Altea Beaches in Alicante: All You Need to Know

Altea is a charming town situated in the southeast of Spain, in the province of Alicante. Known as the “Dome of the Mediterranean,” it has 8 km of coastiline. Find here all you need to know about the best Altea Beaches.

Recommended Tours in Altea:

1. Kayak Excursion to Cova del Coloms from Mascarat Beach
2. Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Sparkling Wine

Recommended Hotels in Altea:

1. SH Villa Gadea Hotel
2. Hotel Cap Negret
3. Hotel Abaco Altea
4. Hostal El Trovador

Where is Altea

Altea is nestled in a bay along the Costa Blanca, located 130 km south of Valencia and 47 km north of Alicante.

The term ‘Costa Blanca,’ or White Coast, is the popular designation for the Mediterranean coastline in the southeastern region of Spain. Some of the best beaches in Alicante are part of this coast.

How to Get to Altea

From Valencia:

By Car:

Take the AP 7 motorway (152.9 km), exit 64; the journey takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

By Bus:

ALSA offers several departures per day. Due to multiple stops, the trip can take more than 3 hours. Check the timetable here: https://www.alsa.es/

From Alicante:

By Car: Take the AP 7 motorway for 59 km, which should take approximately 48 minutes.

By Bus: ALSA operates 6 direct buses per day, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. Check the timetable here: https://www.alsa.es/

From Benidorm:

The most recommended way to travel is by train, which takes about 20 minutes, or by using bus line 10.

How are the Altea Beaches

Altea’s beaches, unlike other beaches in Alicante, are not all composed of sand. They mostly consist of pebbles and stones, with some having very fine gravel, while others consist of large rocks.

The fact that these beautiful beaches feature crystal clear waters but consist of pebbles may disappoint some tourists. However, this apparent disadvantage can transform into an advantage for certain individuals. This is precisely why Altea’s beaches are typically not as overcrowded as sandy ones.

Nonetheless, La Olla Beach stands out due to the mixture of sand among the pebbles and rocks, elevating it as one of the most renowned among the Altea beaches.

Altea Beaches: La Olla Beach (l’Olla Beach)

This beach, consisting of both sand and pebbles, stretches almost 1500 meters in length and spans 6 meters in width. It extends between the de l’Olla pier and a sports club, featuring crystal-clear and calm waters that are perfect for snorkeling and underwater fishing.

Near the beach, one can observe the small island of the same name, de l’Olla, which is accessible for swimming. Additionally, there is another small islet, and buoys are in place to protect swimmers from boats.

Accessing the beach is easy, and there are facilities for disabled access. Services such as showers, toilets, and a spacious parking area nearby are available. There are umbrellas and hammocks for rent, and a lifeguard service operates during the high season.

Due to moderate waves, windsurfing and kitesurfing can be enjoyed at l’Olla. Renting equipment like kayaks, surfboards, paddleboards, and aquatic bikes is also simple.

Furthermore, there is a designated section on this beach for pets.

A renowned beachside bar offers live musical events during summer nights. Being a semi-urban beach, there are plenty of nearby restaurants and bars.

Altea Beaches: La Roda Beach

This beach, situated in close proximity to the urban area, is comprised of gravel, pebbles, and sand. With moderate waves, La Roda stretches for 1400 meters in length and spans 40 meters in width.

Accessing the beach is incredibly convenient due to its proximity to the urban area. You can enter on foot via Sant Pere Street. Furthermore, there is a spacious parking area nearby with over 100 spaces available.

As a Blue Flag beach, you can anticipate a range of amenities, including showers, toilets, rentals for hammocks and umbrellas, and the presence of lifeguards. Facilities for disabled individuals are also provided.

This beach caters to families and even offers a playground for children. Visitors can participate in water sports such as snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking. Volleyball nets are set up on the beach for recreational play.

An alluring promenade adorned with palm trees runs alongside the beach, inviting leisurely strolls. The area is vibrant, boasting an array of restaurants, bars, and shops.

Altea Beaches: Cap Negret Beach

This beautiful semi-urban beach connects with La Roda and is a favorite among those seeking a quieter environment.

Cap Negret Beach consists of fine black gravel and spans 2 km in length. Its waters are clean.

As the mouth of the Algar River opens here, swans and ducks may occasionally appear. Cap Negret Beach stretches from the mouth of the Algar River to Cala del Soio beach.

Several services are offered during the high season, including the rental of hammocks and water skates. Since it’s a very open beach, there are no rocky bottoms for snorkeling.

On the gravel shore, various games can be played by children, offering a serene beach experience.

Some of the finest hotels in Altea are situated along Cap Negret beach.

Altea Beaches: L’ Espigo Beach

This Blue Flag beach, consisting of pebbles and stones, stretches 700 meters in length and spans 30 meters in width. It’s a beautiful beach with crystal-clear turquoise water.

L’Espigo Beach is the most recent addition to Altea beaches, having been inaugurated in 2016.

Covering an expanse of over 300 meters along the Altea coastline, L’Espigo Beach is accompanied by a beach boulevard that seamlessly links with the Algar River estuary.

