The best Blue Flag beaches on the Costa Blanca - Your guide to worry-free beach days

Blue Flag beaches on the Costa Blanca – beautiful beaches from north to south

The Costa Blanca is known for its long sandy beaches, small coves, and the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Many beaches in the province of Alicante are awarded the international Blue Flag every year.

This certification is awarded annually to beaches that meet criteria in areas such as water quality, safety, services, accessibility, and environmental management.

In 2026, the province of Alicante will have 76 Blue Flag beaches. This makes Alicante once again the province with the most awards in the Valencian Community.

That doesn't mean, however, that a beach without a Blue Flag is automatically less beautiful or unsafe. Municipalities must submit their beaches for consideration every year, and the status can change.

Below is a selection of beautiful beaches along both the Costa Blanca North and the Costa Blanca South.

What does a Blue Flag mean?

The Bandera Azul is an international program run by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Spain, it is administered by ADEAC.

The assessment takes into account, among other things:

• swimming water quality;
• safety;
• life-saving equipment;
• Information for visitors;
• accessibility;
• environmental education;
• waste management;
• and beach maintenance.

The award is valid for one season at a time.

A beach that has been awarded a Blue Flag this year will not automatically receive one again next year.

Is a Blue Flag a guarantee?

Nee.

A Blue Flag means that a beach meets the program's criteria, but it is no guarantee that the sea will be calm at all times or that all amenities will be available year-round.

Always keep the following in mind at the beach:

• green, yellow, or red flag;
• instructions from lifeguards;
• wave action;
• flow;
• wind;
• jellyfish;
• and temporary warnings.

For families with children, the daily condition of the sea is ultimately more important than the certification alone.

Beautiful Blue Flag beaches on the Costa Blanca

1. San Juan Beach – Alicante

Playa de San Juan is one of the most famous beaches in Alicante.

The wide sandy beach runs alongside a long promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and sports facilities.

What makes this particularly noteworthy is that Playa de San Juan received a Blue Flag in 2026 for the fortieth consecutive year. According to the City of Alicante, this makes it one of only seven beaches worldwide that have maintained the award continuously since its inception.

Families especially appreciate it because of the space and amenities.

Playa de San Juan is located in Alicante

The name can sometimes cause confusion.

The beach is called Playa de San Juan, but it is located within the municipality of Alicante.

The neighboring municipality of Sant Joan d’Alacant is located inland and does not have a beach of its own.

That's why I wouldn't include both “Playa de San Juan – San Juan de Alicante” and “Playa San Juan – Alicante” on your website. They're actually the same beach.

2. Playa del Postiguet – Alicante

At the foot of Castillo de Santa Bárbara lies Playa del Postiguet.

This is Alicante's most famous city beach, and it's right next to:

• center;
• port;
• Explanada de España;
• and historic downtown.

The beach will once again be awarded a Blue Flag in 2026. In addition, El Postiguet renewed its Q de Calidad Turística in August 2026, an additional certification recognizing, among other things, service, safety, and maintenance.

The biggest advantage is the location: you can easily combine a trip to the beach with a day in Alicante.

3. Playa de la Fossa – Calpe

Calpe has several attractive beaches.

Playa de la Fossa, also known as Playa de Levante, is located on the north side of the famous Peñón de Ifach.

It is an urban sandy beach with a boardwalk, restaurants, shops, and a view of the cliff.

Calpe's official tourist information describes it as a quiet, family-friendly beach with fine, golden sand and facilities for visitors with limited mobility during the summer season.

La Fossa is also one of the beaches that has been awarded Blue Flag status for decades.

4. Levante Beach – Benidorm

Benidorm is known for its large city beaches.

Playa de Levante is located on the liveliest side of the city and is surrounded by a promenade, restaurants, and apartments.

This beach is especially suitable for people who like to:

• have many amenities nearby;
• want to participate in water sports;
• Find restaurants within walking distance;
• and enjoy a lively environment.

Those looking for peace and quiet will probably prefer to choose a different beach on the Costa Blanca.

5. Poniente Beach – Benidorm

In addition to Levante, Playa de Poniente is also worth a visit.

Poniente has a completely different atmosphere.

The beach is long and wide, but many parts of it feel quieter than Levante.

The famous, undulating promenade runs along the beach.

Poniente may be an attractive option for families, hikers, and people who would like to live in Benidorm but don't want to be right in the middle of the busiest tourist area.

6. La Mata Beach – Torrevieja

La Mata is located on the northern edge of the municipality of Torrevieja.

The long sandy beach is one of the largest in the area and borders a residential neighborhood with a promenade and restaurants.

