ALICANTE BEACHES

Alicante Beaches are some of the best on the Costa Blanca. According to the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) which has bestowed the much-coveted Blue Flag on 450 of the country's beaches, Spanish beaches are the most environmentally healthy in Europe. Spain came out top of all of Europe and leading the way within Spain itself was the Costa Blanca, which received 48 Blue Flag awards.

The success of the blue flags as a sign of quality for Spanish beaches shows the high level of quality.

1 in every 5 blue flags that fly on beaches is in Spain.

The quality of the water, facilities, hygiene, life saving and first aid services have all contributed toward the promotion of Spanish beaches.

The descriptions of the following beaches begin with the furthest from Gran Alacant (around 20km north) and work southwards towards Gran Alacant.

EL CAMPELLO

Two stunning beaches (around 2km) and lovely promenade with many bars and restaurants. Both have beautiful white sands, water sports facilities and gently shelving shores that are perfectly safe for children. Don't forget to try the Valor coffee shop on the promenade!

PLAYA DE SAN JUAN

Located in a residential area that is lively in the summer months and very peaceful during the rest of the year, one of the best Alicante beaches is just 8kms to the north of Alicante at San Juan. A 4km expanse of soft white sand (average width of 90m), with sun beds and umbrellas for hire. Lining the promenade is an array of shops, bars, restaurants and ice cream parlours.

PLAYA DE MUCHAVISTA

Heading back towards Alicante is another excellent Alicante beach - fine white sand and clear waters, in a semi urban setting.

COVES OF CABO DE HUERTA

Located in a residential and tranquil area lying between San Juan and Albufereta, the coves along this part of the coast of Alicante are outstandingly beautiful. Due to their remoteness, some of these beaches are nudist bathing areas (particularly Cala Palmera and Cala Cantalares.) But all three are good for snorkelling from the rocks.

PLAYA DE L'ALBUFERETA

Located in a semi-urbanised area just to the North of Alicante, Albufereta Beach is around 500m long with fine golden sands and palms. It takes its name from the small coastal lake that once existed on this spot and was home to the harbour that served the Roman village of Lucentum, the origin of Alicante.

PLAYA DEL POSTIGUET

Located in the heart of the city at the foot of the Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante, this fine, sandy beach is 900m long and is backed by a palm shaded promenade with modern bars offering refreshments and food. Being close to Alicante Marina, Playa del Postiguet is popular with locals at lunchtime, evenings and weekends

PLAYA DE LOS ARENALES

No more than 2 km from Gran Alacant is the excellent beach at Los Arenales Del Sol, a typically Spanish seaside resort with a number of bars and restaurants, some commanding good views of Alicante across the bay.

PLAYA DEL CARABASSI

The local beach for Gran Alacant, which eventually merges with Playa de Los Arenales and has around 3km of fine white sand, palm trees and safe bathing. In the summer months there are beach bars offering simple snacks and drinks.