Europe

Alicante Top 15 Beaches for Sunbathing and Swimming

The quality of a summer vacation largely depends on having good beaches with developed infrastructure at the resort like Alicante. Spain is no exception in this regard. Although the country has many attractions and can be visited year-round, the prospect of swimming in the warm sea and lounging on golden sand is very appealing.

Alicante’s beaches are located in Valencia and are the pride of the country. Many of them have been awarded the “Blue Flag,” indicating impeccable ecological cleanliness. There are also wild coastal areas where tourists love to visit because the nature is extraordinarily picturesque, and there are fewer people. You can explore, compare, and choose the spot you like the most.

Some people prefer sand, while others like pebbles. Some enjoy a beach near the city center, while others dream of going to a place where only the sound of waves and birds’ cries can be heard. In any case, you will have a wonderful time and fully appreciate the beauty of the coast.

Postiguet Beach

A very popular vacation spot, Postiguet Beach has earned the “Blue Flag.” Located near the Benacantil Rock, tourists can admire Santa Barbara Castle at its top. Another highlight is that the beach borders the Esplanade de España promenade. Those tired of sunbathing can stroll along the palm alley.

The coastline here is sandy, with fine, light sand. You don’t need special shoes and can walk barefoot. This place is great for small children — the gentle slope into the sea prevents any accidents. The water is clear, there are no currents, and if there are waves, they are small. You won’t encounter jellyfish or other dangerous sea creatures here.

The infrastructure is well-developed. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Activities include jet skiing, football, volleyball, and a children’s playground. If you come by car, there are parking lots available.

It is easy to get here by public transport from anywhere in the city. Guests staying in the Old Town can walk to Postiguet Beach. Those exploring architectural monuments should take a break to sunbathe and swim. Nearby, there are shops and cafes offering a variety of food options, from fast food to traditional Spanish dishes.

Lifeguards are on duty at Postiguet Beach, and there are places to wash the sand off your feet, as well as paid showers. The only downside is that it can get very crowded during the season.

San Juan Beach

Another “Blue Flag” holder, San Juan Beach is located in the district of the same name, about 9 km from the city center. This beautiful stretch of coastline has palm trees and extends for 3 km with a width of about 60 meters, providing plenty of space. The sand is golden, and the gentle slope into the sea makes it safe for even small children to swim. The sea is rarely rough, and there are no sharp stones or shells at the bottom.

Even during the high season, you can find a spot here. Everything needed for a beach holiday is available for rent, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and chairs. There are playgrounds with swings and slides for children. A “pirate ship” play area makes a big impression on young visitors.

Showers and toilets are available, and there are sports facilities for beach volleyball and football. Trams and buses serve the area, and there are parking lots for cars. Nearby, there are restaurants offering delicious dishes and cool drinks. Air conditioning ensures a respite from the heat.

There are relatively few people here, and the crowd tends to be older and more respectable, ensuring a peaceful holiday. Wooden walkways allow for easy movement by bike or wheelchair.

Albufereta Beach

This beach is ideal for those with small children or those who don’t mind being around them. The small beach is situated in a beautiful bay, about 3 km from the city center. The coastline is about 500 meters long and 20 meters wide, with fine sand that is pleasant to walk on. The water is clean, and there are no stones at the bottom.

The shallow water warms up faster than other places, and the cliffs protect tourists from the wind. There is a shaded area with many palm trees, so if you don’t want to sunbathe, you can sit in the shade and enjoy the sea view.

There are playgrounds where children can make new friends. For adults, there are sports facilities and rental points for catamarans, which are very popular. Diving enthusiasts will appreciate the beautiful underwater landscapes here.

There is a restaurant and parking, and public transport, including buses and trams, serves the area. Some tourists might find the shallow water inconvenient as you have to go quite far to swim. Others might avoid the presence of many children.

The bright water color, endless sea, cliffs, and palms are mesmerizing. The sunsets here are said to be the most beautiful in Spain, making it a popular place to visit in the evening to watch the sun set and take photos.

Almadraba Beach

Another small beach, Almadraba Beach is situated in a sheltered bay protected from the wind by white cliffs. It is about 4 km from the city center, with a length of 750 meters and a width of 6 meters. The sand is coarse and golden.

The gently sloping shore makes it comfortable for those who aren’t confident swimmers. The beach is quite popular and lively. Beach equipment can be rented, and there are children’s playgrounds. There are exercise machines for adults, nearby restaurants, and shops. Diving and boat rentals are also available, with a pier in the area.

