Beach Guide
Best Beaches
Costa Blanca lives up to its name—the White Coast. With over 200 kilometres of coastline, you'll find everything from wide sandy beaches with full facilities to secluded coves accessible only on foot. Here's our guide to the standout beaches worth visiting.
Costa Blanca North Beaches
The northern stretch from Dénia to Altea offers dramatic scenery—rocky coves, crystal-clear waters, and pine-covered cliffs. These beaches tend to be smaller but more picturesque.
Playa El Arenal, Jávea
Jávea's main beach is a 500-metre crescent of golden sand backed by a palm-lined promenade. The shallow waters make it ideal for families, while the beachfront cafés and restaurants keep everyone fed. Lifeguards patrol in summer, and you'll find showers, toilets, and sunbed rentals along the shore.
What sets El Arenal apart is its setting—the bay is sheltered by headlands on both sides, creating calm swimming conditions even when winds pick up elsewhere. The promenade comes alive in the evenings with locals and visitors strolling, dining, and enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Playa La Granadella
Consistently rated among Spain's best beaches, La Granadella is a small horseshoe-shaped cove near Jávea. The intense blue water, dramatic cliffs, and Mediterranean pines create a postcard-perfect scene. The beach is pebbly rather than sandy, but the snorkelling is exceptional—bring a mask.
Access is via a winding road that descends sharply to the cove. Arrive early in summer; parking fills quickly. Two restaurants serve fresh seafood right on the beach. The water is notably cleaner and clearer than larger beaches, thanks to the rocky bottom and lack of development.
Playa La Fossa, Calpe
Also known as Playa Levante, this 1.2-kilometre sandy beach sits directly below Calpe's famous Peñón de Ifach rock. The views are spectacular—you're swimming with a 332-metre limestone outcrop as your backdrop. The beach has Blue Flag status, full facilities, and a promenade lined with restaurants.
For property buyers, La Fossa represents the quintessential Costa Blanca experience: a walkable beach with excellent amenities and iconic scenery. Many property buyers specifically seek locations within walking distance of this beach.
Costa Blanca South Beaches
The southern coast from Alicante to Pilar de la Horadada features wider, sandier beaches with warmer water temperatures. These beaches are more accessible and offer excellent facilities.
Playa La Zenia
La Zenia is one of the most popular beaches in Orihuela Costa, known for its fine golden sand and shallow, warm waters. The beach stretches for about 350 metres and is backed by a small promenade with beach bars and restaurants. Lifeguards, showers, and accessibility ramps make it family-friendly.
The area around La Zenia has developed significantly, with the nearby La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre adding convenience. Many expats choose this area for its combination of beach lifestyle and practical amenities. It's an excellent example of what Costa Blanca South offers.
Playa de San Juan
At nearly 3 kilometres long, San Juan is Alicante's flagship beach and one of the largest on the Costa Blanca. The wide stretch of golden sand, gentle waves, and extensive promenade make it perfect for long walks, swimming, and beach sports. Numerous chiringuitos (beach bars) line the shore.
The beach has excellent public transport connections to Alicante city centre, making it accessible even without a car. The surrounding area offers a mix of residential properties, from apartments with sea views to villas in the hills behind.
Playa del Cura, Torrevieja
Torrevieja's central beach sits right in the heart of town, making it incredibly convenient for residents. The 375-metre sandy beach has Blue Flag status and all expected facilities. What makes it special is the walkability—you can stroll from the beach to shops, restaurants, and the famous salt lakes within minutes.
For those considering permanent living in Spain, having a quality beach within walking distance of daily amenities is a significant lifestyle benefit.
Choosing Your Beach
With so many options, how do you decide which beaches matter most? Consider these factors when exploring the coast—they'll also help you narrow down where to look for property.
Family Needs
Shallow water, lifeguards, nearby toilets, and restaurants. El Arenal and La Zenia excel here.
Water Sports
Paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling. La Granadella offers the clearest water for underwater exploration.
Walkability
Can you reach the beach on foot from your property? This matters more than you think for daily use.
Year-Round Use
Larger beaches near towns stay active in winter. Isolated coves may feel deserted off-season.
From Beach Visits to Beach Living
Visiting these beaches is one thing—living near them is another experience entirely. Many property buyers start with a favourite beach and work backwards, finding properties within walking or short driving distance.
If you're considering a property purchase, our guides on Costa Blanca North and Costa Blanca South break down each area's character, property prices, and lifestyle. For first-time buyers, our complete buying guide walks you through the entire process.
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