Water Sports on Costa Blanca: Kayaking, Surfing, and Windsurfing
Costa Blanca is one of the most attractive coastlines in Spain for active water recreation. Stretching over 200 kilometers, the entire coastline offers ideal conditions for kayaking, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and windsurfing. Thanks to the mild climate, consistent winds, clear waters, and diverse landscapes, Costa Blanca is suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes seeking exciting routes and waves.
Unlike other popular regions, the Costa Blanca coastline offers not just beaches but an abundance of coves, caves, cliffs, natural parks, and protected areas, perfect for water adventures. Here you can explore sea caves by kayak, ride waves on surfboards in scenic areas near Calpe and San Juan, and catch steady winds for windsurfing in Guardamar and Santa Pola.
In this article, we have compiled the best Costa Blanca locations for water sports and prepared detailed recommendations, including convenient starting points, features of each activity, and links to Google Maps so you can start planning your route immediately.
1. Kayaking on Costa Blanca
Kayaking is one of the most popular water sports in the region. It allows you to explore hidden coves, natural arches, sea caves, and calm lagoons that are inaccessible on foot. Kayaks are available for rent in almost every major coastal town: Jávea, Calpe, Altea, Moraira, Villajoyosa, Santa Pola, and Torrevieja. For beginners, routes along sandy beaches are offered, while experienced athletes can tackle challenging rocky tracks leading to caves and headlands.
1.1. Kayaking in Jávea – Best Routes to Caves and Headlands
Jávea (Xàbia) is considered one of the best kayaking spots on Costa Blanca. The rocky coastline alternates with secluded coves, and the water remains clear throughout the year. The most popular routes start from the Cala Granadella bay and follow the majestic cliffs to natural points such as Cova del Llop Marí and Cova Tallada.
Cala Granadella is the starting point for many kayak tours. This picturesque cove features turquoise waters surrounded by cliffs and pine forests. From here, you can head towards Cape San Antonio or the sea caves on the southern coast.
Google Maps: view on map
One of the most impressive routes leads to the Cova del Llop Marí cave. This natural cavity can be reached directly by kayak, allowing you to enjoy the interplay of light on the water. The underwater world at the cave entrance is rich in marine life, including fish, octopuses, and starfish.
Google Maps: view on map
Another iconic site is Cova Tallada. This massive sea cave sits at the border of Jávea and Dénia, carved into the rock. Access is possible by foot or by water, but kayaking provides the best perspective. Inside, sunlight refracts on the water, creating vivid blue reflections on the stone.
Google Maps: view on map
1.2. Kayaking in Calpe – Ifach Rock and Roman Pools
Calpe is ideal for those who want to combine kayaking with exploring natural landmarks. The main jewel of the region is the massive Peñón de Ifach rock, towering above the town and providing a scenic backdrop for any water route.
Popular starting points include the area near La Fossa Beach or Cala El Racó bay. The water is calm, protected from large waves, and the rocky coastline is interesting to explore by kayak. One route runs along the base of Ifach, where you can see seabirds, small caves, and impressive vertical rock walls.
Google Maps: view on map
Another point of interest is the historical Roman pools, Baños de la Reina. Although mainly used for snorkeling, kayakers often paddle here to admire the ancient stone pools and underwater terrain.
Google Maps: view on map
1.3. Kayaking in Altea – Views of the White Town and Calm Routes
Altea is one of the most harmonious spots for kayaking. The water is particularly clear, and the coastline combines rocky beaches, calm coves, and gentle depths. Routes often pass along Cap Negret, La Olla, and Mascarat beaches.
Google Maps: view on map
For calmer routes, La Olla Beach is ideal. Small stones, clear water, and picturesque views create excellent conditions for kayaking and underwater photography.
Google Maps: view on map
2. Surfing on Costa Blanca
Although Costa Blanca is not considered a classic surfing destination, several beaches offer stable waves suitable for beginners and enthusiasts. Thanks to the mild climate, the surfing season lasts much longer than in regions with an oceanic coast. The most suitable areas are San Juan (Alicante), El Campello, Guardamar, Torrevieja, and Orihuela-Costa.
The particularity of surfing on Costa Blanca is that the beaches have different orientations relative to wind and currents, so each month offers “working” waves suitable for lessons or light rides. Additionally, surf schools provide equipment rental and private lessons, making the sport accessible even to travelers without experience.
2.1. San Juan Beach (Alicante) – Best Surf Spot Near the City
San Juan Beach is one of Alicante’s longest beaches, where waves appear regularly thanks to west and southeast winds. In winter, waves become higher and suitable for intermediate surfers, while in summer, they are gentle, safe, and ideal for beginners. Surf schools operate along the shore, offering board rentals and lessons.
Google Maps: view on map
2.2. El Campello – Surfing on Gentle Waves
El Campello, a small coastal town, has become popular for beginner surfers. There are no aggressive waves, only gentle, smooth, and safe conditions for learning. The area near Playa Muchavista is particularly suitable, as the long beach allows catching waves comfortably even with a light wind.
Google Maps: view on map
2.3. Guardamar del Segura – Long Beaches and Good Winter Waves
Guardamar del Segura is popular among surfers in winter. Several kilometers of sandy beaches with even bottoms allow waves to form regularly due to Levante winds. The nearby Dunas de Guardamar Natural Park also creates favorable wave conditions.
Google Maps: view on map
2.4. Punta Prima and Playa Flamenca – Spots for Small but Frequent Waves
These Orihuela-Costa beaches can “catch” waves even with minimal wind. While there are no extreme conditions, the beaches are perfect for beginners or those practicing with minimal risk. Local schools offer courses for adults and children and provide equipment rental.