Public transport serves the area, so getting here is easy. There are no showers, and it can get crowded during the high season. The area is considered upscale, so the crowd is mostly well-off, and you won’t have to worry about unpleasant incidents.

Los Saladares Beach

Though known for its nudist visitors, Los Saladares Beach is popular with all tourists. Located in a quiet suburb, the beach stretches for 2 km in length and 54 meters in width. The gentle slope into the water and clean sand are inviting for tourists.

There are waves, but they are never too big. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent, and there are toilets, trash bins, and a large parking lot. The beach is also accessible by bus. Many tourists choose to stay in the area, with campgrounds and restaurants available. The area is lit at night.

It is better to reach the beach by car rather than public transport. The suburb is called Urbanova, and the airport is nearby. Salt was once extracted in this area. Look out for the flags on the shore, which indicate the safety of swimming. A black flag means swimming is prohibited, usually during a storm.

Large stones in the water add to the scenic beauty and can serve as tiny islands for swimmers to rest on. The beach is especially beautiful at sunrise and at night. The sun rises from the sea, casting a colorful path on the waves. When it gets dark, the lamps near the palms light up, and the moonlit path on the sea is simply enchanting.

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Levante Beach

A large sandy strip known beyond the country, Levante Beach is always bustling with young people and entertainment. It is perfect for those who love to party with peers. You can engage in sports, including water sports. There are many cafes and bars near the beach that stay open late, some even 24/7.

You will be offered cocktails, other refreshing drinks, ice cream, and snacks. The sandy beach has a “Blue Flag,” and the entrance to the sea is gentle. However, it is not the best place for families with children or elderly people due to the constant noise and crowds.

Levante Beach stretches for 2 km and is kept clean, with sand being leveled regularly. The sea is clear, and there are occasional stones. The beach is bordered by cliffs, providing natural wind protection. It is hard to find a shady spot, so it is best to bring an umbrella. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented. The beach is most crowded in August and early September.

Wooden walkways make it easy to walk, and there are sports facilities, lifeguards, and medical stations. Diving, water skiing, and jet skiing are available. Boat trips to nearby islands are also offered.

El Portet

El Portet Bay is near the center of Moraira, protected from bad weather by a cape. The sea is almost always calm, like a pool. The fine sand is pleasant to lie on, and you can do without a sun lounger. The bay is great for snorkeling and diving, with a rich underwater world.

You can engage in various sports, such as sailing or paddleboarding. A tourist trail starts here, leading to the top of the cape, where there is a watchtower and a beautiful view of the coast. There is a restaurant, lifeguards, parking, and toilets.

Moraig Cove

Considered one of the most beautiful spots in the Mediterranean, Moraig Cove has stunning turquoise water surrounded by picturesque mountains and cliffs. The beach is among the top 10 in Spain.

Bars offer cocktails and snacks, and sun loungers are available for rent. Nearby, there are caves and a grotto that tourists love to visit for photo opportunities. Nudists gather in a remote corner. Note that the parking lot is small, so it’s best to arrive early.

By 5 PM, the sun goes behind the mountain, so sunbathing is no longer possible. The sea bottom is gravel, and it’s best to enter the water with shoes. The caves also require caution as the rocks are slippery with water. Professional divers can explore underwater caves.

Arenal-Bol Beach

Located in the resort town of Calpe, Arenal-Bol Beach is one of the most famous spots on the Costa Blanca. It is centrally located in Calpe and stretches for 1,200 meters. You can visit after sightseeing in the city center and walk to the Ifach Rock, where there is a marina for boating.

Many tourists climb the rock for breathtaking views and photos. Arenal-Bol Beach has a “Blue Flag.” The sand is mixed with fine pebbles, and the area is regularly cleaned and leveled. Cliffs protect the beach from the wind, and the left side forms a small bay. The entrance to the water is gentle and even, with no unpleasant surprises. The best time to visit is early autumn when the summer sun is not as intense.

All necessary infrastructure is available, including walkways, showers, changing cabins, and sports and children’s playgrounds. Lifeguards and medical staff are on duty. There are no shady spots, so umbrellas are essential. If you get tired of sunbathing and swimming, you can visit the promenade, cafes, shops, or just take a walk.

Finestrat Beach

Another option that will appeal to many, Finestrat Beach is near the bustling resort town of Benidorm but is much quieter and more peaceful. In just 15 minutes, you can go from a crowded area to a picturesque natural spot.

The cozy bay has clean, clear water, and the sea is rarely rough. The sand is so fine it feels like golden flour. Many people prefer to bring their own umbrellas. The palm trees here are more decorative than functional. It is often cheaper to buy your own sun umbrella than to rent one regularly.