The beach is safeguarded by a pair of breakwaters that ensure water quality remains optimal, even on days with waves.

Having been awarded the Blue Flag certification, L’Espigo provides every service to ensure a fantastic beach day for its visitors. Additionally, there is a wide range of restaurants and bars along the nearby boulevard.

Altea Beaches: Mascarat Beach

This beach is one of the most well-known coves in Altea. It’s composed of thick sand and stones, stretching 300 meters in length and spanning 21 meters in width.

The waters are crystal clear, and the seabed is rocky with an abundance of posidonia meadows.

The Bernia highland abruptly meets the sea with a large vertical limestone wall, a sought-after spot for climbers.

The beach is easily accessible by foot or car and is equipped with excellent amenities, including toilets, showers, and lifeguards. There is also a beach bar.

Merely 100 meters away lies the Port of Campomanes, where a variety of water sports can be enjoyed.

Nudism is practiced on this beach.

Altea Beaches: Cap Blanch Beach

Cap Blanch is the southernmost of Altea beaches. It is situated between the Nautic Club and Albir Beach.

The beach, composed of gravel, spans almost 1000 meters in length and is 30 meters wide.

Similar to La Roda and L’Espigo beaches, Cap Blanch has also been awarded a Blue Flag certification, ensuring the quality of its waters and the availability of full services.

Access to the beach is very easy, with nearby parking facilities.

Due to its sheltered location from the east wind by the port and from the west wind by Punta del Albir, Cap Blanch consistently offers a secluded area with tranquil waters.

Albir Beach

This beach actually belongs to the next municipality of Alfaz del Pi. I mention it here since it’s another Blue Flag beach and located just next to Cap Blanch beach.

It spans over 550 meters and is 100 meters wide.

This is a very beautiful stone beach with intensely clear and blue-colored waters. Unlike nearby beaches, this one is quite deep, resulting in colder waters. The waves can range from low to moderate.

Albir beach is equipped with all necessary services, including toilets and showers. There is an option to rent umbrellas and sunbeds. Lifeguards are present, and there is a walkway for disabled individuals.

The beach is suitable for families with children, as it features two playgrounds for the little ones.

Given the beach’s urban location, it offers a wide selection of restaurants and shops in the vicinity.

Recommended Tours in Altea

Experience kayaking, snorkeling, and caving while discovering a fusion of nature and fun on a guided excursion that explores the coast of Altea. Snorkeling equipment is included; you only need to be a good swimmer and bring sports shoes to visit a cave in complete safety.

Book your Kayak Excursion to Cova dels Coloms from Mascarat Beach here

Depart from Altea Port on a catamaran cruise across the Mediterranean. Sip sparkling wine and savor the breathtaking view of the sunset from the water. Join the crew on the spacious catamaran, where soothing music accompanies the sun’s descent. Cherish the finale of this day with companions and cava in hand.

Book a Sunset Catamaran Cruise with a Sparkling Wine here

Recommended Hotels in Altea

SH Villa Gadea

This hotel is truly fantastic. It boasts beautiful gardens and large swimming pools where you can relax in the shade. There are plenty of comfortable chairs available for those who enjoy the sun. The hotel features two restaurants: one serving Japanese cuisine and the other serving local dishes.

Additionally, there is a buffet restaurant, a bar with live music, and a terrace overlooking the sea where they grill food during the summer. If you opt for the half-board option, both breakfast and dinner are included.

Book your stay at the SH Villa Gadea Hotel here

Hotel Cap Negret

This hotel offers direct access to Cap Negret de Altea’s pebble beach and features outdoor pools with water jets. Just a 5-minute drive from Altea’s center, the hotel provides convenient access to the town’s charming streets and whitewashed houses.

You can relish stunning sea views from the terrace, which is home to the pool bar Blue Beach Altea Gastro and Lounge. The main restaurant showcases live cooking and serves a Mediterranean cuisine buffet.

Book your stay at the Hotel Cap Negret here

Hotel Abaco Altea

This Boutique Hotel, nestled in the heart of Bellaguarda-Altea’s old town, boasts a traditional style. Just a 5-minute stroll from the Costa Blanca seafront, Hotel Abaco stands as a family-owned gem.

Originally an 18th-century bakery, the hotel now presents 10 individually adorned rooms with charming antique-style furnishings, ensuring a cozy stay. Within a 5-minute walk from Hotel Abaco, you’ll discover shops, restaurants, and bars.

Book your stay at Hotel Abaco Altea here

Hostal El Trovador (Budget Hotel)

This hostel is situated directly on Cap Negret Beach, offering complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. Each air-conditioned room comes with a private furnished balcony that provides sea views. The rooms also include a flat-screen TV and a work desk.

Conveniently positioned alongside the N332 Main Road, Hostal El Trovador is just 1.5 km from Altea’s center. Calpe and Benidorm can be reached within a 15-minute drive, and there is easy access to the AP7 Motorway.

Book your stay at Hostal El Trovador here