Best Beaches and Coves in Alicante to Visit by Car

When choosing among the best beaches in Alicante, first think about how you want to spend the day. You may be looking for sand and nearby restaurants, a cove surrounded by cliffs, or a few hours of swimming before returning to the city. Access, the distance from the parking area, and available facilities matter just as much as the scenery.

In this guide, we have selected ten beaches and coastal areas in the city of Alicante and across the province. You will find options for a short trip, places worth dedicating a full day to, and advice on planning visits to beaches with regulated access.

We recommend choosing one main destination per day. Keep an alternative in mind and allow enough time for parking, walking, and eating instead of trying to visit several coves in the same morning.

Access information reviewed on September 10, 2026. Check municipal notices before travelling, as opening hours, fees, and services may change.

Which Alicante Beach or Cove Should You Choose?

To begin with, compare how far you want to drive and what type of access is comfortable for you. If you are travelling with small children or carrying a lot of beach equipment, consider the distance from the car before choosing a cove. For a couples' getaway, decide whether you would rather spend several hours by the water or combine swimming with lunch and a walk.

The table below helps you compare travel distances. Distances and times are approximate from Alicante city to the general area of each destination, not measurements to a specific parking space. They do not include traffic, time spent looking for parking, or the final walk.

In the sections below, we explain the characteristics of each stretch of coastline and provide useful access information. Recalculate the route from your accommodation to your chosen parking area. If you are leaving from the airport, change the starting point accordingly.

Map of Alicante Beaches and Coves: City and Province

You can view the selection in groups: beaches in Alicante city, El Carabassí, Paradís, La Fossa and El Portet, as well as the access points for Moraig, Granadella and Portitxol. These links help you locate each destination; we do not recommend visiting every place in a group in a single day. Before driving, select the entrance to the parking area and check the restrictions mentioned in the relevant section.

Save the return route from the beach as well. If you are travelling with children, a pushchair, or beach equipment, check the gradient and type of path in addition to the distance.

Beaches and Coves in Alicante City

Playa del Postiguet

Postiguet allows you to combine a beach visit with sightseeing in the city. You will find fine sand at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle, next to the Gómiz promenade and close to the Explanada. There are restaurants, play areas, and beach facilities nearby. We suggest spending a morning swimming here or visiting for a few hours after walking through the city centre. If you are already staying nearby, consider walking to the beach and saving the car for a trip outside the city.

For visitors arriving by car, one useful reference is the Postiguet car park on the Gómiz promenade. Alicante City Council confirmed that it reopened following construction work in January 2026. Check availability and conditions of use before heading there.

Calculate the total parking time you will need: swimming, lunch, and a walk can take up a large part of the day. Once you have parked, save your vehicle's location and take everything you need with you so that you do not have to return to the boot between activities.

Playa de San Juan

At San Juan, you can plan the entire day around one section of the beach. Its fine sandy coastline includes sports areas, children's playgrounds, and restaurants along Avenida de Niza. The municipal portal also lists walkways, toilets, and first-aid points.

Choose your access point according to your needs: proximity to a restaurant, a pushchair-friendly route, or the distance to facilities. Use Avenida de Niza as a reference for locating the section you want and look for authorised parking nearby.

An accessible walkway and assisted bathing are separate services. The City Council places the seasonal assisted bathing service at access point 10, operating from July 1 to September 15. Outside that period, it lists an accessible walkway at access point 28. Confirm the conditions and registration requirements if you need assistance when entering the water.

For a family day out, we recommend settling near your chosen access point and keeping the same meeting place throughout the day.

Coves of Cabo de las Huertas

If you are looking for coves near San Juan Beach, find Cabo de las Huertas on the map. Between San Juan and Almadraba, you will find Cala de la Palmera, Cala Cantalar, and Cala de los Judíos. The area has rocky seabeds and sections designated for naturist use.

Choose one cove and check the approach before carrying chairs, an umbrella, or a cooler. Consider the footing along the route and the point where you intend to enter the water. We recommend wearing suitable footwear for the walk and swimming only when sea conditions are appropriate.

The municipal tourism portal lists Calle Océano as a reference point for road access and confirms that parking areas and paths are available around the cape. The final distance depends on the cove you choose and where you manage to park.

You can also visit without swimming: walk along part of the coastline, stop at a cove, and return before lunch. Adjust the distance according to the heat and the people travelling with you.

Beaches in Alicante Province for a Full Day Out

El Carabassí, Elche

At El Carabassí, you will find fine sand and a dune system next to pine-covered areas. From the car park, you can reach the beach via walkways crossing the dunes. The regional tourism portal also identifies a naturist section and facilities including toilets, lifeguards, and food services.

Before parking, locate the access point you want to use. Check where the walkway reaches the beach and how far you will need to carry your bags. For a full-day visit, we recommend organising your equipment into a small number of easy-to-carry items.

Use the designated paths and avoid shortcuts across the dunes. Once you reach the sand, identify the exit you will use when returning; taking a photo of the access point can help you remember it.

