Spain's Beaches Are Disappearing Faster Than Expected — And Some Towns Are Starting to Step Back

Beaches Shrinking Before Your Eyes

Spain could begin losing parts of its beaches within the next decade, according to environmental warnings, as winter storms continue to erode large sections of the coastline. In some areas near Barcelona, the change is already visible — beaches shrinking dramatically compared to just a few years ago.

In Montgat, just north of Barcelona, stretches of beach that once extended hundreds of metres have almost disappeared. Today, only a narrow strip of sand remains, and rocks that used to be buried are now fully exposed. Locals say the difference is striking: just four or five years ago the beach was wide enough to walk for long distances. Now, in some places, there are barely a few metres left between the sea and the land.

A Cycle That Never Solves the Problem

Further south in Calafell, the same pattern is repeating. Each winter, strong waves reduce the size of the beaches, and each spring, efforts begin to prepare them for the summer season — bringing in large quantities of sand and repairing promenades damaged by the sea.

But experts say constantly replacing sand is both expensive and ineffective. Much of the sand added before summer ends up washed away within months. It creates a cycle that never solves the underlying problem.

At the same time, the way the coastline has been developed — promenades, buildings and infrastructure built close to the sea — leaves very little room for beaches to regenerate on their own.

A Different Approach: Letting Beaches Rebuild Themselves

Carla García Lozano, a geography professor at the University of Girona, explains that beaches can recover naturally during calmer periods, particularly in spring and summer — but only if they have enough space and are not heavily altered by construction.

In Calafell, local authorities have started testing solutions that focus on restoring natural conditions:

• Part of the seafront promenade has been removed
• Structures interfering with sand movement have been taken down
• Reed barriers have been placed along the beach to trap sand and encourage dune formation
• Instead of importing sand, the beach is being helped to rebuild itself

Early results are encouraging. In the test area, a significant amount of sand has been recovered, with noticeable increases in beach levels. While it doesn't reverse everything overnight, it shows that natural regeneration is possible when the coastline is given space.

Other Towns Following Suit

Nearby towns are beginning to explore similar ideas — some removing car parks or small constructions near the shore, others reconsidering how much infrastructure should remain so close to the sea.

In Sitges, the decision has been to restore dunes while keeping the historic seafront promenade, which local leaders consider part of the town's identity. It reflects the broader dilemma: the need to adapt to ongoing erosion while maintaining the appeal that draws visitors.

A Lot at Stake

Spain's beaches are not just natural landscapes — they are a key part of the economy. Close to 100 million tourists visit Spain every year, many of them attracted by the coastline. Tourism represents a major share of GDP and supports millions of jobs.

That makes any decision about beaches highly sensitive. Environmental groups have warned that some beaches could begin to disappear within the next decade if current trends continue. For residents and expats on the costas, the question is no longer whether Spain's coastline is changing — it's how fast, and what gets done about it.

This article is based on reporting from Euro Weekly News, published April 7, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only.