The proximity to La Mata Nature Park makes this location especially special.

You can read more about this area in our guide to the salt lakes of Torrevieja and La Mata.

For people who want to take a long walk on the beach, La Mata is one of the most pleasant beaches in Torrevieja.

7. Playa Centro – Guardamar del Segura

Guardamar del Segura has kilometers of sandy beaches.

Playa Centro is located right in front of downtown and is therefore easily accessible from shops, restaurants, and residential neighborhoods.

The beach is especially popular because it allows you to easily combine a trip to the coast with a visit to the city.

People who live in Guardamar can walk to the beach from various parts of the town center.

8. Playa de La Roqueta – Guardamar

Just south of Playa Centro lies Playa de La Roqueta.

Here, too, you'll find a wide sandy beach with easy access from the residential areas of Guardamar.

For people who want to compare several beaches while on vacation or looking for a place to live, it's fun to take a longer walk along the coast starting from downtown.

9. Moncayo Beach – Guardamar

A little further south is Playa del Moncayo.

This area generally feels less urban than Playa Centro.

Those who are mainly looking for peace and quiet, sand, and the sea may find this more appealing.

What makes Guardamar special is that, within a single municipality, you can choose between beaches right next to the town and quieter stretches of coastline with dunes.

10. La Marina Beach – Elche

The beach at La Marina, in the municipality of Elche, is located in a more natural coastal setting.

Here you'll find a sandy beach, dunes, and a pine forest.

That gives Playa de La Marina a completely different atmosphere than a city beach like Postiguet or Playa del Cura.

For people who like to combine the beach with nature, this is an attractive option.

11. Arenales del Sol – Elche

Arenales del Sol is also one of the popular beaches in the municipality of Elche.

The beach is located south of Alicante and features a long promenade, residential areas, and wide sandy beaches.

It is located near the Clot de Galvany nature reserve and Gran Alacant.

For people who like to live close to the Alicante airport but still want a beach within walking distance, this area is worth considering.

12. Playa de Carabassí

Playa del Carabassí is located between Arenales del Sol and Gran Alacant.

This beach has a more natural feel, with dunes and a less urban setting.

That makes it very different from the beach promenades in Alicante or Torrevieja.

For those who value nature more than having restaurants right at their doorstep, Carabassí might be a great choice.

13. Cala Capitán – Orihuela Costa

In Orihuela Costa, you'll find several smaller beaches and coves.

Cala Capitán is located between La Zenia and Cabo Roig.

The beach is much smaller than La Mata or Guardamar, so it feels very different.

Families often appreciate smaller bays because they are easier to navigate, although wind, waves, and currents always determine how safe it will be that day.

14. La Zenia Beach – Orihuela Costa

Playa de La Zenia—officially known as Cala Bosque—is also a popular beach in Orihuela Costa.

It's close to:

• La Zenia;
• Cabo Roig;
• Flamenco Beach
• restaurants;
• and La Zenia Boulevard.

This makes it easy to combine a day at the beach with shopping on the Costa Blanca.

15. Campoamor Beach – Orihuela Costa

Further south are the beaches of Dehesa de Campoamor.

This area has larger beaches than some of the small coves around Cabo Roig.

For homebuyers, this is a good example of how much the coastline within Orihuela Costa is changing.

16. Mil Palmeras Beach

Mil Palmeras is located in the very southern part of the province of Alicante.

The beach is located near Pilar de la Horadada and the border with the Murcia region.

Mil Palmeras is popular with both Spanish and international vacationers and has restaurants, bars, and residential areas within walking distance.

17. Levante Beach – Santa Pola

Santa Pola has several beaches around the town and harbor.

The beaches along this coast are often easily accessible from the urban area.

Santa Pola is also interesting because you can combine a day at the beach with a visit to the harbor, seafood restaurants, and perhaps a boat trip to Tabarca.

18. Tabarca

The island of Tabarca, off the coast of Alicante and Santa Pola, has once again received a Blue Flag for its beach in 2026.

Tabarca is particularly special because of the combination of:

• historic village;
• small beaches and coves;
• clear water;
• snorkeling;
• and a protected marine reserve.

It's more of a full-day trip than just a beach destination.

19. Villajoyosa Beach

Villajoyosa has several beaches right next to the colorful old fishing district.

That makes it easy to combine a day at the beach here with a walk past the famous colorful houses and through the town center.

For people looking for both a beach and a more authentic city atmosphere, Villajoyosa is an interesting stopover between Alicante and Benidorm.

20. Beaches of Dénia

Dénia also has a long coastline.

North of the city, you'll find mostly long sandy beaches at Les Marines.

