Costa Blanca: The Best Beaches
The Costa Blanca (White Coast) stretches over 200 km from Dénia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada in the south. It owes its name to the bright cliffs and fine white sand. With over 300 sunny days a year and water temperatures ranging from 17°C (winter) to 28°C (August), it is one of Europe's most popular beach destinations — and offers far more than the hotel towers of Benidorm.
Places & Beaches
★★★ Jávea (Xàbia)
The most beautiful coastal town of the Costa Blanca. Jávea has three faces: the medieval old town on the hill (Casco Histórico), the port (El Puerto) with fish restaurants, and the Arenal beach with its turquoise water and promenade. The Cala Granadella (2 km south) has been repeatedly voted Spain's most beautiful beach: a small rocky cove with crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkeling.
Granadella in summer only with reservation (free, via the Ayuntamiento de Jávea website). Very limited parking.
★★ Calpe (Calp)
Dominated by the Peñón de Ifach, a 332 m high limestone rock that rises from the sea like a mini-Gibraltar. The hike to the summit (about 1 hour, via ferrata sections, permit required) is rewarded with a spectacular view. At the base: the Playa de la Fossa with the rock as a backdrop.
★★ Altea
The St. Tropez of the Costa Blanca: a pretty artist village with a blue and white domed church on the hill, galleries, crafts, and a beach promenade. Much quieter and more tasteful than nearby Benidorm. Perfect for an evening with sunset and seafood.
★★ Isla Tabarca
Spain's smallest inhabited island, located 22 km off Alicante. Crystal-clear water (marine reserve), a tiny fortified village from the 18th century, excellent fish restaurants. The Caldero Tabarquino (rice with fish, 14€/person) is a must. Ferry from Alicante (1 hour) or Santa Pola (25 minutes), round trip about 20€.
★ Benidorm
Yes, Benidorm. The skyscraper skyline deters many, but the city has its place: The Levante and Poniente beaches are actually excellent (wide, fine sand, clean water), the infrastructure perfect, and the old town (Casco Antiguo) on the promontory with the Mirador del Castillo has surprisingly much charm. And: Benidorm has the highest density of restaurants per capita in Spain.
The Most Beautiful Coves (Calas)
- Cala Granadella (Jávea) — The queen: turquoise, surrounded by pines, fantastic for snorkeling
- Cala del Moraig (Benitatxell) — Dramatic cliffs, cave with sea access
- Cala Finestrat (near Benidorm) — Small, sheltered, quieter than the main beaches
- Cala Barraca (Jávea) — Pebble beach, Caribbean water, less crowded than Granadella
- Les Rotes (Dénia) — Rocky coves for snorkeling with views of Montgó
💡 Tipp
The Costa Blanca beaches are packed in August — June and September are ideal (water 24–26°C, fewer tourists). Many of the most beautiful calas have limited parking; arrive early (before 10 AM) or leave the car in town and walk.