The Costa Blanca, in Spain, has its own distinctive way of presenting itself: first comes the color, the pale hue of the sand, the limestone cliffs, and façades illuminated by the sun. Then comes the sea, often turquoise in sheltered coves, more intense along the open beaches. Behind all this appears a landscape that is striking for a Mediterranean coast, made up of mountains, headlands, pine forests, and small towns.
We are talking about the wonderful stretch of coastline in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, which spans more than 200 kilometers and gathers about 170 beaches and coves. A true marine paradise, it also boasts such variety that it makes the image of the typical Spanish seaside resort seem reductive. The beauty, in fact, lies precisely in the succession of very different landscapes: one morning you can start in front of an urban sandy beach and end up in a small cove accessible only from the sea. Here are the beaches not to miss.
Granadella Beach, Jávea’s postcard cove
In Jávea, also known by its Valencian name Xàbia, the coast leaves you astonished with Granadella Beach, which appears narrow between ridges cloaked in Mediterranean vegetation, with rocky walls and pines that reach almost to the water. The beach measures about 160 meters and is made of sand and pebbles, while the sea is transparent and ideal for snorkeling and diving.
The compact formation of the cove creates an atmosphere very different from the large urban beaches. Yet in peak season the fame comes with a price, and the space can become crowded.
Portitxol Cove, between fisherman’s cottages and clear sea
Another breathtaking landscape in Jávea is Portitxol Cove, also known as Cala Barraca. The small beach of pebbles and rocks sits between Cap Prim and Cap Negre, two headlands that help create a very intimate setting.
What makes it special are the old fishermen’s houses facing the cove, tiny, low, white structures that belong to the coastal memory of the seashore. The clear seabed invites snorkeling, while kayaking and diving allow a better appreciation of the coastline’s shape.
La Fossa Beach, the large sandy shore at the foot of the Peñón de Ifach
Calpe possesses one of the most recognizable symbols of the entire Costa Blanca: the Peñón de Ifach, a massive limestone promontory that rises above the Mediterranean and represents one of the last prominences of the Betic Cordillera. At its base unfolds La Fossa Beach, also known as Levante, with a sandy coastline that pairs with a seafront rich in restaurants, bars, and services.
The seabed slopes gradually, making this beach particularly suited for families.
Arenal-Bol Beach, Calpe’s large beach
On Calpe’s urban flank, Arenal-Bol Beach offers a broader and livelier face of the town. The shoreline extends about 2.4 kilometers and features fine, light-colored sand. The promenade, restaurants, and bars make it easy to alternate a swim with a gastronomic interlude.
Water activities inject a dynamic tone into the day, with options to rent pedal boats and try a variety of sport on the sea.
Mal Pas Beach, the small beach in the heart of Benidorm
Benidorm is famous for its skyscrapers, but a quick stroll to Mal Pas Beach reveals a much more intimate landscape. The small cove sits beside the historic center, between the large Levante and Poniente bays. Its location is its defining feature, because just a short walk takes you from golden sand to the narrow streets of the old town.
Mal Pas is compact in size with clear waters. Its more secluded character compared to Benidorm’s large beaches makes it appealing for those seeking a quiet interlude without giving up the city’s vitality.
Poniente Beach, the other face of Benidorm
To the west of the old town opens Poniente Beach, a long sandy arc framed by the vertical skyline of Benidorm’s buildings. Residential towers, hotels, and palm trees compose a striking urban landscape that has over the years become one of the most recognizable images of Spanish Mediterranean tourism.
The modern seafront accompanies the beach, creating a long promenade overlooking the clear waters. The light-colored sand, the breadth of the shoreline, and the availability of services make Poniente a practical choice for a full day along the coast.
San Juan Beach, Alicante’s wide horizon
To the north of the city of Alicante lies San Juan Beach, one of the province’s great beaches. Golden sand, open sea, and a broad coastline give a sense of space very different from the small rocky coves of the northern Costa Blanca. Water sports, dining, and services accompany the beach along the coast, while the city itself remains easily reachable.
Postiguet Beach, the sea at the foot of the castle
Few beaches manage to merge sea, history, and the city center with the same immediacy as Postiguet Beach. The shoreline sits in the heart of Alicante, at the foot of the Santa Bárbara Castle, a fortress that towers over the city from the top of Monte Benacantil. The beach spans about 900 meters and features fine golden sand and tranquil waters.
El Carabassí, dunes and pine forest between Alicante and Santa Pola
Further south the landscape becomes decidedly natural, and El Carabassí, near Gran Alacant and Santa Pola, flaunts a long stretch of coastline characterized by fine sand, turquoise waters, dunes, and Mediterranean vegetation. The dune system stands out as one of the most fascinating landscape elements, to the point that the beach takes on a wild character, very different from Alicante and Benidorm’s urban shores.
La Mata Beach, Torrevieja’s vast expanse
In Torrevieja, La Mata Beach stretches along a broad swath of sandy coast beside the natural setting of the La Mata Lagoons. The relationship between beach and protected environment constitutes its most interesting feature. The golden sand accompanies dunes, vegetation, and coastal paths, while bars and restaurants ensure a more tourist-oriented aspect.
Cala de la Llobella, Benissa’s wildest side
Between Moraira and Calpe, along the coast of , Cala de la Llobella represents one of the most intriguing alternatives to the large beaches. Pebbles, pines, and clear water build a small Mediterranean scene that looks almost pristine.
Snorkeling and diving find especially favorable conditions thanks to the clarity of the water and the rocky formation. Yet the charm lies in the simplicity: a tiny cove, the vegetation behind it, and the Mediterranean in front.
