyond by rugged rock formations and lush pine trees on three sides. To get there on foot, follow the path about half an hour inland from the Far de Sant Sebastia lighthouse at the nearby bay of Llafranc. Otherwise, Paco Boats in Tamariu is a (seasonal) motorboat operator. Kayaking Costa Brava also runs excellent guided trips. From May to October you can pick up cold drinks and a lunch of super-fresh calamari and clams with bread and lashings of olive oil from an old stone beach shack there. This blissfully secret smugglers' cove is so off the beaten track that you might have it all to yourself. And with its crystalline waters it's well worth the trek. Around half an hour's drive from Cala Pedrosa, the adults-only Hotel Cala del Pi pairs direct beach access with state-of-the-art suites, some featuring exposed-brick walls. Amenities include a 600sq m spa, outdoor pool and the Almarí restaurant, which champions the culinary traditions of Catalonia's Emporda region. You've hit the jackpot if you find yourself on the deserted Praia de Lumebo, a narrow sandy cove in Ferrol on Spain's northwest coast, where clothing is optional. This region tempts with some of Spain's best wild, sandy beaches, and Praia de Lumebo is a standout choice for its blissful remoteness. And what it lacks in size, it makes up for in drama, with burly rock formations framing the pretty shore. Walk a short distance north to Punta Penencia and its sweeping playa for signs of life. Stick around to watch the last rays of the day dip into the ocean. Just a short, scenic drive from Galicia's wildest sands, the red-roofed Parador de Ferrol offers maritime elegance in the heart of Ferrol's naval district. Its restaurant serves authentic Galician seafood specialities, and attractions including the Jofre Theatre and San Roque fountain are within a short walk of your spacious bedroom (ask for one with a port view). • Read our full guide to Spain The lapping blue waters of the Atlantic brilliantly contrast with gorgeous golden sands here. The 1.8 mile-long beach sweeps around the southern tip of Gran Canaria, backed by 400 hectares of rolling sand dunes dotted with native Canarian bushes that bask in year-round sunshine. Maspalomas is popular with little ones, who can have hours of fun rolling around in the dunes. Just remember to stick to the designated paths that are in place to protect the reserve's natural ecosystem. Pack binoculars if you're keen to spot the local birdlife around La Charca de Maspalomas, the brackish lagoon near Faro de Maspalomas to the far west of the beach. No little ones in tow? Consider a stay at the adults-only Casa Leon Royal Retreat, which is perched on a hillside in the upscale Monte Leon area. Days here are best spent lounging by the infinity pool, playing tennis and hiking the hotel's glorious surrounds, before further indulgence at the in-house restaurant, whose menu brims with regional specialities. • More great hotels in Gran Canaria• Best cruises to the Canary Islands Almuñecar's Tesorillo, which means 'small treasure' in Spanish, lives up to its name. Neatly bookended by two rocky outcrops, this 75m-long stretch of pebbly sand is loved by families for its calm, snorkelling-friendly waters, clean facilities and cinematic views that stretch all the way along the coast to Motril, in the foothills of Sierra de Lujar. When hunger strikes, try Chiringuito Tesorillo, whose barbecued sardines are famed locally, and where tables look out over the beach's ancient watchtower. Built when Granada's balmy Costa Tropical was under Moorish rule and facing regular attacks from pirates, it might just inspire you to take your own buccaneers out on the Med. If so, sailboat rentals are available. Swap salty seas for laps in a sky-high pool at the 15-storey AC Hotel Malaga Palacio. Poised between the cathedral and the tropical bloom-filled Paseo del Parque, it offers flexible, family-friendly room options, plus panoramic sea, city and port views from its Med-inspired rooftop restaurant and bar. Trebaluger belongs to the select group of unspoiled Menorcan beaches that can only be reached on foot, so have kept their beauty and tranquillity. Drive to the town of Es Migjorn Gran and from there to Cala Mitjana. From the car park, walk east along a signposted path through the woods (45 minutes). A river winds down a gorge towards the beach through a landscape of wetlands and sea scrub. There are no loungers, showers, beach bars or loos — just a curve of fine white sand, and calm, shallow