La Concha in San Sebastián (Guipúzcoa).

Queen María Cristina elevated it to the status of "the" place to spend summer, at the end of the nineteenth century and, from that time, it has kept its charm. Framed by its two mountains, Igueldo and Urgull, the beautiful beach is bordered by superb decorative walkway. In the centre of the bay is Stanta Clara Island and lighthouse, which can be reached by ferry in the summer.

....for nudists

If when it gets hot, you find clothes are too much, you'll surely enjoy naturism, which consists, among other things, of living the beach experience in your birthday suit or "how your mother brought you into the world" as the Spanish put it. Well, you can wear a thong if you want. In Spain there are several hundred beaches with a nudist tradition which goes back to the 1960s, the majority with difficult access and unspoilt scenery. As well, there are those which must live with the "textiles" (as naturists call those who don't go nude) in separate zones, including certain remote caves in which there is a natural mixture of bathing costumes and exposed skin. You can also find areas of coast specifically for nudism; authentic naturist centres, equipped with all types of set up (hotels, supermarkets, swimming pools) for those who go around completely naked.

Cala Fonda, in Altafulla (Tarragona).