You will struggle to find a better beach in Spain than the beaches of Alicante and the surrounding areas. With turquoise waters, pale gold sandy beaches and a coastline drenched in sunshine for almost 300 days of the year, it’s not difficult to see why tourists flock to this region of Spain almost in their millions every year.
Alicante city and the region of Alicante sit on the southeast coast of Spain otherwise known as Costa Blanca – the “White Coast”.
The Alicante and Costa Blanca coastline stretches for almost 200km, serving up all kinds of different beaches so there really is something for everyone here.
Here is where you will find many of the best beaches in Alicante, and it is in this post that you are going to discover the best Alicante beaches this region has on offer.
Whether you prefer a long stretch of light golden sand, a family-oriented beach or a more natural, hidden bay tucked away in its own spectacular cove, I am going to show you a variety of all of the best beaches in Costa Blanca so you can make sure you’re getting right to the good stuff without wasting a minute of your time on the mediocre!
Ready? Best Costa Blanca beaches incoming – let’s get to it.
Best Beaches In Alicante And The Costa Blanca
1. Playa de Levante – Benidorm
If you are looking for the best beach in Alicante, or even the best beach on Costa Blanca, then you really cannot go past Playa de Levante in Benidorm.
This is a huge, world-famous beach that draws in tourists from all over Europe and beyond year after year.
The long, wide stretch of light golden sand and the clear blue waters make it a real winner in my books.
With it being within such close proximity to the city of Benidorm, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes lining the beach and just behind. This means regardless of how busy this one gets, you can always find somewhere to get a bite to eat or a refreshing drink under the sun.
If you’re after something a little more active, there are also plenty of water sports on offer here such as jet skiing, banana boats and more.
It does get very busy during the summer months so you might want to arrive early to get the perfect spot, but with its city location and tourist hotspot, this shouldn’t really come as too much of a surprise
All in all, it really is the complete package and that’s why I believe this to be one of the best beaches in Alicante.
Getting Here: Playa de Levante, Benidorm, Spain
Highlights:
- World-famous city beach with a long, wide stretch of light golden sand
- Right in the heart of Benidorm and everything the city has to offer
Most Suitable For:
- Families
- Couples,
- Groups
- Everyone really!
> Read My “Best Things To Do In Benidorm Spain” Travel Guide
2. Cala de Finestrat – Finestrat
If you’re after one of the best Alicante beaches that is a little more low-key than Playa de Levante but still just as beautiful, then I suggest heading to Cala de Finestrat.
This beach is a little more secluded and it is only a short walk from Benidorm, yet it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle.
It’s just a 3km walk away from Benidorm and should take around 30 minutes to reach here by foot, but of course, you can also drive, take a taxi or hop on a bus (No. 2, 3 & 8) if it’s feeling a little too hot for you.
Although it’s a lot quieter here there are still bars and restaurants lining the rear of the beach along the promenade. You can hire your umbrellas and sun loungers for €6 each for the day if you don’t already have your own.
The water stays shallow for a long way out with small waves lapping against the golden sand making Cala de Finestrat beach perfect for families with young children.
There is also a large market which runs on certain days and makes for a great break from the sun when you feel like you need to stretch your legs. Even if the market isn’t on, you can make the short walk to the viewpoint at the end of the beach for panoramic views across the city, beach and Mediterranean.
Getting Here: Av. Marina Baixa, s/n, 03509 Finestrat, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- Urban yet tranquil beach
- Far fewer tourists, yet still comes with all of the amenities of a bustling city beach
Most Suitable For:
- Best for families with young children, with shallow waters and small waves.
- For those looking for something a little more relaxing and chilled.
- Romantic escape
3. Playa De la Granadella – Javea
My favourite beach in the whole region. What more can I say – it’s just magnificent! With turquoise waters beckoning you in and a small cove beach encapsulated by mountains and lined with greenery.
This is one of the most popular beaches for snorkelling and diving in Alicante as there are so many rocks providing natural underwater habitats for a whole host of marine life.
Playa de la Granadella is secluded and natural. The white golden sand is flawless and the surroundings are peaceful. You even have a restaurant just to the rear for a meal in the afternoon if you don’t plan on bringing your own food and drinks (most people do here!)
The rocks that border the edges also make for plenty of sheltered spots on the beach if you want to avoid being in direct sunlight all day long.
Playa de la Granadella is at the northern tip of the Alicante province and Costa Blanca, so you will need a car to access this beach. You can reach the beach from Benidorm which is around a 50-minute drive away.