Google Maps Punta Prima: view on map
Google Maps Playa Flamenca: view on map
2.5. Torrevieja – Gentle Waves and Excellent Surf Schools
Torrevieja beaches, especially La Mata and Los Náfragos, are known for stable small waves. They are ideal for learning, and many schools offer equipment at reasonable prices. In winter, medium-sized waves often appear, making the beaches attractive for more experienced surfers.
Google Maps: view on map
3. Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Costa Blanca is one of the windiest coasts in Spain, especially in Guardamar del Segura, Santa Pola, and Gran Alacant. Thanks to consistent winds, shallow zones, and open beaches, it is ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. Many athletes come specifically for the conditions that allow year-round training.
East and southeast winds are particularly favorable for movement on water. For beginners, there are large schools with professional instructors and safe training zones.
3.1. Santa Pola – The Wind Capital of Costa Blanca
Santa Pola is one of the main spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing in the region. Located between salt lakes and the sea, the wind here is stable almost year-round. Playa Tamarit is considered one of the best spots due to shallow areas and ample space for takeoff.
Google Maps: view on map
Kitesurfing schools offer lessons for all levels. The wind picks up in the afternoon, so many athletes prefer evening sessions.
3.2. Gran Alacant – Excellent Windsurfing Near the Dunes
Gran Alacant is located above Carabassí Beach, known for strong winds and natural dunes. Carabassí Beach is one of the most popular windsurfing spots due to powerful yet predictable airflow.
Google Maps: view on map
The gentle entry and wide shoreline make it convenient for practice even in strong winds. Both athletes and first-time tourists train here.
3.3. Guardamar – Long Coastal Strip for Kitesurfers
Guardamar offers one of the most spacious beaches in the region for kitesurfing. The large area and absence of rocks make it a safe training spot. Summer winds are milder, while winter winds strengthen, creating ideal waves and takeoff opportunities.
Google Maps: view on map
Popular zones include the Segura River estuary, where wind intensifies and forms smooth airflow.
4. SUP Surfing (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) – Calm and Versatile Water Sport
SUP surfing (Stand Up Paddle) has become one of the most popular water activities on Costa Blanca. It is ideal for family recreation and for those who want to engage in a sport without complicated technique. SUP allows you to explore coves, lagoons, sea caves, and open coastal areas at a comfortable pace. SUP is widely practiced in Costa Blanca thanks to calm waters and numerous schools offering equipment rental.
4.1. Altea – Calm Waters and Scenic Routes
Altea is one of the best spots on the coast for SUP. Long stretches of calm water, rocky coves, and gentle winds make SUP particularly comfortable here. A popular route runs from La Olla Beach to the rocky Mascarat area, where turquoise waters and underwater platforms can be admired.
Google Maps: view on map
4.2. Calpe – SUP Along the Base of Ifach
SUP in Calpe allows you to enjoy a unique view of Peñón de Ifach. Morning paddles are especially popular when the water is completely calm. Routes run from La Fossa or Cala Calalga beaches to the base of Ifach.
Google Maps: view on map
4.3. Villajoyosa – SUP Among Colorful Houses
Villajoyosa is known for its colorful waterfront. SUP here is especially picturesque – calm waters, wide beaches, and seagrass create ideal conditions for leisurely paddling. Routes pass along Playa Centro and Playa Paradís.
Google Maps: view on map
5. Equipment Rental and Water Sports Schools
Costa Blanca hosts hundreds of water activity centers offering equipment rental, group lessons, private training, and guided tours. Most schools are located in tourist towns: Jávea, Altea, Calpe, Alicante, Moraira, Santa Pola, Guardamar, and Torrevieja.
Available rentals include:
- Single and double kayaks,
- SUP boards,
- Surfboards,
- Windsurfing equipment,
- Wetsuits,
- Life jackets.
Average rental costs:
- SUP – €10–15 per hour,
- Kayak – €12–20 per hour,
- Surfboard – €15–25 per hour,
- Windsurfing – €25–40 per hour,
- Wetsuit – €5–10 per hour.
Most schools offer sea cave tours, sunrise sessions, SUP yoga, and guided trips between coves.
6. How to Choose a Water Sport on Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca coastline is diverse, and each water sport reveals itself differently depending on local conditions. If it is difficult to choose, follow these recommendations:
6.1. If You Are a Beginner
SUP and kayaking are ideal. These activities do not require high physical fitness and are easy to learn. Choose calm coves such as Playa del Portet (Moraira), Cala Blanca (Jávea), or Playa Varadero (Santa Pola).
6.2. If You Want to Explore Sea Caves
Kayaking is the best choice. The most famous routes include Cova Tallada and Cova del Llop Marí, starting in Jávea or Dénia.
6.3. If You Want Waves
Surfing is ideal at Playa San Juan (Alicante), Muchavista (El Campello), and La Mata (Torrevieja).
6.4. If You Need Wind
For windsurfing and kitesurfing, the best spots are Playa Tamarit (Santa Pola), Gran Alacant (Carabassí), and Guardamar.
7. Water Safety Rules
- Do not go out on the water in strong winds without experience.
- Always wear a life jacket when kayaking.
- Do not approach motorboats or buoys closely.
- Avoid rocky areas during rough seas.
- Check wind forecasts (Windguru, Windy).
Conclusion
Costa Blanca is an ideal destination for water sports. Everyone can find an activity to suit their taste, from calm SUP and scenic kayaking to surfing and dynamic windsurfing. The coastline offers a unique combination of clear waters, mild climate, consistent winds, and developed infrastructure. Regardless of experience, age, or purpose of your trip, Costa Blanca will provide unforgettable water experiences and a new perspective of the coast.
To make it easier for visitors to plan routes, long Google Maps links have been added for each location. You can now quickly open the required point and choose the suitable activity for any day of your vacation.