waters cradled between outcrops of rock and forest. Oh, and there may be no swimsuits either: nudism is par for the course here. Wash the salt out of your hair at boutique hideaway Torralbenc. The property's 27 elegantly minimalist rooms are arranged across a clutch of whitewashed, 19th-century farm buildings, and the in-house restaurant serves Menorcan specialities paired with the estate's own wines. • Best all-inclusive hotels in Menorca• Best things to do in Menorca The northern region of Asturias has Spain's finest beaches, but Barayo is more than just a pristine playa — it's a coastal ecosystem, filled with meadows, forests, cane fields and salt marshes, in perfect working order. Located within a local reserve, Barayo has been declared a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area for birds, and offers a wild and untrammelled experience. Nature lovers should head for Las Barqueras, then park and head down to the sea — a walk of about 30 minutes. Here, a river that's home to roaming otters flows through a deep valley, flanked by cliffs and woods, before opening up to marshes, sand dunes, and a coastline pummelled by the mighty Atlantic waves. Bring whatever you need — and make sure to take it all away with you. While nearby Hotel Pleamar doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a big-name beach resort, its rustic, country lodge-style rooms — some with private sitting areas and whirlpool baths — are surprisingly luxurious for a three-star. There's a peaceful terrace and café, and guests are welcome to borrow books from the Pleamar's library. This stretch of sand is within easy walking distance of Praia de Rodas, the so-called 'loveliest beach in the world', but we actually prefer this one. The Cies Islands form part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia Maritime-Terrestrial National Park. Rigorously protected and ravishingly beautiful, the islands have few buildings and just one place to stay (a campsite). Figueiras is tucked away in a magical setting, with rocks abutting the cove and forests tiptoeing down towards the sea. The beach is stunning, with snow-white sands that creak as you walk and Caribbean-blue water. The Cies are best visited in September, when the holiday crowds have abated and the Atlantic is at its warmest. Take the Mar de Ons ferry from Vigo harbour. Once landed, follow the path to the right, turning off at the sign for Praia de Figueiras. Back on terra firma, check into the five-star beach resort Pazo Los Escudos Hotel and Spa. A converted Galician country house within easy reach of Vigo airport, the property's spacious, sea-facing suites come with marble-clad bathrooms, and dining options include a sophisticated Italian and a terraced café that gazes out towards the Cíes Islands. • Most beautiful places in Spain The world's most striking beaches are the hardest to get to, and this one is no exception, with two levels of difficulty: first, you need to fly to Ibiza and catch the ferry to picturesque outer isle Formentera; second, you must head for untamed Ses Illetes — set within a natural park — and walk its sandy length (half an hour) until the crowds thin, and all that's left is a deserted pure white arc and blue, blue, blue. It's worth every drip of sweat. The only facilities are at the seasonal Es Ministre café, so pick up a jamon bocadillo (Spanish ham sandwich) and take a loo break here — after that, you're reliant on the icebox boys. Be aware that there is no shade on this pancake-flat peninsula, so bring an umbrella (especially if you're travelling with children). You can expect turquoise waters that mirror the Maldives, but a vibe that could only be Balearic. Hotel Dunas de Formentera's soothingly sandy-toned rooms offer plenty in the way of modern luxury, but TVs are provided only on request — all the better to give frazzled nervous systems a chance to reset. The infinity pool is a dream, and the breezy, open-sided restaurant Caliu doubles as a sun-dappled, all-day retreat, just steps from the shore. One of the best beaches on Spain's Mediterranean coastline, the blue flag Playa de Santa Cristina can't be beaten for its sparkling aquamarine water. Located in the resort of Lloret de Mar, to reach Santa Cristina follow the footpath from the car park at Ermita de Santa Cristina, a historic chapel after which the beach is named, through the pine and cypress trees. When you arrive, stretch out on the gorgeous strip for a lazy afternoon of rest and relaxation. Pack your goggles and enjoy