The signature features of our region are surely its beaches. Nothing attracts visitors to Alicante more than the broad sandy beaches that are scattered along the Costa Blanca. However, our coastline also includes secluded rocky coves (called “calas” in Spanish) hedged around with steep cliffs. We felt that it was time for us to write about a few of the wonderful places on our coast that still retain that special Costa Blanca magic that has enchanted visitors to our region for so long.
The most famous sand beaches in the region are the “city beaches” at places such as Benidorm, Calpe and San Juan Playa. These wonderful expanses of golden sand have developed into sophisticated stretches of recreational real estate. They provide every service and entertainment one could desire, including fun fairs and even beach bars offering french champagne served at your sun lounger! Wonderful as these beachers are, we have decided to focus this article on more remote and less developed coastal spots. So pack your towels and come with us for a tour of a few of our favourite seaside haunts…
Just south of Santa Pola is El Pinet beach. Laying next to a nature reserve this narrow but long stretch of golden sand is a beautiful reminder of the original coastline. The northern stretch is backed by steep sand dunes and has a wild character that is always stimulating. The beach is mixed with some nude bathing alongside numerous families happily enjoying sand castle building. The southern part of the beach contains a line of old holiday homes. In this line of beachside houses are a couple of eating places; in particular the characterful Hostal La Maruja and restaurant which serves wonderful rice on its beach terrace perched only a few metres from the sea! Book ahead to guarantee a place for lunch.
Turning North and travelling up the coast beyond Alicante one encounters a coastline with many beautiful beaches. One of our favourites is the rather extravagantly named Playa Paraiso in Villajoyosa. This wide sandy beach is extremely user friendly and safe. It has the advantage of having beach bars and other eating places within easy proximity. If one wants a straightforward easy day at the beach this is an excellent option.
Further along the coast just after Altea is Playa de la Solsida. This beautiful narrow beach runs north under the cliffs and at the far end one perches on a rocky shelf between the cliffs and sea; this guarantees a degree of privacy and peace unusual on the Costa Blanca. An additional benefit of Solsida beach is the proximity of the charming Portosenso Port and Bar in the marina at the southern end of the beach, perfect for a sundowner…or two…
Moving further up the coast one finds two wonderful cove beaches: Cala Moraig in Benitatxell is famous for the exotic shapes of its eroded sea caves. So popular has it become that one has to book in advance to gain entrance! The effort of booking is however worth it. The steep road down to the cove leads to a curved beach enclosed by steep cliffs which one approaches with a sense of discovery. A truly magical place.
Along the coast, just south of Javea is Cala Portixol. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful and frequently photographed beaches on the Costa Blanca. The delightful whitewashed cottages that line the pebbly beach have surely launched a thousand Instagram stories! The beach is framed by a magnificent cove ending in little islets – one feels almost entirely enclosed. This romantic beach is a must for any visitor to our region.
Finally, those who simply want to swim in clear waters under magnificent cliffs should make their way to Cap Blanc just south of Moraira. This rocky cove beach lays at the base of cliffs facing south towards the rock of Calpe. The surrounding headlands are covered in a polite sprawl of expensive villas, some of which date from the 1960s and feature astonishing space age shapes and curves. One can drive down through the lanes leading to the cliff edge and then walk to the base of cliffs. The swimming here is wonderful: Protected by the embrace of the headland, one swims in clear waters surrounded by fish with the Calpe rock in the distance – Mediterranean perfection!
Our region is blessed with a variety of wonderful beaches to suit every taste and mood. It is worth reminding ourselves that (in contrast to countries such as France and Italy) all Spanish beaches are public with right of access for all people – long may this remain the case – Sous les pavés, la plage!
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