Planning to visit the best Costa Blanca beaches, but not sure which one to choose? After exploring this beautiful stretch of Spain’s Mediterranean coastline, I quickly realized that no two beaches are the same. Some are hidden coves with crystal-clear turquoise water, while others are long sandy beaches perfect for families or relaxing after exploring a nearby town.
During my Costa Blanca road trip, I visited ten very different beaches, from the dramatic cliffs of Cala Granadella to the lively Postiguet Beach in Alicante. Instead of simply ranking them, this guide will help you decide which beach best matches your travel style and what to expect from each.
What to Know Before Choosing a Costa Blanca Beach
Before choosing among the best Costa Blanca beaches, there are a few things worth knowing. While they all share beautiful Mediterranean water, each beach offers a completely different experience. Some are hidden coves surrounded by cliffs, while others are long sandy beaches with lively promenades, restaurants, and easy access.
North vs. South Costa Blanca
The northern part of the Costa Blanca, around Jávea, Moraira, and Calpe, is where you’ll find the dramatic scenery the region is famous for. Expect rugged cliffs, turquoise water, and smaller coves that feel more natural and secluded.
As you travel further south towards Benidorm and Alicante, the coastline becomes flatter, with wider sandy beaches, larger promenades, and a livelier atmosphere. Both areas are beautiful, but they offer completely different experiences depending on what you’re looking for.
Sandy or Pebble Beaches?
One thing that surprised me was how much the beaches vary. If you love sinking your feet into soft sand, beaches like La Fossa Beach, Poniente Beach, and Postiguet Beach are excellent choices.
On the other hand, some beaches, such as La Roda Beach in Altea, have large pebbles instead of sand. The water is just as inviting, but I found water shoes much more comfortable for getting in and out of the sea.
Is October a Good Time to Visit?
I visited the Costa Blanca in October, and honestly, the weather exceeded my expectations. Most days were warm enough for swimming, while the temperatures were much more comfortable than in the peak summer months.
The beaches were still lively, but they never felt overwhelmingly crowded. If you have the flexibility to travel in early autumn, I think it’s one of the best times to experience the Costa Blanca.
Why I Recommend Renting a Car
Although it’s possible to reach some beaches by public transport, having a car made the trip much easier. It gave me the freedom to visit several beaches in one day, stop at viewpoints along the coast, and explore beautiful towns like Moraira, Altea, and Villajoyosa at my own pace.
Most of the beaches in this guide are only 15 to 30 minutes apart by car, so it’s easy to visit two in a day, splitting the morning and afternoon between them.
The 10 Best Costa Blanca Beaches
Now that you know what to expect, let’s explore the 10 best Costa Blanca beaches, starting in the north and working our way south along the coastline.
Cala Granadella
I’ll start this guide with Cala Granadella, the northernmost beach on this list and one of the Costa Blanca’s most famous coves.
Our original plan was to visit both Cala Granadella and Cala del Moraig since they’re only a short drive apart. We wanted to see them with our own eyes before deciding where to spend the rest of the day.
Although Cala Granadella was beautiful, it was incredibly hot when we arrived. There was very little natural shade, and with the midday sun beating down, we decided to continue to Cala del Moraig before settling in for the afternoon.
In the end, Cala del Moraig won us over. That’s not to say Cala Granadella wasn’t worth visiting. Quite the opposite. It simply came down to personal preference, as we found Cala del Moraig even more spectacular and a little more enjoyable for spending several hours by the sea.
Choose this beach if you’re looking for crystal-clear water, breathtaking scenery, and one of the Costa Blanca’s most iconic coves.
Cala del Moraig
Cala del Moraig feels completely different from Granadella. The first thing you notice is the cliffs. They are massive and almost overwhelming when you stand at the entrance path looking down at the beach.
The water here is just as clear, but the setting feels wilder. There’s also a small cave nearby, which adds a bit of adventure to the whole experience. It’s not a beach where you come to lie down for hours; it feels more like a place you explore.
At first, I thought the beach would be packed because the parking area was almost full. However, once we walked down the winding road, I was surprised to find that the beach didn’t feel crowded at all.
Choose this beach if you like dramatic coastal landscapes, swimming in deep turquoise water, and beaches that feel a bit wilder and more natural.
El Portet Beach, Moraira
After visiting the more dramatic coves further north, El Portet Beach (Platja del Portet) felt like a completely different experience. Instead of cliffs and hidden bays, this small beach welcomed us with calm, shallow water and a peaceful atmosphere.
The curved bay gives the beach a sheltered feel, making the water incredibly calm even on windier days. Along the promenade, you’ll find a handful of cafés and restaurants where you can easily stop for lunch or a drink while enjoying the sea views.
Although it’s a popular beach, it never felt overwhelming during my visit. It seemed like the kind of place where people come to spend the entire day rather than simply taking a few photos before moving on. I came here twice.
Choose this beach if you’re looking for calm waters, a relaxed atmosphere, and a beach perfect for families or anyone seeking a slower pace.
