Sandy Beaches of Costa Blanca: Where to Find the Best Sand and Water
Costa Blanca is one of Spain’s most famous coastlines, and its main treasure is undoubtedly its magnificent sandy beaches. Soft golden sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, wide shorelines, and gentle sea access make this coast an ideal destination for relaxation. Although Spain is famous for its many beautiful beaches, Costa Blanca is often highlighted as the region offering the best conditions for family holidays, swimming, walks, and a relaxed day by the sea.
The sandy beaches here stretch for tens of kilometers and feature incredible diversity. There are wide, spacious beaches with developed infrastructure, quiet natural areas with dunes, and beaches awarded the Blue Flag for water quality and high safety standards. Each location has its own unique atmosphere: some exude tranquility, others radiate Mediterranean energy, while some preserve untouched natural landscapes.
This article is a detailed guide to the best sandy beaches of Costa Blanca. We’ll show where the sand is especially soft, where the water is clearest, which beaches are best for children, and which locations are perfect for long walks. All recommendations are based on the real characteristics of the beaches, their natural features, and convenience for tourists. We also provide actual Google Maps coordinates to help readers easily find and visit these places.
Best Sandy Beaches of Costa Blanca: Regional Overview
The Costa Blanca coastline includes over 200 kilometers of beaches, coves, and natural areas. Most of these stretches are sandy, especially in the southern part of the region. The north, around Calpe, Moraira, and Jávea, is rockier, but even there, several exceptional sandy beaches can be found. The southern part—from Alicante to Torrevieja—is considered paradise for those who love soft sand, long beaches, and gentle sea entry.
Each Costa Blanca beach has its own character. Some are perfect for families, while others suit those seeking quiet spots away from tourist crowds. Certain beaches are ideal for morning runs due to their long stretches, while others offer natural dunes, rare plants, and protected areas for a feeling of seclusion. To help navigate, below is an overview of key beach groups, so you can choose the perfect spot for your holiday.
Beaches with the Softest and Most Comfortable Sand
Soft sand is one of the main criteria for a pleasant beach experience. It makes time by the sea comfortable, provides ideal conditions for children, and allows long hours of relaxation without discomfort. Costa Blanca has several beaches especially renowned for their sand texture and ease of entry into the water.
Playa de San Juan (Alicante)
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Playa de San Juan is one of the most famous sandy beaches on the coast. This wide, long beach features soft golden sand that barely heats up even during hot summer days. Over six kilometers long, it is perfect for walks and sports activities. Cafés, restaurants, and rest areas line the beach, yet its vast space ensures peaceful spots even in peak season.
The sand is especially pleasant: fine, even, and very clean. The gradual water entry makes it ideal for families with children. The water is clear and transparent, and the gentle slope allows comfortable swimming even for those who are not strong swimmers.
Playa Muchavista (El Campello)
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Muchavista is a continuation of San Juan Beach but less crowded. It offers soft sand and ideal conditions for relaxation. Due to wide spacing between access points, visitors are evenly distributed, maintaining a calm atmosphere. The sand is nearly identical to San Juan—soft, golden, and comfortable.
Muchavista is perfect for long walks along the shoreline, stretching for several kilometers, giving the feeling of a journey. The water is very clean, and the wide beach rarely feels overcrowded.
Playa del Carabassí (Santa Pola)
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Carabassí features a unique landscape: dunes, wooden walkways, natural hills, and soft sand forming natural dunes. It is one of the most natural sandy beaches in the region. The sand is exceptionally fine and pleasant for walking, with a golden hue that makes the beach visually appealing.
Located in a natural area between Santa Pola and Gran Alacant, it maintains a sense of untouched space. The water is transparent, and the gentle entry into the sea makes it suitable for all types of visitors.
Beaches with the Cleanest and Most Transparent Water
Clear water is one of the key factors that make Costa Blanca beaches special. In some places, the sea resembles the Caribbean with its turquoise color and high visibility. These beaches are popular with photographers, families, and anyone who values natural coastal beauty.
Playa de Levante (Benidorm)
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Despite Benidorm’s reputation for bustling activity, Levante Beach is known for clean water and excellent infrastructure. The beach is regularly cleaned, and water quality is monitored daily. The turquoise water allows for great visibility even far from shore.
