There is an abundance of snorkeling spots in Spain. In fact, the Mediterranean Sea’s rocky coves, sandbanks, salty lagoons, and Posidonia meadows provide a diverse underwater ecosystem throughout its 2,000-kilometer shoreline.
Whether in one of the country’s Marine Reserves or closer to a more commercial beach town, there are true beauties to be found among the hundreds of possible places dispersed around the coast.
Snorkelers frequently encounter schools of sea bream and sargo, as well as red starfish, octopuses, moray eels, groupers, and even stingrays when exploring the underwater world off the coast of Spain.
Top 7 places for snorkeling in Spain
Spain has a lot of coastline and beaches, and there are also 10 National Marine Reserves. You may go snorkeling all around Spain, from the northernmost point to the southernmost. Here are a few of our favorite places to go snorkeling in Spain:
- Medes Islands
- Cala Macarella
- Mallorca and Menorca
- Lanzarote
- Cabo De Palos (Cape Palos)
- Cala Mitjana
- Costa Brava
1. Medes Islands
The snorkeling in the Medes Islands is among the greatest in Spain, if not the world. Located south of the French border and technically a part of the Costa Brava, they break off into smaller islands in the Mediterranean directly across from the town of L’Estartit.
The rocky edges and lack of sand on the ocean floor contribute to excellent visibility, making this area ideal for those in search of bubble-blowing fish. Additionally, for the past 30 years, boats for fishing have been banned from the Mediterranean Sea surrounding the Medes Islands. Think about the benefits to marine life!
The Medes are so vital to the health of the surrounding ecosystems that even scuba diving trips are closely watched. To cross across and enter, you will probably have to submit an application for permission to do so. If you make it, you may expect to see a wide variety of wildlife as you explore the islands of Meda Gran, the largest, Meda Xica, and Carall.
2. Cala Macarella
Cala Macarella, on the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands, is renowned as one of the most beautiful little bays in the region. It is situated 14 kilometers from Ciutadella, between Se Castellet de Macarella and Punta de na Xulla. The stunning U-shaped coastline has towering cliffs, lush pine forests, and azure seas.
A rough-and-ready treasure with several points of entry. You can walk there from Cala Galdana in less than half an hour if you are in the mood. Through the distinctive Menorcan shore landscape, there is a well-marked walk. If you would rather reserve your energy for snorkeling, there are also two parking lots available.
Colors from turquoise to the deepest blue may be seen in the ocean. The fish will put on quite a show for you if you decide to go swimming, and if you are lucky, you could even spot a sea turtle.
3. Mallorca and Menorca
The Balearic Islands are a cluster of islands in the western Mediterranean Sea. Mallorca, Menorca, and Cabrera make up the bulk of the bigger group, while Ibiza and Formentera and a smattering of smaller islands make up the smaller group. The Balearic Sea’s pristine waters are great for swimming, surfing, and other water sports for people of all ages.
If you are looking for the greatest snorkeling in Spain, we suggest you visit Mallorca, which has both sandy beaches and rocky bays, giving you plenty of options for soaking up the sun and swimming in the water.
Small bays along Mallorca’s southeast coast are among the greatest spots to go snorkeling due to the abundance of marine life, including a variety of fish and octopuses.
4. Lanzarote
The interior seascapes of Lanzarote were designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. Since then, Lanzarote has gained a reputation as one of Spain’s premier snorkeling destinations.
You do not have to go deep into the water to see turtles, manta rays, tuna, cheerful dolphins, and even sperm whales; it is known for being the most eastern of the islands in the Canary Archipelago and for having one of the most diverse and richest marine fauna in the world, and we can witness this by snorkeling.
Because of the abundance of rare corals and other tiny creatures, this natural gem is off-limits to tourists on a single visit. Snorkeling locations may be found all across the island, including in its Marine Reserve and among its deep coral forests and reefs.
5. Cabo De Palos (Cape Palos)
The bloody action of Cape Palos, the greatest naval action of the Spanish Civil War, took place in this area. That was the final time the Republicans won throughout the bloody battle, and it did not stop Franco’s rise to power in Spain. Well, you guessed it: Cape Palos is both a battlefield and a great place to go snorkeling in Spain.
Do your snorkeling gear and get ready to explore a magical underwater world. The headland, which was formed from volcanic rock millions of years ago, extends westward into the Mediterranean to avoid prevailing swells and to provide several sheltered areas where fish and other creatures may flourish.
Snorkeling is at its finest on the northern side of the peninsula. It offers considerably greater shelter from the swells that can sweep in from the open Atlantic Ocean across the Strait of Gibraltar. That implies calmer water and better fish-spotting prospects due to the lack of stirred-up sand and silt.
Suppose you are looking for a more secluded place that reaches up to 12 meters deep only a few strokes out; head to Cala Tunisia at the end of the cape. That is the finest option by far.
6. Cala Mitjana
The south coast of Menorca is home to a number of beautiful coves, among which Cala Mitjana stands out. In a sparsely populated region of the island, it passes beneath a cliff face of pure white limestone. That means the marine life can thrive with only the occasional millionaire’s boat drifting in and out of the harbor.
You can leave your belongings on a little patch of pebbly beach in front of Cala Mitjana. The snorkeling is conveniently close to the shore since the entrance deepens just off the beach. Paddling out of the cove is easiest to the west or east. The flow of the Mediterranean Sea over the years has smoothed away the jagged streaks of granite that dominate both sides. Small caves, grottos, and boulders now surround them; within, a wide variety of animals, from rockfish and weevers to darting espets, may be observed.
What makes a trip to Cala Mitjana for snorkeling so enjoyable is not limited to the water life you could encounter. It is also a great opportunity to see one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Balearic Islands. Other beaches, such as Cala de Trebalger and Cala Macarella, may be reached through hiking routes winding through the surrounding pine forests.
7. Costa Brava
The whole Costa Brava is included since it is a fantastic place to go snorkeling in Spain at any time of year. It is one of the shores of the Spanish Mediterranean that is least visited and developed. Unlike, for instance, the Costa del Sol, it does not have endless miles of pristine, white sand. It is rougher, rockier, and more pebbly in appearance.
When compared to their sandy counterparts, rocky shores offer superior visibility. They provide shelter for seagrasses and many different kinds of colorful fish, creating a veritable kaleidoscope of aquatic life.
The Costa Brava gives you exactly that. You will get access to an incredible 125 miles of it. The area’s greatest snorkeling may be found in its northernmost half, close to the border between France and Spain. Cap de Creus Natural Park is located there. The area is rife with anemones, starfish, and octopi, and its narrow inlets resemble the calanques of Marseille.
Conclusion
When it comes to European summer vacation spots, Spain always ranks high. The Mediterranean climate and the country’s many miles of beautiful beaches make it a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Exploring the abundant undersea life in the beautiful, tranquil seas of Spain is a lot of pleasure for people of all ages who go snorkeling.
