Benidorm Beaches: A Complete Guide

If you’re planning a beach holiday in Benidorm, you’re in for an absolute treat. This vibrant resort town boasts some of the most stunning beaches on the Costa Blanca, each offering something different for every type of beach lover.

I’ve put together this complete guide to help you discover the best Benidorm beaches, from the bustling main stretches perfect for families to quieter coves where you can escape the crowds. You’ll learn about facilities, activities, and what makes each beach special, so you can choose the perfect spot for your day by the Mediterranean.

Playa de Levante

• Benidorm’s most famous and busiest golden beach
• 2km of golden sand stretching along the eastern side
• Excellent facilities including beach bars, water sports, and lifeguards
• Perfect for families and those who love a lively atmosphere

Playa de Levante is undoubtedly Benidorm’s crown jewel and the beach that put this town on the map. This magnificent 2-kilometre stretch of golden sand runs along the eastern side of Benidorm, backed by the iconic skyline of towering hotels and apartments.

What I love about Levante is how well-organised everything is. You’ll find rows of sun loungers and parasols available for hire (around €8-12 per day), plus plenty of space to lay your own towel if you prefer. The beach is meticulously cleaned every morning, so you’re guaranteed pristine sand throughout your visit.

The facilities here are second to none. There are numerous chiringuitos (beach bars) serving everything from fresh paella to ice-cold sangria, public toilets and showers, and lifeguards on duty throughout the summer season. You’re also close by to the Benidorm English Square if you’re looking to explore the nightlife.

Water sports enthusiasts can try jet skiing, parasailing, or banana boat rides – there’s always something happening! You can also find boat trips from Benidorm near this beach.

The water is beautifully warm and calm, making it brilliant for families with children. The beach slopes gently into the sea, so little ones can play safely in the shallows while parents relax nearby. Just be prepared for crowds, especially during July and August. If you want the best spot, I’d recommend arriving early – around 9am – to secure a prime position near the water’s edge.

Playa de Poniente

• Benidorm’s western beach, slightly quieter than Levante
• 3km of wide, sandy coastline
• More space and less crowded than its eastern counterpart
• Beautiful sunset views in the evening

Playa de Poniente offers a much more relaxed alternative to the party atmosphere of Levante. This expansive 3-kilometre stretch along Benidorm’s western coastline consistently attracts families and a more mature crowd who appreciate the quieter, more Spanish atmosphere.

What sets Poniente apart is the sheer amount of space available. The beach is genuinely wide with fine, soft sand, and even during peak season, you’ll find it significantly less crowded than Levante. You’re more likely to hear Spanish being spoken here than English, which adds to the authentic local feel.

The facilities are excellent for families – there’s an Aquatic platform suitable for all ages, with slides, trampolines and bridges to explore. You can find volleyball and football goals set up on the beach too. The water is consistently clear and warm, though it can be slightly rougher than Levante.

The real highlight is those spectacular sunset views. As evening approaches, the lighting becomes absolutely magical – perfect for romantic strolls along the excellent promenade or sunset drinks at the beachfront bars.

The promenade is fantastic for walking or cycling, with plenty of nice cafes and restaurants. The whole western side of Benidorm has a much calmer vibe than the eastern party zone.

If you’re after a more relaxed, family-friendly beach experience with beautiful sunsets and don’t mind the parking challenges, Poniente is definitely your best choice in Benidorm.

Find the Benidorm beach location below.

Playa del Mal Pas

• Small, sheltered cove between Levante and Poniente beaches
• Located next to Benidorm’s old town and harbour
• Rocky surroundings create a more intimate atmosphere
• Perfect for those seeking a quieter beach experience

Playa del Mal Pas is a lovely small cove that offers a completely different beach experience from the larger, busier stretches. Despite its rather ominous name (which translates to “Bad Pass”), this is actually one of Benidorm’s most romantic and family-friendly spots.

This small sandy beach sits in a natural bay surrounded by rocky outcrops, creating a sheltered and intimate environment. The soft, clean sand and crystal-clear waters make it perfect for families with children, while the backdrop of Benidorm’s old town and harbour adds real character.

What makes Mal Pas special is its authentic Spanish atmosphere and more relaxed pace compared to Levante beach. You’ll often see local fishermen working on their boats, and the nearby old town restaurants serve some of the best traditional food in Benidorm. The beach gets cleaned early each morning, so you’ll find it spotless when you arrive.

You can rent sunbeds and parasols for around €6-7, though there aren’t always clear signs about pricing, so it’s worth asking first. The beach can fill up quickly during peak season – locals sometimes call it “the frying pan” because it gets so well-protected from winds – but it never feels as hectic as the main beaches.

The clear waters around the rocky areas are great for snorkelling, and the whole setup makes it brilliant for photos and romantic sunset strolls along the promenade.

The only downside is limited toilet facilities, so you might need to walk a bit to find clean ones. However, with excellent bars and restaurants just steps away in the old town, plus easy access to the Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint, it’s perfect for combining beach time with some old town wandering.

