If you’re planning a beach holiday in Alicante, you’re in for an absolute treat. The city boasts some of the most stunning beaches on the Costa Blanca, from busy urban stretches perfect for families to hidden coves ideal for a peaceful day by the sea.
I’ve put together this complete guide to help you discover the best beaches Alicante has to offer. You’ll find everything from lively beach bars and calm waters for children to excellent conditions for water sports.
From the famous Playa del Postiguet right in the city centre to San Juan beach and beyond, each beach has its own character and charm. I’ll take you through what makes each one special, so you can choose the ideal beach for your visit to Alicante.
Playa del Postiguet
Key details:
- Located right in Alicante city centre
- 5-minute walk from the old town
- Sandy beach with excellent facilities
- Blue Flag status for cleanliness and safety
Playa del Postiguet is Alicante’s most famous beach, and for good reason. Sitting right in the heart of the city, it’s incredibly convenient if you’re staying in central Alicante or want to combine beach time with seeing the town.
This beautiful sandy beach stretches for about 900 metres and is backed by the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle perched high on Mount Benacantil. The views are absolutely stunning, especially as the sun sets behind the Alicante castle.
What I love about Postiguet is how well-equipped it is. You’ll find free foot-washing stations to rinse off the sand, which visitors absolutely rave about. There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants right along the promenade, plus clean public toilets and showers.
The beach has lifeguards during summer months and offers various water sports activities. Since it’s so central, you can easily pop back to your hotel or apartment if you’ve forgotten anything, making it perfect for families with young children.
San Juan Playa
Key details:
- 7 kilometres north of Alicante centre
- Long sandy beach with mountain views
- Excellent for families and water sports
- Well-connected by tram
San Juan is often considered one of the best beaches in the Alicante area, and once you visit, you’ll understand why. This expansive sandy beach stretches for several kilometres and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The beach is much wider than Postiguet, giving you plenty of space to spread out even during busy summer days. The sand is fine and golden, and the water stays relatively shallow for quite a distance, making it brilliant for families with children.
What makes San Juan special is the lively atmosphere combined with natural beauty. You’ll find beach volleyball courts, water sports rental facilities, and numerous chiringuitos (beach bars) serving fresh seafood and cold drinks.
The beach is easily accessible by the Alicante tram system – just take Line 1 to San Juan Playa station. There’s also ample parking if you prefer to drive, though it can get busy during peak season.
Playa de la Albufereta
Key details:
- Small, sheltered bay between Alicante and San Juan
- Calm waters perfect for swimming
- Less crowded than the main beaches
- Good for snorkelling
Playa de la Albufereta is a lovely little beach tucked between Alicante city and San Juan beach. This smaller, more intimate beach sits in a sheltered bay, which means the waters are typically calmer and warmer than the larger beaches.
Its a great beach if you prefer a less crowded experience – you’ll find its far less busy. The main drawback is that you’re located further from the city so there are less options for things like restaurants and shops.
The rocky areas at either end of the beach are perfect for snorkelling if you fancy exploring the underwater.
Playa de San Gabriel
Key details:
- Small, intimate beach
- Great for a quiet day
This small sandy beach has a bit of a mixed reputation, and I’ll be honest with you about what to expect. The biggest advantage of Playa de San Gabriel is its location – it’s right next to the train station, making it incredibly easy to reach if you’re staying in Alicante city centre or travelling by public transport. Its also right next to Alicante port which makes it convenient if you’re staying nearby.
What you’ll find here is a quiet, local beach that’s largely off the tourist trail. If you’re after somewhere peaceful to sit and watch the world go by, it definitely fits the bill. The waters are generally calm, and there’s something quite nice about having a beach that feels more authentic and less polished than the main tourist spots.
However, I should mention that cleanliness can be an issue here. Several visitors have noted problems with litter, including cigarette butts scattered around, and the beach doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in terms of maintenance. You might also encounter some seaweed, particularly during certain times of the year, which can make the water appear murky.
The facilities are pretty basic – there’s a toilet and some small fountains for rinsing off, but don’t expect beach bars or sun lounger rentals. You’ll want to come prepared with everything you need for the day.
While some locals don’t recommend it for swimming due to water quality concerns, others enjoy it perfectly fine. It’s really one of those beaches that works well if you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax between train journeys, or if you prefer the authentic local atmosphere over the more developed tourist beaches.
Playa de las Huerta
If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to some of Alicante’s busier beaches, Playa de las Huertas is a brilliant choice. This wide, sandy stretch sits at the start of the famous San Juan beach area, running from Cabo de Huertas towards Campello.
The water here is absolutely crystal clear, and on a good day you can even spot small fish swimming close to the shore! It’s particularly good for families as the beach is well-supervised, has Blue Flag status year-round, and the shallow waters make it safe for children to play.
What I love about this beach is that it combines the best of both worlds – you get lovely soft sand for lounging, but there are also some rocky areas around Cabo de Huertas that are perfect for snorkelling if you fancy a bit more adventure.
The beach can get quite exposed on windy days, so it’s worth checking the weather before you head out. But when conditions are calm, the views are spectacular – you can see right along the coast towards Benidorm on clear days. There are plenty of facilities including showers, toilets, and beach bars, plus you can rent sun loungers and parasols for around €20 for the day.
It tends to be much quieter than Postiguet beach in the city centre, making it ideal if you want to relax without the crowds.
