Beaches in Alicante: Best Beaches & Guide
A complete guide to the best beaches in Alicante: Playa San Juan (7 km sandy beach), Postiguet (city center), Albufereta, Tabarca Island, and Granadella. Facilities, how to get there, and comparisons.
Best beaches in Alicante
Alicante and the Costa Blanca are home to over 50 Blue Flag-certified beaches (awarded for cleanliness, safety, and facilities), ranging from urban sandy shores to hidden coves. The most popular beaches are Playa San Juan (a 7 km long sandy beach, perfect for families), Postiguet (in the city center, a 5-minute walk from Santa Bárbara Castle), Albufereta (a calm family beach), Tabarca Island (crystal-clear water, great snorkeling), and Cala Granadella (a cove beach with spectacular cliffs).
First-time visitors should definitely check out Playa San Juan (the best sandy beach) and Tabarca Island (a fantastic ferry day trip). Families often prefer San Juan and Albufereta due to their shallow waters, lifeguards, and playgrounds. Couples and photographers love Granadella for its dramatic setting and turquoise waters.
Playa San Juan: Alicante's Best Sandy Beach
Playa San Juan is Alicante's flagship beach – a continuous 7 km stretch of fine white sand, crystal-clear water, and excellent infrastructure. This is where the locals go to swim in the summer. The beach extends from Cabo de las Huertas (in the south) to El Campello (in the north) and features a wide promenade (Paseo Marítimo) lined with restaurants, beach clubs, bars, and ice cream stalls.
Playa San Juan – 7 km of golden sand, palm avenues, and modern infrastructure
Practical Info: Playa San Juan
- Length: 7 km
- Sand type: Fine white sand, perfect for walking barefoot
- Water quality: Blue Flag certified (excellent quality)
- Facilities: Lifeguards (June–Sept), showers, toilets, playgrounds, beach volleyball courts, water sports (SUP, kayaking, windsurfing), beach clubs
- How to get there: TRAM Line 1 from Alicante center to San Juan station (15 min, €1.50) or bus 21 (20 min, €1.50)
- Parking: Free street parking (difficult in July-Aug), €2-4/hour by the promenade
- Best time to visit: June and September (warm water, fewer crowds than July-Aug). Arrive early (09:00) during peak season to get a good spot.
- Best for: Families, young adults, anyone wanting a long beach with all the amenities
Why visit: Playa San Juan is simply Alicante's best beach – 7 km of sand, clean water, and a lovely promenade with hundreds of restaurants. It is much less crowded than Postiguet (city center), yet still easily accessible by tram. The water remains shallow for a long way out, making it ideal for families with children.
Playa del Postiguet: City Beach with Castle Views
Playa del Postiguet is Alicante's classic city beach – a 900-meter long stretch of sand located right at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle, the Explanada de España, and the old town. This is perfect for those who want to combine a quick swim with city life and shopping. The beach sits in a sheltered bay offering spectacular views up toward the castle on the mountain.
Postiguet – City beach just 5 minutes from the center with majestic castle views
Albufereta – A calm family beach with shallow waters
Practical Info: Postiguet
- Length: 900 meters
- Sand type: Fine golden sand
- Water quality: Blue Flag certified
- Facilities: Lifeguards, showers, toilets, sunbeds/umbrellas for rent (€15/set), chiringuitos (beach bars), pedal boats
- How to get there: A 5-minute walk from Plaza de Luceros or the Explanada de España – just follow the signs to "Playa"
- Parking: Plaza del Mar parking garage (€15-20/day), street parking is extremely difficult
- Best time to visit: Mornings (08:00-11:00) before the crowds arrive. The beach fills up quickly between 12:00-18:00 in July and August.
- Best for: Those wanting to combine the beach with the city center, quick dips, and day-trippers
Why visit: Postiguet is perfect if you don't want to travel away from the center – it’s just a short walk from the castle and tapas bars. However, keep in mind that the beach is relatively small and gets VERY crowded during peak season (July-August). For a full beach day, Playa San Juan is highly recommended instead.
Platja de l'Albufereta: Calm Family Beach
Albufereta Beach is located 5 km north of Alicante's city center in a small bay surrounded by hills. This is a quiet, lesser-known beach that is absolutely perfect for families looking to avoid the crowds at Postiguet and San Juan. The beach is only 400 meters long but offers excellent infrastructure and calm, shallow waters.
Practical Info: Albufereta
- Length: 400 meters
- Sand type: Fine golden sand
- Water quality: Blue Flag certified, calm and shallow (very safe for children)
- Facilities: Lifeguards, showers, toilets, playground, beach volleyball, chiringuitos, parking
- How to get there: Bus 21/22 from Alicante center (15 min, €1.50) or TRAM Line 1 to the Albufereta station (10 min walk)
- Parking: Free street parking (usually relatively easy to find a spot)
- Best time to visit: All day (significantly fewer people than on the major beaches)
- Best for: Families with small children, those seeking a relaxed atmosphere
Why visit: Albufereta is Alicante's best-kept secret – less crowded than the massive beaches, yet still offering full service. It is ideal for families thanks to its calm waters and is a true local favorite!
Tabarca Island: Crystal-Clear Water and Snorkeling
Tabarca Island lies 11 nautical miles (20 km) south of Alicante – a small Mediterranean island with only 60 residents, an 18th-century fortified village, crystal-clear turquoise water, and fantastic snorkeling. The island is Spain's first marine nature reserve, featuring protected coral reefs and abundant marine life. It makes for an incredible day trip from Alicante via ferry (1 hour).
