The Mediterranean Sea bathes beautiful beaches along its Spanish coastlines, such as the beaches in Alicante in the southeast and Cadiz in the southern tip of the country.
With an impressive five of them proudly displaying Blue Flag Awards, Alicante beaches make an ideal destination for your next vacation.
Discover the ultimate guide to the finest beaches near the city of Alicante, along with top-notch hotels, restaurant recommendations and best tours for your holidays.
Best Hotels in Alicante
1. Eurostars Pórtico Alicante (5*)
2. Hospes Amérigo (5*)
3. Hotel Spa Porta Maris by Melia (4*)
4. Melia Alicante (4*)
5. Eurostars Mediterranea Plaza (4*)
6. Hotel Almirante (3*)
7. Hotel Castilla Alicante (3*)
8. Hotel Boutique Calas de Alicante (3*)
Recommended Tours
1. City and Beach Bike Tour
2. Roundtrip from Alicante to Tabarca Island
3. Late Afternoon Catamaran Cruise (2 hours)
Best Beaches in Alicante
1. Playa de San Juan (Sant Joan Beach)
This beach, located 8 km north of the center of Alicante, is the most well-known of all the Alicante beaches. It is 85 meters wide and spans for 3 km of light white sand and crystal clear waters.
A beautiful and lively seafront promenade, full of restaurants, bars, and shops, runs along the beach. Gorgeous bronze sculptures flank the promenade. Look for a lovely one depicting a mother and daughter.
Playa de San Juan stretches from the neighborhood of Campello up to Cabo de la Huerta. It offers sports facilities such as more than 20 volleyball courts, soccer goals, windsurfing, and other water sports areas. There’s also a popular running track, children’s games, slides, and beach huts for a complete beach experience. A well-known golf club is nearby.
It boasts a Blue Flag award (2023) so you can expect a fully equipped beach. It offers access and parking for disabled persons.
Every year on the eve of June 24th, a special celebration takes place on this beach. It commemorates the birth of Saint John the Baptist. People light bonfires in a magical atmosphere reminiscent of ancient pagan festivals. It’s an event you won’t want to miss.
Please be aware that the southernmost three kilometers of this long beach belong to Alicante and are officially known as Playa de San Juan. The northernmost three kilometers, which are in the El Campello municipality, are labeled as Muchavista Beach on maps. However, in its entirety, everybody knows it as Playa de San Juan.
How to Get to Playa de San Juan
You can reach Playa de San Juan by car from Alicante in about 18 minutes via the A-31 motorway. Parking in front of the beach is free of charge, and there are usually spots available.
By tram, you can take Line 1, 3, or 5.
By bus, lines 21, 22, 21N, and 22N will get you there in 10 to 15 minutes.
Where to Eat in Playa de San Juan
For great seafood with a nice view in front of the beach, visit the highly recommended Casa Julio. Seafood paellas are a specialty of this restaurant. Daksa also offers tasty traditional Spanish food in a very pleasant atmosphere. Casa Domingo and Casa Pepe also receive very good reviews.
2. La Albufereta
You will find it south of Playa San Juan, across the residential neighborhood of Albufereta, and is just over 5 km north of Alicante.
Made of golden, fine sand, the waters at La Albufereta are calm. The beach stretches for 400 meters and is 18 meters wide.
In addition to the quality of the water and sand, it features various facilities, including washing services, a Red Cross station, hammocks, umbrellas, and a children’s play area. La Albufereta also received a Blue Flag distinction for the year 2023.
There is a kayak, surf, and paddle surf school at the nearby Alicante Costa Blanca Nautical Club. Vacationers can rent here all the required equipment to practice these sports.
A recommended scenic walk is available on a 4-kilometer path along the rocky coast of Cabo de la Huerta. This path will take you through Muchavista Beach and small coves. These cozy coves include Cantalar, the Jews Cove, the Caleta, the Palmera, and the Faro de Huertas. It takes about two hours to complete.
Near Albufereta Beach, you can also explore the Tosal de Manises archaeological site, where sunken ships, including the famous Albufereta Wreck, have been discovered. You can also find ancient Roman fish farms carved into the stone at one end of the beach, which was once the access to the lagoon sea.
