Alicante Beaches: The 11 Best Beaches In (And Near) Alicante
Many visitors head to Spain for the beautiful beaches, and those found on the Costa Blanca are no exception.
Alicante, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, has plenty to offer.
If you’re thinking about staying in Alicante or nearby, check out the choices of Alicante beaches in the centre of the city or within a short drive or bus ride.
Related: The Best Beaches in Spain
1. Playa del Postiguet
If you’re in Alicante and looking for a beach that’s easy to get to, Playa del Postiguet is your spot. Right in the city centre, it’s super accessible.
The beach has fine golden sand, ideal for sunbathing or a casual game of beach volleyball. The water here is calm, perfect for a swim or just to wade in and cool off.
Walking along the promenade is a great way to take in the local scene. It’s a lively mix of locals and tourists, all enjoying the laid-back beach vibe. You’ll find all the necessary facilities like showers and lifeguards, plus sunbeds for rent.
What makes Playa del Postiguet unique is its proximity to Alicante’s city life.
You’re just a short walk from great eateries, bars, shops – and all the things there are to do in Alicante – handy for when you want to switch from beach mode to city exploration.
Getting To Playa Postiguet
By Public Transport: Alicante’s efficient tram system (TRAM) can get you close to the beach. Hop off at the Porta Del Mar (L5) or La Marina (L5) tram stop, and it’s just a few minutes walk from there.
By Car: If you’re driving, you can find parking in the area, but be aware that it can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
By Bike: Alicante is pretty bike-friendly, and there are bike paths leading to the beach. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the city.
By Foot: If you’re already in the city centre, the beach is just a short walk away. It’s easily accessible from the main promenade and is hard to miss.
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2. Playa de la Albufereta
Just a hop, skip, and jump from Alicante’s centre, Playa de la Albufereta is the go-to for a more peaceful beach day.
Tucked away at Av. de Villajoyosa, it’s close enough for convenience but far enough for a more peaceful experience.
The beach is a stretch of fine sand, perfect for those who prefer their beach days laid-back and low-key. The sea here is calm and welcoming, ideal for gentle swims or just splashing around with the kids.
Strolling along Playa de la Albufereta, you’ll get a different vibe from the city’s busier beaches. There are enough facilities like showers and lifeguards to make your day comfortable.
Getting to Playa de la Albufereta
By Public Transport: The most convenient way is to take the TRAM. You can catch it from various points in the city centre. Get off at the La Isleta (L1, L3, or L5) tram stop, which will take less than 15 minutes. From there, the beach is just a short, easy 5-minute walk away.
By Car: Driving to Playa de la Albufereta is pretty straightforward. It’s less than a 15-minute drive from the city centre. There’s parking available near the beach, but it’s good to get there early as it can get busy, especially on weekends.
By Bike: If you’re up for a bit of exercise, biking to the beach is a great option. There are bike paths leading from the city centre to Albufereta, offering a scenic ride along the coast.
On Foot: If you’re up for a longer walk, it’s definitely doable to walk from the city centre. It’s a great way to see more of Alicante and takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace.
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3. Playa de la Almadraba
Tucked away in a quieter part of the city, Playa de la Almadraba at Carrer de la Trident offers a more intimate beach experience.
Playa de la Almadraba’s small size adds to its charm. It’s the perfect pick for those who prefer their beach days serene and away from the crowds.
The sand here is soft and welcoming, ideal for those who love a more secluded spot for sunbathing or reading a book by the sea. The waters are calm and clear, great for a relaxing swim.
What you’ll love about Playa de la Almadraba is its peaceful atmosphere. It’s less about activities and more about enjoying the quiet beauty of the Mediterranean. Facilities are minimal, which adds to the feeling of being in a hidden spot.
Getting to Playa de la Almadraba
By Public Transport: The bus is the best bet as the nearest tram is about 20 minutes walk to the beach. Look for busses on lines 22, 22N, 28, or L38A that stop near Adolfo Suárez Park.
By Car: Driving is a good option if you prefer convenience. It would take 15 to 20 minutes from the city centre. There’s limited parking available, so it might be best to go early or during off-peak times.
By Bike: Cycling to Playa de la Almadraba is for those who enjoy a ride with a view. The coastal paths offer a beautiful journey to this secluded spot.
4. Playa de San Juan
For a beach day that’s lively and full of energy, head to Playa de San Juan. Located at Playa de San Juan, Alicante, this beach is long and lively.
Playa de San Juan is all about wide, open spaces with fine, golden sands that stretch for miles. It’s perfect for long beach walks, sunbathing, or finding your own spot in the sun away from the crowds.