Tabarca Island – Spain's premier snorkeling destination featuring crystal-clear waters and a marine reserve
Practical Info: Tabarca
- Beaches: Small sandy coves and rocky shores
- Water quality: Outstanding – the best on the entire Costa Blanca for snorkeling
- Facilities: Limited (small chiringuitos, toilets), no lifeguards, highly recommended to bring your own food/drinks
- How to get there: Ferry from Alicante harbor (1h, €21 adults, €11 children return), departing every hour 10:00-18:00 (May-Sept)
- Time needed: Full day (the ferry takes 1h each way, you need about 4-5 hours on the island)
- Best time to visit: June and September (warm water, fewer tourists than in July-August)
- Best for: Snorkelers, couples, families with older children, nature lovers
- Tips: Bring snorkeling gear, water shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a picnic basket. The restaurants on the island can be quite expensive.
Why visit: Tabarca is a paradise for snorkeling – you can escape the mass tourism and enjoy a true Mediterranean idyll. Bring a picnic and spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the small fortified village.
Cala La Granadella: Spectacular Cove in Jávea
Cala La Granadella is one of the Costa Blanca's most beautiful coves – a 160-meter long pebble beach completely surrounded by 100-meter high cliffs, turquoise water, and fragrant pine trees. The beach is located 80 km north of Alicante in Jávea (Xàbia), but is undoubtedly worth the drive. This is not a traditional sandy family beach, but rather a magnificent natural experience.
Cala Granadella – The Costa Blanca's most dramatic and picturesque cove, straight out of a postcard
Practical Info: Cala Granadella
- Length: 160 meters
- Sand type: Pebbles and stones (water shoes are a must!)
- Water quality: Crystal-clear turquoise water – fantastic for snorkeling
- Facilities: Lifeguards (June-Sept), showers, toilets, 1 chiringuito, no sunbeds for rent
- How to get there: Rental car required (80 km from Alicante, approx. 1h drive via AP-7), parking €4-6/day
- Time needed: Full day (the long drive makes it a proper day trip)
- Best time to visit: June and September. During July and August, the parking lot is completely full by 10:00 AM!
- Best for: Couples, photographers, snorkelers, lovers of dramatic scenery
- Tips: Arrive early (before 09:00). Bring water shoes, a snorkel, and a packed lunch. A 15-minute hike up to the Mirador Granadella offers an unreal viewpoint.
Why visit: Granadella is probably the most Instagram-friendly beach on the Costa Blanca. It is not optimal for toddlers due to the rocky seabed, but for couples and nature lovers, it is an absolute must-see. Combine your trip with a visit to the charming town of Jávea (10 min drive).
Beach Comparison: Alicante
Which beach fits your trip best? Here is a quick overview:
| Beach | Length | Sand Type | Best For | Accessibility | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa San Juan | 7 km | Fine sand | Families, full days | TRAM 15 min (Very easy) | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Postiguet | 900m | Fine sand | City center, quick dips | 5 min walk (Extremely easy) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very crowded |
| Albufereta | 400m | Fine sand | Families, calm | Bus 15 min (Easy) | ⭐⭐ Fairly quiet |
| Tabarca Island | Small coves | Sand/rocks | Snorkeling, day trips | Ferry 1h (Medium) | ⭐⭐ Fairly quiet |
| Granadella | 160m | Pebbles/stones | Couples, photography | Car 1h (Hard) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Crowded (parking fills up) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the absolute best beach in Alicante?
Playa San Juan offers the best overall experience with 7 km of wonderful sand, fantastic services, and easy access via tram (15 min). Tabarca Island has the clearest water and best snorkeling. Cala Granadella is the most beautiful, but requires a car. For families, San Juan or Albufereta are recommended.
Is Playa San Juan or Postiguet better?
Playa San Juan is better for most people: an enormously long beach, plenty of space, and a lovely promenade. Postiguet is only better if you are short on time and want a quick swim right in the city. During peak season, Postiguet simply gets far too crowded.
How do you get to Playa San Juan?
Take TRAM Line 1 from Alicante city center (Luceros station) to the San Juan station. The journey takes 15 minutes and costs €1.50. The tram runs every 10-15 minutes. You can also take bus 21 or a taxi (approx. €10-15).
Are the beaches in Alicante child-friendly?
Yes, very much so! Playa San Juan and Albufereta are very shallow and feature lifeguards, playgrounds, and amenities – exemplary for toddlers. Tabarca and Granadella have rocky seabeds and are better suited for slightly older children.
When is the best time to go on a beach holiday?
June and September are the optimal months: the sea is warm (23-26°C) but the air isn't unbearably hot, and there are fewer tourists than in July and August. During peak season, you should be at the beach before 10:00 AM to secure a spot.
Can I snorkel in Alicante?
Yes! Tabarca Island offers the best snorkeling with crystal-clear water, protected reefs, and an abundance of fish. Cala Granadella is also excellent for snorkeling. Playa San Juan and Postiguet have sandy bottoms, meaning there isn't as much to see beneath the surface.
Are there nudist beaches in Alicante?
Yes. Playa del Saladar (Urbanova, 15 km south of Alicante) and Cala del Moraig (Benitachell, 70 km north) are official nudist (naturist) beaches. At the northern end of Playa San Juan, nude bathing is also widely accepted. Spanish beaches are generally very liberal regarding topless sunbathing.
Are there dangerous sharks in the Mediterranean near Alicante?
No. The Spanish Mediterranean coast has no dangerous sharks close to shore. Blue sharks and hammerheads are found far out at sea. The last reported shark attack in Spain occurred in 1986. Alicante's beaches are 100% safe. The only thing you need to watch out for is jellyfish (which are uncommon, but can appear in August).
Updated: February 2026. Ferry times and facilities may change from season to season. Always read the local information signs or visit Alicante Turismo. Images: Unsplash (free for commercial use).