When people think of the Costa Blanca, they often picture miles of sandy beaches, palm-lined promenades and Spain’s Mediterranean way of life. But as soon as you travel along the northern coast between Dénia and Benidorm, the landscape changes noticeably. That is exactly what makes the Costa Blanca North so special to me.

Here, impressive mountain landscapes meet hidden coves with turquoise waters, green pine forests stretch right up to the cliffs, and small fishing villages alternate with lively coastal towns. The coastline feels wilder, more unspoilt and far more varied than many people expect.

From fine sandy beaches for families to spectacular natural coves for snorkelling and small Mediterranean villages with a laid-back atmosphere, there really is something for everyone here.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you to the most beautiful beaches and coves of the Northern Costa Blanca – including personal impressions, insider tips and recommendations on what to experience there.

1. Cala Granadella (Jávea) – The spectacular picture-perfect cove

Cala Granadella in Jávea is undoubtedly one of the most impressive bays on the entire northern Costa Blanca. As soon as you drive down the winding road through the pine forests, the view suddenly opens up to a small, sheltered bay with crystal-clear water in intense shades of turquoise and blue.

The beach consists of small pebbles and rocks, which keeps the water exceptionally clear. This is precisely why Granadella is particularly popular with snorkellers, divers and kayakers. Many kayaking tours set off directly from the cove, following the spectacular coastline to hidden sea caves.

Despite its popularity, Cala Granadella still feels like a little natural paradise. The surrounding rocks and pine trees create an almost Caribbean atmosphere right in the middle of the Mediterranean.

What can you do here?
º Snorkelling
º Kayaking
º Paddleboarding
º Diving
º Nature photography
º Sunbathing
Practical tip
During the summer months, access is often closed early. If you want to enjoy the bay in peace, you should arrive before 9 am if possible.

My personal impression

For me, Granadella is fascinating every single time. As soon as you see the intense turquoise glistening between the pine trees for the first time, you immediately understand why this bay is one of the most beautiful in Spain. Especially in the morning, when the water is still calm and the sun slowly rises over the rocks, this place seems almost unreal in its beauty.

2. The coves of Benissa – Mediterranean tranquillity & hidden natural paradises

For me, the Benissa coastline is one of the most beautiful yet underrated areas of the Northern Costa Blanca. Unlike the major tourist resorts, here you’ll find small, secluded coves, crystal-clear water and a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere.

Particularly lovely is the Paseo Ecológico de Benissa – a beautiful coastal path that connects several coves and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean.

Cala Fustera – A family-friendly cove with Mediterranean charm

Cala Fustera is the best-known cove in Benissa and is perfect for families. Unlike many other coves in the region, it has a small sandy beach with a gentle slope into the sea.

The surrounding pine trees, the small beach bar and the peaceful atmosphere make this spot particularly pleasant for relaxing days on the beach.

Activitiesº Family holidays
º Snorkelling
º Kayaking
º Beach restaurants
º Walks along the coast

My personal impression

To me, Cala Fustera always feels particularly Mediterranean. You sit almost right amongst the pine trees whilst listening to the sound of the sea. Especially outside the peak season, this bay has an incredibly relaxed atmosphere.

Cala Advocat – A small, sheltered natural cove

Just a few minutes away lies the quieter Cala Advocat. The small jetty protects the cove from stronger waves, meaning the water is often particularly calm and clear.

Thanks to its rocky surroundings, Cala Advocat is ideal for snorkelling.

Activitiesº Snorkelling
º Swimming
º Quiet family beach
º Enjoying sunsets

My personal impression

Even in summer, Cala Advocat exudes a tranquillity that is hard to find in many other coastal resorts. It is precisely this relaxed serenity that I particularly love about Benissa.

3. Cala del Moraig (Benitachell) – Wild nature & spectacular rocky landscapes

Cala del Moraig is one of the most dramatic and impressive bays on the northern Costa Blanca. Nestled between the steep cliffs of Cumbre del Sol, this place feels almost like a hidden natural setting from a film.

The pebble beach and crystal-clear water make the cove particularly popular with nature lovers, divers and adventurers.

The absolute highlight, however, is the famous Cova dels Arcs – a spectacular sea cave with natural rock arches right by the water.

Activities
º Snorkelling
º Diving
º Kayaking
º Nature photography
º Hiking along the cliffs
Important note
The path down from the car park to the cove is very steep. Sturdy footwear is therefore recommended.

My personal impression

Cala del Moraig feels rougher and more unspoilt than many other places on the Costa Blanca. That is exactly what makes it so fascinating to me. The huge rock faces, the deep blue of the water and the landscape of caves create an almost magical atmosphere.

4. Playa El Portet (Moraira) – Mediterranean elegance & turquoise waters

For many, El Portet in Moraira is one of the most beautiful beaches on the northern Costa Blanca – and as soon as you arrive, you immediately understand why.

With its calm turquoise waters, the small sheltered bay is almost like a lagoon. Thanks to its sheltered location, the sea here is usually calm and perfect for swimming or paddleboarding.

Along the small promenade, you’ll find cosy restaurants and cafés with stunning sea views.

Activities
º Swimming
º Paddleboarding
º Snorkelling
º Family holidays
º Restaurants right by the sea

My personal impression
To me, El Portet has an incredibly elegant yet relaxed feel. A wonderful atmosphere develops here, especially in the late afternoon, when the sun slowly sinks lower over the water and the promenade becomes quieter.

5. Playa de la Fossa (Calpe) – A sandy beach with spectacular scenery

Playa de la Fossa, also known as Playa Levante, is situated on the northern side of the Peñón de Ifach and is one of the most popular beaches on the entire northern Costa Blanca.

