Beaches in Altea: Clear Waters, Hidden Coves & Promenades

Altea is one of the Costa Blanca’s most enchanting towns — famous for its whitewashed old town, blue-domed church, and a coastline that blends elegance with natural beauty. While it may not offer wide sandy beaches like some neighboring towns, it makes up for it with crystal-clear waters, pebble coves, and peaceful promenades perfect for slow living.

Here’s your complete guide to the best beaches in Altea — from family favorites to local hideaways.

🌊 What to Expect from Altea’s Coastline

Unlike Benidorm’s wide golden beaches or Calpe’s buzzing shores, Altea’s beaches are more peaceful and less commercialized. Many are made up of smooth pebbles or stone, which helps keep the water incredibly clear and turquoise. Several have been awarded the Blue Flag, a mark of environmental quality and safety.

Tip: Bring water shoes! While the pebble beaches are beautiful, they can be a bit uncomfortable without footwear.

📍 Top Beaches in Altea

1. Playa de la Roda

🏖️ Best for: Central location, easy access, families
Located right next to Altea’s marina and the bustling promenade, Playa de la Roda is the town’s main beach. It’s long, easy to access, and close to restaurants and shops.

• Blue Flag certified

• Smooth pebbles and clear waters

• Ideal for a relaxed afternoon or evening stroll

• Parking nearby

👉 Link: Blue Flag Beaches in Costa Blanca

2. Cap Negret

🏖️ Best for: Peaceful atmosphere & scenic views
Just north of Playa de la Roda, Cap Negret is quieter and offers a more natural beach feel. It’s a favorite among locals for a quick dip and a place to relax away from the crowds.

• Backed by palm trees and small cliffs

• Less crowded, but no major facilities

• Great for a peaceful morning swim

3. Playa del Albir (Technically in Albir, but part of greater Altea)

🏖️ Best for: Day trips, sunbathing & cafes nearby
A short walk or drive from Altea’s center, Albir beach is wide, clean, and lined with cafes and restaurants. It’s also fully accessible and great for families and casual beachgoers.

• Blue Flag certified

• Palm-lined promenade

• Kayak and paddleboard rentals

👉 Link: Beaches in Albir

4. Playa de l’Olla

🏖️ Best for: Locals, water sports & a chill vibe
L’Olla is a favorite for snorkeling and kayaking, with calm waters and views of the Isla de l’Olla, a small island just offshore. Each August, this beach hosts Altea’s most famous fireworks festival.

• Water sport options in summer

• Great for snorkeling

• Free parking along the coast

• Less touristy, more authentic

5. Playa de la Solsida

🏖️ Best for: Seclusion & natural vibes
This hidden cove is a bit harder to access, which makes it perfect for those looking for tranquility. It’s also a nudist-friendly beach, officially designated.

• Secluded and quiet

• No facilities – bring everything you need

• Access via footpath from urbanisation nearby

🐟 Snorkeling & Water Activities

Altea’s pebble beaches and underwater rock formations make it a fantastic spot for snorkeling, especially around Playa de l’Olla and Cap Negret. Water is calm and visibility is high.

👉 Link: Snorkeling Spots in Costa Blanca

🧺 Beach Tips for Visiting Altea

• 🥿 Bring water shoes to comfortably walk on pebbles

• 🌴 Sunbeds & umbrellas available only at main beaches (like Roda & Albir)

• 🍹 Plan lunch or dinner at one of Altea’s seafront restaurants for the full experience

• ☀️ Best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun

🍽️ Food, Drinks & Beachfront Vibes in Altea

One of the best things about spending a day on Altea’s beaches? The seafront promenade. Running alongside Playa de la Roda, this palm-lined stretch is full of cafés, bars, restaurants, and ice cream parlors, offering everything from cold drinks and coffee to full Mediterranean meals with a view.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Beach Bars (Chiringuitos) – Great for casual tapas, cocktails, and live music in summer evenings.

• Seafood Restaurants – Try local specialties like grilled octopus (pulpo a la brasa) or a seafood paella with a chilled glass of white wine.

• Terrace Cafés – Ideal for breakfast or a mid-morning coffee with sea views.

• Vegan & Healthy Options – Altea’s promenade includes a few modern spots with smoothie bowls, wraps, and plant-based menus.

• Ice Cream & Crepes – A must after a beach walk, especially in summer.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a slow lunch in the shade, the Altea promenade delivers. It’s also a great place for an evening walk after sunset, when the lights reflect off the sea and the vibe is buzzing but never too crowded.

🚗 How to Get to Altea’s Beaches & Where to Park

Getting to the beaches in Altea is easy whether you’re arriving by car, public transport, or on foot from nearby towns.

🛣️ By Car

Altea is well connected via the N-332 coastal road and the AP-7 motorway. If you’re coming from Benidorm, Calpe, or Alicante, you can reach Altea in under 30 minutes.

Parking tips:

• There is free street parking near Playa de la Roda and Cap Negret, but spaces fill up quickly, especially in summer.

• Several paid parking areas are available near the seafront and the old town.

• For less crowded access, consider parking further back and enjoying a short walk through the town.

🚌 By Public Transport

• TRAM: Line 9 of the TRAM Metropolitano runs along the coast and stops in Altea — it’s a scenic and stress-free option.

• Bus: Alsa and local bus lines connect Altea with nearby towns including Benidorm, Calpe, Alfaz del Pi, and Albir.

• From the tram or bus stop, it’s a 5–10 minute walk to most beaches.

🚶 On Foot or by Bike

If you’re staying in Albir or even Alfaz del Pi, you can easily walk or cycle along the coastline. There are designated pedestrian and cycle paths in many parts of Altea, especially near the promenade.

👉 Link: Public Transport Costa Blanca

✅ Editor’s Conclusion

Altea’s coastline might not be sandy, but it’s undeniably special — offering peace, authenticity, and some of the clearest waters on the Costa Blanca. Whether you’re after a buzzing promenade or a quiet cove, there’s a beach in Altea that fits your vibe.

Just bring your towel, some water shoes, and an open mind — Altea’s beaches might surprise you in the best way possible.

❓Frequently Asked Questions