Top 10 Blue Flag Beaches of Costa Blanca
Costa Blanca is one of Spain’s most popular destinations thanks to its mild climate, long coastline, and a mix of urban beaches and secluded natural areas. Many beaches in the region are awarded the international Blue Flag – a prestigious distinction granted for water quality, safety, well-developed infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
This label is awarded annually and confirms that a beach meets strict criteria for water quality, cleanliness, lifeguard presence, accessibility, and environmental protection. Thanks to this, travelers can be sure that the beach they choose meets the highest standards, providing a comfortable and safe experience.
This article features ten of the most renowned Blue Flag beaches in Costa Blanca, suitable for both families and active travelers. Below you will find descriptions of conditions, visiting tips, infrastructure features, the atmosphere of each beach, as well as precise geolocations.
1. Playa de San Juan (Alicante)
Playa de San Juan is one of the largest and most visited beaches in Alicante. Stretching nearly three kilometers, it offers a wide shoreline, providing comfort even in high season. The sand is soft and light, and the gentle entry into the water makes it ideal for families with children. The beach is popular among those who enjoy calm swimming, active leisure, water sports, and long seaside walks.
San Juan has been receiving the Blue Flag for many years thanks to its cleanliness and high-quality infrastructure. Lifeguard stations, lockers, showers, umbrella and sunbed rentals operate here. The entire promenade is lined with restaurants, supermarkets, bike lanes, and sports areas with outdoor fitness machines. Visitors note excellent maintenance even during the busiest summer months.
The beach is also ideal for active leisure: yoga classes, beach volleyball, and SUP tours are regularly held here. At sunrise, the area attracts runners, while in the evening it becomes a cozy promenade. Thanks to the wide sandy area, you can easily find a quiet spot or enjoy time with friends.
City: Alicante
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2. Playa de Levante (Benidorm)
Playa de Levante is one of Benidorm’s iconic beaches. This lively urban beach is surrounded by skyscrapers and modern infrastructure. It stretches over two kilometers, and its width ensures comfort even in peak season. The sand is kept exceptionally clean and is regularly sifted. The water is clear with an easy entry, making the beach suitable for visitors of all ages.
Levante is especially popular due to its accessibility and wide range of activities. Bars, restaurants, shops, sports areas, and rental points are scattered along the entire beachfront. Early mornings attract joggers, while evenings bring vibrant nightlife with music, street performers, and colorful lights.
The infrastructure is well maintained: lifeguard posts, watchtowers, accessible zones for guests with reduced mobility, showers, and restrooms are available. Levante is ideal for those who enjoy an energetic atmosphere and a blend of beach leisure with a dynamic urban vibe. Still, early mornings remain quiet, which makes it appealing for relaxation as well.
City: Benidorm
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3. Playa de Poniente (Benidorm)
Playa de Poniente is a quieter alternative to the famous Levante Beach. Located near Benidorm’s Old Town, it offers a wide sandy shore, excellent cleanliness, and clear water. Its spacious coastline allows comfortable sunbathing even in peak tourist season. Thanks to its gentle entry, Poniente is considered one of the best beaches for families.
The Poniente promenade was completely renovated and has received international architectural awards. Its wave-like shapes, panoramic views, and harmonious lighting create a unique walking experience. Numerous seating areas, green spaces, and convenient access points make it perfect for relaxing strolls. In the evening the promenade becomes a romantic setting.
Its biggest advantage is its size: stretching almost three kilometers, it always offers plenty of space, even in August. With fewer loud bars than Levante, Poniente has a calmer atmosphere and is highly appreciated by locals seeking relaxed leisure.
City: Benidorm
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4. Playa de la Fossa (Calpe)
La Fossa Beach is located at the foot of the famous Peñón de Ifach – one of Costa Blanca’s most recognizable natural landmarks. This location creates a unique landscape combining the impressive rock, turquoise waters, and soft sand.
La Fossa is ideal for families: soft sand, a gentle water entry, clear water, and a calm atmosphere. The infrastructure includes showers, lifeguards, umbrella and sunbed rentals, children’s areas, and accessibility features for guests with reduced mobility. Restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets are located nearby.
The beach is especially beautiful in spring and autumn when the water is calm and warm, and tourist numbers are lower. Its eastern part features underwater rocks popular among snorkelers, where you can see sea urchins, small fish, octopuses, and colorful marine vegetation.
City: Calpe
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5. Playa Arenal-Bol (Calpe)
Arenal-Bol is one of Calpe’s most popular beaches and the closest to the town center. It features a long promenade, soft sand, exceptionally clear water, and views of the Ifach Rock visible from nearly any point. The beach is suitable for families and visitors who enjoy combining urban convenience with seaside leisure.
Its infrastructure includes lifeguard stations, children’s areas, equipment rentals, showers, restrooms, and designated entry zones. Cleanliness is maintained daily, and the beach consistently receives the Blue Flag.
Spring and autumn are especially pleasant times to visit – fewer people and transparent water make for a relaxing experience. In summer, the beach becomes a central hub for local events, sports activities, and music evenings.
