Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Peñón de Ifach, the beaches in Calpe rank among the most striking on Spain’s Costa Blanca. More than 13 kilometres of coastline reveal everything from expansive sandy shores to hidden coves with crystal-clear Mediterranean water.
This guide presents the best beaches in Calpe, offering practical details and expert insights for a seamless visit. Whether you want family-friendly promenades, calm bays for snorkelling, or quiet spots reachable only by boat, Calpe delivers a beach experience that combines natural beauty with well-kept amenities.
Calpe at a Glance
Calpe sits on Spain’s Costa Blanca between Alicante and Valencia, framed by the striking Peñón de Ifach limestone rock. The town is easy to reach by car or bus from both Alicante and Valencia airports, making it an accessible destination for international and domestic travelers.
With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and an average annual temperature of about 18 °C, the Calpe climate offers a reliable Mediterranean setting for beachgoers. Mild winters and warm, dry summers mean visitors can enjoy the coast well beyond the traditional holiday season.
The town’s 13-kilometre stretch of coast combines broad sandy beaches, sheltered coves, and dramatic cliffs. This variety makes Calpe ideal for families, water-sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a relaxed seaside setting.
Modern amenities, a vibrant marina, and a walkable old town add depth to its natural appeal. Whether you arrive for a day trip or a longer stay, Calpe provides the setting for the best beaches in Calpe to become the highlight of any Costa Blanca itinerary.
The 10 Best Beaches in Calpe
Calpe’s shoreline spans 13 kilometres, offering a mix of wide sandy beaches and secluded coves. These ten locations showcase the finest beaches in Calpe, each with its own character and charm.
1. Playa de la Fossa (Levante)
Playa de la Fossa stretches along a broad bay between Purla de Basseles and the iconic Peñón de Ifach, forming one of the most popular beaches in Calpe. Its 950-metre expanse of fine golden sand and calm, clear water create a setting suited to families, couples, and casual swimmers alike.
A lively paseo runs the full length of the beach, lined with restaurants, shops, and ice-cream parlours that stay active well into the evening. Visitors find full services, lifeguard coverage, and summer ramps for reduced mobility, all contributing to its Blue Flag status and Spain’s “Q” certification for quality, awarded since 2004.
2. Playa del Arenal-Bol
Playa del Arenal-Bol stretches for 1,200 metres through the centre of Calpe, making it one of the town’s most celebrated beaches. Fine golden sand, serene Mediterranean water, and clusters of small palm trees give this urban shoreline a distinctly inviting character.
A bustling promenade runs behind the beach, lined with restaurants, cafés, ice-cream shops, and a variety of local stores. Its Blue Flag status, full services, and consistently clean environment make Arenal-Bol ideal for families, casual swimmers, and anyone seeking a vibrant yet well-kept coastal experience.
3. Cantal Roig Beach
Cantal Roig is a compact, Blue Flag beach just south of Calpe’s fishing port, measuring about 200 metres long and 15 metres wide. Its fine sand and calm water make it a welcoming spot for relaxed swimming and sunbathing close to the town centre.
From the shore you can watch fishing boats return in the late afternoon and even glimpse the traditional fish auctions nearby. The remains of the ancient Queen’s Baths (Baños de la Reina) add archaeological interest, while waterfront restaurants provide fresh seafood for an easy post-beach meal.
4. Cala El Racó
Cala El Racó is a 70-metre gravel cove tucked behind the Peñón de Ifach at the southern end of Calpe’s harbour. Sheltered waters and a calm setting make it a standout among the beaches in Calpe for diving, fishing, and quiet exploration.
It marks the starting point of the Paseo Ecológico Princesa de Asturias, a scenic coastal path with sweeping views. Divers can follow the only underwater trail in the Valencian Community, guided by buoyed panels and informative signs, while the nearby IMEDMAR centre offers exhibitions and audiovisual displays on local marine life.
5. Calalga Cove
Calalga Cove sits at the northern end of Levante Beach, reached by a gentle ramp from the La Fossa promenade. This 100-metre stretch blends fine sand with pebbles and calm, clear water where sea grass thrives.
Rocky edges support plenty of marine life, making it a pleasant spot for light snorkelling and relaxed swims. Next to Calalga Park, it remains peaceful even in high season, ideal for a quiet day of sun and sea.
6. Cala del Mallorquí
Cala del Mallorquí is a tiny 30-metre bay set between Les Bassetes marina and Calalga Cove, reached by stairs along the scenic Voramar trail. Its mix of sand and stone and consistently calm water create a quiet retreat away from Calpe’s busier beaches.
The cove offers striking views of the north face of the Peñón de Ifach and is well suited to diving and light fishing. Its sheltered setting makes it a peaceful stop for visitors exploring the northern coastline on foot.