The waters here are clear and inviting, great for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
This beach is buzzing with activity. You’ll see people playing beach volleyball, families enjoying picnics, and groups of friends gathered around.
The promenade is lined with a variety of restaurants and bars, offering plenty of options for a seaside meal or a refreshing drink.
Getting to Playa de San Juan
By Public Transport: The TRAM is your go-to option. The Londres (L5) and Costa Blanca (L1 and L3) stops are closest to the beach, and from there, it’s just less than a 5-minute walk to the sands.
By Car: If you’re driving, you’ll find ample parking along the beach, though it can get busy during peak summer months. The drive can take about 20 minutes.
By Bike: Biking to Playa de San Juan is a great choice for those who enjoy a scenic ride. The bike paths are well-maintained and offer great views of the coastline.
5. Playa de Muchavista
Stretching from the end of San Juan Beach, Playa de Muchavista in El Campello, Alicante, has clear waters and expansive sandy shores. It’s the ideal spot for those who love a bit more space and less hustle.
This beach is a seamless continuation of San Juan’s lively vibe but with a touch more tranquillity.
The sands here are just as golden and inviting, perfect for a sun-soaked day or a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge. The sea is beautifully clear, offering refreshing swims and a great setting for water sports.
Playa de Muchavista is spacious enough never to feel overcrowded. It’s a popular choice for families, groups of friends, and anyone seeking a blend of beach relaxation and activity. The backdrop of stunning views adds to its appeal.
Getting to Playa de Muchavista
By Public Transport: The TRAM makes it easy to reach this beach. Get off at the Muchavista (L5) stop, which is conveniently close to the beach.
By Car: Driving to Playa de Muchavista is straightforward and takes about 20 minutes. With ample parking available, though it’s a good idea to arrive early during peak times.
By Bike: A bike ride to the beach is a great option, with scenic routes along the coast that make the journey part of the adventure.
6. Cala Cantalar
Cala Cantalar, a picturesque cove, is an intimate spot, offering a more private beach experience away from the city’s larger, more frequented beaches.
Cala Cantalar is a charming retreat, perfect for those seeking a quiet day by the sea. The cove’s smaller size creates a cosy, almost secluded atmosphere.
The pebbly beach and clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and swimmers who prefer calm, undisturbed waters.
This cove is all about natural beauty. It’s a popular choice for couples and individuals looking for a peaceful spot to relax, read a book, or simply soak in the serene Mediterranean surroundings.
Getting to Cala Cantalar
By Public Transport: The nearest tram stop is at Tridente (L5), which is less than 30 minutes from the beach. Another option is to get a bus going to Parque Metropolitano del Cabo de la Huerta. It’s a 10-minute trek, but it’s worth it for the secluded feel.
By Car: If you’re driving, there’s limited parking available near the cove. The 15-minute drive offers scenic views, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
By Bike: It’s a 30-minute bike ride from the centre of Alicante to Cala Cantalars. The route is a little rugged in places but offers stunning coastal views.
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7. Cala Judíos
Cala Judíos, located at Cala de los Judíos, is a lesser-known beach spot. This small and serene cove is ideal for a peaceful day away from the more populated beaches.
Cala Judíos has superb conditions for snorkelling. The clear, calm waters offer a glimpse into the rich marine life of the Mediterranean.
This beach is all about simplicity and nature. It’s less about facilities and more about enjoying the untouched beauty of Alicante’s coastline.
The cove’s secluded nature provides a perfect backdrop for those seeking a quiet retreat.
Getting to Cala Judíos
By Public Transport: Accessing Cala Judíos by public transport can be a bit challenging, as it’s off the main routes. You might need to take a bus to IES Cap de L’Horta (L22, L22N, or L38A). Then, enjoy a less than 10-minute scenic walk to the cove.
By Car: Driving is the most convenient option as it takes about 10 minutes, with some parking available nearby. The drive itself is scenic, adding to the experience.
By Bike: For the adventurous, biking to Cala Judíos is a great way to explore Alicante’s less-travelled paths. This will take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your speed.
8. Playa de Urbanova
Located to the south of Alicante city, Playa de Urbanova is suited to those seeking a less crowded beach experience.
Playa de Urbanova is a wide stretch of sand, offering ample room for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to lay out a beach towel and relax, play some beach games, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore, there’s space for it all.
The water here is typically calm, making it suitable for swimming and paddling.
Getting to Playa de Urbanova
By Bus: A bus route that commonly serves the area near Playa del Saladar is Line 27. This line often runs from Alicante city centre towards the Urbanova area. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on where you are from.