L’Ampolla Beach, Moraira
Located right next to Moraira’s town center, L’Ampolla Beach (Platja de l’Ampolla) is one of those beaches that’s incredibly easy to enjoy. Everything is within walking distance, from restaurants and cafés to shops and the marina.
The beach itself is much wider than El Portet and offers plenty of space to spread out. It has all the facilities you might need, making it a convenient option if you’re staying in Moraira or simply looking for an easy beach day.
One of the things I liked most about Moraira was its atmosphere. I love coastal towns, and Moraira immediately felt relaxed and elegant without being overly busy. Even though it’s a popular destination, it didn’t feel overcrowded or dominated by souvenir shops like some seaside resorts do. Instead, I found a beautiful marina, well-kept streets, and plenty of lovely cafés and restaurants overlooking the sea.
Choose this beach if you enjoy combining a beach day with exploring a charming coastal town.
La Fossa Beach, Calpe
La Fossa Beach (Platja de la Fossa) immediately stands out thanks to the impressive Peñón de Ifach towering above the coastline. No matter where you are on the beach, your eyes are naturally drawn to this iconic rock.
Unlike the smaller coves further north, this is a long sandy beach with plenty of room for everyone. The promenade is lined with restaurants, cafés, and hotels, giving the area a lively holiday atmosphere.
For me, La Fossa Beach was the perfect reward after hiking the Peñón de Ifach. After a challenging climb, there was nothing better than sinking my feet into the soft sand, cooling off with a swim, and simply enjoying the views of the rock from a completely different perspective.
Choose this beach if you love wide sandy beaches, plenty of facilities, and one of the best coastal views in Calpe.
La Roda Beach, Altea
La Roda Beach (Platja de la Roda) isn’t the kind of beach that immediately grabs your attention with dramatic scenery. Instead, its charm comes from its location right beside Altea’s beautiful seafront promenade.
The crystal-clear water is incredibly inviting, but the shoreline is covered with large pebbles rather than soft sand. If you’re planning to spend the whole day lying on the beach, you may want to bring a beach mat or water shoes for extra comfort.
For me, the real highlight wasn’t the beach itself but the overall atmosphere. I loved wandering along the promenade before heading into Altea‘s beautiful old town. Compared to some of the more famous beaches on the Costa Blanca, it also felt much quieter, making it a lovely place to escape the bigger crowds.
Choose this beach if you enjoy peaceful seaside towns, don’t mind a pebble beach, and want to combine a relaxing swim with exploring one of the Costa Blanca’s most charming old towns.
Mal Pas Beach, Benidorm
Tucked between Benidorm’s two famous beaches, Mal Pas Beach (Platgeta del Mal Pas) feels like a hidden little escape from the city’s busy atmosphere.
Although it’s much smaller than Levante or Poniente, I actually preferred its quieter setting. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and overlooking Benidorm Island, it feels surprisingly peaceful considering how close it is to the city’s skyscrapers.
It’s not the beach where you’ll spend an entire day, but it’s a lovely spot if you’re looking for something a little different while visiting Benidorm.
Choose this beach if you prefer smaller beaches with a quieter atmosphere right in the heart of the city.
Poniente Beach, Benidorm
Poniente Beach (Platja de Ponent) completely changed my impression of Benidorm. Before visiting, I expected nothing but crowded beaches and high-rise hotels. Instead, I found a huge stretch of golden sand with plenty of space to walk, swim, and simply enjoy the Mediterranean.
The modern promenade is one of the nicest along the Costa Blanca, making it just as enjoyable for an evening stroll as it is for a day at the beach.
Despite being one of Benidorm’s main beaches, it felt much more relaxed than I had imagined.
Choose this beach if you’re looking for a spacious sandy beach with excellent facilities and a lively seafront atmosphere.
Villajoyosa Beach
Villajoyosa was one of the biggest surprises of my Costa Blanca road trip. While the beach itself is beautiful, what really makes this place special are the colorful houses lining the waterfront.
After spending some time on the beach, I found myself wandering through the streets far longer than I had planned. It has a completely different atmosphere from the larger resort towns nearby, feeling more authentic and relaxed.
For me, this was one of those destinations where the beach is only part of the experience.
Choose this beach if you want to combine a beautiful beach with a charming seaside town.
Postiguet Beach, Alicante
Right in the heart of Alicante, Postiguet Beach (Playa del Postiguet) is one of the easiest beaches to visit on the Costa Blanca. With the city behind you and Santa Bárbara Castle overlooking the bay, it’s the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing.
Out of all the beaches I visited on the Costa Blanca, this was by far the busiest. If you’re looking for quiet, this probably isn’t the beach for you. However, if you’re already exploring Alicante, it’s a great place to cool off after a long day of walking around the city. The beach is just steps from the historic center, making it incredibly convenient to combine sightseeing with a few relaxing hours by the sea.
Choose this beach if you’re visiting Alicante and want to combine sightseeing with a refreshing beach break.
