Top 15 Alicante Beaches for Sun-Kissed Adventures

Alicante is a lively coastal city on Spain’s Costa Blanca. Visitors love its stunning Mediterranean beaches, old castles, and busy promenades. This sunny destination offers a great mix of cultural sights like the Santa Bárbara Castle and beautiful sandy shores along its coastline.

Are There Beaches in Alicante?

Alicante has amazing beaches along the Mediterranean Sea. Blue waters meet golden sand under sunshine almost all year. The sea temperature ranges from 15°C in winter to 26°C in summer. Perfect for beach lovers.

Yes, Alicante has many beaches – over 15 beautiful stretches of coastline. Most are completely free to visit. These beaches are very safe, with lifeguards during busy season. You’ll find diverse activities from water sports to beach volleyball.

This guide explores the top 15 beaches near Alicante. We’ll show you the finest coastal spots this city offers. We’ll describe all 15 beaches along Alicante’s shoreline, then help you pick the best ones for your Mediterranean adventure.

Before heading to the beach, travelers can use convenient luggage storage providers throughout Alicante’s city center. These services let you securely leave your bags and enjoy the seaside worry-free. Makes your beach day much more comfortable.

1. Playa del Postiguet

Playa del Postiguet is Alicante’s most central beach. Located just steps from the city center beneath Santa Bárbara Castle. This Blue Flag beach stretches 900 meters of fine golden sand. Free entry for all visitors.

The beach is exceptionally safe. Lifeguard services, accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility, and calm shallow waters. Perfect for families with children. This is the closest beach to Alicante city center, incredibly convenient for tourists staying downtown or those with limited time.

Adults enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach volleyball. Kids love the gentle waves and play areas. The promenade behind the beach, Explanada de España, has many bars, cafes, and restaurants. Fresh seafood and traditional Spanish cuisine everywhere.

2. Playa de San Juan

Playa de San Juan ranks among the most popular beaches in the region. It extends over 7 kilometers of pristine coastline north of the city. Entry is completely free. The beach consistently earns Blue Flag status for excellent water quality.

This beach in Alicante offers exceptional safety standards. Multiple lifeguard stations, first aid posts, and clearly marked swimming zones throughout its length. You’ll find endless activities including windsurfing, sailing, jet skiing, and beach soccer for adults. Children enjoy supervised play areas and shallow waters.

The palm-lined Avenida de Niza runs parallel to the beach. Countless beach bars, chiringuitos, and restaurants serve paella and cold drinks. The area also features many hotels. It’s a self-contained beach resort destination within Alicante.

3. Playa de la Albufereta

Playa de la Albufereta is a charming 300-meter beach nestled in a quiet cove between rocky headlands. More intimate than larger beaches. This free-access beach provides excellent facilities including showers, toilets, and accessibility features for visitors with disabilities.

The beach is very safe with lifeguard surveillance during summer months. Protected waters stay calm even when other beaches have waves. Activities include snorkeling among the rocks where colorful fish gather, paddleboarding, and swimming in crystal-clear waters.

Kids particularly enjoy exploring small rock pools at either end during low tide. Several cozy beach bars and cafes serve refreshments and light meals. Nearby you’ll find Lucentum, an ancient Roman settlement worth exploring.

4. Playa del Saladar

Playa del Saladar offers a more naturalistic beach experience. Its 1.2 kilometers of fine sand backed by protected dunes and native vegetation. Access is completely free. The beach maintains excellent cleanliness with regular maintenance.

Safety services operate during high season. The beach has a slightly wilder character with fewer crowds than urban beaches. This beach attracts windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts due to favorable wind conditions.

The extensive shoreline provides ample space for beach games and sunbathing. Children can play freely with gentle waves. While there are fewer commercial facilities directly on this beach, several chiringuitos and cafes operate during summer. The nearby Urbanova area offers additional dining options.