7. La Manzanera Cove
La Manzanera Cove offers a dramatic coastal setting beside a natural amphitheatre carved by the sea. Its 100-metre stretch of coarse sand and pebbles remains calm, with patches of sea grass adding to the natural character.
From the shore, you can admire striking 1970s buildings designed by architect Ricardo Bofill, known for their bold colour and geometric lines. The combination of distinctive architecture and sheltered water makes this cove a uniquely photogenic place to unwind.
8. Les Bassetes Cove
Les Bassetes Cove stretches for about 70 metres alongside the marina of the same name, forming a sheltered pocket of gravel and stone. The water stays calm and clear, providing excellent conditions for diving, snorkelling, and relaxed swimming throughout the year.
It’s also a popular spot for people who enjoy fishing and for visitors seeking an unusual side-on view of the Peñón de Ifach rising over the bay. With the marina’s facilities just steps away, the cove offers a convenient yet peaceful stop along Calpe’s northern coastline.
9. Puerto Blanco Beach
Puerto Blanco Beach is a quiet 100-metre stretch of coarse sand and pebbles set beside the small Puerto Blanco marina. The water remains tranquil and exceptionally clear, with patches of sea grass that shelter local marine life.
A well-regarded diving centre operates directly from the marina, making this an easy starting point for guided dives and underwater exploration. Its relaxed setting and convenient access to the harbour create a laid-back spot for swimming or enjoying the coastal views.
10. Cala Gasparet
Cala Gasparet is a remote 40-metre bay south of Calpe, known for its quiet atmosphere and untouched surroundings. The small cove is made of gravel and pebbles, with calm, clear water that remains inviting throughout the year.
Accessible only by boat, it offers a sense of seclusion and a striking backdrop of the Sierra de Toix rising behind the coast. The clear depths are ideal for diving and fishing, rewarding visitors who make the short trip from the harbour.
Calpe’s shoreline offers an impressive range of experiences, from lively promenades with full amenities to quiet coves reached only by boat. Whether you prefer long sandy walks, sheltered snorkelling spots, or a peaceful afternoon beside the marina, these ten beaches highlight the best of Calpe’s Mediterranean coast.
Activities and Water Sports
Beyond sun and sand, Calpe’s beaches provide excellent conditions for a wide range of water sports and coastal adventures. Calm, clear waters and reliable sunshine create ideal settings for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.
Paddleboarding and kayaking are available from major beaches such as Playa de la Fossa and Arenal-Bol, with rental stands operating through most of the year. Sailing schools at Les Bassetes marina offer lessons and half-day excursions that provide striking views of the Peñón de Ifach from the sea.
Scuba divers and snorkellers can explore marine life around Cala El Racó’s underwater trail or book guided dives from Puerto Blanco’s established diving centre. Jet-ski tours, parasailing, and small catamaran trips are also offered in peak season for those seeking a more energetic day on the water.
Many operators provide equipment hire and short introductory sessions, making it easy to fit an activity into any beach visit. With calm Mediterranean conditions and well-maintained facilities, Calpe is well suited to both leisurely exploration and adventurous water sports.
Planning Your Beach Day
Good preparation ensures you can enjoy Calpe’s coastline without interruptions. Start by checking local weather forecasts and tide information, especially during the high summer season when midday heat can be intense.
Parking is generally available near the main urban beaches such as Playa de la Fossa and Arenal-Bol, but spaces fill quickly in July and August. Arriving early or using public transport—regular buses connect central Calpe with outlying coves—can save time and stress.
Pack essentials like water, a broad-spectrum sunscreen—mineral formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide work well—and lightweight shade such as a beach umbrella. Many beaches provide showers and restroom facilities, but you’ll need to keep valuables with you or in your vehicle, as public lockers are not common.
For dining, the promenades behind La Fossa and Arenal-Bol offer a wide choice of cafés and seafood restaurants, while smaller coves reward visitors who bring a picnic. Planning ahead lets you move easily between Calpe’s lively sands and its quiet coves in a single day.
Final Thoughts
The beaches in Calpe showcase a rare mix of wide sandy stretches and quiet coves, all framed by the dramatic Peñón de Ifach. From the lively promenade of Playa de la Fossa to the secluded calm of Cala Gasparet, each location highlights the coastal beauty that makes Calpe a premier Costa Blanca destination.
Visitors can enjoy sailing from Les Bassetes, follow the underwater trail at Cala El Racó, or simply unwind on the fine sand of Playa del Arenal-Bol. Thoughtful planning—choosing the right beach, arriving early, and packing essentials—ensures a smooth and memorable day by the Mediterranean.
With reliable sunshine, clear water, and activities for every interest, the beaches in Calpe remain an ideal choice for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure along Spain’s eastern coast.
