10 Best Beaches in the Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca, Spain’s radiant “White Coast,” stretches along more than 200 kilometres of Mediterranean shoreline from Dénia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada in the south. It’s a region of golden sands, turquoise waters, and a timeless Spanish charm that never fades. Each resort town and hidden cove tells its own story, from the energy of Benidorm to the quiet elegance of Moraira. Whether you’re looking for adventure, romance, or complete relaxation, these ten beaches showcase the very best the Costa Blanca has to offer.

1. Playa La Granadella, Jávea

Hidden between steep pine-covered cliffs, Granadella is the Costa Blanca’s little jewel — often listed among Spain’s most beautiful coves. It’s a small horseshoe bay with sparkling turquoise water and a pebbly shore that gives the sea its crystal clarity. Snorkellers drift over rocks where fish shimmer in the sunlight, and kayakers explore the cliffs and small sea caves nearby. Because space is limited, it’s best to arrive early in summer, but the reward is total serenity in one of the coast’s most picturesque corners. Around lunchtime, you can wander up to a local restaurant overlooking the bay and enjoy grilled prawns or paella while listening to the waves.

2. Playa del Portet, Moraira

Playa del Portet is a gentle curve of soft sand and calm, glass-clear water — almost like a natural lagoon. It’s small, peaceful, and framed by whitewashed houses and green hills. Locals paddleboard or swim across the bay in the morning, while others relax in beachside cafés with fresh orange juice and churros. The water here stays shallow for a long way out, making it perfect for children and non-swimmers. Portet’s beauty lies in its simplicity — a quiet, authentic place to escape from the noise and reconnect with the sea.

3.Platja de la Fossa, Calpe

In Calpe, the mighty Peñón de Ifach rises like a stone giant over the sea, and at its base lies Playa de la Fossa. This beach is a favourite for its dramatic views and relaxed atmosphere. The sand is fine, the water shallow, and the promenade full of life. Families play near the shore while travellers enjoy seafood paella at the beachside restaurants. You can walk all the way to the small harbour and watch the fishing boats return at sunset, or climb part of the rock for an incredible view of the coastline. Everything here feels peaceful yet full of energy, surrounded by the beauty of the Mediterranean.

4. Platja del Postiguet, Alicante

Right in the centre of Alicante, this city beach shows how easily local life and the sea can meet. It takes only a few minutes to walk here from the old town. The beach is wide and clean, edged with palm trees, and backed by a lively promenade.

Families love its soft sand and gentle water, while visitors enjoy the view of Santa Bárbara Castle high on the hill. The atmosphere changes through the day, from quiet in the morning to full of music and laughter at night when people stroll and share a drink under the stars.

5. Playa de San Juan, Alicante

6. Playa de Poniente, Benidorm

7. Playa de Levante, Benidorm

For those who prefer a quieter side of Benidorm, Poniente Beach offers calm, space, and a slower rhythm. It stretches for more than three kilometres and feels more local, with Spanish families enjoying picnics and couples walking by the water. The promenade is beautifully designed, lined with palms and modern sculptures. The sea here is exceptionally clear, perfect for long swims. As the sun sets behind the skyline, the light turns golden and soft. The sound of waves mixes with the soft hum of conversations from the seaside cafés. It is a place where the city fades into the background and only the sea remains.

A short tram ride from the city centre, San Juan is one of the most famous beaches on the coast and loved by everyone who visits. It stretches for more than seven kilometres and feels endless, with golden sand that glows in the afternoon light. The beach is wide and open, never too crowded, even in summer. The water is clean and clear, inviting you to swim, surf, or paddleboard. Behind the beach runs a line of elegant apartments and open-air restaurants serving fresh fish and cold white wine. There is a sense of freedom here — long horizons, bright sunlight, and the sound of the waves blending with the laughter of people enjoying the simple pleasure of being by the sea.

Levante Beach is Benidorm’s heartbeat, full of life from dawn until late at night. The sand is golden, the water shallow and warm, and the promenade is lined with endless cafés, bars, and beach clubs. It is the kind of place where people come to celebrate summer in every form, swimming, sunbathing, talking, and dancing. You can join a beach yoga session in the morning, have paella for lunch, and later watch the sunset as the city lights begin to sparkle. Levante has a lively atmosphere but also a strong sense of community, where everyone is welcome to enjoy the day in their own way.

8. Playa Racó de L’Albir

With 550m of pristine pebbly sand, brilliant blue sea and all the facilities under the sun (including sun-loungers, showers, lifeguards and watersports), Playa del Albir really is the whole package. Located in the smaller coastal resort of L’Albir – a quiet neighbour of Benidorm – the atmosphere is more on the local side. Behind the beautiful paved promenade that backs the beach you’ll find a handful of restaurants and cafés serving up tasty food and refreshments.

