The best beaches in Comarca de Marina Alta

Platja de la Fossa is a picturesque beach known for its crystal-clear waters and fine sand. It features a long promenade lined with restaurants and shops, making it a great spot for families. Visitors appreciate its cleanliness and the available amenities, such as showers, public restrooms, and lifeguards. However, it can become quite crowded during peak season, especially in July and August. Some users noted issues with the presence of algae and lack of adequate maintenance, particularly concerning the cleaning of facilities. Despite this, many noted the beautiful views of the Peñón de Ifach and the enjoyable atmosphere around the beach.

• Pros: Clean beach, great for families, beautiful views, variety of amenities.
• Cons: Crowded during peak season, issues with algae, and occasional lack of maintenance.

Cala de la Fustera is a beautiful and small beach located near Calpe, known for its stunning crystal-clear waters and natural sandy shore. The beach is framed by vibrant Mediterranean vegetation and offers a variety of amenities to ensure a pleasant day for both families and friends.

• Attractions: Boasts a Blue Flag environmental certification, ideal for swimming and snorkeling with rich underwater life.
• Facilities: Provides services such as lifeguards, public restrooms, and beach bars during the summer season. There is also a variety of restaurants nearby, including the popular Mandala.
• Accessibility: Offers amphibious chairs and walkers for those with reduced mobility from June 15 to September 14.
• Parking: Limited parking available, it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.

However, visitors have noted that the beach can become overcrowded, particularly during the peak summer months, with some mentioning issues regarding cleanliness due to sea debris. Despite these drawbacks, many still regard it as a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

Arenal-Bol beach is a popular destination with golden sand located in the bay of Calpe, characterized by palm trees and a vibrant promenade lined with restaurants. While the beach offers stunning views and clean surroundings, it can get crowded, particularly during the summer months. Visitors have noted that the atmosphere is lively, making it a great spot for families and groups.

Highlights:

• Beautiful and clean sandy beach
• Plenty of bars and restaurants along the promenade
• Ideal for swimming, with crystal clear water
• Accessible for visitors with amenities available

Considerations:

• Can be very crowded in high season
• Lack of showers on the beach
• Parking can be expensive and difficult to find

Calpe Beach is renowned for its beautiful, crystal-clear waters and fine sand, making it a favored destination for both families and tourists alike. Many visitors appreciate the proximity of various restaurants and shops along the promenade, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the beach. However, there are some notable points of concern. Users have reported issues with maintenance services, particularly with the foot showers that often do not function, and there have been instances of the beach being unclean after storms.

Key Highlights:

• Beautiful scenery: Stunning views of the Peñón de Ifach and a picturesque coastline.
• Family-friendly: Offers a warm environment for families, with shallow waters suitable for children.
• Variety of amenities: Numerous restaurants and facilities close to the beach.

Points to Consider:

• Occasional cleanliness issues, particularly after adverse weather.
• Lack of lifeguards and inconsistent flag warnings outside of peak season.
• Tight parking situation, with limited availability and strict rules.

Cala el Portet is a beautiful and charming spot known for its crystal-clear waters and calm atmosphere, making it ideal for activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. However, visitors often mention some challenges when it comes to accessibility and cleanliness.

• Strengths:
• Clear and tranquil waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
• Adequate amenities with nearby restaurants for meals.
• Beautiful scenery, especially when visited early in the day to avoid crowds.
• Family-friendly environment with shallow areas suitable for children.
• Good for water sports and relaxation.

• Weaknesses:
• Limited space, making it feel overcrowded during peak hours.
• Parking can be challenging, especially during peak seasons.
• Issues with cleanliness, including litter and seaweed at times.
• Can become quite choppy in the late afternoon with rising tides.

Cala Moraig is a stunning location characterized by its rocky coastline and beautiful turquoise waters. This hidden gem offers impressive caves and arches, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and snorkel enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• Gorgeous scenery with crystal-clear waters and unique geological formations.
• Ideal for snorkeling and observing marine life.
• Access to the Cova dels Arcs, a fascinating underwater cave.
• Frequent shuttle bus service that helps visitors navigate the steep inclines.
• Parks and hiking routes nearby, providing opportunities for exploration.

Considerations:

• The beach is mostly rocky, so bringing water shoes is advisable.
• Parking is €12 for the entire day, which can feel steep, especially considering the distance to the beach.
• Access can be challenging for those with mobility issues due to the steep slopes.
• Limited amenities on site, so it's recommended to bring your own food and drinks.
• Can get crowded during peak season, reducing the tranquility of the experience.

Despite some challenges, Cala Moraig is a beautiful destination worth visiting for its natural beauty and serenity.

The Playa de l'Ampolla is a beautiful beach located in Moraira, ideal for families and kids due to its fine sand and shallow waters. Though it tends to get crowded during the summer months, especially in August, it offers spectacular views and clean, crystal-clear water.

