This tour of the best beaches in Alicante will help you explore one of the great tourist charms of this province of the Valencian Community, which enjoys sunshine and good weather for much of the year.
Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and known as the Costa Blanca, the coast of the province of Alicante is home to more than 200 beaches. From small coves with turquoise waters surrounded by majestic cliffs, to large urban beaches with all the services for the whole family to enjoy, this coastline has something for everyone.
Although popular beaches such as Benidorm, Calpe or Alicante tend to be crowded in summer, their large size means that you can find some free space to lay your towel. However, if you prefer to enjoy more intimate and less accessible coves, such as Granadella or Moraig, we recommend arriving early in high season (June to September) to secure your spot, as parking is limited and they tend to fill up quickly.
1.Cala Granadella
Located about 20 minutes from Jávea and acclaimed on numerous occasions as one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, Cala Granadella is a must-see destination in the province of Alicante.
This beach, with its distinctive crescent shape and a length of just over 160 metres, is made up of boulders and is distinguished by its stunning crystal clear waters, ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving thanks to the richness of its seabed. In addition, the cove is well equipped with all the necessary services and has several restaurants where you can enjoy a good meal or drink.
During the summer, it is advisable to arrive early to secure one of the parking spaces along the access road. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the various viewpoints located along the exit road.
2. Playa de San Juan
Located 8 kilometres northwest of Alicante, Playa San Juan stands out as one of the Costa Blanca’s favourite beaches.
This long stretch of sand, which stretches for over 6 kilometres, offers crystal clear waters and is ideal for enjoying a day out with family or friends, without worrying about finding parking or space to lay your towel on the sand.
The blue flag beach is equipped with multiple volleyball courts, children’s areas with slides and swings, and several companies offering water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and paddle surfing. It also has excellent gastronomic options, such as the restaurants Casa Domingo and Casa Julio, where you can enjoy a delicious typical Valencian rice dish.
3. Cala del Moraig
Located between Moraira and Xàbia, in the municipality of Poble Nou de Benitatxell, Cala del Moraig stands out as one of the most impressive beaches in Alicante.
This paradisiacal cove, with turquoise waters and seabed covered with posidonia, is sheltered by imposing cliffs, including the photogenic Morro Falquí, and has a nudist area on its far left.
One of the great attractions of this beach are the panoramic views from the top and the impressive Cova del Arcs, which can be reached by swimming from the beach, although it is advisable to proceed with great caution. Some people choose to jump over the fence and walk among the rocks to reach the cave, but it is important to remember that this practice is forbidden and not worth the risk for a photo.
During the summer, it is necessary to arrive very early as the cove has a limited capacity of 400 people. It is also possible to book access via the AparcarE mobile app up to a week in advance, or use a shuttle bus service from the upper car park, which takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the cove.
It is important to bring water and food if you plan to spend the whole day on the beach, as there are no restaurants or beach bars nearby.
5. Cala del Portitxol
Located between Cape Prim and Cape Negre, in the municipality of Jávea, Cala del Portitxol, also known as Cala Barraca, is one of the most iconic beaches on the Costa Blanca. This beach is renowned for its picturesque white houses with blue doors, formerly inhabited by fishermen, which evoke the atmosphere of the Greek Islands.
With an extension of about 600 metres, this gravel beach with crystal clear waters is ideal for snorkelling or scuba diving, especially around the nearby Portitxol Island. To enjoy the best views of the island, it is advisable to climb up to the Creu del Portitxol viewpoint.
If you get hungry, the nearby Cala Clemence restaurant offers stunning views over the cove and a menu that stands out for its exquisite rice dishes.
It’s important to note that this cove has gained a lot of popularity on Instagram, so in summer it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot in the car park.
7. Racó del Conill
If you are looking for a quiet cove away from the hustle and bustle of the big coastal towns, Racó del Conill is an excellent choice. Located to the north of Villajoyosa, about 4 kilometres from Benidorm, this naturist cove is one of the hidden gems of the province of Alicante.
Surrounded by pine trees and large rock formations, and with no nearby buildings, this cove is divided into two parts by a rocky promontory and is distinguished by its crystal clear turquoise waters.
Due to its small size, it is advisable to arrive early in summer to find a space to spread out your towel. Don’t forget to bring your snorkelling goggles, as the seabed, covered with Posidonia oceanica, is ideal for underwater exploration.
Although historically it has been a virgin beach with no services, in recent years a beach bar has been installed, which means you don’t need to bring food or drink.
8. Playa de Albir
Albir Beach, also known as Raco de l’Albir, is located in the municipality of Alfaz del Pi, between Altea and Benidorm, and is undoubtedly one of the jewels of the Costa Blanca.
This beautiful beach, characterised by its oval pebbles, offers all the amenities and services necessary to enjoy a perfect day. From here, you can contemplate impressive views of the Albir lighthouse, which crowns the Serra Gelada Natural Park, as well as the emblematic Peñón de Ifach. In addition, the promenade that borders it has a wide selection of restaurants to enjoy the local gastronomy.
At the rocky ends of the beach, full of marine life, snorkelling is an essential activity thanks to the clarity of its waters.
If you are staying in Altea, you can walk to this beach in about 30 minutes along the Paseo Marítimo, and enjoy a quieter atmosphere compared to the crowded beaches of Benidorm.
9. Playa Carabassí
Carabassí Beach, located between the city of Alicante and Santa Pola, is one of the most impressive jewels of the province. With its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, this unspoilt beach, 2 kilometres long, captivates all who visit it.
Surrounded by a natural environment of dunes and pine forests, protected by a system of wooden walkways, Carabassí offers a peaceful and natural environment. The southern part of the beach is designated as a nudist area, while a rocky section is perfect for snorkellers.
From the shore, you can enjoy fantastic views of Tabarca Island and the El Carabassí mountain range, making this beach an idyllic place to relax and connect with nature.
10. Cala El Portet
Cala del Portet, located very close to the charming town of Moraira, is another must-visit beach if you’re exploring Alicante’s Costa Blanca.
Protected from the wind by the Cap d’Or peninsula, this 350-metre-long, shell-shaped, semi-urban beach is ideal for a quiet morning with the family, especially with the little ones, thanks to its calm waters. However, during the summer, it tends to fill up quickly.
Several hiking routes start from this cove, such as the one that leads to the Cap d’Or watchtower or the challenging route of the viewpoints. It is also an excellent place for water activities such as kayaking or paddle surfing.
11. Cala del Racó del Corb
To close this list of the best beaches in Alicante, we recommend a drive to Racó del Corb, an almost virgin cove located between Altea and Calpe, within the stunning Serra Gelada Natural Park.
This small pebble cove, barely 200 metres long, is sheltered by the imposing cliffs of Morro de Toix, which offer spectacular views of its turquoise waters. Due to its difficult access, which requires overcoming a steep slope, Racó del Corb is not usually very crowded, which makes it an ideal refuge for those seeking tranquillity in a natural environment.
Alicante and its surroundings offer a diversity of beaches to suit all tastes, from the most popular and accessible to hidden coves for those seeking tranquillity. Explore these coastal gems and enjoy all that the Costa Blanca has to offer.
