The Costa Blanca is brimming with an eclectic array of hidden coves, turquoise waters, and blissful bays pouring onto the golden sand. It’s no wonder that Alicante reels in tourists from around the globe year after year.

Spanning over 244km of coastline, there’s plenty to satisfy beach bums, snorkelers, surfers, and sailors alike. Alicante embraces its rich medieval history, colourful architecture and divine cuisine, with an abundance of some of the Mediterranean's best beaches. This alluring destination should be on your bucket list.

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

San Juan de Alicante
La Albufereta
Playa de la Almadraba
Cabo de la Huerta Coves
Saladares-Urbanova Beach
El Postiguet
Benidorm
El Portet, Moraira
More Beaches in Alicante
Top Things to do in Alicante
Best Time to Visit Alicante
How to Get Around Alicante
FAQs

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the Best Beaches in Alicante.

Within the heart of the city, there are a ton of beaches to explore. Whether you’re searching for the perfect spot to bury your butt into the sand, get a taste of the nightlife, or relax with no one else around, I can assure you that this city has got it all.

San Juan de Alicante

Situated towards the city's centre, San Juan de Alicante boasts fine, golden sand and beautiful waters. If you’re coming from a day of shopping and sightseeing, this beach is easily accessible and has all the necessary amenities to replenish and refresh yourself.

San Juan de Alicante straddles more than 2,900 metres from the historic fishing village of El Campello to the jagged rocks of Cabo de las Huertas.

If you’re on a tight schedule, this beach is only 25km from the international airport, so you can easily escape your cramped aeroplane seat and get to feelin’ that warm ocean breeze in no time.

There are also natural pools amongst the rocks and a series of activities on offer. They’ve got just about everything, from kayaking and surfing to scuba diving.

La Albufereta

Located towards the north of Alicante, La Albufereta is nestled in the old town, near some of the city’s most prominent archaeological sites.

True to the name of the Costa Blanca, the beach itself has soft, golden sand and pristine waters. With a handful of facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and showers on offer, there’s also your candid Spanish chiringuitos (beach bars) and a few restaurants to choose from. La Albufereta is one of the best beaches in Alicante for families and couples.

Playa de la Almadraba

If you’re seeking more of a serene beach escape, the Playa de la Almadraba is your best bet. With tranquil waves and killer sunsets, this spot is definitely for those who love a taste of peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you don’t have your own umbrella or set-up, there’s a range of services and facilities available to make your beach day a hell of a lot less of a hassle.

Cabo de la Huerta Coves

Sitting in between the beaches of La Albufereta and San Juan, Cabo de la Huerta offers a slightly more serene side to its neighbouring beaches. The stretch of coves boasts crystal clear waters and rocky seabed. This is an ideal spot for diving or snorkelling, given the multitude of unique marine life that roams the surrounding waters.

Saladares-Urbanova is one of the best beaches in alicante

There are four different coves to check out, La Calita, Cala de la Palmera, Cala Cantalar, and Cala de los Judíos. Top tip: bring some snacks and drinks, as no beach bars are located nearby.

Saladares-Urbanova Beach

Straddling the south of Alicante’s coastline, Saladares-Urbanova Beach harbours a long stretch of golden sand and a beach walk stretching over 1.5km.

At the tip of the beach's southern end, there’s also a string of sand dunes serving as a backdrop.

There are also a variety of shops, restaurants, and a promenade in the area too. The dog-friendly beach of Playa de Agua Amarga is located a little further inwards.

El Postiguet

El Postiguet is one of the best beaches in Alicante, and here’s why.

Postiguet Beach is sandwiched in the city's heart, on the edge of the Santa Bárbara Castle and the famous Paseo de la Explanada.

Lined with palm trees, this beach harbours calm waters with fine sand. A few play areas also make the beach suitable for families with young children.

There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, as well as public toilets and other necessary facilities.

One of the best things about Postiguet Beach is the fact that it’s so easily accessible. If you’re a beach volleyball fan, this is where you want to be!

Benidorm

Located a rough, 30-minute drive from Alicante’s city centre, Benidorm is honestly one of the biggest highlights of the Valencia region. Towering mountains shelter the turquoise waters, and sitting in front of the cliff faces, are colossal skyrises that provide an epic contrast and picture-perfect backdrop.

El portet is one of the best beaches near alicante

This is a major hot spot in Alicante, with an alluring promenade chockful of trendy bars and International restaurants serving up some of the best cuisines.

By night, the beachfront lights up and comes to life with many events and fiestas going down until the ‘am. The sand is oh-so fine and spreads for more than 4km. Yep. You heard that right.

There are two main beaches in Benidorm, Levante Beach & Poniente Beach.

If you’re an early bird or setting out on a sunrise mission, Levante Beach is the ideal spot to enjoy yourself. There’s also sailing, jet skiing, and paragliding available here.

