All about the Beaches on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca beaches (in Spanish: Playas and in Valencian Platges) are the biggest draw of this sunny coastal region in Spain. It is a succession of varied coastlines internationally acclaimed for its high water quality and the large number of Blue Flags within the province.

The character of the beaches varies greatly by area: in the Costa Blanca North you will find mainly idyllic, hidden coves and rocky inlets with crystal clear water, while the Costa Blanca South is characterized by miles of wide sandy beaches and extensive dune areas.

This page consists of 2 parts:

  1. Beaches & calas by location
  2. Choices and more information
The logo of the Costa Blanca.
The logo of the town of Albir on the Costa Blanca.

Beaches Albir

Albir is a quiet resort with long beaches consisting mainly of pebbles and stones.

Toward the lighthouse are a few hidden coves with very clear water.

🌴 2 beaches & 3 calas

The logo of the town of Alicante on the Costa Blanca.

Beaches Alicante

Alicante has a wide variety of beaches, from wide expanses of sand to small hidden coves.

The major beaches are mostly close to the city center or easily accessible by streetcar.

🌴 7 beaches & 6 calas

The logo of the town of Altea on the Costa Blanca.

Beaches Altea

Altea ‘s coastline is varied with mostly pebble and stone beaches. Many beaches are right on the promenade or near a harbor.

In the north you will find adventurous, hidden coves among the rocks.

🌴 8 beaches & 3 calas

The logo of the town of Benidorm on the Costa Blanca.

Beaches Benidorm

Benidorm has 3 major beaches, 2 of which are miles of sandy beaches.

For more peace and quiet, visit the smaller coves hidden among the rocks.

🌴 3 beaches & 2 calas

The logo of the town of Benissa on the Costa Blanca.

Beaches Benissa

Benissa is the ideal destination for peace seekers, with a coastline consisting mostly of small, rocky coves.

The water here is incredibly clear, making it a perfect place to snorkel and enjoy nature.

🌴 6 calas

Which beach suits you? Choice Guide

With more than 200 kilometers of coastline, it can be hard to choose. Find out which beach best suits your needs:

For families:

  • Slowly sloping waters: Playa del Cura (Torrevieja), Playa de la Fossa (Calpe), Playa del Postiguet (Alicante);

  • Many play facilities: Playa de San Juan (play equipment and sports fields), Playa de Levante (Benidorm), Playa Arenal (Jávea);

  • Easily accessible: Playa del Carrer la Mar (El Campello), Playa Centro (Villajoyosa).

For the nature lover and peace seeker:

  • Unspoiled dunes: Playa de Carabassí (Elche), Playas de Guardamar (Guardamar del Segura);

  • Secluded coves: Cala del Moraig (Benitachell), Cala dels Testos (difficult to reach), Cala del Racó del Conill (naturism).

For water sports enthusiasts:

  • Snorkeling and diving: Cala Granadella (Jávea), the marine reserve around Island Tabarca, Cala El Racó (Calpe);

  • Wind and kite surfing: Santa Pola (Gran Playa), the beaches near Dénia (Les Deveses);

  • Suppen and kayaking: Cala la Granadella, the coves around Moraira and Benissa.

The different types of beaches

  • Long sandy beaches: mainly found on the Costa Blanca South; think of the vast white beaches of Guardamar, San Juan and the beaches of Orihuela Costa;

  • Rocky coves (Calas): characteristic of the Costa Blanca North; idyllic coves with pebbles and crystal clear waters, such as around Jávea, Altea and Benissa;

  • City beaches: beaches directly adjacent to the center and equipped with all amenities; as in Benidorm, Alicante and Villajoyosa;

  • Dog beaches: special areas where dogs are welcome all year round; such as Playa de Agua Amarga (Alicante) and Playa Punta del Riu (El Campello);

  • Naturist beaches: official nude beaches or mixed zones; such as Cala del Racó del Conill (Villajoyosa) and parts of the beach near Elche.

Tip: Check out a list of dog beaches on the Costa Blanca here.

General tips for your visit to the beaches

Regardless of which beach you choose, keep in mind these general advice for a safe and enjoyable visit:

  • Pay attention to the flags: keep an eye on the safety flags. Green is safe, yellow is beware, and red strictly forbids swimming;

  • Sun protection: UV power is high, even in spring and fall. Grease well, wear a hat and seek shade in the hottest part of the day;

  • Water shoes: for the pebble beaches and rocky coves in the north, water shoes are not a luxury to protect your feet;

  • Jellyfish: sometimes jellyfish may appear off the coast. When in doubt, consult the signs or the lifeguard;

  • Parking: popular beaches (such as La Granadella) can fill up quickly in high season. Come early or use shuttle buses where available;

  • Respect the environment: do not leave litter, especially in the fragile dune areas and natural bays.