Costa Blanca offers 200km of Mediterranean coastline with over 170 beaches. Best for families: Playa Flamenca and La Zenia (south), Arenal Javea and Levante Benidorm (north). Best for scenery: Granadella cove, Cala Capitán, Guardamar dunes. Most Blue Flag beaches of any Spanish coast. Water temperature reaches 26°C in summer.
The Costa Blanca—White Coast—earns its name from the dazzling Mediterranean light that bathes 200 kilometers of shoreline. But within this expanse lies remarkable diversity: rocky coves where the water glows turquoise, long sandy stretches backed by dunes and pines, lively resort beaches with every facility, and hidden gems requiring a hike to discover.
This guide covers the best beaches for different purposes: family days, quiet escapes, snorkeling adventures, and waterfront property living. Whether you're visiting to explore or researching where to buy, understanding the coastline helps you find your perfect spot.
Understanding Costa Blanca's Coastline
Costa Blanca divides naturally into two distinct coastal characters:
Costa Blanca North (Denia to Benidorm): Dramatic and varied. Rocky headlands alternate with sandy coves. The coastline rises and falls with cliffs and mountains meeting the sea. Beaches tend to be smaller, more scenic, often requiring walks or drives to access. Water is slightly cooler but crystal clear. More Spanish tourism, fewer package holidays.
Costa Blanca South (Benidorm to Murcia border): Gentler and more accessible. Long sandy beaches predominate, often with promenades and full facilities. The coastline is flatter, development more extensive. Water is warm, conditions calm. Large international community, excellent beach infrastructure.
Blue Flag status: Costa Blanca has more Blue Flag beaches than any other Spanish coast—over 40 in 2025. This certification guarantees water quality, safety, accessibility, and environmental management.
Water temperature: Mediterranean waters range from 14°C in winter to 26°C in August. Swimming is comfortable May-October for most. Locals swim year-round.
Beach facilities: Range from fully equipped (lifeguards, showers, sunbed rental, chiringuitos) to wild and natural. Generally, the more accessible the beach, the more facilities.
Best Family Beaches - South
These beaches combine safety, facilities, and easy access for families:
Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa ★
Playa de La Zenia, Orihuela Costa
Playa del Cura, Torrevieja
Playa de La Mata, Torrevieja
Guardamar Beaches
Guardamar Beaches
Best Family Beaches - North
Northern beaches offer spectacular settings for family days:
Playa del Arenal, Javea ★
Playa Levante, Benidorm
Playa de Albir, Alfaz del Pi
Playa de la Fossa, Calpe
Playa de la Fossa, Calpe
Best Beaches for Scenery and Escape
When you want beauty over convenience, these beaches deliver:
Cala Granadella, Javea ★★
Cala Capitán & Cala Caleta, Cabo Roig ★
Guardamar Dune Beaches
Cala del Moraig, Benitachell
El Portet, Moraira
El Portet, Moraira
Best Beaches for Snorkeling and Diving
Costa Blanca's clear waters offer excellent underwater exploration:
Cala Granadella, Javea
Cala Capitán, Cabo Roig
Cala Baladrar, Benissa
Isla de Tabarca
Cala del Moraig, Benitachell
Snorkeling tips:
Best Beaches for Watersports
Active days on the water are easy to arrange:
Playa de Levante, Benidorm
Playa del Arenal, Javea
Santa Pola
Denia
Guardamar
Equipment rental:
Beach Properties in Costa Blanca
Homes near the Mediterranean coast
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Book Free ConsultationBest Beaches Near Property Hotspots
Beaches matter when choosing where to buy. Here's what's near popular areas:
Orihuela Costa Properties → Multiple excellent beaches
Torrevieja Properties → Urban and natural options
Guardamar Properties → 11km of natural beaches
Algorfa/La Finca (Inland) → 15-20 min to beaches
Javea Properties → Best beach variety in north
Moraira Properties → Boutique beach access
Moraira Properties → Boutique beach access
Seasonal Considerations
Beach experience varies significantly by season:
Peak Summer (July-August)
Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October) ★
Off-Season (November-April)
Weather considerations:
Beach Practicalities
Useful information for beach days:
Sun protection:
Sunbed and umbrella rental:
Chiringuitos (beach restaurants):
Parking:
Facilities:
Accessibility:
Premium Coastal Homes
Luxury properties with sea views and beach access
The Bottom Line
Costa Blanca's beaches offer something for everyone: families seeking safe, equipped stretches; adventurers wanting hidden coves; snorkelers and divers exploring underwater worlds; property buyers researching coastal lifestyle. With over 170 beaches along 200km of coastline, the hardest decision is which one to visit first.
For property buyers, beach access significantly affects lifestyle and rental potential. South coast properties typically have easier beach access with more developed facilities. North coast properties often involve drives to beaches but reward with dramatic scenery and clearer waters.
Whichever beaches become your favorites, the Mediterranean lifestyle awaits: morning swims, afternoon siestas, evening paseos along the promenade, and the simple pleasure of sand between your toes.