Blue Flag beaches in Alicante province

Alicante province leads Spain in Blue Flag beaches. In 2025, 72 beaches across 18 municipalities carry the award certifying water quality, services, safety and environmental management. If you live on the Costa Blanca, you have a Blue Flag beach minutes from home — probably several. This article maps them by zone and highlights those worth a visit even if they are not on your doorstep.

What does the Blue Flag mean?

The Blue Flag is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international organisation based in Denmark. It is not a 'pretty beach' prize — it is a certification based on four objective criteria:

• Water quality: regular microbiological testing confirming bathing water meets European standards. The most important and hardest-to-manipulate criterion.
• Environmental information and education: information panels, beach code of conduct, awareness activities.
• Environmental management: sand cleaning, waste management, dune vegetation protection, accessibility.
• Safety and services: lifeguard station, first aid, signposted access, showers, toilets, bins.

Certification is renewed annually — it is not permanent.

The map: 72 beaches by zone

Alicante city (4 flags)

• Postiguet: the quintessential urban beach, at the foot of Santa Bárbara castle. Fine sand, 900 m, full services.
• San Juan: 3 km of golden sand. Alicante's 'Copacabana' — promenade, beach bars, crystal water. Most popular with residents.
• Saladar-Urbanova: quieter, south of the city. Dune area, less urbanised.
• Tabarca: the island off Santa Pola. Marine reserve, transparent water, boat access only.

Northern Costa Blanca (26+ flags)

Spain's highest Blue Flag density:

• Dénia (7): Les Marines, Les Deveses, Les Bovetes, Marineta Cassiana, Punta del Raset, Els Molins, Punta Negra (new 2025). The longest sand strip on the northern coast.
• Calpe (3): L'Arenal-Bol (the Peñón's main beach), La Fossa (quieter, north), Cantal Roig (sheltered, by the port).
• Altea (3): La Roda, Cap Blanc, El Bol (new 2025). Pebble beaches — clearer water than sand beaches.
• Benidorm (2): Levante and Poniente. The city's two icons.
• Benissa (2): Cala Fustera and Cala del Baladrar. Small coves surrounded by pines, turquoise water.
• Benitatxell (1): Cala del Moraig. Spectacular cliff cove — probably the province's most photogenic.
• La Vila Joiosa (6): six flagged beaches in one municipality.
• El Campello (2): Carrer de la Mar and Muchavista (3.5 km urban beach).

Southern Costa Blanca (30+ flags)

• Orihuela (10): provincial leader. Highlights: Cala Capitán, Cabo Roig-La Caleta, La Zenia-Cala Bosque, Mil Palmeras.
• Guardamar del Segura (4+): wide beaches with pine forest behind. Unique combination.
• Torrevieja: several flagged urban beaches. Playa del Cura and La Mata.
• Santa Pola: Gran Playa, Varadero, Santiago Bernabéu.
• Elche (5): Arenales del Sol, Carabassí, L'Altet, La Marina, Les Pesqueres. La Marina: dunes, pines, wilder feel.

Best for each profile

Families with children

San Juan (Alicante), Muchavista (El Campello), Poniente (Benidorm).

Cove lovers

Cala del Moraig (Benitatxell), Cala Fustera (Benissa), Cala Capitán (Orihuela Costa).

Tranquillity

La Marina (Elche), Les Deveses (Dénia), Guardamar Centre.

Water sports

Les Marines (Dénia — windsurf/kite), L'Arenal-Bol (Calpe — SUP/kayak), Tabarca (snorkelling/diving).

Beyond Blue Flags

The Blue Flag certifies quality but not exclusivity. Some of the province's most spectacular beaches do not have a Blue Flag because they do not apply (it is voluntary) or do not meet a services criterion. Coves like Granadella (Jávea) or Portitxol (Jávea) are stunning without the flag. It is a minimum guarantee, not a beauty ranking.

Frequently asked questions

Are all Blue Flag beaches sandy?

No. On the northern coast (Altea, Benissa, Benitatxell), several are pebble or shingle. The water is usually clearer. For fine sand, the central and southern coast (San Juan, Elche, Guardamar, Orihuela) is your pick.

Are they free?

Yes. All Spanish beaches are public domain with free access. You pay only for optional services (sunbed, umbrella, beach bar).

When is bathing season?

Lifeguard service usually runs June-September. But the Costa Blanca climate allows swimming May-October (water 18-27 °C). The bravest swim year-round — February water drops to 13-14 °C.

Are they accessible for reduced mobility?

Many Blue Flag beaches have access walkways, amphibious chairs and assisted bathing during summer. San Juan, Postiguet, Poniente (Benidorm) and several Orihuela Costa beaches are accessibility references.

Are pets allowed?

On Blue Flag beaches, generally not during summer season (June-September). But many Costa Blanca municipalities have designated dog beaches (Alicante: Agua Amarga; El Campello: north Muchavista; Santa Pola: La Gola). Check your municipality's rules.

If you are looking to live steps from a Blue Flag beach, explore our available properties or contact us for a personalised consultation.