Alicante beaches

• Playa del Postiguet: The go-to Alicante beach, this lively and central spot is the place to come for a refreshing dip if you’re on a quickfire city break.
• Playa de San Juan: A vast expanse of pale golden sand, San Juan is ideal for families with its calm, shallow waters.
• Playa de la Albufereta: Situated in a laid-back residential area, this bay is tranquil, sheltered and picturesque, with aquamarine waters and a backdrop of palm trees.
• Cabo de las Huertas: Three beautiful natural coves with a secluded ambience. With rocky outcrops and crystal-clear waters, they’re perfect for snorkelling and exploring.
• Playa de los Saladares-Urbanova: Away from the hustle and bustle, this quiet, mile-long stretch of sand is a great place to sunbathe and relax.

San Juan Beach in Alicante ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly day out. The water is calm, clear and shallow, and there are lifeguards on duty for that extra piece of mind. There’s plenty of space ashore for kids to run around, and there are several well-maintained playgrounds directly on the sand. When it’s time for some sustenance, the beach is lined with eateries serving both local and international cuisine.

Playa del Postiguet is another firm favourite with families, not least because of its location. Right in the centre of the city, getting here is a breeze. It’s a great spot for little ones to paddle, and there’s a wide promenade perfect for a gentle stroll. There are beachfront cafes and kiosks for drinks and ice cream, plus the marina next door where kids will love ogling the sleek yachts.

Cala Cantalars is a small, rocky cove that offers a secluded getaway from the busier beaches of the city centre. The water here is crystal-clear, so it’s the perfect place for snorkelling around the rocks. With a backdrop of unspoilt nature, it makes a romantic spot for couples.

25 minutes from Alicante by car is Cala del Morro Blanc. A small crescent of sand only accessible on foot, it’s normally uncrowded even in high season – perfect for solo travellers in search of relaxation. The sea conditions are exceptionally sheltered for swimming and snorkelling.

Playa del Charco is perhaps the most scenic hidden beach in Alicante, protected on both sides by headlands and watched over by a 16-century tower. The pebbly shore is lapped by a pancake-flat sea in a beautiful shade of turquoise – why not rent a kayak and explore?

Playa de San Juan is the best beach in Alicante for water sports, with clubs and schools offering every activity under the sun. Adrenaline junkies will love the thrill of surfing, while paddleboarding and kayaking offer a more tranquil experience.

If you’re all about open-water swimming, Playa de la Albufereta can’t be beaten. It’s the starting point for the Serra Grossa, a permanent swimming channel that offers a safe and accessible route of up to 4,000 metres all year round.

For those who dream of sailing the seas, the marina next to Playa del Postiguet is teeming with hire services offering everything from RIBs to sailboats and motor yachts, with or without a skipper.

The city centre is great for couples and groups. This is the place to soak up the urban buzz at Alicante’s renowned tapas bars. It’s here you’ll find the charming old town with its colourful houses, as well as museums, cathedrals and the ever-popular Rambla de Méndez Núñez.

San Juan is accessible and convenient, ideal for families looking to spend most of their holiday at the beach. You’re a short walk from the waterfront, and there are plenty of well-rated hotels to choose from. With playgrounds and water sports on offer, kids are sure to love it here.

El Campello is a calm and charming spot for couples and families in search of peace and quiet. There are lovely beaches on your doorstep, plus the pretty marina and the Illeta dels Banyets, an archaeological site. Also, you’re just half an hour from the centre and all the top things to do in Alicante.

• When to visit: April to October for the best weather, with high temperatures climbing from the low twenties to the low thirties in peak season.
• Beach safety: Alicante’s beaches use coloured flags to convey safety info:

  Green: Safe to bathe

  Yellow: Bathe with caution, especially with children

  Red: No bathing – dangerous conditions

  Purple/Red with jellyfish symbol: Exercise caution

• Packing tips: The sun is b, so don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and high-SPF suncream. Water shoes are a handy addition for rocky coves.
• Renting sunbeds/parasols: Most beaches except the more remote coves have sunbeds and parasols to rent. Prices vary but usually come in at around €10 for each.
• Blue Flag status: Beaches with Blue Flag status meet a series of strict environmental, safety and accessibility criteria, so they’re usually the safest bet.