How to Get to Alfubereta Beach
By car: Take Av. VillaJoyosa – Av. Condomina.
By tram: Take Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to Isleta Station.
By bus: You can use lines 21, 22, 21N, 22N, and 9.
Where to Eat in La Albufereta Beach
One of the most recommended restaurants is Los Troncos, just a 5-minute walk from the beach. It’s primarily a steakhouse but also offers highly appreciated Spanish dishes. Puerto Madero Grill & Drinks boasts a beautiful location and excellent food.
3. Postiguet
This beach is in the urban center of Alicante and is considered a symbol of the city. It’s one of the best beaches in Alicante.
It is situated at the foot of the Santa Barbara castle. which has origins dating back to the 9th century. A visit to this emblematic castle is one of the best things to do in Alicante.
Postiguet is almost 700 meters long and 40 meters wide, with golden sand and warm, calm waters. These characteristics make Postiguet popular among families who want to enjoy a nice day at the beach. It’s, in fact, a popular meeting place for residents of Alicante.
Along the beach, there is a promenade flanked by palm trees. Along the way, there are lively cafes, bars, outdoor terraces, and some bronze sculptures. The one that attracts the most attention is a 2-meter high sculpture depicting a woman with rounded shapes.
Playa del Postiguet, along with four other Alicante beaches, has received the Blue Flag distinction. This means that it meets the criteria to be considered among the best in the world. Therefore, you can expect to find here all the necessary facilities to ensure a comfortable day at the beach.
The eastern end of the beach, next to the Vistahermosa neighborhood, is known as Playa del Cocó. This is where the fireworks are launched during the Bonfires of San Juan festivities in June.
The lively nightlife around Postiguet beach makes this area one of the most popular in the city.
What to Do near Postiguet Beach
For an amazing view from the top, I’d suggest going up to the Castle. You can reach it by climbing or taking an elevator. From its 166 meters, you will have an amazing view of the surroundings and can take great photos.
Another interesting thing to do is to take a walk to the nearby port and visit the reproduction of an 18th-century Spanish ship that shipwrecked during the Battle of Trafalgar. It houses a restaurant and bars. Inside the museum, you can also learn about the history of the ship.
If you enjoy biking I suggest a City and Beach Bike Tour. It will take you to Postiguet beach and the port. On the way, visit the central market, the Basilica of Saint Mary, the seafront promenade. Learn about the city’s rich history with a local guide. Duration: 2.5 hours.
How to Get to Postiguet
By car: You can reach it via the N-332 road, Av. de Denia s/n – Playa del Postiguet. However, I don’t suggest driving to this beach due to limited parking availability and expensive nearby lots. It’s more convenient to walk.
By tram: Take Lines 1, 2, 3, 4 (Mercado Station) or Line 5 (Puerta del Mar Station).
By bus: You can use lines 21, 2, 5, 8A, 8B, 10, 21, 21N, 22, 22N, and C6.
Where to Eat in Postiguet Beach
Visitors recommend La Taberna Charcutera, which offers very good Spanish food in a nice setting above the beach. La Taberna Salamanca is another restaurant that consistently receives praise for its ambiance and excellent cuisine. Asador La Estancia is an outstanding Argentinian-style steakhouse.
4. Saladares – Urbanova
The beach is officially named Saladares because it used to be a place where people mined salt in the past. It’s located about 5 kilometers to the south of Alicante.
In the 1970s, a new neighborhood called Urbanova was built near the beach, and that’s when people started calling the beach by the same name. So, you can use either name for this nearly 2-kilometer stretch of sandy shoreline.
Just like the other beaches I mentioned earlier, Saladares also received a Blue Flag Certificate in 2023.
If you look for beaches in Alicante where you can go nude you will find here an specific area for doing so. There, sand dunes give the beach a more natural appearance.
Saladares has facilities for playing soccer and volleyball. People can enjoy water sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing, and paddleboarding here.
If you walk along the beach, you’ll find a nice variety of restaurants, shops, and bars, making it a great place to spend the day.
How to Get to Saladares – Urbanova
By car: Take the N-332. There is a parking area available.
By bus: You can take Line 27.