Getting Here: 03738, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- Incredible turquoise waters
- Small, beautiful cove with trees lining the beach all the way around
- Less touristy and away from the crowds of the holiday resorts
- Great to explore the rocky cliffs with a snorkel and mask
Most Suitable For:
- Families
- Couples
- Romantic getaways
- Snorkellers and divers
- Peaceful day on the beach
4. Playa de Poniente – Benidorm
Playa de Poniente is one of Benidorm’s two main city beaches. This Costa Blanca beach is less crowded than the super popular Levante Beach so makes for a great escape to somewhere a little more peaceful.
Poniente Beach is also huge. It stretches for almost two kilometres making it one of the longest in the province.
The sand here is a little darker than some of the other beaches in the area but it’s just as clean and well-kept. You can find all sorts of water sports on offer here as well as a few beach bars and restaurants.
The wide promenade is perfect for an afternoon walk or cycle too, with plenty of benches to take in the sea views. If you fancy something a little more active, there’s also a skate park and BMX track.
Getting Here: 03502 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- A wide, long urban beach great for a relaxing day
- The promenade is perfect for an afternoon walk or cycle
- There’s a skate park and BMX track, and playground for the little ones
- There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants
Most Suitable For:
- Families
- Couples
- People looking for a more relaxed beach day
- Those wanting to try out some water sports
- Cyclists and skateboarders
5. Playa de San Juan – Alicante
This is another of the super popular city beaches in Alicante but don’t let the crowds deter you – there is plenty of space to go around on this one. The sand here is also lovely and fine, and the azure sea is crystal clear just as you would hope for.
It’s just a 6km drive north of Alicante and can easily be accessed by car or taxi, but the most fun way to get here is by tram which only costs €1.45 each way.
There are plenty of things to do at San Juan Beach too. Its a more traditional than the holiday hot spots of Benidorm and Alicante, so you will find plenty of restaurants along the promenade serving up authentic, Spanish cuisine.
You’ll find volleyball nets and a few other sports on the beach, but the beach is huge and you never feel like the place is getting too crowded.
The rear of San Juan Beach is lined with palm trees and the beach is decorated with colourful beach huts that add a gentle splash of colour as you look around the beach.
The water gentle slops down as you walk out making it perfect for the little ones, although the waves can get a little bigger than those on Postiguet Beach.
Getting Here: San Juan Playa, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- A traditional Spanish beach with plenty of authentic restaurants
- The water is crystal clear and the sand is lovely and fine
- Gentle sloping waters perfect for young children
- A huge beach so you never feel too crowded
Most Suitable For:
- Families with young children
- Couples
- People looking for a more traditional Spanish beach
> Read My “Best Things To Do In Alicante Spain” Travel Guide
6. Playa del Portet – Moraira
This is a secluded one situated in the pretty town of Moraira on Costa Blanca and is one of my favourite beaches in the Alicante region. The beach is only around 500 metres long but it’s one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Spain.
The water here is an incredible deep blue and looks like a swimming pool. It’s super clear with all kinds of different shades of turquoise in it. It’s the perfect beach for swimming, snorkelling and diving and certainly not a beach to miss if you can help it.
The small size does mean that it can sometimes feel quite busier, especially on the weekends, so I recommend arriving a little earlier to nab the best spots.
There are a few restaurants and cafes along the beach but it’s mostly unspoilt with just a few parasols and sun loungers. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine and enjoy the whole day here, or slip into one of the restaurants for a spot of lunch.
Getting Here: 03724 Moraira, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- A secluded, quiet beach perfect for a relaxing day
- The water is deep blue and crystal clear and looks like a swimming pool
- It’s the perfect beach for swimming, snorkelling and diving
Most Suitable For:
- Families
- Couples
- People looking for a more relaxed beach day
- More local vibe
- Those wanting to avoid busier tourist beaches
7. Cala del Moraig – Javea
This secluded Alicante beach is only accessible by boat or a long hike, but it’s worth all of the effort. With crystal-clear water and dramatic cliffs, Cala del Moraig is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
Since it isn’t easily accessible means that is always peaceful and quiet. It never gets busy here, not even in the warmer summer months, making it the perfect beach for adventurers looking for something wilder and a little bit more special.
There is also a small sea cave at the edge of the beach that is popular with visitors, so make sure you check that out when you get here as well.
There are no facilities on Cala del Moraig so come prepared with food and water. It’s an all-natural beach with nothing but incredible azure water and pristine golden sand. Just remember to bring all of your rubbish back with you.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking Alicante beach experience, add Cala del Moraig to your list. You won’t be disappointed.
Getting Here: 03726 Benitachell, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- An all-natural beach serving up nothing but sun, sea and sand
- The azure waters and pristine sand
- It’s the perfect beach for swimming, snorkelling and diving
Most Suitable For:
- Families (not recommended with young children)
- Couples
- Wild beach lovers
- Adventurers
8. Playa el Paraiso – Villajoyosa
This is a super cute Costa Blanca beach in Villajoyosa where the water is crystal clear and Caribbean-like. This one is a soft pebble beach but I quite like the change of scenery, without the battle of keeping the sand from sticking to your sun-creamed skin all day long.
