Guide to the best stand-up paddleboarding spots in Spain 2025

Looking for a sporty and relaxing holiday in the sun?

Paddleboarding in Spain is a must-do activity for lovers of the sea, nature, and quiet adventure. From the wild coves of the Costa Brava to the turquoise lagoons of the Costa del Sol, passing through the pristine beaches of the Andalusian Atlantic, Spain is full of heavenly places for paddleboarding (SUP) .

In this guide, explore the best places to paddleboard by region, with key information on how to rent a board, easily access beaches, and have an unforgettable experience on the water.

Paddleboarding in Spain: The best tourist spots on the Mediterranean coast

Catalonia – Paddleboarding between secret coves and crystal-clear waters

Catalonia, near the French border, is one of the most spectacular regions for paddleboarding. The Costa Brava , with its rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and crystal-clear waters, attracts paddlers of all levels.

Best places:

• Cadaqués and Cap de Creus : wild surroundings, cliffs, crystal-clear waters. Ideal at sunrise or sunset.

• Tossa de Mar : easy access, perfect for beginners, with numerous rentals right on the beach.

• L'Estartit and the Medes Islands : Snorkeling and SUP in a protected marine reserve. A rich flora and fauna awaits.

  Cadaques

☀️ Valencian Community – Relaxing paddleboarding on the Costa Blanca

Guaranteed sunshine, warm seas, and whitewashed villages: welcome to the Costa Blanca in the Valencian Community. Ideal for soft paddleboarding and families.

Recommended places:

• Altea : a zen session between beaches, port and white houses.

• Calpe : incredible panoramic view of the Peñón d'Ifach, a photogenic and pleasant spot.

• Jávea (Xàbia) : natural coves such as La Granadella, with nearby parking and rental companies on site.

  
  

🌅 Murcia – The calm of the Mar Menor and the coves of the Mediterranean

Less touristy, but ideal for SUP: the Region of Murcia . It's home to one of Europe's largest lagoons and some highly accessible natural areas.

To discover by rowing:

• Mar Menor : shallow waters, no current, perfect for beginners or families with children.

• La Manga : a unique opportunity to row between two seas (the lagoon and the Mediterranean).

• Cabo de Palos : marine nature reserve, ideal for experienced paddlers.

  La Manga

🌊 Andalusia – Row between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic

🏄♀️ Paddleboarding in Spain:

The best tourist spots on the Mediterranean coast:

Andalusia is the largest and most diverse region, with a coastline that combines family-friendly beaches, spectacular cliffs, and long Atlantic beaches perfect for adventure.

The essentials:

• Nerja (Costa del Sol): cliffs, coves and sea caves accessible by SUP.

• Estepona : well-sheltered beach, ideal for beginners.

• Tarifa : A legendary spot on the Atlantic, best avoided on windy days if you're a beginner.

• Cadiz : a lovely paddleboard ride along the walls of the old city.

• Sanlúcar de Barrameda : Rowing along the Guadalquivir River with views of the Doñana Natural Park.

  Cascade de Maro

✅ Why paddleboard in Spain?

• Pleasant climate all year round, even in winter.

• Very varied coastline: coves, cliffs, lagoons, immense beaches.

• Activity accessible to all ages and levels.

• Easy rentals on almost every beach.

❓Where can you paddleboard in Catalonia?

Catalonia is full of paddleboarding spots, especially on the Costa Brava , between Cadaqués , Tossa de Mar , and L'Estartit . These spots offer sheltered coves and crystal-clear waters, perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or even snorkeling.

❓ Can you paddleboard with your family on the Costa Blanca?

Yes! Resorts like Jávea , Altea , and Calpe offer quiet areas ideal for paddleboarding with children. The beaches are supervised, the boards tend to be wider (all-terrain type), and the waters are shallow.

❓ What are the best paddleboard spots for beginners in Spain?

Beginners will appreciate:

• Mar Menor (Murcia) : protected lagoon, without waves or currents

• Estepona Beach (Andalusia): calm waters

• Tossa de Mar : easy rentals, crystal-clear waters, and a sandy bottom

• 
  

❓ Can you rent a paddleboard directly on the beaches of Spain?

Yes, in most larger tourist destinations, such as Nerja , Sanlúcar , Altea , or Tarifa , you'll find water sports centers , local rental companies , and paddleboarding schools . Some also offer guided tours.

❓ Is it possible to take a supervised paddleboarding excursion in Spain?

Of course. Many companies organize paddleboarding excursions:

• Towards the sea caves of Nerja

• Around the Medes Islands in Catalonia

• In the coves of Jávea, excursions usually include equipment, a guide, and explanations about the local fauna, flora, and geography.

  
  

❓ Are there paddleboarding spots suitable for experienced paddlers?

Yes, some spots like Tarifa (wind and waves) or Cabo de Palos (a more technical area, rocks, current) are perfect for those who have already mastered gliding, turning, and sailing in the open sea.

❓ Where can you paddleboard with a view of a historic site?

In Cádiz , you can paddle along the ancient city walls. In Sanlúcar , paddleboarding is available along the Guadalquivir River , with unique views of Doñana Natural Park. Heritage blends with nature.

❓What type of paddleboard should you choose for lagoons like the Mar Menor?

For lagoons or calm waters like the Mar Menor , choose a versatile inflatable paddleboard or a longer, more stable touring paddleboard . These models allow you to paddle comfortably without the risk of losing your balance.

❓ What other water activities can you do near the paddleboarding areas?

Often, the same rental companies offer:

• Sea kayak

• Snorkeling with fins and board

• Semi-rigid boat excursions

• Pedal boat or jet ski rental (in large resorts such as Benidorm or Malaga)

  
  

❓ Where can I easily park before a paddleboarding session?

There is often free or paid public parking nearby:

• At Playa de la Granadella (Jávea) : small parking lot 200 m away

• On the beach of Tossa de Mar : large paid parking in the town center

• In La Manga del Mar Menor : parking along the road

  
  

❓ Can you paddle surf in Spain outside of summer?

Yes! Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate , you can paddleboard in April, May, September, and October without any problems. In regions like Andalusia and Murcia, you can practice almost year-round.

❓ Is paddleboarding allowed in marine reserves?

Yes, but sometimes under certain conditions. For example:

• Medes Islands Reserve : paddle surfing is permitted, but anchoring is not.

• Cabo de Gata (Almería) : Signposted areas that must be observed. Always check with the tourist office or local car rental company.

  
  

❓ Can you paddleboard in a secluded cove?

Yes, it's even one of the best ways to access coves inaccessible on foot . In Cadaqués , Calpe , or Granadella , many small coves are only accessible by sea.

❓What are the regulations for paddle surfing in Spain?

• No license required

• Life jacket recommended (mandatory for minors)

• Highly recommended strap

• Respect bathing areas and access buoys