My earliest memories of the beaches in Alicante were when Rob and I (and our toddler son) traipsed through Spain during the early 1990’s.  So much has changed since then, especially in the highly touristy areas of Costa Blanca that the beaches in Alicante are part of.

Many new hotels, resorts, restaurants and overall eateries have sprung up that it is hard to choose what is good and what are the tourist traps.  Since Spain and this area are some of our favorite places, we have done a ton of research by speaking with locals (and doing sampling of our own) to bring you the non touristy, fab local hangouts.

Our best beaches in Alicante guide provides when to go, where to stay and eat, other area attractions and some tips about travel here..

Best Time to Visit Alicante

The beaches in Alicante enjoy a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. The best time to visit to avoid the crowds is during the shoulder seasons:

• Spring (April to June): Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and blooming landscapes.
• Autumn (September to November): Warm sea temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the peak summer months.

Best Beaches in Alicante

Of course we must start with the best beaches in Alicante as this is the main reason most folks visit.

Playa de San Juan

Why Visit: Stretching over 7 kilometers, Playa de San Juan has expansive white sand and clear blue water. It’s ideal for sunbathing, beach sports, and leisurely strolls along the promenade lined with cafes and shops.  By many locals Playa de San Juan is considered one of the best beaches in Alicante because there is something for everyone along this long stretch.

How to Get There: From Alicante city center, the L3 tram provides a direct route to Playa de San Juan, with the journey taking approximately 25 minutes.

Activities and Amenities: The beach offers a plethora of activities, including volleyball, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. Numerous chiringuitos (beach bars) dot the shoreline, serving refreshing beverages and traditional tapas.

Insider Tip: The northern end of the beach tends to be quieter, making it perfect for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.

Playa de Muchavista

Why Visit: Extending from the end of San Juan Beach, is one of the best beaches in Alicante: Playa de Muchavista has clear waters and expansive sandy shores. It’s ideal for those seeking more space and a less crowded environment.

How to Get There: The L5 tram stops at Muchavista, providing easy access. Driving is also convenient, with ample parking available.

Playa del Postiguet

Why Visit: This is the beach right in the heart of Alicante, Playa del Postiguet is known for its golden sand and tranquil water, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists. Its proximity to the city center makes it one of the best beaches in Alicante.  However, due to this proximity it is the busiest of all the beaches in Alicante!

How to Get There: A brief walk from Alicante’s old town or marina leads directly to this beach. For those staying farther afield, local buses and trams offer convenient access.

Activities and Amenities: The beach is well-equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a variety of water sports facilities. The adjacent promenade is lined with palm trees, offering a scenic route for leisurely walks, and features numerous cafes and restaurants where visitors can savor local delicacies while enjoying sea views.

Insider Tip: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to experience the beach at its most serene, avoiding the midday crowds.

Playa del Coco

Why Visit: Playa del Coco is a small, lesser-known beach offering a quiet escape with views of the port and calm water suitable for swimming.

How to Get There: Located near the port area, it’s within walking distance from the city center or accessible by local bus services.

Activities and Amenities: Due to its proximity to the port, Playa del Coco doesn’t offer extensive amenities but provides a nice spot for leisurely swims.

Insider Tip: Ideal for watching boats and ships.

Playa de la Albufereta

Why Visit: This chill local beach in a residential area has  a more intimate setting compared to its larger counterparts. Its calm water make it particularly suitable for families with young children.  There are palm trees here, a bar & a playground.

How to Get There: Accessible via the L1 tram from central Alicante, alighting at the La Isleta stop, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, the #22 bus from Muntanyeta-soto bus stop also services this area.

Activities and Amenities: While smaller in size, Playa de la Albufereta provides essential amenities, including sunbed rentals and nearby eateries. The sheltered bay has gentle waves, ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.

Insider Tip: Pair a visit to this beach with the nearby archaeological site of Lucentum, an ancient Roman city.

Playa de los Saladares (Urbanova Beach)

Why Visit: Located a bit over 7 km south of other beaches in Alicante, this golden stretch of sand offers an even more relaxed atmosphere with fine sand dunes and clear water. It’s less crowded, providing ample space for relaxation.

How to Get There: Accessible by car with available parking, or via bus routes connecting from Alicante city center to Urbanova.

Activities and Amenities: Playa de los Saladares is equipped with sun loungers, showers, and a selection of beachfront restaurants. The surrounding dunes add to its natural beauty, making it a picturesque spot, especially at sunset.

Insider Tip: Visit during weekdays to enjoy an even more tranquil experience, as weekends tend to attract more locals.

