Things to do in San Juan de Alicante

For many visitors to the coast of Spain, the Alicante Harbour is the first port of call. When most of Alicante’s maritime industry shifted to nearby Valencia in the 1980s, the city’s harbor precinct was redeveloped for the tourist market. Today, 80,000 visitors disembark at the harbor from cruise ships, ferries and pleasure craft each year. The area surrounding the harbor is busy most of the day, with locals and visitors alike strolling the promenade in search of the perfect restaurant or bar.

Long-time Benidorm residents, families, couples and partygoers all descend upon the glorious setting of Levante Beach (Playa de Levante). This coastal treasure in one of Spain’s busiest resorts is the ideal place to cool off from the hot summer sun and go swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. Levante Beach is where the sun first shines on the town. Come early to watch the sunrise and stick around to watch the action unfold.

Those wanting to cool off after a day of exploring Alicante’s treasures will love this stretch of beach. If you’ve always wanted to swim in the Mediterranean Ocean, this is an ideal place to fulfill your dream. Located adjacent to Alicante’s famous harbor precinct, Postiguet Beach can easily be reached on foot from the city, making it an ideal candidate for a quick swim.

Hang out with locals and dine at waterfront restaurants at Poniente Beach (Playa de Poniente). Stretching west from the Old Town, Poniente Beach has almost 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) of soft golden sand and warm Mediterranean water to enjoy. The beach’s name derives from the Latin word for setting (or west) and this is where you’ll witness the day’s last moments of sunshine in Benidorm.

Decades of tourist development along the Spanish coast have eroded some of the traditional character from the coastal towns. But El Campello and its stunning Campello Beach have resisted the transformation. The area offers a beautiful seaside getaway with all of southern Spain’s authentic charm. Make the trip to the beach for some of the best watersports on the coast or to visit the lively fishing harbor and watch the boats come and go. A stroll along the miles of wide, pristine white sand will reveal beautiful beachfront architecture and the relaxed approach to life perfected by generations of locals. Campello Beach is the perfect daytrip for visitors to Alicante, and a family-friendly swimming spot.