white sand beaches and rock formations
Costa Blanca (aka White Coast) is the name of the 200 km long coastline of the province of Alicante. Here, you will find wide sandy beaches as well as small coves and beautiful landscapes with palm groves, wetlands and several nature parks.
The climate is fantastic, over 300 sunny days per year. The hot season lasts for 3 months, from June to September, with an average daily high temperature above 29°C.
The cool season lasts for 4 months, from November to March, with an average daily high temperature below 19°C. The coldest month is January, when temperatures can reach a low of 7°C and high of 17°C.
Along the north coast you will find Denia, Javea, Calpe, with its massive rock formations. To the south you will find the tourist area of Benidorm known for its nightlife and leisure facilities and the artist’s paradise of Altea and Albir. On the way to Alicante, the capital city of the province you will pass Cala Finestrat and El Campello.
South of Alicante there are Santa Pola, Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja and Pilar de Horadada.
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Playa de San Juan
Alicante’s famous beach, Playa de San Juan stretches from El Campello all the way to Cabo de la Huerta. 5km long and impeccably clean makes swimming in the Mediterranean sea a real treat.
Playa de San Juan offers many amenities like public parking, areas for different sports like volleyball, football, windsurfing and more.
During the summer, the City of Alicante provides accessible beach service with recreational-educational areas aimed at people with disabilities as well as bathing/swimming assistance for people with reduced mobility.
Cala Ambolo
The place to be if you want to avoid tan lines is Cala Ambolo. It is one of the best clothing optional beaches along the Costa Blanca.
You will need to drive as this beach is away from the urban area. Parking is a bit of a distance to this beach, a good 10 to 15-minute walk, so walking shoes is recommended. Then, once there, you will need water shoes/aqua socks because it is a pebbly beach.
Once there, the trek is well worth it once you immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters.
Playa de la Fossa
This is a tranquil, family-friendly beach that offers all the amenities you need for a great day out. You can enjoy the exceptional views of the Peñón de Ifach emerging from the sea while lying on the golden sand or swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
You can also enjoy a stroll along the promenade where you will find many restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, and more.
During the summer months, there is a special area which provides services to people with limited mobility (C/ Llevant and Hipocampos building).
This is a great day-trip destination with plenty of parking available.
Playa de la Albufereta
Northwest of the City of Alicante, between the Serra Grossa mountains and the Tossal de Manises, lies Playa de la Albufereta. A small, golden sand beach that stretches 400 meters long and 18 meters wide.
It has many amenities including sunbed rentals, pedal boat rentals, public toilets, foot showers, parking, accessibility for people with reduced mobility, restaurants and beach bars.
This beach is easily accessible by bus, tram or car.
Platja de La Cala de Finestrat
3 km away from busy Benidorm, you will find this tranquil beach of golden sand, ideal for children and safe for bathing. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes along promenade. Like most beaches in Spain, it can get busy during July and August. However, it is much quieter than the beaches of Benidorm the rest of the year.
NOTE: Smoking, vaping or the use of any other electronic cigarettes is prohibited in all areas of public use on La Cala Beach – La Cala de Finestrat is one of the first smoke-free beaches in the Valencian Community, smoking has been prohibited here since summer 2020. Failure to comply can lead to penalties of up to €750.
Playa del Postiguet
Located in the center of Alicante City, at the foot of the iconic Castillo de Santa Bárbara and next to the famous promenade, L’Esplanada d’Espanya.
This blue flag beach is known for its golden sand and calm waters. During the summer, the City of Alicante provides accessible beach service with recreational-educational areas aimed at people with disabilities as well as bathing/swimming assistance for people with reduced mobility.
Playa del Portet
This beach is in Moraira and is known for its shell-like shape and crystal-clear, turquoise-coloured waters.
Located between the harbour and the Torre de Vigilancia del Cap d’Or, you can find plenty of water sports available. You can try snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking or paddle surfing. Or of course, you can simply lay on the beach and bask in the sunshine.
If you get hungry or thirsty, you can head over to one of the bars located above the beach.
Playa del Albir
Another beach close to Benidorm but away from the crowds. Due to its location, the sea can be a bit choppy in the afternoon but generally calm in the morning. A great place to relax and enjoy the day on the beach. There are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.
Cala del Moraig
A beautiful cove with rocks and cliffs to dive from, Cala del Moraig is a treasure. This is a popular destination for cave divers and snorkellers. Try it out for yourself and discover some of the amazing marine life native to this coastline.
There is parking at the top so it’s a downhill walk to the beach. At the end of your stay, be prepared for the trek uphill so make sure to wear sensible shoes.