• Pros:
• Family-friendly with a sandy beach perfect for children.
• Easy parking options available nearby.
• Excellent for snorkeling with rocky areas where kids can observe fish.
• Well maintained, with lifeguards and nearby restaurants providing great amenities.
• Beautiful place overall, offering a relaxing atmosphere.
• Good access for people with disabilities.
• Wooden walkways to the water, which enhances comfort.

However, users do note some cons:

• Can get very busy during peak season, making it difficult to find space.
• Some areas have a rocky bottom that can be painful when entering the water.
• Issues with cleanliness, as some users reported litter and debris.
• A few complaints about the presence of seaweed and stones in the water.
• Lack of showers for rinsing off saltwater.

The Arenal Beach in Xábia/Jávea is a beautiful spot known for its soft sand and clear waters, making it perfect for families and relaxation. Along the beach, you'll find a vibrant promenade lined with a variety of restaurants and shops, providing ample options for dining and leisure activities. Many visitors appreciate the atmosphere and the availability of water sports, such as boat hire and cliff jumping.

However, there are some concerns raised by users regarding the maintenance of the beach, especially during the summer season, when it can get quite crowded. Several reviews mention the presence of algae in the water, particularly after storms, which detracts from the swimming experience. Additionally, some visitors have noted that the facilities like showers and lavapies are not always in operation or come with a charge.

Key Highlights:

• Beautiful sandy beach with clear waters.
• Vibrant promenade with numerous dining options.
• Family-friendly atmosphere with various activities.

Areas for Improvement:

• Need for improved maintenance and daily cleaning.
• Occasional issues with algae in the water.
• Charges for shower usage and inconsistent facilities.

Calpe, on the Costa Blanca, is a charming coastal town known for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors have shared numerous positive experiences:

• Beaches and Promenade: The sandy beaches are spacious and well-maintained, perfect for families and relaxing strolls along the promenade.
• Cuisine: A plethora of restaurants offer excellent dining options, particularly seafood, with many visitors praising the local cuisine.
• Scenic Views: The iconic Peñón de Ifach offers breathtaking views and hiking opportunities that are highly recommended.
• Clean and Safe: Overall, guests found Calpe to be a clean, safe place to enjoy beach activities and the outdoors.

However, there are some points of concern:

• Urban Development: Some visitors expressed dissatisfaction with the overdevelopment and lack of scenic charm, suggesting that urban planning needs improvement.
• Maintenance Issues: A few areas require better upkeep, with complaints about litter and neglected public spaces.
• Accessibility: While the city is easy to reach, some noted that navigating its hilly streets can be challenging.

Overall, Calpe offers a wonderful blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and culinary delights, making it a worthwhile destination.

Platja de la Grava is a beautiful pebble beach located in the center of Jávea, offering stunning views and crystal-clear waters. Visitors appreciate the tranquil environment, making it perfect for relaxation and activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding. The beach is well-maintained, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes along the promenade, providing a great dining experience after a day in the sun.

• Highlights:
• Crystal-clear water and beautiful views.
• Tranquil atmosphere, ideal for families.
• Proximity to a variety of restaurants and shops.
• Popular for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.

However, some users have noted the following issues:

• It can be challenging to find parking during peak season.
• The beach is primarily pebbles, so water shoes are recommended.
• Some facilities could be improved, as there have been mentions of inadequate services.

Playa Els Molins in Denia is an appealing destination for those seeking tranquility and breathtaking views, especially during sunsets. However, visitor feedback highlights concerns regarding cleanliness and the overall state of the beach.

• Strengths: A quiet and family-friendly beach, perfect for enjoying nature and relaxation.
• Amazing Sunsets: A renowned spot for witnessing stunning sunsets.
• Parking: Good availability of free parking nearby.
• Clean Water: Generally clear waters suitable for swimming, though there are areas with seaweed and marine debris.

Nonetheless, there are also negative aspects affecting the experience:

• Lack of cleanliness: Many visitors complain about the accumulation of seaweed and debris on the beach.
• Unpleasant odors: A strong smell of decomposition due to contamination is reported, discouraging bathers.
• Access and service issues: The absence of showers, signs in other languages, and insufficient cleaning detract from comfort.

In summary, Playa Els Molins provides a unique experience due to its serenity and beauty, but urgent attention is needed regarding cleaning and maintenance issues.

Playa Escollera Norte, located at the port of Denia, is a large and spacious sandy beach that provides a great atmosphere for leisurely strolls and relaxation. Many visitors appreciate its fine sand, calm waters, and the proximity to various amenities such as restaurants and parking facilities.

However, several users have pointed out significant issues regarding cleanliness, particularly the accumulation of seaweed along the shore, which is often left unaddressed by local authorities. Although the beach is generally not overcrowded, especially on weekdays, the presence of algae affects the overall enjoyment of this natural setting. Some reviews also mention the need for improved facilities and maintenance, highlighting that while the beach has potential due to its beautiful surroundings, significant improvements are required to enhance visitor experiences.

Despite these drawbacks, Playa Escollera Norte remains a lovely option for families, pet owners, and those seeking a quieter beach experience.