Cala de la Palmera

Why Visit: This rocky cove is a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts.  The clear water teems with marine life. Its ruggedness is a big contrast to the other sandy beaches in Alicante.

How to Get There: Situated near Cabo de las Huertas (9.5 km north of Alicante), it’s best reached by car or a combination of tram and walking.

Activities and Amenities: The cove’s rocky terrain means amenities are scarce, so visitors should come prepared. The clear water has abundant marine life, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving.

Insider Tip: Wear sturdy water shoes to navigate the rocky shoreline safely.

Playa de la Almadraba

Why Visit: A secluded swath of fine sand, Playa de la Almadraba is perfect for those seeking tranquility away from busy tourist spots. Its gentle waves and pretty surroundings provide a peaceful retreat.

How to Get There: After reaching Playa de la Albufereta via tram, walk for 15-minutes along the coast to this quieter beach. 

Activities and Amenities: The beach lacks commercial facilities, so visitors should bring their own refreshments. Its seclusion makes it an excellent spot for unwinding by the sea.

Insider Tip: Bring snorkeling gear to explore the clear water and observe marine life undisturbed by heavy boat traffic.

Beyond the beaches in Alicante, for a taste of local life and unique experiences:

There are many places to visit beyond the beaches in Alicante.  From historical old towns to hiking opportunities and fabulous wineries.

Barrio Santa Cruz

Barrio Santa Cruz is the old town of Alicante.  It is fun to explore this charming, historic area with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and traditional architecture. The neighborhood is known for its authentic atmosphere and is a great place to wander and find local bars and restaurants.

For an inexpensive yet delicious meal, try La Lonja.  They have a set menu lunch at very reasonable prices that locals love to come back to.

Mercat Central

Visit this colorful covered market to experience local life, find fresh produce and seafood, and sample delicious tapas at the various counter bars and cafes.

For the best eatery in the market we recommend to try Aitana’s Corner Bar for some of the best tapas!

Hiking near Alicante

If you don’t mind a bit of a hike (pun intended), head to the Sierra de Orihuela mountains (about a 45 minute drive from Alicante) to climb La Cruz de la Muela.  This limestone range with peaks as high as 634 meters (2,080 feet) have fantastic, panoramic views of the region.  

An hour drive north along the coast from Alicante will bring you to Sierra de Bernia.  This small mountain range has a ton of hiking opportunities with it’s 11 km trail and picturesque views. You can hike all day or just a few hours and loop back.  There is even a tunnel to explore!  The top elevation of this mountain is 1,128 m (3,700 ft).

Another great mountain range is the Sierra de Mariola which is another hour drive, this time north of Alicante.  The hike is 16 km and starts near an old convent which has limited parking.  The hike starts with a steep initial climb that is quickly offset by beautiful scenery. 

Using the Wikiloc app for navigation, you’ll be guided along a marked trail, which is also indicated by colored paint on rocks and trees (three colors for the right path and an ‘X’ for the wrong way), up to a 1,390-meter (4,560 ft) summit offering stunning views.  Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque spots and old ice-making ruins. 

A place where you can mountain bike as well as hike is the Sierra de Aitana.  This 1,558-meter (5,111 feet) mountain range is a bit farther from Alicante (about 1 hour and 20 minutes drive).  

These trails have springs and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. While exploring the sometimes challenging trails, you might spot hilltop castles like El Castell de Guadalest and historic snow wells. 

Now if you would prefer to do a coastal hike that is not very strenuous but has great sea views and is close to the beaches in Alicante, then consider heading to Serra Grossa.  

Serra Grossa is a hilly coastal area with an elevation of approximately 177 meters (581 feet). While there isn’t one single “most popular” official trail, the area is crisscrossed with various paths popular for hiking and offering scenic views of the beaches in Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Alicante Wine Route

Beyond the beaches in Alicante, it is home to some of Spain’s finest wineries, offering a mix of traditional and modern winemaking techniques. This region has two main parts: Vinalopó, in the south along the Vinalopó River, which mostly grows the Monastrell grape and makes red wine. The other part is La Marina, a smaller, newer area on the northern coast. They mainly grow the Moscatel grape there and make white wine.

The region is particularly known for its Fondillón, a rare and historic sweet wine unique to Alicante. There is even an olive oil farm to visit!  

Here are some of the best wineries you can taste and explore while visiting the best beaches in Alicante:

Bodegas Enrique Mendoza (Alfaz del Pi) – One of the most prestigious wineries in the region, Enrique Mendoza produces high-quality Monastrell and international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Wine tastings and guided tours show off their sustainable winemaking process.  

