Exploring Benidorm’s Beautiful Beaches & Calas: Our Guide and Location Map

How many beaches are in and around Benidorm?

There are a total of 6 beaches located in and around the city of Benidorm. 3 of these are large beaches with long stretches of sand, while the other 3 are calas or coves, which are small bays or coastal inlets, usually sheltered by large rock formations.

What are the beaches in Benidorm called?

The 3 larger beaches are named Levante Beach (Playa de Levante), Poniente Beach (Playa de Poniente) and Cala de Finestrat, and the 3 smaller are Cala del Mal Pas, Cala Tío Ximo, Cala Almadraba.

Are Benidorm’s beaches man-made?

No—although developments have been made to improve the overall quality and experience provided, none of Benidorm’s beaches are man-made. From the shape of the cove to the type of sand, the beaches in and around Benidorm are natural. Proper maintenance and water testing all work to preserve the natural beauty and state of these beaches.

Are the beaches dog-friendly?

Normally, dogs or pets are not allowed on Benidorm’s beaches. Recently Benidorm Council has announced it will allow owners to take their pets to the beaches starting autumn 2019, and only during the low seasons. There are also plans to turn some areas of the beaches into dog-friendly areas and to conduct awareness campaigns for owners to clean up after their dogs.

How long is Levante Beach?

The beach spans 2 kilometers in length.

Benidorm’s most popular beach, Playa de Levante or Levante Beach is renowned for its wide rows of skyscrapers that form a modern backdrop to the beach’s clear waters and golden sand shores. This Blue Flag beach offers First Aid Stations and lifeguard towers positioned in various areas active lifeguards and medics on duty. The beach has showers and restrooms, as well as beach volleyball.

Levante Beach’s fine sands are perfect for strolling along the beach or wading in the water. Because of its clear waters and shallow waves, the beach is also an ideal spot for water sports during the summer, such as jet skiing, water skiing, sailing and more.

How long is the Levante Beach Promenade?

Levante Beach features a promenade surrounded by tall palm trees that runs the entire 2-kilometers length of the beach and also provides illumination for evening strollers. Towards the back end of the promenade is a row of restaurants, beach bars and cafés with terraces offering lovely views of the sea.

How long is Poniente Beach?

The beach stretches for more than 3 kilometers, beginning at the edge of Benidorm Old Town, near the harbor. Locals and tourists who are strolling through Benidorm Old Town can reach Poniente Beach through Parque de Elche or Elche Park, as the park’s path leads directly to the beach.

Although longer than Levante Beach, Poniente is the quieter and less crowded beach. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more peaceful and relaxing time, or a stroll along the golden sand shores all the way to the natural canopies of Elche Park.

Playa de Poniente’s waters are calm, with some shallow areas ideal for swimming. Like Levante Beach, it has lifeguard towers and First Aid Stations situated in various areas, along with showers and restrooms. Lifeguards are active especially during the summer months, and also offer assistance to people of limited mobility.

Located at the end of the harbor road, it’s easy to miss this quaint and quiet beach which locals often visit when they want to get away from the crowd of Levante Beach. Playa del Mas Pas is a small beach sheltered by natural rock walls. It’s the ideal place to enjoy the sun during the winter months, as the large rocks protect the beach from the colder air.

Man-made steps lead down from the La Señoria Square in Benidorm Old Town, allowing easy access to the beach. The waves are very calm, so it is safe for children to swim. Although it only has a small shore, there is a lovely stretch of fine white for beachgoers to relax. Restrooms are situated behind the beach, near the steps that lead to the shore. There are a few bars and cafés located some distance away from the beach, making Playa del Mas Pas a peaceful beach with an exclusive and hidden feeling to it.

Situated at the far end of Poniente Beach is a rocky cove with a shore consisting of small pebbles and fine sand. The waters are especially clear and calm, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Because it is bordered by the town of Villajoyosa and the city of Benidorm, the beach offers a spectacular view of the city skyline and mountains.

Though small, Cala de Finestrat (belonging to the municipality of Finestrat) boasts of a lively nightlife due to the restaurants and bars located right next to the beach offering a variety of food, drinks, and live entertainment. Restrooms can be found on-site, and beachgoers can opt to rent sunbeds, pedalos (fun pedal boats), beach umbrellas or even electric scooters.
Public Transport: To visit Cala de Finestrat from Benidorm you can take the Bus Line 2 or 3 from Elche Park which goes directly to the beach.

CALA TÍO XIMO

Where is Cala Tío Ximo?

Cala Tío Ximo is located at the Eastern end of Levante beach (direction Albir) at the foot of the Serra Gelada hills and Racò de Loix.

