GUIDE TO ORIHUELA COSTA BEACHES AND COVES

Use our Orihuela Costa Beaches Map above to follow along with the descriptions below. We will be starting from the beaches just beyond Punta Pima (Cala Piteras) and moving down towards Mil Palmeras. You can also see a continuation of the beaches further North on our Torrevieja beaches and map page.

Orihuela Costa has 10 kilometres of coastline running from Punta Prima (just South of Torrevieja) to Mil Palmeras, just North of the Murcia Province. Its area includes several seaside towns or villages, such as Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Campoamor, and Mil Palmeras.

Here we give tips and information about the different kinds of atmosphere, attractions, and amenities offered by the numerous gorgeous natural beaches and rugged coves, and which will best suit your requirements; be it for families with children, swimming and snorkelling, romantic sunset walks or simply relaxing under the warm sun.
TIP: Hover over the images with your mouse for more information.

Cala Piteras

A small yet lovely cove in Orihuela Costa, Cala Piteras (meaning cove of the Agave plants) features a sloping sandy shore easily accessible from the nearby street. It has a sandy seabed, making it perfect for a safe and relaxing swim in the calm and crystal clear waters. On one side of the cove, a sandy quay reinforced by rocks juts out into the deeper part of the sea, and behind the cove is a wooden promenade with a First Aid station and restrooms. The cove is also popular for snorkelling and diving. Parking is in Avenida de las Olas (waves avenue) or in Calle Acantillado by the popular Restaurante Nautilus.

Playa Punta Prima

Situated in Punta Prima (meaning first headland – after Torrevieja), this headland which marks the border between Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa, is a favourite among locals and visitors of both areas. It boasts of over 200 meters of fine white sand, where beachgoers can relax in sunbeds or on beach towels, and enjoy azure waters with gently lapping waves. A lift and central stairway provide convenient access to the beach for persons of limited mobility. Lifeguards constantly monitor beach activity, and a First Aid station is also located on-site. Foot showers and restrooms are also available. The best parking is in Calle Fragata towards the end of the Paseo Maritimo. Get directions here.

Playa Cala Mosca

Large sand dunes green with rich vegetation lead towards this beautiful white sandy shore. A walk through some uneven dunes to get to the beach, rewards people visiting Playa Cala Mosca (meaning beach of the fly), with a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, and a soft, sandy seabed ideal for swimming. Due to the privacy offered by the cliffs, this is also the main naturist or nudist beach of Orihuela Costa. In summer, a Chiringuito (beach bar) is also situated on the beachfront, with comfortable outdoor seating, and a variety of drinks and light meals. The grassy dunes and soft shore make Playa Cala Mosca an ideal place for a relaxing healthy stroll, especially early in the mornings.

Playa Canina

This dog-friendly beach is frequented by families and pet owners because of its soft white sand and clean, gentle waters. The beach is also situated in a peaceful area away from the usual crowds and big commercial establishments. Playa Canina is located right next to the equally tranquil cove, Cala Mosca, so visitors at Playa Canina can walk to the nearby cove for some refreshments or to use the restrooms.

Cala Mosca

The beach of Playa Cala Mosca and the cove of Cala Mosca are actually one large beach area, “separated” only by Playa Canina lying between the two. Cala Mosca is a smaller and more secluded place compared to Playa Cala Mosca and is characterized by large rocks surrounding the shoreline, creating a crescent-shaped white sandy beach. The rocks also prevent bigger waves from reaching the shoreline, making the shallow waters very calm. Parking is in Calle Los Claveles, Calle Jazmines or Calle Azucenas.

Playa Flamenca Beach (Cala Las Estacas)

Belonging to the town with the same name, Playa Flamenca Beach, also known as Cala Las Estacas (meaning cove of the stakes) is one of Orihuela Costa’s most popular beaches. The wide, fine-sand shores of the beach offer plenty of amenities, including rows of sunbeds in the shade of large parasols, a beach volleyball court, soccer nets, and beach bars. Showers and restrooms are also located on-site, and lifeguard towers are posted in various areas to monitor beach activity and keep the visitors safe. Ample parking space is provided at the back of the beach, just behind a palm-lined promenade with rows of restaurants and bars. Because of its spacious waters, amiable sea level and waves, the beach is popular for sailing and various water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, kite surfing, and water skiing, especially during the summer. Parking is in Calle Los Geraneos or Calle de las Margaritas.