This winery is a 40 minute drive north along the coast from our favorite beaches in Aicante.

Bodegas Bocopa (Petrer) – Bodegas Bocopa is famous for its “Marina Alta” white wine and Monastrell-based reds.  This winery offers insightful tours that include tastings of its best selections.  Located about a 30 min drive inland from the beaches in Alicante.

Bodegas Francisco Gómez (Villena) – A biodynamic winery producing organic wines, including the region’s famous Fondillón. The winery tour includes a visit to their olive oil production facilities.

We recommend visiting Bodegas Bocopa first and then continue to this winery which is about another 15 minutes drive north.

Casa Sicilia 1707 (Novelda) – A historic estate known for its elegant wines, including blends of Tempranillo and Syrah. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings paired with gourmet food.  This winery is about 30 minutes drive inland from the beaches of Alicante.

Bodegas Volver (Pinoso) – Specializing in old-vine Monastrell, Bodegas Volver crafts bold, expressive wines. Their tours offer a deep dive into what makes Alicante wines so special.

If you plan on visiting the Casa Sicilia 1707 winery, then we suggest continuing for another 30 minutes on the same road to visit Bodegas Volver.

Tabarca Island

Take a ferry to this small island, a designated marine reserve, where you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters, explore the charming village, and try fresh seafood. 

Pro Tip: Consider using the Alicante Tram for scenic and convenient travel between the city and the surrounding towns and beaches. 

Best Alicante Restaurants

• Nou Manolín – A highly-rated eatery known for fresh seafood and innovative Spanish dishes.  The bottom floor is the bar and the top is the high end restaurant.  Try to get here around 13:30 (for lunch) and snag a seat at the bar.
• Alma Del Sur – One of the best fried seafood restaurants in Alicante with great prices to boot.
• Restobar Alicante Gema Penalva – Excellent tapas at a reasonable price, paired with good wines. 
• Mesón Marinero – Family run restaurant since 1988 with fresh seafood and a nice vibe.  Combine a visit to this restaurant with a walk through El Palmeral Park.

Best Hotels near Alicante Best Beaches

• Hospes Amérigo – A luxurious stay in a former convent, featuring a rooftop pool and spa.  Prices start at $207 USD
• Habitaciones Amelia – A clean 3 star hotel in the center of the old town with comfortable beds.  Prices start at $83 USD.
• Dorinda Rooms – This recently renovated guest house with lovely clean rooms is located a 5-minute walk from Postiguet Beach and 0.8 miles from Alicante Train Station.  Prices start at $69 USD per night.
• Sweet San Francisco –  Beachfront property with city views and lovely suites.  The property is a 9-minute walk from Postiguet Beach, and within 300 meters of the city center.  Prices start at $115 USD.

Travel Tips for the Best Beaches in Alicante

• Public Transport: The city’s tram and bus system with multiple lines throughout the city (tickets are bought from the driver with cash or a bank card) are efficient and affordable for getting around.
• Ride Shares: Cabify is the most popular ridesharing app.  Uber is also available.
• Local Etiquette: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% is common in restaurants.  A service charge is usually included in the bill (look for the servicio incluido mention). If service is not included (servicio no incluido), you should tip up to 10%.
• Safety: Alicante is generally safe, but standard precautions against pickpocketing in tourist areas are advisable.

Wrap Up – Best Beaches in Alicante

The beaches in Alicante are a lovely place to spend some time in the sun, do some hiking and enjoy amazing wines.  There is just so much here to see and do!

One of my absolutely favourite beaches in Alicante is the super long Playa de San Juan.  It gives me the opportunity to run 7 km in one direction and then double back (but only after taking a dip on Playa de Muchavista – which is at the end of Playa San Juan).  So, if you are into that kind of thing, then you will surely enjoy it as well.  

Hiking in these parts is amazing as well.  There are so many parks within an hours drive of the beaches of Alicante.  My favorite hike here is the coastal one on Serra Grossa where you can easily get a good view of the beaches in Alicante.

And for the wine lovers, the Alicante wineries are pretty top notch.  If you get a chance, grab a bottle of the Bodegas Volver ‘Tarima Hill’ Old Vines Monastrell.  A rich tasting and intense red that Rob really enjoyed!

Have you been to the best beaches in Alicante?  What did you think?  We would absolutely love to hear from you in the comments.

By the way, have you read about the best beaches in Akrotiri? These are some quiet and non touristy places on Santorini.