Spain is filled with beautiful and clean beaches perfect for lounging on.
A travel expert who's spent years arranging holidays to coastal parts of the country has highlighted his favourite, most pristine spots after a shocking report shone a spotlight on the poor state of some.
The beaches have been put in the spotlight after close to 50 Spanish beaches were issued with a 'black flag' because of their sordid state, thanks to pollution like chemical spills and dog poo.
Anthony Eastwood, founder of Barcelona Inside and Out, has urged people not to be put off coming to Spain, but to seek out those that remain spotless and beautiful.
"Of course, there is no doubt that local authorities must take heed of issues at these beaches such as sound pollution and overdevelopment, as must other destinations in the world, but such matters have not left Spain in short supply of glittering coastline," he told The Mirror.
"Home to approximately 8,000 beaches, the number of 'blacklisted' beaches in Spain actually only amounts to 0.6% of those in the country, so don't be deterred."
San Sebastien
"In my opinion, one of the best places to visit for a beach experience is the shores of San Sebastian, which are completely unspoilt and pristine with clear blue water," Anthony said.
The resort town sits on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s mountainous Basque Country and is known for Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, beaches framed by a picturesque bayfront promenade.
Along the coast close to the town are a series of crescent like bays filled with pure sand, with plenty of space to sunbathe and play beach games. Being situated in the north-east of the country, the Spanish region is the closest to the UK and can be easily reached via train.
Playa de Rodas
"Another stunning bay" that is situated on a little-known island group off Galicia, known as the Cíes Islands.
The breathtaking shell-shaped beach runs for about 700 m and is now protected by national park status, meaning its one of the cleanest beaches you're likely to find in Spain.
It runs onto the Atlantic Ocean meaning the waves are powerful and great for surfing. In 2007 its high quality was recognised by the Guardian, which judged it to be the best beach in the world.
Cala Turquet
This "gorgeous cove" in Menorca is "renowned for its vibrant, aquamarine waters", Anthony explained.
The beach is rich with an unspoilt natural beauty and white soft sand. There’s a car park around 10-15-minutes walk away that you access through a pine wood.
It is highly advisable to take a picnic and enjoy the seclusion that the layout of the bay and the walk there offer.
Playa El Castell
Located near Palamos Costa Brava, this sensational piece of coastline is blessed with dazzlingly crystal clear, calm waters.
It is known for being one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas on the Costa Brava, and runs into an area filled with pine woods, agricultural land and some farmhouses.
At one end of the beach is the impressive Iberian settlement of Castell, an archaeological site of great historical value that is well worth a visit after a day's relaxing or dipping.
Despite being located far from the town centre of Palamós, the beach is accessible for people with reduced mobility, as it has ramps and access walkways.
Playa de Ses Illetes
This beach on Formentera Island is an "untouched paradise with dusty-pink sand shores and pristine waters".
Those who make the pilgrimage to Ses Illetes are treated to a two-for-one offer, as on the opposite side of the sand strip is Llevant beach; a near mirror image of its neighbour.
These two beaches are so close that they are often called 'the twins'. On both you can walk out a long way into the shallow, warm water, enjoying the view of the small darting fish which live there through the clear blue water.