Playa el Paraiso beach is quiet pretty much all year round with a handful of “chiringuitos” lining the rear of the beach.
Apart from the odd beach bar and restaurant, you won’t find much as along the beach front, but there are shops 200m or so back which isn’t a problem.
It’s a fantastic beach to escape the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet, whilst taking things back to basics with the amenities around. A refreshing change from the madness of some of the more popular beaches along Alicante and Costa Blanca.
Getting Here: Platja del Paradis, 03570, Spain
Highlights:
- A refreshing change from the more popular beaches along Alicante and Costa Blanca
- Crystal clear Caribbean-like water
- Quiet beach that is perfect for escaping the crowds
Most Suitable For:
- Families
- Couples
- People looking for a more relaxed beach day
9. Playa del Arenal-Bol – Calpe
This is a wide and long beach in the Alicante region around 1.5km long that’s situated in the town of Calpe. It has crystal-clear water and fine golden sand, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing.
Playa del Arenal-Bol is also a great beach for doing watersports such as windsurfing, sailing and kayaking. Grab a snorkel as well since there are a few great spots to check out around the rocks that are swarming with fish.
There are plenty of umbrellas and sun loungers to go around and a promenade packed full of restaurants, bars and shops.
The south-facing beach means it gets the sun throughout the whole day, with a 320m high rock dominating the vista out to sea, giving the beach an extra special backdrop you won’t find from any other.
The water stays shallow for a long way out and has little waves making it perfect for families with young children again.
Getting Here: Polígono Plan P Paraíso, 2, 03570 Villajoyosa, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- A wide and long beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing
- Crystal-clear water and fine, pale golden sand
- 320m high rock that dominates the vista out to sea
- Plenty of choices for restaurants along the promenade
Most Suitable For:
- Families with young children
- Couples
- Anyone looking for watersports
10. Playa de la Fossa – Calpe
This is one of the busiest and most popular beaches in Calpe, only second to Playa del Arenal-Bol. It has crystal-clear water and fine golden sand and is situated a short walk away from the city centre.
There are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops along the promenade and the beach itself is well-equipped with sun loungers, but since it’s a little further past Playa del Arenal-Bol from the city centre, it’s also a little quieter.
On the east side of the beach, you have the same commanding rock face jeering out to sea as you do with Arenal-Bol, only this time for the other side.
The water is warm, calm and shallow, making it great for families with little ones, and one of the most popular beaches throughout Costa Blanca.
Getting Here: 03710 Calp, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- Popular beach that is situated a short walk away from the city centre
- Crystal-clear water and fine golden sand
- Commanding rock face on the east side of the beach makes for fantastic views from the beach
- Warm, calm and shallow water
Most Suitable For:
- Families with children
- Couples
- Those looking for something a little more relaxed and quiet
11. Playa del Albir – Altea
A mixture of golden sand and soft pebbles, this beach curves around its long bay for almost 1.5km. It’s a quiet beach with pristine waters, with a lovely boardwalk running the length of it.
There are just enough restaurants, shops and bars here to keep everyone happy with their choices, which is actually how I prefer it without the imposing buildings lining the whole length of the beach.
Playa del Albir is located in between the two holiday hot spots of Benidorm and Calpe so it’s easily reached from either.
In the summer months, there is a small funfair that opens up on one side of the beach which, as you can imagine, is a massive hit with the kids.
There are toilets and showers dotted around and a fantastic Sunday market close by if you’re lucky enough to be visiting on the weekend, marking this a firm favourite Alicante beach.
Getting Here: Playa del Albir, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- A mixture of golden sand and soft pebbles
- Pristine waters and a lovely boardwalk running the length of the beach
- Small funfair close by and a fantastic Sunday market
Most Suitable For:
- Families
- Couples
- Those looking for something a little less touristy
12. Playa del Bol Nou – Villajoyosa
This is a secluded beach located at the end of a long and winding road that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of Villajoyosa.
Playa del Bol Nou is a small cove stretching for just 200m with dramatic cliffs on either side, making for an intimate and romantic setting.
The water here is clean and clear but can be a little on the cold side, even in the summer months, but the charming landscape and views out to sea more than compensate
I prefer to cool off rather than dip into a hot ‘bath’ anyway!
There are no showers or toilets so make sure you go before you come, but there is a small beach bar servings snacks and refreshments. If you like things wild and natural, this is definitely one of the best beaches in Alicante for you.
