Source: Elide Elide
The old city of Alicante sits along the beautiful Costa Blanca “white coast” of Spain, in the region of Valencia. It’s home to an impressive array of incredibly beautiful beaches bathed in almost constant sunshine and blessed with the warm and beckoning blue waters of the Mediterranean. The coast is packed with so many different beaches, wide sandy promenades and sheltered pebbly coves, it’s hard to single out the best, but here is our list of ten of the most highly recommended either in or close to Alicante city.
1. Playa de Postiguet
Alicante’s very own beach, Playa de Postiguet lies at the foot of Santa Barbara Castle with the city as its backdrop and the marina at the far end. It is 900 m of golden sand perfectly situated right by the wide, palm-lined promenade where you can find a variety of bars, cafes and restaurants as well as stalls selling clothes and jewellery in a season. Perfectly located as a walk-to beach for visitors to Alicante, this beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness on many occasions.
2. El Campello
Source: mandoftEl Campello is a lovely little beach town about 25 minutes from Alicante (accessible by tram). With sweeping white sand and tranquil waters, this beach is an extension of San Juan de Alicante that starts closer to Alicante city itself and is 7 km long in total. El Campello is full of unique little bars and places to grab a bite or a cool drink in the shade. The gentle shore line is especially good for families with young children.
3. Playa de la Albufereta
This pretty curved beach has important archeological sites as it lies where the original Roman city of Alicante began. In fact its namesake was a lake that used to be a harbor for the Roman village of Lucentem. Dotted with shady palm trees it’s good for swimming and paddle boarding.
4. Cabo de las Huertas
These rugged coves are a good option for those seeking a bit more adventure as they are not so easily accessible as some of the other beaches in the area. It’s worth it once you arrive though, for the three coves are stunningly picturesque with crystalline waters. You can also strip off your swim wear if you wish as two of the coves are nudist.
5. Tabarca Island
To really get away from the crowds get a boat out to picture perfect and laid-back Tabarca Island. It’s a marine reserve due to the range of flora and fauna found on the island and si a little slice of Mediterranean paradise all to itself. It’s incredibly underwater life attracts divers to the island and there is a lovely old fishing village to wander around.
6. La Almadraba
A little less touristy than other beaches so close to Alicante, this uncrowded small beach is a lovely place to relax a way an afternoon in the sun. The sea is very calm with virtually no waves so lovely for easy swimming. You won’t want to miss the sunsets here either, settle in for a stunning display of colors across the sky.
7. Cap Blanc, Altea
A favorite with artists and photographers due to it’s pretty bay , Cap Blanc is another Blue flag beach. It’s located between the port of Altea and Albir. Here you can rent a sun bed and observe yachts as they come into moor at the nearby marina. With clear turquoise water lapping at your feet, this beach comes close to idyllic.
8. Playa el Portet
A sheltered little jewel of a beach with clear shallow water prefect for snorkeling. The beach is sandy with clear dazzling water to rival the Caribbean. It’s small and can get busy so it’s wise to arrive early in summer. There are two main bars/restaurants for lunch and snacks, can’t beat delicious and fresh grilled fish with such a stunning view to match.
9. Playa de los Saladares
Right on the outskirts of the city of Alicante about 5 km south from the center, this is yet another sweeping beach of golden sand. For it’s proximity to the city, t’s surprisingly empty and peaceful. There are beach bars and restaurants to choose from right ont hes and. As well as activities like beach volleyball and football, swings for the kids and other diversions.
10. Arenal-Bol, Calpe
Another blue flag for cleanliness award goes to this beach in Calpe, just north of Alicante heading towards Valencia. This fine sandy beach has many opportunities for water sports and leisure activities and also a nice seaside promenade to stroll along and take in many cafes, ice cream shops and restaurants. Calm shallow waters make it another kid-friendly spot.
With a wonderful year-round climate and so many pristine beaches to choose from Alicante has a lot to offer sun-seekers, beach lovers, swimmers and snorkelers.
Enjoy your trip and travel!