City: Calpe
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6. Playa Cap-Blanc (Altea)
Cap-Blanc is one of Altea’s most peaceful and secluded beaches. It has a pebble shoreline, which helps maintain crystal-clear water all year round. The beach is preferred by those who enjoy tranquility and a natural setting without crowds. Stretching along the coast, Cap-Blanc offers plenty of space at any time of day.
Nearby are small cafes, rest areas, walking paths, and water sports points. The beach is especially popular among kayakers, SUP boarders, and open-water swimmers. The flat coastal line makes it ideal for long walks. Sunrise here is particularly beautiful: the water becomes crystal clear, and the sun gently illuminates Altea’s hills.
Despite being close to busier beaches, Cap-Blanc retains its calm atmosphere. The pebble surface keeps the water clean even in high season, and the sound of the waves creates a relaxing ambiance.
City: Altea
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7. Playa La Roda (Altea)
La Roda is Altea’s central beach, located close to the town’s famous old quarter. It combines ideal location, a calm atmosphere, and convenient infrastructure. The pebble surface keeps the water clean and clear, and the wide shoreline ensures comfort even during peak season.
A beautiful promenade runs along the beach, featuring restaurants, cafes, shops, and walking areas. Both tourists and locals enjoy this beach. It is suitable for couples, families, older visitors, and anyone seeking a peaceful atmosphere. The entry into the water is comfortable, with gradually increasing depth.
In summer, lifeguards and rental points operate on the beach. In spring and autumn, La Roda is much quieter, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural scenery and fresh sea air. At sunset, it becomes one of the most romantic spots in Altea.
City: Altea
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8. Playa La Mata (Torrevieja)
La Mata is the longest beach in Torrevieja. With over two kilometers of sandy shoreline, it is perfect for those who enjoy wide open spaces. Soft sand, clear water, a flat coastline, and modern infrastructure make La Mata a popular destination for families, athletes, and travelers seeking a calm environment.
The beach is surrounded by a natural dune park, creating a unique atmosphere and visual harmony. The dunes shield the beach from winds and contribute to its natural, almost untouched appearance. The area is especially attractive for long walks and nature lovers.
Thanks to its size, La Mata never feels overcrowded, even in the summer months. Lifeguard stations, playgrounds, sports areas, and accessible zones for visitors with reduced mobility operate throughout the season. Restaurants and cafés are located along the promenade, making it convenient for families with children.
City: Torrevieja
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9. Playa Muchavista (El Campello)
Playa Muchavista is a natural continuation of Playa de San Juan, but it belongs to the municipality of El Campello. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere, wide shoreline, clean water, and stunning panoramic views of the coast. Muchavista is ideal for long seaside walks, jogging, cycling, and quiet relaxation.
Unlike the busier urban beaches, Muchavista remains calm even during the high season. The water is clear with gentle waves, making it suitable for swimming. Along the beachfront you will find cycling paths, cafés, playgrounds, rest areas, and rental points for water sports equipment.
Thanks to its spacious shoreline, every visitor can find their own comfortable spot. Muchavista is especially beautiful at sunrise: the sky turns warm shades of pink and orange, and the sea reflects the first rays of light. It is an excellent place for walking and relaxing even in winter, when almost no tourists are around.
City: El Campello
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10. Playa Sant Pau (Villajoyosa)
Playa Sant Pau is a cosy pebble beach located on the outskirts of Villajoyosa. It is known for its natural beauty, crystal-clear water, and peaceful atmosphere. The beach is surrounded by green hills that make it especially picturesque and protect it from strong winds. Thanks to this landscape, Sant Pau is considered one of the calmest spots along the coast.
The pebbled surface contributes to excellent water clarity — the sea remains transparent even at the height of the tourist season. It is a pleasant place for swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying the tranquillity of nature. Sant Pau is less known among tourists, which means that even in summer you can find a quiet, secluded area. It is the perfect destination for those who appreciate peaceful relaxation and direct contact with nature.
Walking paths run along the beach and lead to several viewpoints overlooking the coastline. The scenery is especially impressive at sunset, when the sun gently illuminates the hills and the water. In winter, the beach becomes popular with walkers seeking silence and a feeling of solitude.
City: Villajoyosa
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Conclusion
The Blue Flag beaches of Costa Blanca demonstrate high standards of cleanliness, safety, and service. Each beach on this list is unique: some are ideal for families, others for active sports or quiet walks. Thanks to the mild climate, the region remains attractive all year round — the water becomes comfortable from spring, and the infrastructure continues to operate even in the low season.
When planning your trip, it is important to consider the season, the atmosphere of each beach, its popularity, and the type of surface. Those who prefer tranquillity will find perfect spots in Altea and Villajoyosa, fans of urban infrastructure will enjoy Benidorm and Alicante, while nature lovers will appreciate the beaches of Calpe and its iconic Peñón de Ifach.
No matter which one you choose, Costa Blanca offers diverse, high-quality, and scenic beaches that guarantee a comfortable holiday and memorable experiences. By visiting even a few of them, you will discover how varied the Mediterranean coastline of Spain can be.
