The Best Beaches In Benidorm
Want to know the best beaches in Benidorm? In this post, I’m sharing my personal pick of the very best in the Spanish coastal town, plus all the essential advice you need on how to visit and enjoy them.
Written by: Lesley Stewart | May 2025
After a week spent soaking up the Benidorm sunshine, I’ve pulled together this list of my favourite beaches in Spain’s ever-popular coastal town.
Home to a stunning coastline, sparkling turquoise waters, and boujee seafront eateries, you’ll find incredible beaches in Benidorm - the perfect place for sun-soaked holidays and long, lazy days under the Mediterranean sun.
However, a bustling seaside town packed with activities, Benidorm’s appeal as a beach holiday destination extends to those whose travel style is more active and outdoorsy, as well as those who dream of a sunlounger and sangria.
That is to say, Benidorm offers sun-soaked shores for every type of beach-goer.
Whether you want lively shores or tranquil coves, secluded natural beauty, or crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling, Benidorm's best beaches deliver big on charm, views, and soft sand.
This guide will explain the best spots along the coast, the facilities you can expect, and where to go for exceptional beachfront dining.
These are the best beaches in Benidorm!
Quick Guide: Benidorm's Best Beaches
You’ll find details on where to find these Benidorm beaches, their facilities, and where to eat below!
Playa de Levante: Busy and vibrant, ideal for sunbathers, watersports, and beach bar lovers.
Playa de Poniente: Quieter and spacious, great for those seeking a relaxed day out.
Cala del Mal Pas: This small, hidden cove is perfect for peaceful swims near the Old Town.
Cala Tio Ximo: Natural, rugged spot with clear waters, best for solitude and paddling.
La Cala Finestrat: Scenic and laid-back bay just outside the centre, perfect for a calm escape.
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My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Benidorm:
H10 Porto Poniente: stunning luxury hotel on Poniente beach (hotel | holiday)
Barceló Benidorm Beach: contemporary, adult-only stay on Levante Beach (hotel | holiday)
Hotel Primavera Park: chic hotel with boujee rooftop cocktail bar (hotel | holiday)
Melia Benidorm: stylish stay with pools, eateries, and all-inclusive option (hotel | holiday)
Boutique RH Canfali: boutique hotel in incredible oceanside position (hotel)
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Travel tip: The best way to explore the Costa Blanca is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Spain, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Enterprise, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Spain is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Getting there: If you’re flying from the UK and looking for a perfect beach hotel + flights, I recommend holidays with Jet2holidays. My favourite package holiday airline, they fly from most UK airports, include heaps of luggage, and easy resort transfers. Check out Benidorm holidays here.
Your Guide To The Best Beaches In Benidorm
1. Playa de Levante (lively)
Stretching over 2km, Levante Beach is Benidorm’s most iconic and energetic beach. Backed by a bustling promenade, it’s ideal for those who love being in the centre of the action.
As you can imagine, views over the sparkling Mediterranean are stunning, with the Isle de Benidorm and panoramic vistas of Benidorm’s skyline adding extra sparkle.
Facilities: Sunbeds, parasols, showers, watersports, pedalo, lifeguards, and toilets.
Sand & sea: Fine golden sand and shallow, clear water—great for families.
Food & drinks: Along the palm-lined promenade, you’ll find a vibrant strip of bars and restaurants, including my favourite seafront cafe, Urban Beach; perfect for cocktails and lunch with a view, order the moreish beef bao buns. Or book a table on the sea-view terrace at upscale eatery D.Vora.
Summary: Levante is the place to go if you want everything at your fingertips—sun, food, music, and adrenaline-fuelled water sports like jet skiing and banana boats!
Tip: Set your alarm early and visit the western side of the beach at sunrise—the pastel-hued skies and golden light over the rocks are spectacular.
2. Playa de Poniente (peaceful)
Located west of the Old Town, Playa de Poniente is a far less crowded alternative to Levante. With fewer tourists and sparkling turquoise waters, this is the perfect place for a relaxed beach day.
Facilities: Showers, toilets, loungers, beach playgrounds, lifeguards, and wheelchair access.
Sand & sea: Clean, soft sand and calm waters, ideal for swimming and young children.
Food and drinks: Visit Ola Blanca Cafe, Cafeteria Madness, or See The Sea for coffee, drinks, scenic views, and a laid-back atmosphere. For a casual but delicious lunch, book a table at family-run paella specialists Restaurante Ulia (be sure to order the moreish, crispy calamari).