Cala Cerrada

Situated in a secluded area near La Zenia Beach, Cala Cerrada (meaning closed cove – in the sheltered sense) is a small sheltered cove with a narrow strip of sand and rock walls to the back of the beach area, where a few cafés and bars can be found on the street above. Because of the high rock wall, the shore is protected from winds and any noise from the street above. This makes the cove a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunset while listening to the sound of the waves. Restrooms have recently been installed and there are also sunbeds and parasols for hire. Parking is in Paseo del Mar or the streets running perpendicular off of it.

Playa de La Zenia

Another popular beach in Orihuela Costa, Playa de La Zenia is located in the town of La Zenia (with origins from Greek and meaning Hospitality), known for being a shopping district on the coast. La Zenia Beach features a long and wide shore made of fine, white sand, and an open sea with large waves. Because of the waves, small children must be well-supervised when playing in the water, and snorkelling is discouraged. The sea level and waves make for an ideal place for water sports and sailing, however, and the shore offers plenty of facilities for everyone to enjoy. This includes a beach volleyball court, children’s playground, sun loungers for rent, and a variety of beach bars serving refreshing drinks, ice cream, and snacks. 

A promenade runs along the length of the beach—offering easy access for persons of limited mobility using wheelchairs—and behind it is the parking area in Paseo del Mar or in the streets that run perpendicular to it.

Playa de la Cala Capitan

A favorite among families, Playa de la Cala Capitan is a large cove with white sand that stretches wide and evenly across the beach area. Rock formations flank the opposite sides of the beach, which calms the water and waves at the crescent shoreline. Children are often amazed by the schools of small fish that gather in the waters around the shores of the tiny peninsula of Isla del Carmen (Carmen’s island), and they delight as the water bubbles from the feeding fish. Beyond the rocks are clear and deeper waters perfect for snorkelling to view fish and marine life. Parking is in Calle Cala Capitan or Calle del Ancla (anchor street).

La Caleta Beach (Cabo Roig Beach)

Also known as Cabo Roig Beach, La Caleta (meaning the small cove) is another one of Orihuela Costa’s Blue Flag beaches and is a favourite among the locals and tourists alike. This is a beautiful small beach right in the centre of Cabo Roig with plenty of amenities nearby including Chiringuitos, restaurants, beach bars playing chilled music (and live music on the weekends), restrooms, showers, lifeguards and first aid. There is also a gorgeous coastal trail that takes you to La Zenia beach. This is a very sheltered beach with beautiful calm waters so you can just imagine its popularity in Summer. The sand is soft enough to spread a beach towel and lie comfortably but there are also sun loungers and parasols for hire, including the option of paddle boats, snorkelling, and many watersports. In summer parking can be quite competitive, so it's best to get here early. Outside of Summer, you can find plenty of parking in Calle Ancla shown here, and in Avenida del Cabo.

Playa Pequeña Cabo Roig

Playa pequeña (small beach) is basically an extension of Cabo Roig Beach, and the quieter option. This beautiful cosy beach is 60 meters long, the sand is darker than other areas of the coast and its waters are sheltered by a man-made pier (seen above) which makes it very safe for children to play and swim. There are toilet facilities and a beach bar in summer, and of course, it’s just a short stroll to all the facilities of the main beach. It offers gorgeous views of the marina. You can park in the same places as the main beach and also in Calle Agua which has a children’s park at the end.

Caleta de la Glea

The way to this quiet and seemingly hidden beach is a long stairway that runs from the top of the rocky cliff where various residential properties sit, all the way down to the beach’s shore. Caleta de la Glea (meaning gleaming cove – from Latin) is a mixture of sand and small pebbles, with vegetation growing at the back of the beach near the cliff wall. This beach is an idyllic place to escape from the crowds of the bigger La Caleta Beach, and enjoy privacy, peace, quiet and spectacular views of the sea. Parking is in Calle Vicente Blasco Ibañez and Calle Antonio Gala which run at the top, 60 meters back from the beach.

Playa Aguamarina

Nestled between the towns of Cabo Roig and Dehesa de Campoamor, Playa Aguamarina (from the colour aquamarine – meaning aquamarine beach) is usually overlooked in favour of the bigger and more popular beaches of La Caleta and Playa de la Glea. Playa Aguamarina is a beautiful tranquil beach, that doesn’t see the crowding of the better-known beaches. It has pristine crystal clear waters and a crescent-shaped shore boasting fine white sand. The waters are relatively calm and shallow, making it ideal for swimming. Rockpools and exposed rock formations line the northern end of the beach, where children can explore and observe aquatic life. A pretty promenade runs the length of the beach, with benches facing the sea, and a Chiringuito serving a variety of refreshments. Lifeguards actively survey the beach area, especially during the peak summer months. Parking is in Calle Elena Fortun and Calle Vicente Blasco Ibañez.