Getting Here: Polígono Plan P Paraíso, 2, 03570 Villajoyosa, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- Secluded beach located at the end of a long and winding road
- Small cove with dramatic cliffs on either side
- Pristine water
- Fantastic scenery
Most Suitable For:
- Older families
- Couples
- Romantic getaway
- Those looking for something more secluded and relaxing
13. Playa del Portixol – Javea
This is one of my favourite rural beaches in Costa Blanca. It’s a small, secluded cove with beautiful turquoise water and soft, bright pebbles.
The cliffs surrounding the beach create a natural amphitheatre which amplifies the sound of the waves, making it a very relaxing place to spend an afternoon.
Playa del Portixol – known by the locals as “La Barraca” – is also great for a spot of snorkelling, scuba diving or kayaking, with its glistening azure waters.
You can drive down to the beach but I would recommend parking at the top and enjoy the short walk down where you can also grab some fantastic photos of the beach looking out to Portixol Island.
You wouldn’t be wrong in thinking how very Greece-like this place looks. If you have time, make sure you get this best Alicante Beach onto your travel itinerary.
Getting Here: 03738 la Mar Blava, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- Small, secluded cove with beautiful turquoise water and soft, bright pebbles
- Cliffs surrounding the beach create what feels like a natural amphitheatre
- Rent a kayak or bring a snorkel – this cove was made for it!
Most Suitable For:
- Families
- Couples
- Those looking for something more secluded and relaxing
- Snorkelers, scuba divers and kayakers
14. Raco del Conill – Benidorm
This is a stunning little beach located in the old town of Benidorm, away from all the high-rise hotels.
Raco del Conill is a tiny cove with crystal clear water and soft white sand. It’s can get very busy given how small it is but still manages to feel intimate and relaxed.
There are actually a couple of adjoining coves here, so you can pick and choose which one to stay on as the day passes. Raco del Conill is actually known as a nudist beach but there doesn’t ever seem to be many nudists around. And if you don’t like it, then you can hop over to the next cove.
The picturesque surroundings always deliver a bit of a ‘wow’ factor, with perfect rock formations gentle dipping into the azure waters and surrounded by fresh-scented pine trees.
There is a beach bar serving drinks, snacks and really tasty “bocadillo’s” (traditional Spanish rolls) here, but I noticed a lot of people bring their own food and drinks.
Getting Here: Polígono Talades Pp 26, 22, 03570 Villajoyosa, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- Stunning little beach located in the old town of Benidorm
- Tiny cove with crystal clear water and soft white sand
- Perfect rock formations and azure waters
- Nudist-friendly (but not many nudists around)
- Beach bar serving fantastic bocadillo’s
Most Suitable For:
- Couples
- Wild, natural beach lovers
- Nudist beach lovers
15. Playa Lisa – Santa Pola
This is another wide, golden sand beach that’s great for families with young kids. The sand is fine and perfect for building sand castles, and the sea is warm, calm and shallow.
This Costa Blanca beach is lined with amenities, restaurants, shops and bars so there are plenty of options to suit everyone. It’s also a lot more traditional and authentic here than nearby Alicante, where you’ll find some great tapas bars and seafood restaurants.
The super clean Playa Lisa is also popular with those looking to partake in some watersports, including kitesurfing and windsurfing, and is well-deserving of its spot in this best beach in Alicante guide.
Getting Here: C. Cdad. Real, 1, 03130 Santa Pola, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- Great for families with young kids
- Fine, golden sand, perfect for building sand castles
- Warm, calm and shallow waters
- Lined with amenities, restaurants, shops and bars
- Popular with watersports enthusiasts.
Most Suitable For:
- Families with young children
- Those looking for a more traditional and authentic Spanish experience
- Watersports enthusiasts.
16. Cala Pinets – Javea
Cala Pinets is a secluded little beach in the Alicante region located just outside the town of Javea. You have a steep walk down to this beach where you’ll be greeted with crystal clear water that is great for dipping and snorkelling.
It’s a beautiful little cove but you’ll be set up on mostly rocks here. The rocks gradually taper off into the see, but be warned, they can get quite slippery so I would advise bringing a good pair of waterproof footwear (neoprene would be best)
Cala Pinets is not the kind of beach that you would stay at for the whole day since it isn’t the most comfortable, but it’s definitely a cracking little gem that you would want to stop off at if you were close by.
Don’t forget to bring your snorkel since it’s a fantastic spot to glimpse some fish swimming around the rocky waters.
Getting Here: Carrer dels Pinets, 03720, Alicante, Spain
Highlights:
- Beautiful, secluded cove
- Crystal clear water, great for dipping and snorkelling
- Rock/cliff beach
- Great spot for snorkelling
Most Suitable For:
- Couples
- Those that prefer sunbathing on rocks
- Passer-bys
- Keen snorkellers