The beach has a “Blue Flag,” indicating cleanliness and safety. Trash is collected daily. The western part of the coastal area is wider than the eastern part. The cliffs add a special charm to the landscape. The gentle slope into the sea is loved by all except divers who prefer a steep increase in depth. The sandy bottom occasionally has stones.

It is best to visit in early summer or autumn. In late July and August, it gets very crowded, and the water becomes murky. In September, the scorching heat is gone, but the sea is still warm. The necessary infrastructure is available, including many sports facilities, a rope park, jet ski rentals, and “banana boat” rides. Trips to Benidorm Island are very popular.

The promenade runs alongside the beach, with a bus stop and parking for cars. A supermarket is nearby. You can also climb the hill for panoramic photos.

Paraiso Beach

Another “Blue Flag” beach, Paraiso Beach is a long urban stretch over a kilometer long and 25 meters wide. The sand and pebbles mix, and there is no promenade. A tram stop is nearby. Two small restaurants are open until midnight and are popular with vacationers. The water is very clean, and the place is quiet, perfect for a relaxing holiday.

There are a couple of things to note. It can get quite windy here, and the stones on the sea bottom make water shoes advisable. Vacationers choose this place for peace and quiet.

Portixol Beach

Portixol Beach is about 900 meters long and has a pebble and gravel surface. Many prefer it to sand because the sea here is the cleanest, and you don’t have to rinse your feet after visiting the beach. It is located on the shore of a bay with many picturesque cliffs and clear water. The white and blue fishermen’s houses add a special charm to the area.

There is also a very interesting island nearby with unique plants. People lived on the island in ancient times. The underwater scenery is also very attractive to divers. There is a small parking lot, so it’s best to arrive early.

Vacationers enjoy canoeing or kayaking and surfing. There are no hotels or shops nearby, but there are places to eat. Lifeguards are on duty, and all services are available, including sun lounger and umbrella rentals, toilets, and more.

Fossa Beach

A popular spot in Calpe, Fossa Beach is located away from the city center, making it ideal for those who like a quiet holiday and families with small children. The sand sometimes includes small stones, but they are not problematic. The beach is regularly cleaned, so it is always tidy. The nearby Ifach Rock has become a symbol of the city.

The beach has a “Blue Flag,” indicating excellent ecological conditions. All necessary amenities are available, including changing cabins, trash bins, showers, sports and children’s playgrounds. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented.

The sea depth increases gradually, so the water warms up quickly near the shore, and it is safe for children. If you get tired of sunbathing and swimming, you can visit the nearby promenade with cafes, shops, and rest areas.

Bol Nou Beach

Villajoyosa is a relatively small resort, but in summer the number of people here increases significantly. Usually, you can swim here from June to October, but due to global warming in recent years, the season may start even in April, and the water may remain warm until November. There are many historical attractions here, and today the city is famous for producing delicious chocolate.

You can also see a tree that is already 1400 years old here. And there are many bays and beaches as well.

The underwater world is surprisingly rich and diverse, so you can spend a lot of time observing its inhabitants. All the infrastructure is available, so you can have a comfortable vacation.

Naufragos

This beach belongs to the resort of Torrevieja. A salt lake and a nature reserve are located nearby. The historical center of the city is also not far from here. Tourists love this corner of nature, and during the season, there are always many people here. The coastline here is 325 meters long and just over 70 meters wide. The recreation area is covered with sand, and its color varies from yellow to snow-white. This depends on how the sun illuminates the shore at different hours.

The sea bottom deepens gradually, and it’s mostly sand here too, but there are also some stones. The shore is cleaned regularly, and all the debris brought in by the sea is removed. Lifeguards watch over the vacationers from their towers and are always ready to help.

There are toilets and places where you can wash sand off your feet. Special bins are provided for garbage, and wooden walkways make it convenient to go to the water and back to your sun lounger. If it’s not too hot, it’s pleasant to play football or volleyball.

Children will find friends on the playgrounds. If you come at the peak of the season, keep in mind that there will be a lot of people here. If you love peace and quiet, look for another place to relax.

8 best beaches of Valencia — planning a comfortable holiday

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Konstantin
Konstantin is a travel writer passionate about uncovering unique destinations and sharing practical tips for unforgettable adventures. A regular contributor to waypoinwonder.com, he specializes in bringing iconic landmarks and hidden gems to life through authentic storytelling. From exploring Maldives' best resorts to diving into Croatia’s natural wonders, his writing inspires readers to travel deeper and smarter.

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