At the far end of Levante Beach, beyond the cable ski is a circular cove protected all around by towering rock walls and formations. Cala Tío Ximo exudes the look and feel of a hidden paradise, with gentle waves lapping the shore and an even layer of soft, golden sand. Its waters make it ideal for diving, snorkeling and paddle surfing.

Not a lot of people visit this cove, as it can be difficult to reach. Visitors would have to take a walk from above the rock walls all the way down to the shore. It is definitely worth the trip, however, as upon reaching the beach area, visitors can immediately see and feel the beauty and tranquility of Cala Tío Ximo. There are no sunbeds for rent or services offered at the beach, so those who would visit should bring their own loungers, food, and drinks.

CALA ALMADRABA

Where is Cala Almadraba?

This cove is also located at the Eastern end of Levante beach right where the city ends and the natural reserve of Serra Gelada begins. And just before Cala Tío Ximo,

Another hidden gem, this small and scenic cove boasts of a rocky but well-vegetated natural landscape that slopes gently towards the beach. It is a perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Benidorm’s city life. There aren’t any restaurants, cafés or bars located within the cove’s area, however, visitors can bring their own food and drinks. Because of the cove’s inlet formation, it is an ideal place for snorkeling, and visitors can also safely swim in the cove’s many shallow parts. During the peak season or summer months, hammocks are available for rent.

BEST BEACH BARS IN AND AROUND BENIDORM

Bikini Beach Bar

A very coastal-themed bar located right on the beachfront of Playa de Levante, Bikini Beach Bar offers a variety of refreshments, cocktails and light snacks along with fantastic views of the sea. The bar is open until late, so beachgoers can enjoy a lovely nightlife on the beachfront.

ADDRESS: Av. Madrid, 32, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante

Maoi Beach

Situated on the frontline of Poniente Beach, this bar offers hearty meals in Mediterranean cuisine, different kinds of beers, and a range of spirits and cocktails. The place showcases a chilled atmosphere, with live music on some nights, perfect for a great time while feeling the fresh sea breeze.

ADDRESS: Av. de la Armada Española, 24, 03502 Benidorm, Alicante

Bar Mal Pas

This bar and restaurant located behind Playa del Mas Pas in the Old Town serve home-cooked traditional Spanish meals and a wide selection of wines and refreshments. The bar and restaurant are situated on the Balcon Castell near Mal Pas Beach, providing beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.

ADDRESS: Carrer de Santa Faç, 50, 03501 Benidorm, Alicante

What are the best beaches in Benidorm?

Determining the best beach in Benidorm will depend entirely on the preferences and lifestyle of the beachgoer. For those who are active, the beaches of Levante and Poniente are perfect, as they offer a range of water sports, and have long promenades where beachgoers can jog, rollerblade or ride their bicycles. People who want a peaceful retreat by the sea while being close to lively nightlife and refreshments will find Cala del Mas pas and Cala de Finestrat the best. Furthermore, those preferring a much more secluded area to relax and get close to nature without the buzz of a big crowd are best to visit the coves of Tío Ximo or Almadraba.

What are the best family beaches in Benidorm?

Playa de Levante and Playa Poniente are considered the best beaches for families. Both of these beaches offer a wide array of amenities such as lifeguard towers, restrooms and showers, volleyball courts, and restaurants, bars, and cafés along the well-maintained promenades.

Which beaches are near Benidorm Old Town?

Playa de Levante, Playa de Poniente, and Playa del Mas Pas are all located near Benidorm Old Town, with Elche Park connecting Poniente Beach to the Old Town, and Mas Pas Beach being directly accessible from Benidorm Old Town through the La Señoria Square.

Beach Trains: Where, When and How Much?

The Benidorm Tourist Trains are open-air modern trains designed to look like the old steam trains from the past. They provide a scenic and enjoyable way to discover the many attractions and landmarks of Benidorm. With two routes, each panoramic tour takes around 45 minutes. Passengers are given brochures that showcase the various attractions that can be seen on the route, and a tour guide provides information about the attractions. Fares are €5.50 for adults (ages 13-64), €3 for children (ages 3-12) and €4 for seniors (65 and above).

The Levante Tour allows the train’s passengers to discover the natural reserve and park of Sierra Gelada with its 2 coves and 16th-century watchtower, as well as the city’s English Zone with over 150 British pubs. The tourist train also takes its passengers to Levante Beach.

The Poniente Tour gives the train’s passengers a scenic ride along the white sandy beach of Playa de Poniente, and Benidorm Old Town’s white-walled buildings and colorful pavements reminiscent of the past. This route also allows the passengers to view the tallest residential building in all of Europe, the Intempo Tower.