Which Costa Blanca Beach Should You Choose?
Looking for crystal-clear water?
If snorkeling and turquoise water are at the top of your list, Cala Granadella and Cala del Moraig are my top recommendations. Both offer stunning scenery and incredibly clear water, but I personally preferred Cala del Moraig. The dramatic limestone cliffs, the nearby sea cave, and the more natural surroundings made it one of my favourite beaches on the Costa Blanca.
Prefer soft sandy beaches?
If soft sand is a priority, head to La Fossa Beach in Calpe or Poniente Beach in Benidorm. Both are spacious beaches where you can comfortably spend an entire day relaxing by the sea.
If you prefer a smaller and more intimate sandy beach, I’d recommend El Portet Beach, L’Ampolla Beach in Moraira, or Mal Pas Beach in Benidorm.
Don’t mind a pebble beach?
Then don’t overlook La Roda Beach in Altea. While the shoreline is covered with large pebbles instead of sand, the beautiful promenade and charming old town make it well worth a visit.
It’s also worth packing water shoes if you’re visiting Cala Granadella or Cala del Moraig. Although both beaches are famous for their crystal-clear water, they also have pebble shorelines, making water shoes much more comfortable.
Love exploring coastal towns?
Moraira, Altea, and Villajoyosa were my favorite places to combine a beach day with wandering through quieter streets, stopping at local cafés, and simply enjoying the kind of pace that’s hard to find in busier resort towns. For me, these destinations offered much more than just beautiful beaches.
My Personal Favorites
If I had to choose just three places to visit again, Moraira would be at the top of my list. I loved both El Portet Beach and L’Ampolla Beach, not only because of the beaches themselves but also because of the town’s elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Cala del Moraig would be my second choice for its dramatic scenery, crystal-clear water, and peaceful setting. Finally, I’d happily return to La Fossa Beach in Calpe, especially after hiking the Peñón de Ifach.
And if I could add one bonus pick, it would be Mal Pas Beach in Benidorm. It’s a small beach that often gets overlooked, but I really enjoyed its quieter atmosphere despite being right in the heart of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Costa Blanca beaches sandy or pebbly?
The Costa Blanca offers a mix of both. If you prefer soft sand, beaches like La Fossa Beach, Poniente Beach, and Postiguet Beach are great choices. However, some of the region’s most beautiful coves, including Cala Granadella and Cala del Moraig, have pebble shorelines. I recommend bringing water shoes if you plan to visit the pebble beaches.
Which Costa Blanca beach has the clearest water?
For me, Cala del Moraig and Cala Granadella had the clearest water of all the beaches I visited. Both are known for their stunning turquoise sea, making them perfect if you love swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing in a beautiful natural setting.
Which Costa Blanca beach is best for snorkeling?
If you’re planning to snorkel, Cala del Moraig and Cala Granadella are the best options on this list. Both have crystal-clear water and rocky surroundings that make them popular snorkeling spots. Cala del Moraig stood out to me even without snorkeling thanks to its dramatic cliffs, deep turquoise water, and the nearby sea cave that adds a sense of adventure you won’t find at most beaches.
Which Costa Blanca beaches are best for families?
Families will probably enjoy El Portet Beach, L’Ampolla Beach, and Poniente Beach the most. These beaches have soft sand, calm water, and plenty of space to relax. They also offer easy access to cafés, restaurants, and other facilities, making them ideal for a full day by the sea.
What is the best time to visit Costa Blanca beaches?
I visited the Costa Blanca in October and thought it was a fantastic time to go. The weather was still warm enough for swimming, but the beaches were far less crowded than during the peak summer months. If you have the flexibility, late spring and early autumn are excellent times to visit.
Do you need a car to visit Costa Blanca beaches?
While you can reach some beaches by public transport, I highly recommend renting a car. Some of the best beaches on this list, like Cala del Moraig, have no public transport access at all, and you’ll need to drive and then walk down a steep, winding road to reach the shore. Having a car also gives you the freedom to explore several beaches in one trip, stop at scenic viewpoints, and discover charming coastal towns like Moraira, Altea, and Villajoyosa along the way.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best Costa Blanca beaches isn’t really about choosing the most beautiful one. After all, what one traveler considers the perfect beach might not be the right fit for someone else. Some people love hidden coves surrounded by dramatic cliffs, while others prefer long sandy beaches with plenty of facilities or lively promenades just steps from the sea.
That’s why I believe it’s best to choose based on your travel style. The Costa Blanca has it all: sandy beaches and pebble coves, quiet escapes and lively promenades, dramatic cliffs and city skylines. Whatever kind of beach day you’re after, you’ll find it somewhere along this coastline.
For me, Cala del Moraig was the standout, while Moraira was the town I enjoyed returning to the most. Together, they perfectly captured what I loved about this stretch of coastline.
I hope this guide helps you find the best Costa Blanca beaches for your own trip and inspires you to discover a few new favorites along the way. Happy travels!