The sand is soft, and the wide shoreline allows comfortable space for visitors. For those who enjoy a mix of urban energy and natural beauty, Levante Beach is ideal. Its popularity also ensures numerous amenities, from cafés to recreational areas.
Playa del Postiguet (Alicante)
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Postiguet is Alicante’s city beach, located at the foot of Benacantil Hill. Despite its central location, the water is surprisingly clean and clear. The beach is protected by the port area, keeping the sea calm most of the year. Families with children and swimmers who prefer calm waters will find it ideal.
The sand is soft, light, and regularly cleaned. Facilities include rest zones, equipment rental, and cafés. The view of Santa Barbara Castle makes the beach experience even more enjoyable.
Playa de La Fossa (Calpe)
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La Fossa is one of Calpe’s most popular sandy beaches and one of the cleanest. The water is consistently transparent, especially in the morning when the sunlight illuminates the bay. The beach is framed by the towering Ifach Rock, creating a stunning panorama. Soft sand and clear water make it perfect for families and swimmers alike.
Its wide shoreline allows comfortable spacing even during peak season. Awarded the Blue Flag, La Fossa ensures high water quality and infrastructure standards. The gentle entry and absence of large underwater rocks make it ideal for all visitors.
Wide Sandy Beaches for Long Walks and Relaxation
Long, wide beaches are a true gift for those who enjoy walking along the sea, jogging, or simply appreciating open spaces. Such beaches appear both near Alicante and closer to Torrevieja. Visitors can walk for kilometers along soft sand, admire the waves, take photos, and relax away from city bustle.
Playa de Guardamar (Guardamar del Segura)
Guardamar beaches are among the most spacious and scenic on the coast. The shoreline stretches for several kilometers, with soft, uniform sand. A unique feature is the combination of dune systems and pine forests, protecting the shore from wind and creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Guardamar is ideal for long seaside walks. Even in peak season, quiet stretches are available. Soft sand, long shorelines, and fresh pine-scented air make it perfect for nature lovers.
Playa de los Locos (Torrevieja)
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Despite its unusual name, Playa de los Locos is one of Torrevieja’s most pleasant wide beaches. Known for soft, even sand and a long straight shoreline, it is ideal for walking. The water is clean and calm, especially in the morning when the waves are gentle and crowds have not yet arrived.
The beach has excellent infrastructure and is suitable for various activities. Locals often choose it for jogging and walking. The spacious area and soft sand make Los Locos an excellent choice for families and active travelers.
Playa de La Mata (Torrevieja)
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La Mata is one of the longest sandy beaches on the Costa Blanca, stretching over 2.5 kilometers, making it perfect for long walks. The beach is located next to the La Mata Natural Park, which creates a special atmosphere of tranquility and seclusion.
The sand here is soft and clean, and the water is clear. Due to its distance from central Torrevieja, the beach is often less crowded than other urban areas. Visitors come here to enjoy nature, solitude, and long walks along the shoreline.
Family-Friendly Sandy Beaches with Safe Water Access
For family holidays, beaches with soft sand, a gentle entry into the water, and calm seas are ideal. The Costa Blanca has many such locations, and many are awarded the “Blue Flag.” Below are the best options for families with children, those who prefer calm swimming, and anyone looking for a comfortable day at the beach.
Playa del Arenal (Jávea)
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Arenal is one of the most popular family beaches along the coast. It is famous for its extremely soft sand, easy access to the water, and a calm lagoon where the depth increases very gradually. This makes it safe even for small children under adult supervision. The water is calm, protected from waves, and maintains a comfortable temperature most of the year.
The beach is surrounded by a cozy promenade with cafes, restaurants, and walking areas. Arenal is perfect for family outings, evening strolls, playing by the water, and relaxed swimming. It also offers all necessary amenities, including lifeguards and rest areas.
Playa de Arenales del Sol (Elche)
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Arenales del Sol is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the Alicante area. It features a wide shoreline, soft sand, and exceptionally clean water. The gentle entry and calm waves make it perfect for families with children and anyone preferring safe, relaxing swimming conditions.
This beach is also known for its natural surroundings, including dunes and protected areas, creating a unique sense of privacy. Arenales is considered one of Alicante’s top beaches thanks to its combination of nature, cleanliness, safety, and convenient infrastructure.
Playa de La Marina (Elche)
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La Marina is a long sandy beach surrounded by dunes and pine areas. The sand is incredibly soft, and the water is calm and clear. The gentle entry into the sea makes it perfect for families, while the natural surroundings appeal to those who enjoy combining beach relaxation with walks.