9. Playa del Arenal, Jávea

Arenal Beach is Jávea’s main sandy beach — broad, family-friendly, and framed by a lively promenade filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants. The shallow water and soft sand make it perfect for children, and there’s a warm, sociable atmosphere day and night. In the evening, the promenade comes alive with street performers, open-air terraces, and the scent of Mediterranean cuisine. From here you can easily explore Jávea’s charming old town or take a scenic coastal drive towards Cabo de la Nao for panoramic sea views.

10. Playa de la Mata, Torrevieja

Torrevieja’s longest beach is one of those wonderfully wide and sandy Blue Flag beaches that the Costa Blanca does so well. With sand dunes immediately to the rear, and the beach stretching for 2.3km (1.5 miles) along the coast, it’s easy to forget that the town of Torrevieja itself is only a few minutes’ walk away. The shallow rock pools are great for toddlers and younger children while teenagers and surfers enjoy the stronger currents and waves, especially earlier in the mornings, as well as football and volleyball. You’ll also find beach bars, restaurants and cafés nearby.

Plan Your Costa Blanca Escape

Costa Blanca is not just a coastline. It is a feeling, the warmth of the sun on your skin, the sound of the sea along the promenades, the taste of fresh seafood and cold sangria after a long day by the water. If you are ready to turn that feeling into a real escape, use SpainHotelsDirect to search trusted hotels and holidays along this coast, with competitive rates for Spain, secure online payments, low deposits on many options and ATOL protected packages available through recognised providers so you can book with confidence and simply look forward to your next beach morning.

Alicante and Playa de San Juan
Alicante suits travellers who like to mix beach time with a proper Spanish city. You have a castle on the hill, a marina, tapas streets, shopping and a sandy urban beach at Playa del Postiguet. Just up the coast, Playa de San Juan offers a long, open sandy bay with a relaxed, local feel and good tram connections. Ideal for couples, solo travellers and weekend escapes where you want more than just a resort.

Benidorm
Benidorm is still one of the most practical bases on Costa Blanca. Levante Beach offers a lively atmosphere with bars, restaurants and activities from morning until late night. Poniente Beach is wider, calmer and popular with families and guests who want space and long walks. From Benidorm you can reach nearby attractions, boat trips and viewpoints easily. It is a strong choice for visitors who enjoy energy, convenience and plenty of choice.

Calpe
Calpe gives you beautiful beaches with the dramatic Peñón de Ifach rising from the sea. La Fossa and Arenal Bol beaches have soft sand, shallow water and long promenades with cafés and restaurants. The old town, salt flats and walking routes add interest away from the shore. Calpe works well for couples, families and older travellers who appreciate good facilities with strong scenery.

Altea and Albir
These two sit nicely between lively and quiet. Albir has a long seafront, a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to Benidorm by bus if you want a change of pace. Altea is more artistic, with whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and a pretty old town with sea views. The beaches are mostly pebbled with clear water. This area is ideal for guests who like charm, evening strolls, good food and a slower rhythm.

Jávea and Moraira
Jávea and Moraira suit travellers who want a slightly more upmarket but still laid back feel. You get a mix of sandy beaches, rocky coves, good snorkelling and quality restaurants by the marina and promenade. Families, couples and regular Spain visitors are often drawn here. These towns are also a good base if you like exploring by car.

Dénia and Les Marines
Dénia offers a real Spanish town with a castle, harbour and year round life. Les Marines Beach runs for several kilometres with wide sandy stretches that never feel too crowded. This region suits those who value space, local restaurants, easy driving routes and the option to take ferries or trips further afield. It is a strong choice for longer stays and guests who prefer an authentic atmosphere over resort style entertainment.

Which part of Costa Blanca is right for you

Is Costa Blanca good for a family beach holiday
Yes. Many beaches along Costa Blanca have gentle waves, soft sand, lifeguards during main season and plenty of nearby facilities. Benidorm, Calpe, Alicante, Jávea and Dénia all offer safe swimming areas, promenades, playgrounds and family friendly accommodation.

When is the sea warmest on Costa Blanca
The sea is usually warmest from late July through September, when the Mediterranean holds heat from the summer sun. During this period the water often feels comfortably warm for long swims, especially in more sheltered bays.

Are there quieter beaches away from the busy resorts
There are many. Around Altea, Albir, Moraira, Dénia and parts of Jávea you will find smaller bays and longer stretches with fewer people, especially early in the day or outside peak months. A car or local bus makes reaching these beaches straightforward.

Do I need a car to enjoy Costa Blanca beaches
You can enjoy the main resort beaches easily without a car using trams, trains and buses, especially between Alicante and Benidorm. A car becomes useful if you want to explore hidden coves, rural viewpoints, inland villages or combine several beaches in one day.

Is Costa Blanca only for summer holidays
No. Spring and autumn are excellent for walking, cycling, local markets and sightseeing with pleasant temperatures. Winter is popular with visitors who want sunshine, quiet beaches and long lunches on seafront terraces while much of Europe is cold.

Are the beaches suitable for older travellers
Yes. Many beaches have flat promenades, easy access points, nearby cafés and accommodation close to the shore, which makes Costa Blanca comfortable for older guests as well as families with young children.

Costa Blanca beach FAQ