a swim in the sun-warmed water. There's also a restaurant leading directly on to the beach. Seeking a fun Lloret de Mar base, slap-bang in the heart of the action? L'Azure fits the bill. With 411 rooms decorated in sunny yellows and smart blues, the hotel boasts several bars and restaurants, an adults-only rooftop pool, a well-equipped spa and a kids' splash park. It's only a 10-minute walk to the resort's main beach and a 20-minute walk to the ever-popular Water World park. This is the last stretch of the southern coast untouched by developers and it remains both wild and beautiful. South of the Sierra Alhamilla, Cabo de Gata is where Europe's only true desert meets the sea. Ten minutes from Almeria, take exit 471 off the A7 and follow the way to San Jose. From there, follow the signs to Playa de los Genoveses — a curve of silky volcanic sand lapped by lukewarm waters — and be sure to bring plenty of water. And beer. And a hat. The swimming is super-safe — you need to wade a good half mile before the water is chest deep. For a deep-dive of a different kind, check into the Aire Hotel and Ancient Baths in Almeria, where thermal wellness packages blend Roman, Greek and Ottoman traditions to soothe body, mind and soul. Nourishing, plant-forward plates can be savoured al fresco on the decked rooftop terrace. Platja de la Granadella is a cove on the edge of the small town of Javea in Alicante. It's a great spot for avoiding some of the more popular beaches of the Costa Blanca, though you'll need to pack your sunglasses to protect your eyes from the dazzling white shore and bright turquoise water. This pretty beach, flanked by rocky cliffs, is accessed on foot or by car off the Carretera de la Granadella — and it's pebbly, which helps keep the tourists at bay (pack aqua shoes to protect your soles from the gravel seabed). Locals still flock here for the blue sun loungers, thatched parasols and fresh paella concocted at the restaurant behind the beach. Water babies will be in their element at Melia Alicante, a sophisticated four-star bookended by Alicante harbour on one side and Postiguet beach on the other. There's nothing wrong with the main pool, but for added perks — such as an adults-only infinity pool and access to an open bar with free drinks and snacks — upgrade to premium category 'The Level'. Around an hour from the Roman ruins of Tarragona lies Punta del Fangar on the edge of the Ebro Delta Natural Park. The beach features curvaceous sand dunes on an unspoiled peninsula. If you tuck into Spain's most famous dish, paella, during your time on the Costa Dorada, chances are the rice and prawns came from the Ebro Delta. There are no facilities at Punta del Fangar, just striking views, the wetlands' spectacular migratory birds and the pearly-white lighthouse. While there are bucket-loads of sand on Punta del Fangar, there's zero shade, so it's essential to come prepared with a slathering of sun protection. Home to 17 comfortable bedrooms, the nearby Tancat de Codorniu is an imposing, 19th-century country house once used by Alfonso XII as a summer retreat. Highlights include two outdoor pools, a mini-golf course and the Michelin-starred restaurant Citrus del Tancat, where creative Mediterranean menus showcase the spoils of the estate's organic farm. Catalonia is home to some brilliant beaches, including Costa Brava's Platja Gran — the Big Beach — in Tossa de Mar. You'll know you've arrived when you spot the medieval castle, with its bastions and walls weaving down Mount Guardi towards the water's edge. Platja Gran is a family-friendly beach, with ramp access for wheelchairs, ample space to spread out on the honey-hued sand with the kids, an abundance of water sports, sun loungers and umbrellas. Once your skin is tingly from the salty sea, try one of the buzzy beach bars and restaurants serving cold cervezas and grilled calamari. You'll wake up to sparkling sea views at the clifftop Parador de Aiguablava — one of Spain's treasured state-run properties — where airy rooms, a fabulous pool and casual terrace dining do the property's Costa Brava headland perch justice. Sheltered coves and sandy beaches lie just minutes away, making this a popular choice for families. • More of the best places to visit in Spain A cliché of lofty palm trees and soothing, clear water, the family-friendly Platja d'Alcudia is on a sheltered section of Alcudia Bay, on the northeast coast of Mallorca, making it ideal for paddling in the shallow sea. The bay's carpet of soft sand