Summary: Poniente is ideal if you're after a slower pace and a quieter atmosphere, while still enjoying full amenities within an easy walk of excellent eateries.
3. Cala del Mal Pas (postcard-perfect)
Tucked between Levante and Poniente beaches beneath the castle viewpoint, Cala del Mal Pas is a small, crescent-shaped cove often missed by travellers.
One of the best sandy beaches in Benidorm, the shallow waters and enclosed bay make it great for families and couples to enjoy swimming in a relaxed and calm environment. Blending natural beauty with a sense of exclusivity, and set against dramatic Cerro Canfali rock, it’s a spectacular spot to spend a day.
Facilities: Limited—showers and a few sunbeds in peak season.
Sand & sea: Fine sand and calm, crystal-clear water perfect for paddling.
Food & drinks: None on the beach, but head to the nearby Old Town for tapas after your swim.
Summary: This beach is perfect for a peaceful swim and a break from the crowds.
4. Cala Tio Ximo (rugged)
Located near the Sierra Helada natural park, Cala Tio Ximo is a small cove framed by dramatic cliffs and beautiful rock formations. Under the shade of pine trees, unspoiled and natural, it’s ideal for nature lovers and travellers seeking seclusion.
We spotted this beach while cycling the cliffs above the Med, and it was an idyllic spot that embraces the rugged ethos of the natural park.
Facilities: None—this is a natural beach, so bring your own supplies.
Sand & sea: A mix of sand, pebbles, and rocky areas; clear waters ideal for snorkelling and swimming.
Food & drinks: There are no shops or bars nearby, but it’s a short walk from the end of Levante Beach. I recommend you bring your own supplies.
Summary: If you want a beach with a wilderness feel, Cala Tio Ximo offers a refreshing change of pace.
Tip: go hiking or cycling on the trails above the cala; the views over the Med and Benidorm’s skyline are sensational and well worth the effort. You’ll need trainers, water, and most definitely bring your camera!
5. La Cala Finestrat (relaxed)
A few minutes south of Benidorm, La Cala Finestrat is a small bay with a more village-like charm, ideal for a low-key day by the sea.
Finestrat feels like a mini escape from Benidorm’s busy core, but still offers great food, shade, and relaxation. Sadly, we didn’t have time to visit, but this spot was highly recommended by the locals we spoke to.
Facilities: Showers, sunbeds, lifeguards, and shops along the promenade.
Sand & sea: Golden sand and safe, shallow water—great for swimming.
Food & drink: Cafés and beachside restaurants like Bar Cafeteria Oskar and Puig Campana serve everything from paella to cocktails.
Summary: A scenic horseshoe-shaped bay framed by hills, with excellent sunrise views.
Final Thoughts: Which Benidorm Beach is Best for You?
What’s the best Benidorm beach?
The best Benidorm beach for sun-loving tourists is either Levante beach or Poniente beach, and which one you choose depends on the beach day you’re looking for.
Although the smaller and wilder beaches are picturesque, the town’s main beaches offer soft sand perfect for sunbathing, and lux beach bars for cocktails with a view.
What’s the difference between Poniente Beach and Levante Beach?
During my time in Benidorm, it was clear that the town’s two main beaches offer a distinct vibe. The biggest difference between Poniente Beach and Levante Beach is how lively or quiet each is. Both have golden sands and Blue Flag status, but your choice depends on the kind of holiday you want - vibrant and social, or calm and scenic.
Levante Beach is the livelier of the two, popular with tourists looking for action. It’s lined with bars, restaurants, and high-rise hotels, making it ideal for those who love a buzzing atmosphere and easy access to nightlife.
Poniente Beach is longer, quieter, and more relaxed. Favoured by locals and families, it offers a more laid-back experience with a scenic promenade and fewer crowds, especially outside peak season.
The two beaches are split by the Old Town, and the spectacular Mediterean viewpoint on the cliffs.
What part of Benidorm is Levante Beach?
You’ll find Levante Beach in the eastern side of Benidorm, a stone’s throw from the concentration of disco bars known as the strip. At one end are the trails into the Sierra Helada national park, and at the other, the old town.
What part of Benidorm is Poniente Beach?
You’ll find Poniente Beach in the western side of Benidorm. At one end is the marina and port area, and at the other, the old town.
Planning more than just a beach day?
Check out our Benidorm travel guide for things to do beyond the shore, from mountain walks to rooftop bars.
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Lesley x
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This guide contains affiliate links; booking through them means I may earn a commission, but at no cost to you. I appreciate your support in running this site! This trip was part of a press trip organised by Jet2holidays and Visit Benidorm, however, my thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
