If you’re planning a trip to northern Spain, La Rioja is one region you don’t want to miss. While the area is mainly known for its wine production, the beaches in La Rioja are equally impressive. The coastline of Costa de Cantabria has plenty of beautiful beaches waiting for you to explore.

Famous Beaches in La Rioja, Spain

Here are some of the best beaches in La Rioja and the surrounding area:

1. Cala de San Miguel

Located in the small town of Tárano, Cala de San Miguel is a hidden gem along the Ebro River. The beach’s clear waters and serene surroundings make it a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway. With its unique location, Cala de San Miguel offers a completely different beach experience than the crowded beaches nearby.

Address: Tárano, La Rioja, Spain

2. Playa de Laredo

Playa de Laredo is a stunning 4.2 km beach that stretches along the coast of Cantabria, just a short drive from La Rioja. With its calm waters and pristine sandy beach, it’s no wonder that it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. This beach also offers a wide range of water sports activities, making it the perfect spot for adventure seekers.

Address: Playa de Laredo, Cantabria, Spain

3. Playa del Sardinero

Located in Santander, just a short drive from La Rioja, Playa del Sardinero is one of the most famous beaches in northern Spain. With its golden sand and crystal clear water, it’s easy to see why. The beach is split into two parts, El Sardinero and La Concha, and offers plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops in the surrounding area.

Address: Playa del Sardinero, Santander, Spain

4. Beaches near Santander

If you’re looking for even more beaches near Santander, Santander Bay has plenty of options to offer. The beaches of Playa de la Magdalena, Playa de los Bikinis, and Playa de Matalenas are all located within walking distance of each other and offer different beach experiences.

Addresses:
– Playa de la Magdalena: Plaza de Italia, Santander, Spain
– Playa de los Bikinis: Paseo de Pereda, Santander, Spain
– Playa de Matalenas: Calle de la Reina Victoria, Santander, Spain

5. Beaches near Bilbao

Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, is also a short drive away from La Rioja and has plenty of beaches in the surrounding area. The beaches of Plentzia, Ereaga, and Arrigunaga are all located along the Bilbao coastline and offer scenic views and plenty of activities.

Addresses:
– Plentzia Beach: Plentzia, Bizkaia, Spain
– Ereaga Beach: Las Arenas, Getxo, Spain
– Arrigunaga Beach: Algorta, Getxo, Spain

In conclusion, La Rioja may be known for its vineyards, but its beaches are just as impressive. From the hidden gem of Cala de San Miguel to the famous Playa del Sardinero, there’s a beach for everyone to enjoy. And if you’re in the mood for exploring, the beaches near Santander and Bilbao are just a short drive away, offering even more options to satisfy your beach cravings.