features a wooden jetty leading into the water, where boats gently bob. Pedalos and kayaks can be hired by the hour. You'll also find fishing trips and boat tours leaving from the marina to the north of the beach. A short stroll from the beach, the five-star Zafiro Palace Alcudia delivers stylish, modern Mediterranean living and stand-out family features, including children's pools (complete with pirate ship, slides and a giant wet bubble) and fun workshops for kids aged 4-15. Fussy eaters? No problem. There are five restaurants to choose from, serving everything from sushi to pasta and pizza. This is one of the best beaches in Ibiza, thanks to its striking blonde sand and convenient location near the capital, Ibiza Town. Playa de Talamanca is a marvellous spot for people-watching and has some of the island's best restaurants. You should arrive early to beat the throngs of beach revellers — particularly if your visit coincides with Ibiza's party season, which ramps up in May and slows down from early September. Hire a pedalo or jet ski and admire the shiny yachts that fill Talamanca's marina. Public bathrooms are located by the Italian pizzeria, on the eastern tip of the beach. Make like the original White Isle jet-setters and check into Ibiza Town's Montesol Experimental. Opened in 1933, the hotel was taken over by the hip, Paris-based Experimental Group in 2021, and now offers 30 rooms and three suites with swish, lunar-inspired interiors. The rooftop bar is a dream, as is the ground-floor Café Montesol — one of the best people-watching spots in town. • More great hotels in Ibiza• Best yoga retreats in Ibiza If you can overlook the waterfront high-rises — though they do hold a certain seaside charm — Playa de San Juan is one of the best city beaches in Spain, with an incredible four miles of pristine shoreline. Located northeast of Alicante, it may get busy during peak times, but with so much space you'll easily find a patch to claim as your own for the day. The area offers everything from beach volleyball to banana boat rides, while the palm tree-lined promenade that runs the length of the beach provides plenty of choice for eating and drinking. La Milagrosa is a family-run gem in Alicante's old town that keeps things simple but stylish, whether you opt for a room or apartment. The decor is fuss-free, prices fair, and the rooftop terrace invites lingering over sundowners. Museums, the basilica and pretty, café-lined plazas are all just a short stroll away. City beaches don't always get the credit they deserve, but what's not to love about a seashore that has velvety-soft sand and calm water within walking distance (roughly an hour) of Barcelona's epic Sagrada Familia? Enclosed between the sail-shaped W Barcelona hotel and Platja de Sant Miquel, the Platja de Sant Sebastia has no shortage of restaurants and bars. Lying somewhere near the end of Sant Sebastia and the start of Sant Miquel, an interesting marker to seek out is Rebecca Horn's L'Estel Ferit — a 10m-tall sculpture of four stacked, twisted cubes with windows. If your budget doesn't stretch to the W, try the 53-room Villa Emilia — a stylish, soundproofed property in leafy Eixample. With regular live music nights, barbecues on its rooftop terrace, and an attractive bistro to boot, it's no wonder this place is loved by locals and visitors alike. • Best luxury hotels in Barcelona• Best family hotels in Barcelona• Best restaurants in Barcelona Playa del Bajondillo is great for an old-school getaway in the lively Costa del Sol resort of Torremolinos — it's just a half-hour drive south of Malaga and less than a mile long. The waterfront is jammed with tapas restaurants and beach bars, while the powdery sand offers neat rows of sun loungers and parasols, making it a top spot for a lazy day at the seaside. Families flock here for the children's play area with a shallow shoreline suitable for little ones to paddle in. You could also ride the waves on a jet ski, kayak or pedal boat. For a comfortable, good-value base that lends itself to mixing sightseeing in Malaga with salt-sprayed, sandy adventures, check into Soho Boutique Hotel Las Vegas. Set directly opposite the palm tree-lined Playa de la Malagueta, this laid-back three-star has 107 bright, basic rooms, an outdoor pool and is only a 20-minute walk from Malaga's buzzy centre. Near the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, Playa de Bolonia — with its magnificent white sand — is one of the most tranquil beaches in southern Spain. Southwest