We suggest dedicating an entire day to El Carabassí without adding another beach. You can alternate swimming with lunch and a walk, leaving enough time to pack up without rushing. Confirm which facilities will be operating on your chosen date and bring enough water for the time you plan to stay.

Playa del Paradís, Villajoyosa

Playa del Paradís, also known as Playa Paraíso, combines sections of sand with gravel and pebbles. It is located on the outskirts of Villajoyosa in the direction of Alicante, and the municipality lists parking, walkways, toilets, and beach bars among its facilities.

Because of the different surfaces, it is worth taking care when choosing where to put your towel. Walk a short distance along the shore before settling down and check the footing where you plan to enter the water. If you prefer sand for children to play on, look for the section that best suits your plans.

Enter the full beach name and municipality into your navigation app to avoid confusion with other beaches called Paraíso. On arrival, follow the marked access routes and check the parking conditions.

We suggest keeping the plan simple: a morning at the beach, lunch, and another period of relaxation afterwards. If you also want to visit Villajoyosa, bring a change of clothes and recalculate your parking time. There is no need to make the town walk compulsory if you would rather stay by the sea.

Playa de la Fossa, Calpe

At La Fossa, also known as Levante, you can spend the day on an urban beach with fine sand and views of the Peñón de Ifach. Restaurants and shops can be found along the seafront promenade. The tourist office also identifies an assisted bathing area near Calle Llevant, available by prior appointment.

Choose the section of beach you want before looking for parking. Use the relevant access point at La Fossa as your destination rather than an address in Calpe's old town.

Pay attention to parking regulations. The ORA parking operator publishes details of a seasonal orange zone operating from June 1 to September 30, including Sundays and public holidays. Check the signs where you leave the car and confirm the maximum permitted parking time.

For a day out with children, we recommend first sorting out access to facilities and food. You can then choose between a walk along the shore and spending more time swimming without adding another beach stop.

El Portet, Moraira

El Portet is a small beach sheltered by the Cap d'Or peninsula. Fine sand predominates, although there is also a rocky section, and a promenade runs alongside the beach. The local council describes it as a beach with high visitor numbers.

For this reason, we recommend planning your arrival with an alternative parking option. Arriving early can be part of the plan, but it does not guarantee a parking space.

If you cannot find parking nearby, consider Les Sorts, a public car park identified by the council in Moraira. Before choosing it, check the walking route to El Portet: parking in the town centre does not mean you will be right next to the beach.

We suggest allowing at least half a day for the visit. Once you include walking, getting settled, and eating, a very short stop may not feel worthwhile. If you want to combine the beach with a walk around Moraira, reduce the amount of equipment you carry and decide where you plan to finish the day before leaving the car.

Alicante Coves: Access and Parking in Marina Alta

Cala del Moraig, Benitatxell

At Cala del Moraig, you will find gravel and pebbles at the foot of the cliffs. The parking area is located higher up, near the beginning of the road descending towards the beach; from there, access continues downhill. The final section is restricted to vehicles without express authorisation.

Before setting off: the local council publishes access regulations from April 1 to October 15, with paid parking from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For non-resident visitors, the stated fee is €15 per vehicle per day. Stays longer than twenty minutes within the regulated area require authorisation, which can be arranged online or at the designated payment point.

There is one important detail if you are using a rental car: you need to know the vehicle's registration number. If you do not have it yet, municipal instructions state that you should wait and complete the process at the parking meter on the day of your visit.

Plan the walk back up as well. Take only the equipment you can comfortably carry uphill at the end of the day and save some water for the return. If you are travelling with a pushchair or have mobility requirements, ask the municipality about suitable options before confirming your visit. Do not confuse vehicle authorisation with reserving space on the beach. Check the purchase conditions and access notices for your chosen date.

Cala Granadella, Jávea: How to Plan Your Visit

Granadella is a gravel and rocky cove located at the southern end of Xàbia. The local tourism office notes that it experiences very high visitor numbers and is accessed via the Granadella road from the Cabo de la Nao road.

We recommend making it your main destination for the day. Allow time to check the access arrangements and have an alternative plan, especially if your visit depends on finding parking.

Before setting off: for 2026, Xàbia Tourism publishes daily access regulations from June 2 to September 6, followed by regulation on weekends and public holidays from September 7 to 27. The regulated period runs from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a fee of €9 per vehicle per day and no advance reservation. Once the parking areas are full, the access barriers are closed.

The parking reference point is Calle Pic Tort. The final section along Avenida del Tío Catalá has restricted access. As a summer alternative, the municipality advertises a tourist train from La Guàrdia, at Calle Falzia 4, operating from July 3 to September 13, 2026. Check the time of the final return service before using it. If you cannot access the cove, change your plans without stopping somewhere that could obstruct traffic. Avoid spending a large part of the trip searching for parking.

Cala de la Barraca or Portitxol

La Barraca and Portitxol are two names for the same cove. You will find gravel, pebbles, and rocks, with Portitxol Island just offshore. Xàbia Tourism distinguishes between road access and the walking route from the Mirador de la Cruz del Portitxol.