By Car: Driving to Playa de Urbanova is a good option, with parking available along the beach. It’s a short drive from the city, making it easily accessible.
By Bike: The bike ride from Alicante city centre to Playa del Saladar is relatively straightforward and scenic, mostly along the coast. The ride can take more than 20 minutes.
9. Playa de Agua Amarga
Located a bit further from the city, Playa de Agua Amarga offers a unique feature that sets it apart – it’s one of the few official dog-friendly beaches in the area.
At Playa de Agua Amarga, both you and your furry friend can enjoy the sun and the sea. The beach has a dedicated section for dogs, making it a fantastic spot for pet owners looking for a beach day with their four-legged companions.
The sands here are fine and welcoming, and the waters are clear, perfect for a refreshing dip for both humans and pets.
What’s more, the beach is equipped with pet-friendly facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
It’s not just a beach; it’s a social spot where pet lovers and their dogs can mingle and enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean setting.
Getting to Playa de Agua Amarga
By Public Transport: You can take a bus from Alicante city centre, which will get you close to the beach. Look for busses on Line 27, they have stops at Agua Amarga. Travel may take 20 to 40 minutes, depending on where you come from.
By Car: Driving to Playa de Agua Amarga is straightforward, with parking available nearby. It’s the easiest way to transport your pet and beach gear and can take about 30 minutes.
By Bike: A bike ride to the beach is feasible, with paths suitable for a leisurely journey. If your pet is accustomed to bike rides, this could be a fun option but it could take more than an hour.
10. Playa de los Arenales del Sol
Arenales del Sol beach is a stretch of nearly three kilometres of fine white sand.
It’s not just the quality of the water that makes it stand out, but also the rich marine life and the unique variety of dunes – from embryonic to fossil.
The beach is right by the natural landscape of Clot de Galvany, a picturesque wetland set between Arenales del Sol and Gran Alacant in the Santa Pola municipality.
Surrounded by the suburbs of Elche, Arenales del Sol is well-equipped with amenities. Think restaurants, shops, kiosks, ice cream parlours, and a seasonal market (end of June to early September).
Here, on Tuesdays and Fridays, local farmers offer their fresh produce alongside stalls selling clothes and shoes.
The beach is linked to El Carabassí by a scenic promenade featuring wooden walkways that let you explore without disturbing the coastal dune ecosystem.
Boasting a Blue Flag for its pristine conditions, the untouched areas north and south of the urban centre add to its ecological allure.
There is a tourist information office, ample parking, lifeguards, public bathrooms, shaded areas, and facilities for those with reduced mobility.
For a bit of beachside luxury, there are bars, hammock and umbrella rentals. Plus, it’s well-connected by regular bus services to Elche, Alicante, and Santa Pola.
Getting To Arenals del Sol
Bus: Regular bus lines connect Alicante city centre with Arenales del Sol. Look for buses heading towards Elche or Santa Pola, as they often stop at Arenales del Sol. Travel time is usually 20 to 30 minutes.
By Car: The drive from Alicante city centre to Arenales del Sol is direct and scenic. You’ll typically take the N-332 road, heading south towards Elche/Santa Pola for about 20 minutes. Once at Arenales del Sol, there’s ample parking available, making it convenient if you’re bringing beach gear or travelling with family.
11. Santa Pola Beach
Santa Pola Gran Playa Beach, found in the charming town of the same name, is a popular coastal resort not far from Alicante. The beach has fine sand, calm waters, and a picturesque marina that adds to its scenic beauty.
Santa Pola Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activities. The sand is soft and inviting, ideal for sunbathers and those looking to unwind.
The Mediterranean waters here are calm and clear, great for swimming, especially for families with children.
For adventure seekers, there are options for water sports, including windsurfing and kite surfing, thanks to the favourable winds in the area.
Walking along the promenade of Santa Pola is a treat. It’s lined with a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy fresh seafood while enjoying the sea view.
The beach is backed by the town, which is rich in history with attractions like the Santa Pola Castle and the Roman House of the Palmeral.
Local Tips:
- Visit the nearby Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park, a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers.
- The town’s fish market is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts.
Getting To Santa Pola
Bus: Buses run regularly from Alicante to Santa Pola, making it easily accessible. Look for Costa Azul busses, L1, L2, or L225A. Travel time can be 25 to 45 minutes to their bus station. From there, take another bus to the beach if you don’t want a 30-minute walk.
By Car: Driving from Alicante is straightforward. Take the N-332 road, and you’ll reach Santa Pola in about 30 minutes. Parking is available near the beach.