Cala Almadrava

• Small rocky cove near Levante beach in Benidorm
• Clothing-optional beach popular with naturists
• Requires steep, challenging walk down rocky paths
• Crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling

Just a 10-minute walk from Levante beach, Cala Almadraba offers a completely different experience from Benidorm’s busy main beaches. This is a clothing-optional beach, so be prepared for that reality! While not everyone goes nude, naturism is very much the norm here.

This small rocky cove sits tucked away down a steep valley, and I’ll be upfront with you – getting there requires some effort! Once you make it down, the cove is genuinely stunning. The water is crystal clear – some of the clearest you’ll find around Benidorm – and it’s brilliant for snorkelling. You’ll spot plenty of fish swimming around the rocks, and the underwater visibility is excellent.

Don’t expect any sand here – it’s all pebbles and rocks, but there are decent spots to sit and soak up the sun. The lack of facilities means you’ll need to bring everything: water, snacks, sun protection, and definitely something to sit on.

Parking is extremely limited in the small area above the cove, so getting there early (before 9am) is practically essential. The rubbish bins do fill up quickly, which can be frustrating, but most visitors do try to keep the area clean.

Here is the location:

Cala de Tío Ximo

• Hidden rocky cove between Benidorm and Villajoyosa
• Primarily a nudist beach – not suitable for families with children
• Road access now blocked – requires lengthy walk and difficult parking
• No sand, just rocks and pebbles with crystal-clear snorkelling waters
• No facilities whatsoever – bring everything you need
• Best for experienced swimmers seeking adventure over convenience

This hidden cove is Benidorm’s secret nudist beach! Its sat at the bottom of the Serra Gelada and is definitely one for the adventurous, but there are some important things you should know before making the trip.

Getting to this beach has become more challenging. The road is now blocked by police about 700 metres from the beach, which means you’ll need to park wherever you can find space and walk considerably further than the original 10-15 minutes. The parking situation can be quite frustrating, particularly as it’s a one-way street system in the area.

This is primarily a nudist beach, so be prepared for that if you’re planning a family visit. Most reviewers mention that it’s not suitable for children anyway due to the rocky terrain and lack of facilities.

The cove itself is absolutely stunning when you finally get there. The water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkelling – you’ll genuinely see fish swimming around the rocks, and the underwater visibility is excellent. However, there’s no sand at all, just rocks and pebbles, so this isn’t a place for sunbathing or relaxing with a book.

You’ll need to get there early (around 9:30am) if you want a decent spot, as the beach is quite small. A lifeguard does appear during peak holiday times, which is reassuring given the rocky entrance to the water.

Bring everything you need – there are absolutely no facilities, and you’ll want water shoes or trainers as the rocky entrance can be tough on bare feet. The lack of development is what makes it special, but it also means proper preparation is vital.

This spot works brilliantly if you’re an experienced swimmer who loves snorkelling and doesn’t mind a bit of adventure to reach a secluded location. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable family beach day or easy access, you’d be better off sticking to the main Benidorm beaches.

Here is the location:

Beach activities and water sports

Benidorm’s beaches offer an incredible range of activities beyond just sunbathing and swimming. Along Levante and Poniente beaches, you’ll find numerous water sports and Benidorm boat trip operators offering:

• Jet skiing in Benidorm – from around €100 for 30 minutes
• Banana boat rides – great fun for families and groups
• Stand-up paddleboarding – equipment rental from €15 per hour
• Kayak rental – perfect for exploring the coastline at your own pace

For those interested in diving or snorkelling, several local companies offer equipment rental and guided trips to the best underwater spots around Benidorm.

Beach facilities and amenities

All of Benidorm’s main beaches are excellently equipped with modern facilities:

• Lifeguards on duty throughout the summer season (typically June to September)
• First aid stations strategically located along each beach
• Public toilets and showers – clean and regularly maintained
• Beach bars and restaurants serving everything from light snacks to full meals
• Sun lounger and parasol rental – expect to pay €8-12 per day
• Beach wheelchair access and adapted facilities for visitors with mobility needs

Best time to visit Benidorm beaches

The beach season in Benidorm runs from April through October, with peak conditions from June to September. July and August are the busiest months with the warmest water temperatures (around 26°C), but also the most crowded beaches.

For the perfect balance of good weather in Benidorm and fewer crowds, I’d recommend visiting in May, June, or September. The weather is still fantastic for swimming and sunbathing, but you’ll find it much easier to secure a good spot on the beach.

Early morning (before 10am) and late afternoon (after 5pm) are the most peaceful times, even during peak season. Plus, you’ll avoid the strongest sun during the middle of the day.

Beach safety tips

• Always swim between the flags where lifeguards can see you
• Apply sun cream regularly – the Mediterranean sun is stronger than you might expect
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Be aware of jellyfish – they’re occasionally present but lifeguards will warn swimmers
• Watch your belongings – while Benidorm is generally very safe, don’t leave valuables unattended