The wide, fine sandy beach offers plenty of space, crystal-clear water and a superbly developed promenade with restaurants, cafés, ice cream parlours and shops. Thanks to its gentle slope into the sea, Playa de la Fossa is particularly well suited to families with children.

However, it is the view of the gigantic Peñón that makes this beach truly unique. The combination of modern beach life and an impressive natural backdrop creates a very special atmosphere.

Activities
º Family holidays
º Water sports
º Beach promenade
º Restaurants & cafés
º Walks by the sea

My personal impression

What always fascinates me about Playa de la Fossa is the contrast between modern beach life and the imposing natural backdrop of the Peñón de Ifach. No matter how often you visit, this rock never fails to impress.

Playa del Arenal-Bol – Calpe’s central town beach

On the other side of the Peñón lies Playa del Arenal-Bol – a long, urban sandy beach right in the centre of Calpe.

The beach is a little quieter than Playa de la Fossa and ideal for people who like to have everything close at hand.The beautiful promenade is perfect for long walks and offers a wide selection of restaurants and bars with sea views.

Here, too, the water is usually calm and clear, making the beach perfect for families and relaxing days by the sea.

Activities
º Sunbathing
º Family holidays
º Walks along the promenade
º Restaurants & tapas bars
º Water sports
º Enjoying the evening atmosphere

My personal impression

For me, Arenal-Bol has a particularly pleasant atmosphere because it combines the authentic life of Calpe with that Mediterranean beach vibe. I especially love the atmosphere on the promenade in the evening, when the lights slowly come on and you can sit right by the sea.

6. Cala Barraca / Portitxol (Jávea) – The charm of the old fishermen’s cottages

Cala Barraca, also known as Portitxol, is one of the most photogenic spots on the northern Costa Blanca. The little cove is famous above all for its white fishermen’s cottages with bright blue doors right by the sea.

The clear water and sheltered location make the bay ideal for snorkelling and kayaking.

My personal impression

To me, this bay has an incredible sense of character. The old fishermen’s cottages convey a Mediterranean way of life that is rarely found these days. Especially in the morning, this place feels almost as if it belongs to another era.

7. Playa de Les Marines (Dénia) – The perfect family beach

Playa de Les Marines shows the Costa Blanca at its most gentle. Kilometres of fine sand, shallow water and plenty of space make this beach particularly popular with families.

The facilities are excellent: restaurants, beach bars, water sports and long promenades right by the sea ensure a relaxing holiday.

Activitiesº Family holidays
º Swimming
º Beach volleyball
º Water sports
º Beach restaurants
º Walks

My personal impression

For me, Les Marines is the epitome of a relaxing Mediterranean day at the beach. I particularly enjoy the long walks right by the water – especially outside the peak season, when everything becomes quieter and you can feel the special atmosphere even more intensely.

8. Les Rotes (Dénia) – The Costa Blanca’s snorkelling paradise

At the southern end of Dénia, the coastline changes completely. Instead of sandy beaches, the area is dominated by rocks, small natural coves and sheltered marine areas.

Les Rotes is one of the best snorkelling spots on the entire northern Costa Blanca.

Activities
º Snorkelling
º Diving
º Kayaking
º Hiking
º Enjoying nature

My personal impression

For me, Les Rotes is one of the most unspoilt places on the entire coast. The combination of the sea, the rocky coastline and the Montgó in the background makes this area particularly unique. Here, you can really feel the wild side of the Costa Blanca.

9. Altea – An artists’ town with Mediterranean charm

For many, Altea is one of the most beautiful places on the Northern Costa Blanca. The town is known for its white old town, narrow streets, artists’ studios and the famous church with its blue dome.

Unlike the classic sandy beaches found elsewhere, Altea offers pebble beaches with crystal-clear water and a particularly relaxed atmosphere.

Playa de la Roda is situated right on the beautiful seafront promenade and is ideal for those who want to combine Mediterranean flair, good food and peaceful days at the beach.

Playa de la Roda – A relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle

Playa de la Roda is Altea’s most famous beach and stretches along the entire promenade.

The water is usually calm and crystal-clear. Thanks to the pebbles, the sea remains particularly clean and is ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Along the promenade, there are numerous restaurants and small cafés with direct views of the sea.

Activities
º Swimming
º Snorkelling
º Walks
º Restaurants right by the sea
º Paddleboarding
º Enjoying sunsets

My personal impression

For me, Altea has a very special sense of tranquillity and elegance. The town feels more relaxed, artistic and authentic than many other coastal resorts. I particularly love evening strolls along the promenade with a view of the illuminated old town.

10. Benidorm – The lively side of the Costa Blanca

Many people associate Benidorm solely with high-rise buildings and tourism. Yet the town boasts some of the best and best-maintained sandy beaches in Spain.

It is precisely because of its excellent infrastructure, long promenades and huge range of leisure activities that Benidorm is particularly popular with families, winter visitors and people who like to have everything right on their doorstep.

Benidorm has two large main beaches, both of which have a completely different feel.

Playa de Levante – Benidorm’s most famous beach

Playa de Levante is Benidorm’s best-known beach and one of the most famous beaches in Spain.

The long, fine sandy beach offers a huge selection of restaurants, beach bars and activities. It’s always bustling here – come summer or winter.

Activities
º Jet skiing
º Parasailing
º Beach volleyball
º Beach bars
º Nightlife
º Family holidays

My personal impression

Levante is lively, international and full of energy. Anyone looking for entertainment, exercise and Mediterranean city life right by the sea will love this beach.

Plan your Costa Blanca North getaway now and discover the most beautiful beaches, hidden coves and Mediterranean coastal towns from Dénia to Benidorm.