Alicante guide · Alirena
The beaches of Alicante, sorted by what they are good for
Not all beaches are the same. The city-centre one has the good and the bad of being the central one. The northern one has space. The island one is an hour and a half by boat. Here we separate them by what each is good for.
For real swimming
San Juan (to the north, on the TRAM from Luceros): the sand is finer, the slope longer, and there are fewer people getting between you and the wave. If you are going to swim two hundred metres out to sea, this is the answer. It's the beach we recommend.
Tabarca (island, boat from the port): the cleanest water in the province, with fish you can see from the surface. There are snorkelling coves worth it only if you arrive early. How to plan the day.
For a quick swim and back to the centre
Postiguet. Blue Flag, lifeguard, showers, seafront promenade. It is the city-centre beach and it has what city-centre beaches have: at 13:00 in August it is packed. The detailed guide.
To escape the tourism
El Saladar (15 min south by car): a wild beach, no beach bar. If you want to lie down without anyone offering you a mojito, this is the place.
Cabo de las Huertas (between Postiguet and San Juan): rocky coves with crystal-clear water and no sand. For snorkelling and for escaping the line of parasols.
For families with children
San Juan wins: fine sand, a gentle entry into the water and lots of beach bars with a kids’ menu. Postiguet also works, but it is closer to the city and more crowded.
For a beach bar
San Juan has beach bars to choose from; Postiguet has a queue for whatever's left.