5. Playa de Urbanova

Playa de Urbanova stretches for approximately 1 kilometer. Features dark golden sand and a residential atmosphere favored by local families. This free beach offers good facilities including parking areas, showers, and beach access ramps.

The beach maintains solid safety standards with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Generally calm water conditions suitable for all swimming abilities. Adults enjoy beach walking, swimming, and occasional beach volleyball games.

The shallow waters and gentle slope make it ideal for young children. The beach has a more local, authentic feel with several traditional Spanish beach bars serving tapas and cold beverages. The surrounding Urbanova neighborhood features supermarkets and additional restaurants. Convenient for extended beach days.

6. Playa del Cabo de las Huertas

Playa del Cabo de las Huertas consists of several small rocky coves and inlets rather than a traditional sandy beach. Offers dramatic coastal scenery. Access is free, though reaching some coves requires navigating rocky paths and stairs.

This area is generally safe but requires more caution due to rocks and deeper waters. Better suited for confident swimmers and adults. The main activities revolve around snorkeling and diving. The rocky seabed hosts diverse marine life and exceptionally clear waters.

Sunbathing happens on smooth rock platforms rather than sand. Creates a unique Mediterranean experience. There are limited facilities with just a few seasonal beach bars. But the stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear waters make it a favorite among locals seeking tranquility.

7. Playa de San Gabriel

Playa de San Gabriel is a compact 200-meter beach in the charming coastal neighborhood of El Albufereta. Offers a village-like atmosphere. Entry is free, and despite its small size, the beach provides good facilities including showers, toilets, and easy access.

The beach is well-supervised and safe with lifeguards present during summer. Protected waters remain relatively calm. This Alicante beach is perfect for families, offering calm swimming conditions for children and enough space for beach games.

Adults appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and proximity to the scenic coastal walkway connecting to other nearby beaches. Several traditional restaurants and tapas bars line the beachfront promenade. Excellent seafood and local specialties in an authentic neighborhood setting.

8. Playa de Agua Amarga

Playa de Agua Amarga is a hidden gem measuring 140 meters. Tucked away beneath impressive cliffs of Cabo de las Huertas. This free beach features a mix of sand and pebbles with remarkably transparent turquoise waters.

Access requires descending stairs, which helps maintain its peaceful, uncrowded character. Safety services are limited compared to more central beaches. The primary activities include swimming in pristine waters, snorkeling to observe marine life around the rocks, and simply relaxing in a spectacular natural setting.

The beach is suitable for older children who are comfortable swimmers. The water deepens relatively quickly. There’s a popular chiringuito serving fresh fish and paella. Makes it possible to spend the entire day enjoying this secluded paradise without leaving for meals.

9. Cala Cantalares

Cala Cantalares is a tiny 40-meter cove accessible via steep stairs. Offers one of the most secluded beach experiences near Alicante’s center. Access is free but requires good mobility to navigate the descent.

This intimate cove has no lifeguard services. Visitors should be experienced swimmers and exercise caution. The main draw is the exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities. Rocky underwater landscapes teeming with fish and marine plants.

The small size means limited space for groups. But couples and solo travelers find it perfect for peaceful sunbathing on the pebbles and rocks. No commercial facilities exist at this cala. Visitors should bring their own food, drinks, and beach equipment for a true escape-to-nature experience.

10. Playa de los Saladares

Playa de los Saladares extends along 750 meters of coastline in the Urbanova area. Characterized by fine sand and a natural, unspoiled environment. This free-access beach features protected dune systems and native vegetation that provide ecological value.

Safety provisions include seasonal lifeguard services. The beach maintains a quieter, less commercial atmosphere than central Alicante beaches. Beach activities include swimming, beach soccer, and various water sports. The long shoreline provides plenty of space for everyone.

Families with children appreciate the gentle waves and gradual depth. Makes it safe for young swimmers. While beach services are limited, a few seasonal chiringuitos operate during summer. The nearby residential area offers additional amenities and restaurants.

