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Spanish beach getaways from Madrid

These are the best and closest coastlines you can get to from the Spanish capital

Madrid sits in the centre of Spain and is one of the best-connected capitals in the world. It means that you can pretty much travel anywhere in the country within just a couple of hours by train – great news for adventurers and vacationers.

To illustrate just how many options you have from the capital, here are some beach getaways, giving you a taste of sun, sea and sand within hours of leaving the metropolis.

Valencia

From the Valencia Fallas festival in March to the famous La Tomatina food fight in August, Valencia has more than its fair share of festivals and celebrations. It’s also a big city with a rich food history – this is the home of the original paella, after all.

But we’re here for beach breaks, so where’s the ocean? The Valencia region sits along a beautiful stretch of coastline, so head east and you’ll find an array of golden sandy beaches. You can get to Malvarrosa, one of its most famous beaches, in just 15 minutes by bus from the city centre. This beach includes an artificial reef, so there’s some exploring to be done if you’re in the mood.

Other beaches worth visiting in the region include:

Cabanyal Beach
Playa Saplaya
El Saler
Port de Sagunt Beach
Puçol Beach

The train to Valencia from Madrid takes less than a couple of hours and is usually a very cheap trip. So, book your ticket and fill up on sunshine and paella.

Alicante

Alicante is just a couple of hours away from Valencia by train. It’s one of the most-visited Mediterranean coastal regions, attracting several hundred thousand visitors a month. And with good reason, as this beautiful part of the world has some of Spain’s best beaches.

Playa San Juan de Alicante is a prime example. Sitting on the Costa Blanca, it offers a picture-perfect blend of crystal-white sands and azure water. As it’s a popular beach, you’ll also find a glut of great restaurants and bars nearby, so you can sample some delicious and fresh local seafood. It’s only 5 minutes away from the city centre too, so you’re not too far from the action and likely won’t need to stray far from your accommodation.

If you’re looking for a little more activity, head to Platja de Llevant, an excellent location for water sports and swimming. There’s even a playground nearby if you’re visiting with kids and need a bit of entertainment for the little ones. Be prepared though, as it’s a little further away from the city centre.

Marbella

Although it requires much more travel time than Alicante and Valencia, Marbella is well worth the effort. You can get here in under 8 hours by bus, but it’s usually a very cheap journey.

It has an average of 320 days of sunshine per year, as well as some glorious beaches and nightlife. Head for the Old Quarter to explore some of the city’s history and get a taste of a quainter side of Spain. Alternatively, make a beeline for one of the six Blue Flag beaches spread along the 27km of coastline. These beaches are dotted with grand hotels, fantastic restaurants, and plenty of spaces to put your feet up, relax, and enjoy a cocktail or two.

Some of the must-see attractions and must-do experiences in Marbella include:

Golf: Marbella is a popular destination for golfers, and most visitors partake in this sport while they’re in the region. There are plenty of glorious golf courses to explore.
Museums and galleries: Marbella has a rich cultural scene, with some fantastic art galleries and museums. These include the Reiners Contemporary Art Gallery, Ralli Museum, Es Arte Gallery, and Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo.
Water sports: Kayaking, jet skiing, even swimming... Marbella has it all. You can rent what you need and if you’re new to these sports, there are tours and instructors who will show you the ropes.
Hiking: It’s not all about the sea and beaches here, as there are many hiking trails around the city as well.

Marbella is also a good option if you have further travel in mind. You’re just an hour away from Gibraltar, and there are regular ferry trips that will take you across the Strait of Gibraltar and into North Africa.

Summary: Beach getaways from Madrid

Madrid is about as far from a beach getaway as you can get, but if you’re prepared to board a train or bus and head for the coast, you could be feeling sand beneath your toes and watching waves lap at the shore in no time. So, enjoy yourself in the metropolis before heading to the nearest station and preparing for a new adventure.