Where to Eat in Urbanova Beach
With an excellent location by the beach, El Capricho de Raquel continues to attract customers with its first-class Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine.
5. Tabarca Island
Situated 22 km (11 nautical miles) from Alicante, Tabarca Island is a compact gem, spanning less than 2 km in length and 400 m in width.
Despite its modest population of 70 residents, Tabarca experiences a bustling summer season, welcoming up to 4000 daily visitors.
The island hosts a fortified town with a rich cultural heritage. I suggest you to stroll through the old town. Visit the main square, a picturesque old 18th century church and the walled doors of San Miguel and San Gabriel.
The island’s primary beach, La Playita, also known as Playa Central or Playa Grande, is small. It features a blend of coarse sand and pebbles. Its pristine, transparent waters are home to a diverse marine ecosystem, designated as a Natural Reserve.
La Playita provides a range of amenities, including Red Cross assistance, skating, biking, beach bars, and restaurants. The beach has earned a prestigious Blue Flag certificate (2023).
For snorkeling enthusiasts, two clear-water coves await exploration.
How to Get to Tabarca Island
Getting to Isla Tabarca is convenient, with daily catamaran services departing from Alicante for a 50-minute journey. Alternatively, daily excursions are available from the port of Santa Pola, a mere 20-minute drive south of Alicante.
You can also take a roundtrip from Alicante to Tabarca Island. Enjoy the beautiful underwater world with coloful fish through the glass bottom of the boat. Upon arrival you can discover the streets of the village or just relax on the beach. Duration: 4 hours.
Where to Eat in Tabarca Island
Restaurante Tere, with a view of the sea, serves traditional dishes year-round. Restaurante Los Pescadores specializes in fish and seafood. And Restaurante Amparín also offers Spanish cuisine all through the year.
From Alicante you can also visit the beautiful beaches of Altea, at only 45 minutes by car to the north.
Best Hotels in Alicante
Superior Hotels
Eurostars Pórtico Alicante (5*) is excellently situated in the center of Alicante, offering spacious rooms, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. It’s close to Postiguet Beach, Alicante Train Station, and Explanada de España.
Check prices and book your stay at Eurostars Pórtico Alicante here.
Hospes Amérigo (5*) is a beautifully designed hotel located in a 19th-century Convent in Alicante’s old town. It boasts two restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, and a rooftop lounge bar. It’s very near Postiguet Beach.
Check prices and book your stay at Hospes Amérigo Hotel here.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Spa Porta Maris by Melia (4*) is a beachfront hotel next to Postiguet beach. It features two restaurants, one with a sea view, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa. Additionally, it’s close to Alicante’s historic center.
Check prices and book your stay at Hotel Spa Porta Maris by Melia here.
Melia Alicante (4*) is located in front of the beach, between Alicante Harbor and Postiguet beach. The rooms are spacious and have terraces. The hotel offers four restaurants, two swimming pools, a poolside bar, and an elegant lounge bar.
Check prices and book your stay at Melia Alicante Hotel here.
Eurostars Mediterranea Plaza (4*) is situated in the historic center, only 100 m from Postiguet beach. The Cathedral and Santa Bárbara Castle are a short walk away. The hotel serves a daily buffet breakfast and offers free access to a sauna and a gym.
Check prices and book your stay at Eurostars Mediterranea Plaza Hotel here.
Budget Hotels
Hotel Almirante (3*) provides direct access to San Juan beach and is a 10-minute drive from the city center. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, two restaurants, and a bar. Free on-site parking is available, and there’s a tram stop just 100 m away.
Check prices and book your stay at Hotel Almirante here.
Hotel Castilla Alicante (3*) is located 200 m from San Juan Beach and features rooms with private terraces. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a bar, and a restaurant serving homemade food. Additionally, there is a nearby tram stop and private parking.
Check prices and book your stay at Hotel Castilla Alicante here.
Hotel Boutique Calas de Alicante (3*) is a medieval-themed hotel in Cabo de Huertas. It features two swimming pools, a restaurant, and private parking. Almadraba beach is 200 meters away. San Juan beach and central Alicante are a 10-minute bus ride.
Check prices and book your stay at Hotel Boutique Calas de Alicante here.