Decide which option you prefer before preparing your equipment. For a day focused on swimming, check authorised parking first. If you want to combine hiking and the beach, study the route from the viewpoint and prepare for the uphill walk back.

Before setting off: Portitxol follows the same regulated access dates and parking fee published for Granadella. The reference parking area is on Calle Barraca and has 59 spaces. The municipality states that there is no public transport service to this cove.

Do not plan to visit both Granadella and Portitxol in the same morning. We recommend choosing one and using the remaining time for lunch or a walk elsewhere in Jávea.

Take a manageable bag and suitable footwear for both walking and entering the water. Before settling down, look at the route back: this is a good moment to decide whether the location suits the needs of your group.

Beach Road Trips from Alicante

Half a Day: San Juan Beach and a Walk Around the Cape

Start at the section of San Juan Beach you have chosen and spend most of your time swimming. Afterwards, add lunch or a walk around the area.

A visit to Cabo de las Huertas can be an optional extra. Choose one particular cove and decide whether it makes sense to leave the car where it is or move it. We recommend avoiding a long walk if you have already spent several hours in the sun.

If you are travelling with small children, you can complete the day without changing beaches. Planning a second stop does not mean you have to make it.

One Day South: Alicante → El Carabassí → Alicante

Dedicate this day to a single sandy beach. As a planning reference, allow for approximately 35–40 kilometres for the round trip, depending on the access point you choose, based on the published routes to Carabassí.

Bring food with you or check where you plan to eat. After parking, save the car's location and the access point you used. During the afternoon, decide how long you want to stay before packing up.

For the return journey, include the walk back to the car and a short break before driving. Do not calculate your arrival time in Alicante based solely on the journey time shown by your navigation app.

One Day in Jávea: One Cove and a Walk Around Town

Choose either Granadella or Portitxol as your main destination. After swimming, we suggest having lunch and taking a short walk around one area of Jávea.

As an alternative beach option, consider Arenal, an urban sandy beach with a promenade, restaurants, and parking among the facilities listed by Xàbia Tourism. Check its bathing and access conditions; you should not assume that parking will always be available there either.

For a longer getaway, combine a day by the sea with our route through the beautiful towns and villages of Alicante. Set aside different days for the beach and for sightseeing that requires several hours of walking.

What to Check Before Driving to the Beach

Parking, Access, and Services for Your Dates

Check sea conditions, municipal notices, and the access calendar before setting off. The tourism portals for Alicante and Xàbia provide information about conditions at their beaches. Once you arrive, follow local signage and any instructions provided by lifeguards.

Keep proof of payment where required and check that you entered the correct vehicle registration number. Also confirm when your authorised parking period ends and whether you need to make arrangements in advance to use accessibility services.

For luggage, we recommend preparing one bag for the beach and keeping anything that will remain in the vehicle separate. Avoid leaving valuables visible inside the car.

Which Car Should You Choose for a Beach Day?

When arranging your car rental in Alicante, specify the number of passengers and the amount of luggage you expect to carry. Include child seats, an umbrella, or any other bulky equipment you plan to transport.

If you are renting a convertible, ask how much usable boot space is available with the roof in the configuration you intend to use. If you choose a car with low ground clearance, check whether it is suitable for your planned access route and use appropriate parking areas.

Check the included mileage and agree on the return location. Choose a vehicle that lets you enjoy the journey and carry your belongings comfortably without relying on being able to drive right up to the shoreline.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alicante Beaches and Coves

Which Is the Best Beach in Alicante for Children?

We would start by comparing San Juan and La Fossa because of their sand, promenades, and facilities. Then choose according to parking availability and the distance to toilets. The best option will also depend on sea conditions and the individual needs of your family.

Which Coves Are Near San Juan Beach?

At Cabo de las Huertas, you will find Cala de la Palmera, Cala Cantalar, and Cala de los Judíos. Check access to the particular cove you choose, as not all approaches have the same characteristics.

Do You Need to Book Access to Alicante's Coves?

It depends on the destination. According to the rules published for 2026, Granadella and Portitxol do not offer advance parking reservations. At Moraig, you need to arrange vehicle authorisation through the municipal system.

Can You Drive Right Up to the Sand?

The routes described in this guide end at authorised parking areas. From there, you continue on foot or use the transport service provided where available. Moraig and Granadella have specific restrictions on the final sections of the access road.

Can These Beaches Be Visited Without a Car?

Yes, some of them can. Postiguet, San Juan, and Cabo de las Huertas have public transport options listed on the municipal portal. Check the relevant stops and the remaining walking distance before setting off.

Plan Your Costa Blanca Getaway with ClanRent

Take a look at ClanRent's convertible cars and request an offer for your travel dates. Specify how many people will be travelling, how much luggage you will bring, and the route you have planned. Before confirming your booking, agree on the vehicle, rental conditions, and pick-up and drop-off points. Then choose your main beach destination and leave yourself enough time to enjoy it.