Family-Friendly Beaches on the Costa Blanca
Shallow shelves, soft sand, lifeguards, showers, playgrounds and an ice-cream within arm's reach — the Costa Blanca is one of Europe's great family beach destinations. Here are the beaches we send friends with kids to, and what makes each one special.
Shallow shelves, soft sand, lifeguards, showers, playgrounds and an ice-cream within arm's reach — the Costa Blanca is one of Europe's great family beach destinations. Here are the beaches we send friends with kids to, and what makes each one special.
What makes a great family beach
- ✦Gently sloping shallow shelf (toddler-safe)
- ✦Soft sand rather than pebbles
- ✦Lifeguard cover during bathing season
- ✦Toilets, showers and shaded areas
- ✦Playground, mini-golf or snack bar nearby
- ✦Easy parking or accessible by tram/bus
The 10 best family beaches
| Beach | Town | Best for | Walk to ice-cream? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa de la Fossa | Calpe | Toddlers — long shallow shelf | Yes (5 min) |
| Playa del Arenal | Jávea | Only sandy beach in Jávea, very shallow | Yes (on beach) |
| Playa San Juan | Alicante | Space and full facilities | Yes (on beach) |
| Playa Muchavista | El Campello | Calm, less crowded than Alicante | Yes (5 min) |
| Playa de Levante | Benidorm | Wide, accessible, every facility | Yes (on beach) |
| Playa del Albir | Alfaz del Pi | White pebbles, clear water, smart promenade | Yes (on beach) |
| Playa del Portet | Moraira | Sheltered crescent, gentle waves | Yes (5 min) |
| Playa Centro | Villajoyosa | Painted-house backdrop, walkable old town | Yes (3 min) |
| Playa de los Náufragos | Torrevieja | Shallow, central, easy parking | Yes (on beach) |
| Gran Playa | Santa Pola | Wide open sand, kite-flying space | Yes (5 min) |
Beaches with playgrounds & water-play
Most Costa Blanca town beaches have a playground on or next to the promenade. The biggest and best-equipped are Playa San Juan (multiple parks along the 7 km stretch), Levante (with shaded play zones), Albir (large playground at the south end) and La Fossa (children's splash area in summer).
All major town beaches have boardwalks across the sand, accessible toilets and amphibious wheelchairs available to borrow free at the lifeguard post. Many run assisted-bathing programmes — ask at the Red Cross post.
Rainy-day backups within 30 minutes
- ✦Aqualandia & Mundomar — Benidorm
- ✦Terra Mítica theme park — Benidorm
- ✦Pola Park — Santa Pola
- ✦Río Safari Elche — animals and water rides
- ✦Karting La Cala — for older kids
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