Despite its natural feel, the beach has infrastructure: parking, rest areas, and a nearby campsite. It is ideal for families and travelers seeking a peaceful, comfortable seaside experience.
Beaches with Dunes and Natural Areas
Dunes are among the most beautiful and natural features of the Costa Blanca. They create a sense of open, wild nature while remaining close to civilization. Beaches with dunes are ideal for travelers looking to enjoy natural landscapes and sandy scenery.
Dunas de Guardamar (Guardamar del Segura)
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The Guardamar dunes are one of the most beautiful natural sections of the coast. They stretch along the sandy beach, giving the impression of a nature reserve. The dunes are covered with vegetation, including pines and shrubs, making the landscape particularly picturesque.
The sand is soft, the water is clean, and the beach is long and spacious. Dunas de Guardamar is perfect for nature lovers who want to walk on wooden boardwalks and enjoy sea views. Even during peak season, quiet spots can still be found.
Dunas del Pinet (Santa Pola)
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Pinet is a natural sandy coastal area near Santa Pola, where dunes, lagoons, and a wide shoreline harmoniously combine. The sand is light and very soft, and the sea is calm. Thanks to its natural setting, the beach attracts visitors who value tranquility and scenic landscapes.
The beach is suitable for both walking and swimming. Wooden boardwalks and observation points provide convenience, and despite its proximity to the city, the area maintains a sense of seclusion.
Tips for Choosing a Sandy Beach on the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca offers a huge selection of sandy beaches, each with its own features. To ensure the most comfortable experience, it is important to consider several key factors: water depth, water cleanliness, presence of dunes, infrastructure, and natural conditions. Below are recommendations to help you choose the ideal beach for your style of vacation.
1. Pay Attention to Water Depth and Temperature
Many beaches on the Costa Blanca have a very gradual entry into the water, which is especially important for families with children. If you prefer deeper water for swimming, choose areas around Benidorm or Calpe, where the depth increases more quickly. The southern part of the coast – Santa Pola, Arenales del Sol, Guardamar – is known for its long shallow waters and calm seas suitable for relaxed swimming.
2. Consider the Wind Direction
Coastal winds can affect water clarity and wave conditions. If an eastern wind is blowing, it is better to choose sheltered coves or beaches closer to urban areas. Early morning is always the calmest time at the sea – an ideal time to visit beaches with clear water.
3. For Families – Choose Blue Flag Beaches
The “Blue Flag” designation guarantees high water quality, clean sand, and available infrastructure, including lifeguards, sanitary facilities, and information about sea conditions. The Costa Blanca has dozens of such beaches, including Playa de San Juan, La Fossa, Arenal, and many others. They are ideal for those who value comfort and safety.
4. For Peace and Quiet – Dunes and Natural Beaches
If you are looking for a peaceful retreat, head to areas with dunes such as Carabassí, Guardamar, and Pinet. These beaches offer more space, fewer tourists, and more natural landscapes. They are perfect for spending time alone, walking on soft sand, and enjoying nature.
5. Consider the Time of Visit
Morning is the best time to visit most beaches when the sand is still cool, the water is especially clear, and crowds are minimal. Evening is ideal for walks and swimming in the soft light of the sunset. During peak season, beaches can be more crowded, especially in urban areas.
6. Choose Beaches with a Promenade for Active Recreation
If you enjoy combining beach relaxation with walking, jogging, or visiting cafes, choose areas such as San Juan, Muchavista, Levante, and Postiguet. The promenades here are wide, well-maintained, and perfect for sports activities.
Conclusion
The sandy beaches of the Costa Blanca are a true paradise for those who love the combination of soft golden sand, clear azure water, and diverse natural scenery. Each beach has its own atmosphere, from urban areas with developed infrastructure to natural dunes and quiet family spots. Everyone can find a suitable option here – whether for secluded relaxation, seaside walks, swimming, playing with children, or romantic evenings by the water.
The Costa Blanca is rightfully considered one of the best beach destinations in Europe. Its vast variety of beaches, pleasant climate, clean water, and well-equipped recreation areas make it an ideal choice for both short trips and extended stays. No matter which beach you choose – spacious, family-friendly, natural, or urban – the Costa Blanca promises unforgettable experiences and a true taste of Mediterranean summer.