Playa de la Glea (Playa de Campoamor)

Playa de la Glea in Campoamor is another favourite among beachgoers especially during the summer and is characterized by the rocky cliff jutting out into the water, creating what looks like a rock wall to one side of the beach. Sometimes referred to as Playa de Campoamor (Campoamors’s beach) many enjoy Playa de la Glea for its wide expanse of open water with waves that are perfect for sailing and water sports such as jet-skiing, bodyboarding, and parasailing. The beach offers complete facilities, including restrooms, massage services, showers, sunbeds and parasols for rent, and a children’s playground. Beach bars are located nearby, serving food and drinks on their patios that offer spectacular views, and in Summer vendors from the Chiringuitos will walk around selling diced fresh fruit. This is a clean beach, with warm clear pristine waters, and no seaweed. There is a large parking area in Calle Rambla del Nacimiento.

Cala de Campoamor

200m South of Playa de la Glea and after the Puerto Deportivo (the sports port) of Campoamor you will find Cala de Campoamor, a long clean peaceful well-maintained beach with clear warm water, fine sand and cliff walls sheltering the bay from winds. The shore offers plenty of space for beachgoers to spread out their towels or rent sunbeds to relax and enjoy the fresh sea breeze and lovely views of the sports marina, which also offers water sports and boat rentals. There are a beach bar and restrooms. Parking is available on Calle Nuñez de Arce.

Playa de Campoamor

Playa de Campoamor is Dehesa de Campoamor’s “main beach”. It has a wide expanse of white sand and clear, azure waters with tall palm trees and local flora such as shrubs, grasses, and flowers growing at the back of the shore. The result is a unique and beautiful landscape of white sand and green plants. The beach offers plenty of amenities such as a beach volleyball court, restrooms, and showers. A beach bar located at the entrance features ample outdoor seating and a wide selection of food and drinks. Because of its unique landscape, at Playa de Campoamor beachgoers truly feel close to nature. Parking is available in Avenida de Francia,  Calle Juan Ramón Jiménez and Calle Concha Espina.

Playa Mil Palmeras

Located in Mil Palmeras, Orihuela Costa’s southernmost town, and close to the border between the provinces of Alicante and Murcia, Playa Mil Palmeras (thousand palm trees beach), features a wide, white sandy shore and crystal clear waters where beachgoers and children of all ages can safely swim due to the gently sloping seabed, and plenty of shallow areas. Big rocks and grassy dunes can be found upon entering the beach from the parking area at the back, but these soon give way to pure sand where beachgoers can set up their beach towels and parasols, or hire sunbeds. At the southern end of the beach, a colourful tile promenade also functions as an access ramp for persons of limited mobility. Facilities offered by Playa Mil Palmeras include beach volleyball courts, restrooms, shower areas, and a variety of beach bars. There is plenty of parking at the back of Chiringuito Vikingo and Chiringuito Mil Palmeras (just off Avenida de Francia), at Avenida de Luxemburgo, and another large parking area behind Chiringuito Pirata (at the end of Calle Federico García Lorca).

MOST SECLUDED BEACH / COVE:

-Cala Cerrada

-Playa Barranco Rubio

BEACH / COVE WITH THE BEST SERVICES:

-Playa Flamenca Beach

-Playa Mil Palmeras

BEST BEACH / COVE FOR CHILDREN:

-Playa de la Cala Capitan

-Playa de la Glea

MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH / COVE:

-Playa Aguamarina

-Playa de Campoamor

BEST BEACH / COVE FOR DOGS:

-Playa Canina

BEST BEACH / COVE FOR SWIMMING:

-Playa Cala Mosca

-Playa Mil Palmeras

BEST BEACH / COVE FOR SUNSETS:

-Cala Cerrada

-Playa Barranco Rubio

BEST BEACH / COVE FOR LONG WALKS:

-Playa Cala Mosca

-Caleta de la Glea

BEST SAND / SHORE FOR SUNBATHING AND RELAXING:

-Playa de La Zenia

-La Caleta Beach

BEST BEACH / COVE FOR CHIRINGUITORS (BEACH BARS):

-Playa Flamenca

-Playa Mil Palmeras