Further south, the coastline gives way to rocky coves around Les Rotes.

This means you can choose from completely different types of beaches within a single municipality.

Why won't La Albufereta have a Blue Flag in 2026?

In your original text, Playa de la Albufereta is still listed as a Blue Flag beach.

I would remove that by 2026.

The City of Alicante did not nominate La Albufereta for the 2026 Blue Flag due to abnormal results in one of the water quality tests from the previous season.

That doesn't automatically mean the beach is consistently poor in quality.

It just means that in 2026, it won't be one of the Blue Flag beaches.

This is exactly why I would mention on this page that the list is subject to change every year.

Alicante will have four Blue Flag beaches in 2026

Within the municipality of Alicante, these four beaches will have Blue Flag status in 2026:

• San Juan Beach;
• The Little Door
• El Saladar/Urbanova;
• Tabarca Beach.

That's a much more reliable list of current products than a general top 10 that mixes older certifications.

Urbanova / El Saladar

Playa del Saladar-Urbanova is located south of downtown Alicante, toward the airport.

It's much less urban than Postiguet and has a long stretch of sand.

For people who live on the south side of Alicante, it can be a nice alternative to the busier city beaches.

Which beaches are the most fun for kids?

A Blue Flag doesn't automatically mean that a beach is the best choice for every family.

For children, we would also consider:

• width of the beach;
• distance to the parking lot;
• restrooms;
• hospitality industry;
• lifeguard;
• wave action;
• accessibility;
• and the distance from the towel to the water.

Popular family-friendly options include Playa de San Juan, La Fossa, La Mata, Guardamar, and several beaches in Orihuela Costa.

Also, check out our guide to kid-friendly activities on the Costa Blanca if you want to combine a beach trip with other outings.

Which beach has the most amenities?

City beaches and boulevard beaches are especially convenient for those looking for a wide range of amenities right in the neighborhood.

Consider:

• San Juan Beach;
• Postiguet;
• Levante Beach in Benidorm;
• La Fossa;
• La Mata;
• Playa Centro in Guardamar.

Here, you'll usually find restaurants, shops, and other amenities nearby more easily.

Which beach is quieter?

If you're looking for a more peaceful setting, you might want to consider places a little farther from the major city centers.

Examples of interesting areas include:

• parts of Guardamar;
• La Marina Beach;
• Carabassí;
• smaller beaches around Orihuela Costa;
• and parts of the Northern Costa Blanca outside the major beach resorts.

In July and August, even a normally quiet beach can, of course, get quite crowded.

Northern or Southern Costa Blanca for beaches?

The differences are significant.

Southern Costa Blanca

On the southern Costa Blanca, you'll mainly find:

• long sandy beaches;
• flatter landscape;
• dunes;
• extensive coastal zones;
• and a relatively large number of beaches that are easily accessible.

Think of Guardamar, La Mata, La Marina, Santa Pola, and Orihuela Costa.

Northern Costa Blanca

The Northern Costa Blanca is more rugged.

Here you will find:

• mountains right behind the sea;
• cliffs;
• rocky coves;
• smaller beaches;
• and spectacular views.

As a result, places like Calpe, Altea, Moraira, Jávea, and Dénia offer a completely different coastal landscape.

Beach or cove?

In Spain, you'll often come across the word cala.

A playa is usually a larger beach.

A cala is usually a small bay, often surrounded by rocks.

On the northern Costa Blanca, you’ll find a relatively large number of spectacular coves.

On the southern Costa Blanca, the large sandy beaches are much more prominent.

Which one you prefer is entirely a matter of personal taste.

Beaches for Snorkeling

For snorkeling, rocky coves are often more interesting than long sandy beaches.

Especially around:

• Jávea;
• Moraira;
• In Benissa;
• Calpe;
• in Tabarca

There are several options.

Always take sea conditions and access rules for protected nature areas into account.

Beaches for long walks

If you enjoy walking for kilometers on sand, you should definitely check out:

• San Juan Beach;
• La Mata;
• Guardamar;
• The Navy;
• and the long beaches leading toward Dénia.

For daily walks, a beach like this can also be a big advantage if you live here year-round.

Beaches and Accessibility

Several Blue Flag beaches have facilities adapted for visitors with limited mobility.

For example, at Playa de la Fossa in Calpe, an accessible beach area is available during the summer season, offering services such as assisted swimming and amphibious aids.

The specific services offered vary by municipality and season.

Therefore, please check in advance if you need specific assistance.

What do the beach flags mean?

The Blue Flag is different from the flag that flies at the lifeguard station.

The daily safety flag indicates sea conditions.

In general:

Green: Swimming permitted.