winds whip at this coastal tip near the historic port of Cadiz. Instead of being a hindrance, the blowy conditions are a blessing, creating the perfect environment for kitesurfing (restrictions apply in high season when the beaches are busy). Playa de Bolonia is also known for its hulking sand dune, surrounded by a scattering of fragrant green pines and wispy beach grass. Swimwear is optional on Playa de Bolonia — at least on the shore's naturist section. For a boutique base in central Cadiz, consider Aurea Casa Palacio Sagasta, a beautifully restored baroque palace and one-time British embassy where you can swap sandy toes for laps in a spa swimming pool set beneath a vaulted, exposed-stone ceiling. There's no restaurant as such, but a buffet breakfast means you won't have to go far in search of morning coffee and pastries. The honey-hued shore of San Sebastian's La Concha beach is hugged by an elegant promenade, just a short walk from the city's famous pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. To the east side of the beach is Alderdi Eder, a fragrant park and gardens near the old town, with the Miramar Jauregia, a former royal residence, to the west. La Concha, the largest of two beaches in the bay, has a wonderfully nostalgic seaside vibe that feels like a warm embrace, even on a cool autumn day. Throw down a towel and take a dip in the refreshing Cantabrian Sea. Hardy beachgoers can swim to Santa Clara — a verdant island shaped like a camel's hump that rises from the bay — around 350 metres from the shore. Set in a 1912-built belle époque building overlooking La Concha's hallowed sands, the sleek Nobu Hotel promises best-in-show views from each of its 17 rooms. Chef Matsuhisa's artful cuisine —– including a certain black cod with miso — might be a big attraction, but it's the hotel's minimalist Japanese design, rooftop pool and A-grade people-watching that really seal the deal. • Best hotels in San Sebastian • Spain's best cities for food This delicious beach with gin-clear water lies mostly under the radar. Its remote location, on Fuerteventura's Jandia peninsula, is one of the closest points in the Canary Islands to mainland Africa. The beach is flanked by sugar-white holiday apartments and low-lying hotels, with bumpy dunes sloping towards the shore. Follow one of the paths carved out between the clumps of subtropical vegetation to find a soft patch on the pale sand. Sun loungers and umbrellas are also available for hire. Families enjoy the northern section of Costa Calma, where there's a playground near a scattering of beach bars. For watersports, stroll 30-40 minutes south to Playa de Sotavento beach, where windsurfers and kitesurfers can be found taking advantage of the Atlantic breeze. At the seafront Barcelo Fuerteventura Beach Resort — spanning four hotels — accommodation options include family-friendly bungalows and self-catering-ready suites that sleep up to seven. Boredom doesn't get a look-in here, with guests having the run of multiple pools and restaurants, a thalasso spa, gym, sports courts, mini-golf and an entertainment programme promising something for everyone. • Read our full guide to the Canary Islands Without hyperbole, Tenerife's La Tejita is one of Spain's most cinematic beaches. Here, on the southeast tip of Tenerife, below Tenerife South Airport, Mirador Montaña Roja looms over the almost mile-long beach. Sure, you could laze on the sand, enjoy cooling swims and watch kitesurfers that descend here when the wind picks up. You could also hike up the ochre-tinged Montaña Roja for endless blue views, looking out for playful bottlenose dolphins off the coast. Not a fan of tan lines? Lose your clothes on the nudist section of La Tejita, nearest to the mountain. Splurge on one of the 372 spacious rooms and suites at upscale family resort Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife, in nearby Golf del Sur, where magic of a different kind awaits. While the design might stick to a conventional colour chart of soft neutrals, everything else here aims to thrill, from the dizzying array of restaurants to the pièce de résistance, a Disney-style castle in the central pool area. All Spaniards know that some of the country's most spectacular beaches are dotted along the north coast, and the small region of Cantabria is no exception. Just 20 miles east around the bay from lively Santander, Langre combines a refreshingly out-of-the-way rural setting, rippling green fields and two golden sweeps of sand curled beneath