Best Beaches in Costa Blanca

Playa de Levante, Benidorm is the most iconic — a wide crescent of golden sand backed by the resort skyline, with every facility you could want. Further south, La Mata beach near Torrevieja is quieter, stretching over two kilometres with dunes and a nature reserve behind it.

Guardamar del Segura boasts several Blue Flag beaches fringed by pine forests, offering natural shade that is rare on the Costa Blanca. Playa del Arenal in Jávea is another favourite — a family-friendly curve of sand with calm, shallow water and a promenade lined with restaurants.

Playa de San Juan near Alicante city is a 7 km stretch of fine sand with a beach-bar scene and easy tram access — popular with locals and visitors alike.

The stretch between Moraira and Jávea is dotted with small calas — rocky inlets with crystal-clear water ideal for snorkelling. Cala Granadella, just south of Jávea, consistently ranks among Spain’s top beaches despite its small size. Arrive before 10:00 in summer or you won’t find space.

Cala El Raco in Calpe sits in the shadow of the Peñón de Ifach, and the Barranco de la Barbiguera near Villajoyosa is an off-the-beaten-track gem. For snorkelling, Cala Ambolo and the rocky shore at Cabo de la Nao between Jávea and Moraira offer the clearest water on the coast.

Playa de Poniente in Benidorm is wide and well-equipped with playgrounds, lifeguards and accessible boardwalks. Playa de la Fossa in Calpe is similarly geared towards families, with gentle waves and chiringuitos serving cold drinks.

On the southern coast, Playa de la Zenia and Punta Prima on the Orihuela Costa have calm, shallow water and are walking distance from amenities. La Mata is excellent for families who want more space — the beach never feels crowded even in August.

Cala Capitán near Orihuela Costa is a small rocky cove with turquoise water, rarely crowded because it’s tricky to access. Les Rotes in Dénia is a stretch of rocky platforms and small coves popular with locals for swimming and snorkelling but largely unknown to tourists.

For a unique experience, visit Tabarca island (ferry from Santa Pola) — the waters around this tiny island are a marine reserve with outstanding visibility and abundant sea life. The island has a handful of restaurants and a small beach.

Beach flags: Red = no swimming. Yellow = swim with caution. Green = safe conditions. Always check the flag before entering the water.

Sunbeds: Available on most main beaches for €5–8 per day. Bring your own towel and umbrella to save money.

Parking: Arrive before 10:00 at popular beaches in summer. Beach car parks fill up fast; consider walking, cycling or taking the bus.

Jellyfish: Occasional in warm months. Lifeguards carry vinegar for stings. The flag system will warn you if jellyfish are present.

Reef shoes: Essential at rocky coves and calas. Sea urchins are common on rocky seabeds.