Yellow: exercise extra caution; conditions are less favorable.

Red: Swimming prohibited.

Always follow the lifeguard's instructions.

So a beach can have a Blue Flag and, on a given day, display a red safety flag due to strong currents.

Jellyfish on the Costa Blanca

Jellyfish are occasionally found here.

That varies greatly depending on currents, wind, water temperature, and the season.

On beaches with lifeguard services, warnings are often issued when there are large numbers of jellyfish.

Do not touch jellyfish that have washed ashore, even if they appear to be dead.

Wind and Waves

The Mediterranean Sea often looks calm, but conditions can change quickly.

Wind, in particular, can cause higher waves and stronger currents.

On days like these, it's a good idea to stay extra close to a lifeguard station when you're with children.

Dog Beach

Not every beach allows dogs.

There are several specially designated dog areas along the Costa Blanca.

Rules vary by municipality and may change from season to season.

Therefore, always check the local regulations before taking a dog to the beach.

The Beach in Winter

One of the advantages of living on the Costa Blanca is that the beaches aren't just fun in July and August.

In the fall, winter, and spring, beaches are heavily used for:

• hiking;
• running;
• cycling along the boulevard;
• lunch;
• and just be outside.

For permanent residents, a beach can therefore mean much more than just swimming.

Consider the Beach When Choosing a Home

People looking for a home on the Costa Blanca often say: “We want to live close to the beach.”

But what does “close by” mean?

Would you like to:

• ocean view;
• a five-minute walk;
• a maximum of ten minutes' drive;
• a large sandy beach;
• a small bay;
• boulevard;
• Or nature, perhaps?

That difference can have a major impact on both the appropriate place to live and the available housing budget.

Living Right on the Beach

A home right on the beach naturally has a certain appeal.

You can walk to the beach, and sometimes there's a view.

But also keep in mind:

• higher housing prices;
• crowded in the summer;
• parking;
• wind;
• salt and sea air;
• and more maintenance on equipment.

So, a property on the first street isn't automatically a better choice for every buyer.

Five to ten minutes from the beach

A few kilometers inland, you can often get more living space for the same budget.

You can see this, for example, when you compare Guardamar with Ciudad Quesada and Rojales.

You won't be living right on the beach, but the beaches are just a short drive away.

In return, you'll receive the following more often:

• village;
• larger patio;
• garden;
• swimming pool;
• and more quiet residential streets.

Living in Torrevieja near the beach

Torrevieja is a great choice if you like to combine amenities with the beach.

You can choose from, among other things:

• center;
• Playa del Cura;
• Playa de los Locos;
• La Mata;
• Aguas Nuevas;
• and various suburbs.

People who want to get around a lot on foot may find living in the city center more appealing.

Living in Guardamar near the beach

Guardamar is especially appealing to people who value a long, natural coastline.

The town center is located just behind the beach and dune areas.

This allows you to combine the charm of a genuine Spanish city with kilometers of sandy beaches.

Living in Orihuela Costa

Orihuela Costa is a great choice if you enjoy smaller beaches and international residential developments.

Residential areas such as:

• La Zenia;
• Flamenco Beach
• Cabo Roig;
• Campoamor;
• in Punta Prima

Each has its own distance from the sea and its own amenities.

Living on the Northern Costa Blanca

Would you prefer rocky coves, hills, and spectacular views?

In that case, the northern Costa Blanca might be a better fit for you.

For example, take a look at:

• Altea;
• Calpe;
• Moraira;
• Jávea;
• Denial
• and Villajoyosa.

You can also find more inspiration in our guide to day trips along the Costa Blanca.

Buying a home near your favorite beach

Would you like to not only enjoy the beaches during your vacation, but also buy a home in Spain?

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian buyers in their search for a home on the Costa Blanca.

In doing so, we can take the following into account:

• distance from the sea;
• type of beach;
• walking distance;
• view;
• facilities;
• a quiet or lively environment;
• permanent residence or vacation use;
• and your budget.

View the current listings, the available new construction projects, or learn more about our approach.

Would you like to live on the coast permanently? If so, be sure to check out our information on moving to Spain, health care in Spain, and NIE and residencia.

Would you like us to help you find a home within walking distance or a short drive from a beautiful beach? If so, please fill out the questionnaire for your home search or feel free to contact Casas Palmeras.

A Blue Flag is a useful indicator of quality, amenities, and management, but the “best beach” remains a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a wide promenade and restaurants like those in Alicante or Benidorm, while others opt for the dunes of Guardamar, the long beach at La Mata, or a small cove on the northern Costa Blanca. It is precisely this variety that makes the Costa Blanca so appealing.