11. Playa de la Almadraba

Playa de la Almadraba consists of multiple small rocky platforms and inlets totaling about 200 meters. Located south of the city center. Access is completely free, though the rocky terrain requires careful navigation.

This area is moderately safe for experienced swimmers but not recommended for young children due to rocks and uneven depths. The beach is renowned for excellent snorkeling and underwater photography. Clear waters reveal fascinating rock formations and marine biodiversity.

Sunbathers use the flat rock areas, which some prefer to sand. A well-known beachfront restaurant serves exceptional seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Makes it a popular spot for combining beach time with fine dining experiences.

12. Playa del Coco

Playa del Coco is a small 50-meter beach nestled between rocks near the Cabo de las Huertas area. Offers an intimate and quiet setting. Entry is free, accessed via a path and stairs that keep it relatively uncrowded.

The beach has no official lifeguard services. Best suited for confident swimmers who can handle themselves in open water. This cozy spot attracts visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Activities centered on swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in clear waters.

The rocky surroundings create interesting underwater scenery for exploration. While there are no facilities directly on the beach, the nearby residential area has several restaurants and cafes within walking distance.

13. Playa de Muchavista

Playa de Muchavista technically falls in neighboring El Campello but is easily accessible from Alicante. Stretches over 3 kilometers of excellent sandy beach. This free beach offers comprehensive facilities including parking, showers, accessibility features, and children’s play areas.

The beach maintains high safety standards with multiple lifeguard posts. Blue Flag certification for water quality and services. Adults can enjoy windsurfing, sailing, beach volleyball, and various water sports rentals. Kids love the shallow waters and supervised play zones.

The extensive beach promenade features numerous bars, restaurants, and ice cream shops. Creates a lively atmosphere. The area combines beach relaxation with proximity to El Campello’s charming old town and its historic watchtower.

14. Cala de la Palmera

Cala de la Palmera is another small rocky cove measuring approximately 30 meters. Located along the scenic Cabo de las Huertas coastline. Access is free but requires navigating rocky paths and potentially climbing over rocks.

This remote spot has no safety services. Suitable only for experienced swimmers and adventurous beach-goers. The primary appeal lies in the pristine, untouched environment and exceptionally clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Visitors often have this tiny cala almost to themselves. Creates a private beach experience. No facilities or services are available. Come fully prepared with everything you need. Treat it as a true wilderness beach adventure.

15. Playa de los Judíos

Playa de los Judíos is a compact 100-meter beach with a mix of sand and pebbles. Located south of Alicante’s center in a quieter area. Entry is free, and while facilities are basic, the beach provides showers and waste bins.

Safety services are limited. Occasional lifeguard presence during peak summer but generally less supervision than major beaches. This beach attracts locals seeking a calmer alternative to busier spots. Offers swimming and relaxation in a more natural setting.

The beach is suitable for families with older children who don’t require extensive facilities. A couple of small beach bars operate seasonally, providing refreshments and simple meals. The surrounding area features additional dining options within a short walk.

Best Beaches in Alicante

Qeepl’s experts have selected the top 3 beaches in Alicante based on comprehensive criteria. Including accessibility, safety, scenery, and availability of various activities:

• Playa de San Juan – This beach claims the top spot due to its exceptional combination. 7 kilometers of pristine sand, excellent accessibility via public transport, comprehensive safety services with multiple lifeguard stations. The widest range of water sports and activities for all ages. Plus outstanding dining options along the entire beachfront promenade.

• Playa del Postiguet – Earning second place for its unbeatable central location. The most accessible beach in the city. Excellent safety standards including facilities for people with reduced mobility. Stunning backdrop of Santa Bárbara Castle creates memorable scenery. And the convenience of having Alicante’s main attractions within walking distance.

• Playa de la Albufereta – Securing third position for its perfect balance. Good accessibility from the city center, reliable safety services in a protected cove setting. Beautiful natural scenery with rocky headlands and clear waters. Diverse activities including snorkeling and historical sites nearby. Plus a charming local atmosphere that feels authentic and relaxed.