El Portet, Moraira

I could not include this beach. Situated a rough, 1-hour drive from Alicante, Moraira is well and truly on the outskirts. But if you can drive, this is a gem you do not want to miss!

El Portet is nestled in a rocky cove dotted with whitewashed houses.

There are some real Santorini vibes here! El Portet epitomises the Costa Blanca, with crystal clear, baby blue waters that slope gently down into the Mediterranean.

This is a great spot to swim, snorkel, or doggy paddle your life away. As the beach only stretches for around 350 metres, it can get hectic in summer, so arrive early to claim a spot.

If you’ve got a car, motorbike, or some other form of transport, then I’d definitely recommend heading out to one of the following beaches. We ticked a few off this list, but it was practically impossible to see everything given the restrictions, thanks to Covid-19.

More of the Best Beaches in Alicante:

El portet is one of the top beaches near alicante

• Calpe

• Baths of Queen Creek

• Cala Coveta Fuma

• Albir Beach

• La Granadella

• Finestrat

• Villajoyosa

• Parc de la Tellerola

• Cala Fonda

• Racó del Conill

• Xàbia

• El Cura, Torrevieja

If you want more information on things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and exclusive travel tips on all things Alicante, click here.

Best Things to do in Alicante

Now that you’re familiar with the best beaches in Alicante, it’s time to dig a little deeper. Break up your itinerary and sprinkle in some sightseeing! Here are some of the top things to do in Alicante.

Best Time to Visit Alicante

The best time to visit Alicante depends on your personal preferences and budget, travel style and what you want to experience. Located on the southeastern coast of Spain, Alicante boasts a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and scorching hot summers. Here is a basic breakdown of what to expect in each season.

Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the best times to visit Alicante, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The city boasts pleasant weather, fewer tourists and blooming flowers. This is the ideal time for sightseeing, outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding regions.

Summer (June to August): The summer season is the time to visit Alicante, especially if you plan on spending most of your time at the beach. With temperatures soaring well above 30°C (86°F), the Costa Blanca can get really crowded with tourists. You can expect the beach resorts and nearby beaches to be at their liveliest and prices at their highest.

Autumn (September to November): Similar to the spring season, autumn boasts pleasant temperatures between 17°C to 26°C (63°F to 79°F). This is one of the most ideal times to explore the major attractions and outdoor activities. With fewer crowds and waller-friendly prices, autumn is a standout option for backpackers and budget travellers.

Winter (December to February): Compared to many other European cities, Alicante offers mild winters. With temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), this is a nice time to ditch the crowds and take advantage of lower hotel prices.

How to Get Around Alicante

Alicante offers various transportation options to help you get around the city and explore the surrounding areas. Here are the most common ways to get around Alicante, Spain:

Tram & Bus

Alicante boasts a well-developed tram and bus network that connects the city centre with nearby towns and coastal areas. The tram is a convenient and picturesque way to travel along the coastline and see popular destinations like Playa San Juan and Benidorm. EMT (Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Alicante) operates the bus system and is a pocket-friendly and practical option.

Rental Car

Usher more independence and flexibility into your itinerary by renting a car in Alicante. Hiring a car allows you to discover the surrounding regions and nearby attractions at your own pace, on your own schedule. Parking in the city centre can be limited and traffic can become unbearable. If you want to visit the best beaches in Alicante, make sure you head out early to avoid any hassles. If you’re on a budget, you could consider hiring a motorbike.

Walking

Alicante's city centre is relatively compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking a pleasant way to visit the historic streets, local stores and restaurants. Many of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other, just keep in mind that it may not be the best option during the heat of the summer months. If you want to speed things up, Alicante is relatively bike-friendly. If you want to explore Alicante on two wheels, you can rent bicycles from various rental shops.

FAQS

Does Alicante have good beaches?

Alicante is home to a huge haul of beaches, from palm-lined promenades to hidden coves. If its azure waters and finite golden sand sound appealing to you, Alicante is the best place to spend a summer vacation.

What is the main beach in Alicante?

Alicante’s main beach is Levante and Postiguet Beach. Sitting in the heart of the city centre and at the foot of the Santa Barbara Castle, these beaches boast stunning views.

Does Alicante have a sandy beach?

Yes, Alicante is full of sandy beaches. Postiguet and Levante Beach, and Playa de San Juan are some of the best beaches in Alicante.

What is the posh part of Alicante?

Cabo de las Huertas is one of the most prestigious areas in Alicante. Known as a ‘barrio de lujo’, this neighbourhood boasts luxury.

So, whether you’re spanning the Costa Blanca’s 244km stretch as a beach bum, snorkeller, surfer, or sailor, I can assure you that Alicante’s best beaches will not disappoint.

With an abundance of untouched coves, crystal clear waters, and blissful bays pouring onto golden sand, there’s no doubt you’ll be coming back to Alicante for more… Before you jet down to Spain’s east coast, save this guide on the Best Beaches in Alicante!