Alicante
Alicante is really two coastlines. North of the city, in the Marina Alta, pine-covered cliffs drop into pebble coves so clear they look retouched, with sea caves cut by centuries of stonecutters and watchtowers built against pirates. South of it, long golden beaches roll out behind protected dune systems, easy to reach and built for a full day. Between them sits Tabarca, the only inhabited island on this coast and home to Spain’s first marine reserve. These guides cover access, parking, the summer barrier systems that close several coves once they fill, and what the ground under your feet is actually made of.
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The Best Beaches in Alicante (2026 Ranking)
Our editorial ranking of the best beaches in Alicante: from the turquoise pebble coves of the Marina Alta to the long urban sands of the capital and the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community.
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Playa del Carabassí, Elche: The Complete Guide to This Wild Dune Beach
Discover Playa del Carabassí in Elche: protected dunes, windsurfing conditions, how to get there, where to eat and stay, and the best time to visit this semi-wild Blue Flag beach.
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Isla de Tabarca, Alicante: The Complete Guide to Spain’s Only Inhabited Island Beach
Discover Isla de Tabarca: Spain’s only inhabited offshore island in the Valencian Community, its walled 18th-century village, marine reserve, beaches, and the dish you can only eat there.
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Cala Cantalar, Alicante: The Complete Guide to This Quiet City Cove
Discover Cala Cantalar in Alicante’s Cabo de las Huertas: a quiet rocky cove inside a marine reserve, snorkeling, the coastal path, and how to get there by tram or bus.
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Playa de San Juan, Alicante: The Complete Guide to the City’s Longest Beach
Discover Playa de San Juan in Alicante: how to get there by tram, things to do, where to eat and stay, the best time to visit, and essential tips for this long urban beach.
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Racó del Conill, Villajoyosa: The Complete Guide to This Hidden Naturist Cove
Discover Racó del Conill in Villajoyosa: a small naturist cove with crystal-clear water, snorkeling, cliff jumping, and a coastal watchtower trail nearby.