Beaches of Alicante

What sets Alicante apart from many other major European cities is its stunning, sprawling urban beach. The sand is beautifully fine, and this beach, along with others nearby, is one of the main draws that brings people here.

Come peak summer, the beaches get so packed that finding your own patch of sand can be a real challenge. Smart travelers hit up Alicante either right at the beginning or tail end of the season, when the beaches aren't quite so jam-packed with people.

Postiguet is Alicante's main city beach

Playa del Postiguet is Alicante's go-to urban beach, sitting pretty [on map] right in front of the old town, with the Santa Barbara Castle looming above. This nearly kilometer-long stretch of golden sand is a hit with both tourists and locals alike.
Running alongside the beach is the Paseo de Gómiz promenade, lined with swaying palm trees and dotted with cafés and spots to take a breather. The beachfront walkway is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick jog, and you'll even find playgrounds to keep the little ones happy.

Don't expect to rent jet skis or fancy water sports equipment at Postiguet, apart from maybe a game of beach volleyball, this spot is all about soaking up the sun and enjoying a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters at your own pace. During the summer months, Postiguet can get seriously packed, and when the crowds get too much, it's worth heading to beaches further out for a more relaxed vibe. Luckily, there are plenty of those around.

Playa San Juan, Mutxavista, and El Campello, A bit further from downtown

Playa San Juan, Playa Mutxavista, and Playa El Campello create an almost seamless ribbon of sandy beaches that stretches for miles.
This coastal paradise begins in the northern parts of Alicante city, about six kilometers from the main city beach, Playa del Postiguet. This long stretch of sandy shores comes with all the amenities you could want, restaurants, bars, and beach clubs galore.

Playa San Juan and Playa de Mutxavista

Coming from Alicante, the first beach you'll hit is San Juan [on map].
This marks the beginning of a beach zone with over six kilometers of coastline. As you stroll north along San Juan's sandy shores, the beach subtly transitions into Playa de Mutxavista. You'll find plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby where you could easily spend an entire day lounging and dining.

Getting to Playa San Juan from downtown Alicante is a breeze. Hop on tram line L4 from Luceros square, and in about 30 minutes you'll arrive at Plaza la Coruña [on map]. From there, it's just a couple hundred meters' walk to the beach.

El Campello

A bit further north, though still part of the same coastal stretch, you'll find the charming village of El Campello and its beachfront [on map]. The area boasts several beaches: Playa can Campello, Playa del Trajo, Playa Carrer la Mar, and Platja de la Illeta. These beaches offer everything you need for a perfect day out, terrace restaurants and rental spots for all sorts of beach gear.

The village itself has a wonderfully laid-back, life-loving vibe that makes it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Don't miss the fish market at the local fishing port (Puerto pesquero de El Campello), it's definitely worth checking out.

You can reach El Campello on tram line L3 from Alicante's Luceros or Mercado stations. The journey takes about half an hour.

Playa los Arenales

Playa los Arenales beach, also known as Arenales del Sol, is one of the most pleasant and peaceful beaches in the Alicante area. You'll find it [on map] about 12 kilometers south of central Alicante, technically within the neighboring town of Elche.

What makes Arenales special are its impressive sand dunes and the palm trees lining the beach. The dunes are partially protected, and you can explore them via wooden walkways. The beach facilities are top-notch, you'll find sunbed and umbrella rentals, beach bars, and terrace restaurants nearby.

Arenales is famous for its excellent windsurfing conditions, with several rental shops catering to enthusiasts. Another popular activity here is strolling or cycling along the beachfront promenade at sunset, it's quite the local tradition.

More beaches to explore

Take a look at all the beaches on the map around Alicante or check out info about the beaches and their safety features elsewhere, and you'll see there's no shortage of options to suit every taste.

So hop on those trams and go beach-hopping! Each beach has its own vibe and unique character. One of the best moments of your trip is when you stumble upon your personal favorite beach, often when you least expect it.