At the southern edge of Villajoyosa, right beside the grounds of the Hotel Montíboli, Playa Paraíso lives up to its name more often than not. This is one of the longest beaches in the area — over a kilometer of pebbles and patches of golden sand — and despite being one of the most popular spots with younger visitors in the province, its sheer size means it rarely feels as packed as smaller coves nearby.

This guide covers what Playa Paraíso is actually like, the best things to do in and around the water, how to get there by car or tram, where to eat, and the best time of year to visit.

Where Is Playa Paraíso?

Playa Paraíso, also known as Playa Paradís or El Paraíso, sits at the southern end of Villajoyosa (La Vila Joiosa), in the province of Alicante, right next to the Hotel Montíboli development. It lies roughly a kilometer outside the town’s urban center, on the road toward Benidorm and Finestrat.

The beach sits in good company: immediately south, separated by a short cliff, is Cala Bol Nou, often described as Paraíso’s smaller “sister” cove, and a little further along, reachable directly from the Hotel Montíboli grounds, are the coves of L’Esparrelló and La Caleta.

What the Beach Is Actually Like

Playa Paraíso is large by the standards of this stretch of coast — sources put its length at anywhere from roughly 1,060 meters to 1.5 kilometers, with a width that varies between about 25 and 30 meters depending on where you measure. The shore is composed of rounded pebbles mixed with patches of sand, so water shoes are a sensible addition here, particularly for getting in and out of the water comfortably.

The water is clear, turquoise, and generally calm, sheltered enough from major currents to make this a comfortable swimming beach despite the stony shoreline. A rocky section toward one end offers reasonable conditions for casual snorkeling. The beach carries Blue Flag status, reflecting consistent water quality, and its size means that even on a busy summer day, it tends to feel less crowded than smaller, more contained coves in the area.

Things to Do at Playa Paraíso

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

A local operator runs seasonal kayak and paddleboard rentals directly from the beach, including a popular full-moon kayak excursion in summer that paddles out in front of the Hotel Montíboli — a memorable evening activity for visitors staying in the area.

Snorkeling

The rockier stretch of the beach offers decent casual snorkeling conditions, particularly compared with the open, pebbly central section.

Exploring Nearby Coves on Foot

Walking south along the coast leads to Cala Bol Nou and, a little further on, the coves of L’Esparrelló and La Caleta, accessible via the Hotel Montíboli grounds — a pleasant way to see several distinct coves in a single outing.

Visiting La Malladeta

Just inland from the beach lies La Malladeta, an archaeologically significant site with roots dating back to an ancient Iberian sanctuary. On the hill above it stands the Torre de la Malladeta, a 19th-century tower built for scientific purposes by local psychiatrist José María Esquerdo, with sweeping views back over the coastline — a worthwhile short detour for visitors interested in local history.

Beach Characteristics at a Glance

• Type of shore: Rounded pebbles with patches of sand
• Length: Approximately 1,060 meters to 1.5 km, depending on the source
• Width: Approximately 25–30 meters
• Water: Clear, turquoise, generally calm
• Blue Flag status: Awarded
• Occupancy level: Popular, especially with younger visitors, but the beach’s length keeps crowding manageable
• Accessibility: Adapted access from the promenade in some sections; contact the Ayuntamiento de Villajoyosa for current details

How to Get to Playa Paraíso

By Car

From Villajoyosa, follow the N-332 south and take the “Villajoyosa Sur” exit, which leads directly to the beach. An unguarded parking area with more than 100 spaces sits nearby, though arriving early in peak summer is still a sensible precaution.

By Tram

The TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante’s Line 1 has a stop called Paradís, within easy walking distance of the beach — a convenient, car-free option for visitors coming from Alicante, Benidorm, or anywhere along the line.

Map

Where to Eat Near Playa Paraíso

The beach itself has two chiringuitos, though without full kitchens, so they’re better suited to drinks and light bites than a full meal — many visitors bring their own coolers and food for a full beach day rather than relying on what’s available on-site. For a proper meal, the Hotel Montíboli next door and Villajoyosa’s town center, with its well-known arròs a banda and fresh seafood, are both within easy reach.

Where to Stay Near Playa Paraíso

The Hotel Montíboli, set on the clifftop right beside the beach, is the standout option for travelers who want to be directly on top of this stretch of coast, with several smaller coves accessible from its own grounds. Camping Playa Paraíso, located right on the beachfront, is a popular option for travelers looking for a more budget-friendly, family-oriented stay. Villajoyosa’s town center, a short tram ride or drive away, offers a wider range of hotels and apartments along with its colorful historic seafront.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Summer brings the warmest water and the liveliest atmosphere, particularly among younger visitors, though the beach’s considerable length helps it absorb crowds better than smaller coves nearby. Spring and autumn offer a quieter, more relaxed visit with comfortably mild conditions, well suited to combining a swim with a walk to the neighboring coves or a visit to La Malladeta.

Month	Water Temp (approx.)	Crowd Level	Parking Difficulty
April–May	18–20°C	Low	Easy
June	22–24°C	Moderate	Moderate
July–August	26–27°C	High	Difficult (arrive early)
September	24–25°C	Moderate	Moderate
October	22–24°C	Low	Easy
November–March	14–17°C	Very Low	Easy

Services and Facilities

• Lifeguard service in season
• Wooden walkways, foot-washing stations
• Two beachfront chiringuitos (drinks and light snacks, no full kitchen)
• Unguarded parking area (100+ spaces)
• TRAM access via the Paradís stop (Line 1)
• Adapted access in some sections from the promenade

Pets and motorhomes are not permitted on the beach itself.

Practical Tips for Visiting Playa Paraíso

• Bring water shoes. The shoreline is pebble with patches of sand, and entering the water barefoot can be uncomfortable in places.
• Pack your own food and drink for a full day. The two chiringuitos don’t have full kitchens, so bringing a cooler is common practice here.
• Consider the TRAM if you don’t want to drive. The Paradís stop on Line 1 puts you within easy walking distance of the sand.
• Walk south to see more coves. Cala Bol Nou and the coves near Hotel Montíboli are an easy, scenic extension to a beach day here.
• Arrive early on summer weekends. Despite the beach’s length, parking can still fill up during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Playa Paraíso a sandy beach?
It’s mostly pebble with patches of sand, so water shoes are recommended, though many visitors still find it comfortable for a full beach day.

Can you reach Playa Paraíso by public transport?
Yes, the TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante’s Line 1 has a stop called Paradís within easy walking distance of the beach.

Are dogs allowed at Playa Paraíso?
No, pets and motorhomes are not permitted on the beach.

Is Playa Paraíso good for young people and nightlife?
It’s known locally as one of the more popular beaches with younger visitors, particularly for its kayak and paddleboard rentals and summer full-moon excursions, though it remains primarily a daytime beach rather than a nightlife spot.

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This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, safety, or travel advice. Beach conditions, parking availability, tram schedules, and seasonal services can change without notice; always check official sources, including the Ayuntamiento de Villajoyosa, before planning your visit. Always follow posted safety guidance and lifeguard instructions where available.