the cliffs — classic Cantabria. Both Langre beaches front the open Bay of Biscay, making this a favourite spot among local surfers (take care with the currents). From Santander, pick up the A8 autovía then the CA-146 and wiggle north following Langre signs until you hit the coast, where steep steps lead down to the sand. Pack a picnic and everything you need for a day at la playa. Chic, adults-only hideaway Le Petit Boutique Hotel sits just a short stroll from Santander's old town and the city's beloved Sardinero beach — a long, sandy stretch dotted with cafés, restaurants and surf schools. There are just seven rooms, all of which take their design cues from various world cities, and while there's no restaurant, the team will be happy to recommend good spots nearby. Surrounded by southern Lanzarote's arid sun-baked landscapes, the wildly beautiful and undeveloped Punta del Papagayo promontory has some of the finest beaches in the Canary Islands. It sits within the protected Monumento Natural Los Ajaches reserve (pictured), just outside laid-back Playa Blanca. Lunar-like hills loom 500m tall behind a string of powdery, honey-coloured Atlantic coves framed by craggy, bare cliffs. Anyone driving should head a few miles southeast from Playa Blanca along a dusty track, but you can also hike here along the coast from Playa Blanca (or even further afield). The main Papagayo beach can get busy; arrive early, then wander over to Caleta del Congrio for more peace. The only facility around here is a breezy clifftop chiringuito, so bring snacks, water and beach gear. Kamezi Boutique Villas — a collection of 44 whitewashed beachfront abodes near Playa Blanca — combines the luxury of a hotel with the freedom of a private rental. When you're not floating in your private pool, you can float between the spa, gym and Michelin-starred restaurant, before grabbing your rental car from your private parking space and setting off to chase the sunset. • Best all-inclusive hotels in Lanzarote• Best luxury villas in Lanzarote The Marbella-centric Costa del Sol tends to bag the spotlight, but neighbouring Granada's Costa Tropical is a less-touristy treat for beach lovers. Playa de Cantarrijan is curled into one of its loveliest pockets, the Acantilados de Maro–Cerro Gordo nature reserve, where rugged coastal cliffs plunge into the turquoise water. This duo of silvery pebble-and-sand coves makes up one of Andalusia's original nudist beaches, though these days there's a mixed crowd. Popular chiringuito La Barraca is open pretty much year-round — perfect for some garlicky prawns with a tinto de verano (red wine cocktail) after a swim or some paddleboarding. For environmental reasons, private vehicles are banned from around mid-June to mid-September; hop on the shuttle bus or hike down to the beach (around a mile from the nearest parking). If you're looking to combine beach days with deep-dives into Granada's ever-evolving cultural scene, book a room at the turreted Gar Anat, in the city's hot-ticket Realejo neighbourhood. Built in the 17th century, this former inn for pilgrims now charms modern-day travellers with its literary-themed interiors, artisanal breakfasts and line-up of Alhambra excursions and flamenco experiences. This deserted stretch of cliff-backed golden sand is far away from roads and civilisation. Thanks to tricky access, Playa de Castilla doesn't attract crowds or families. Park under shady trees (look out for the Cuesta Maneli sign at kilometre 39), then climb the decked path to the top of the 110m-high Asperillo dunes, part of the protected Doñana National Park. You'll wind around pine trees, passing zingy yellow gorse, and after about 30 minutes you'll be rewarded with a glimpse of the Atlantic. Stairs take you down to an epic stretch of beach — sink your feet into the velvety soft sand and soak up the gold and cream-striped cliffs, footed by grass and wildflowers. There are rock pools for children to explore, but be aware that the beach is popular with naturists. Bring your own picnic as there's only a small beach bar. Bound for Seville and sad to leave the sea? Check into Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, and make a beeline for the glorious pool, which is set against a backdrop of traditional tiles and Moorish arches. There's a pool restaurant on hand for drinks and light bites, but if it's fine dining you're after, make a reservation at the hotel's legendary Restaurante San Fernando. Additional reporting by Isabella Noble and Julie Alpine
