The 10 best beaches in the Costa Blanca
The glittering stars of the Costa Blanca are its beaches. The 124-mile (200km) stretch of coastline packs in a crowd-pleasing range of seaside escapes.
Visit wide, sandy swathes filled with rows of sun loungers, sheltered bays where kids poke about in rock pools, and hush-hush coves where couples go to get away from it all. Whether you're rolling out a towel on white sand or hiking to an off-piste cove, all the beaches share that blissful Mediterranean Sea. Be sure to swim in the balmy water before sharing seafood paella in a pebble-side beach bar – it's a centuries-old tradition that still hits the spot.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best beaches in the Costa Blanca. Find out more below, or for more inspiration, see our guides to the best restaurants, bars and nightlife, and things to do.
Cala de Portitxol
This half-moon-shaped cove is famous for the string of white fishermen's houses along the shore, with their doors and windows painted azure blue. Early mornings are peaceful here, save for the meditative clattering as the sea falls over the pebbles. In the afternoons, especially July and August, it can get busy.
Insider tip: Lunch at Cala Clemence, a hippy beach bar with gull's-eye views.
How to get there: Park on Carrer de la Barraca (€9/£8).
La Caleta de Dins
Sailboats bob in the cyan water of La Caleta de Dins, a rustic cove accessed by a short coastal path. Begin at Cala Blanca (pause to take pictures in the natural rock arches), then follow the route cut into marlstone. The bijou bay has space for a handful of sunbathers.
Insider tip: Locals like to sit on the rocky headland and watch the sunset.
How to get there: Park for free at Aparcament Cala Blanca.
Cala Granadella
This pebbly cove has rocketed in popularity recently, boosted by a picturesque bar with a shaded terrace and hot pink doors: La Bandideta. It has been so busy that numbers are limited in the summer – better to go off-season (in spring it's a delight) for the best experience.
Insider tip: Kayak Granadella leads tours of sea caves nearby.
How to get there: Park on Carrer del Pic Tort. In summer, arrive by 9am.
Platja de Sant Joan
One of Costa Blanca's most family-friendly beaches, Platja de Sant Joan (Playa San Juan in Spanish) is a two-mile (3km) stretch with buckets of butter-yellow sand. Find sun loungers to rent, children's climbing frames on the shore and even a McDonald's terrace with ridiculous sea views.
Insider tip: Further north, Puka Puka Chiringuito serves mojitos and cumbia tunes.
How to get there: Take Tram Alicante to the Londres stop, right on the beach. Parking is easy to find, either free on Avenida de Niza or in one of the large free car parks next to the beach.
Cala del Moraig
Pine trees scent the air of this idyllic cove, which is a mixture of stones and butterscotch sand. The walk from the car park is a smooth, tarmacked one, but the beach is still wild. See the amazing rock formations near the entrance, with archways where waves crash.
Insider tip: Follow the Ruta de la Falla del Moraig for the 492ft-tall (150-metre) viewpoint.
How to get there: Park at the entrance (€12/£10).
Platja de l'Olla
This humble little stretch of shingle doesn't attract the crowds, and that's precisely what makes it so lovable. Instead of sunbathers, fishing boats sit on the pebbles, and the no-frills Bar Sant serves decidedly un-hipster coffee on its lovely terrace. Sunset walks along the promenade here are rejuvenating.
Insider tip: El Cranc is a trendy corner, with paella and unspoilt sea views.
How to get there: Take Tram Alicante to Olla de Altea. Parking is scant: arrive early and cross your fingers for a space right next to the beach.
Platja de la Fossa
Another stress-free beach, Platja de la Fossa has been given the 'Q de Calidad' top quality award thanks to a lifeguard, disabled access and clean water. The golden bay is freckled with colourful parasols, but with over half a mile (a kilometre) of sand, there's always space to roll out a towel.
Insider tip: Take a beach-front yoga class or hire kayaks from Olas de Zen.
How to get there: The L1 bus takes 15 minutes from Calpe. Drivers can find free on-street parking, or head straight to the free car park, Parking Gratis Calpe Subida Peñón.
Platja Saladars-Urbanova
Remote and backed with bushy dunes, Platja Saladars-Urbanova (also known as Playa del Saladar) is a peaceful, sandy beach with heaps of space to spread out. As well as a couple of chiringuitos (small beach bars), there's an accessible entry near Carrer Músico Juan Latorre Ba, with a shaded pergola.
Insider tip: Further south, Nirvana Beach is a fun beach shack with live music and dancing until 1am.
How to get there: Free beach-side parking at Aparcamento Urbanova.
Cala la Fustera
This is one of the busiest beaches on the Paseo Ecológico de Benissa coastal path, but it's still very quaint. A palm tree-studded promenade backs the sandy bay, and behind that, Mandala Beach Bar. After splashing in the glassy water, find a table and order grilled sardines and octopus.
Insider tip: Cala Pinets, five minutes along the coastal path, is a quieter spot for paddling.
How to get there: Take the L3 bus from Calpe. There's a free car park next to the beach, or park at Tourist Info Benissa Playa and walk along the coastal path.
Platja de les Marines
Platja de les Marines is an easy walk from Dénia, but with dunes dotted with wildflowers and dreamy wooden tracks into the sand, it feels a long way from the city. The shore has a gentle slope into the sea, perfect for little ones to paddle in.
Insider tip: Find the sandy garden of Restaurante Primera Línea and share a bottle of moscatel by Les Freses.
How to get there: Cycle (10 minutes) from Dénia. Drivers can find free on-street parking and a free car park on Carrer de la Mussola.
How we choose
Every beach in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser known corners – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Lucy Lovell is the Telegraph's Costa Blanca expert.
'Originally from Devon, I moved to Spain around five years ago and love spending days on wild, sunny coves – preferably with a picnic from the nearest market.'
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