Orihuela Costa stretches across 16 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline south of Torrevieja. More than 10 beaches range from secluded rocky coves to long sandy stretches with full amenities. Regular Blue Flag awards confirm the water quality and service standards.
Our team at Granfield Estate visits these beaches year-round and knows each one personally — the best spots for swimming, the quietest coves, and which ones are ideal for families with children.
Our team at Granfield Estate visits these beaches year-round and knows each one personally — the best spots for swimming, the quietest coves, and which ones are ideal for families with children.
In this guide, we'll cover each beach in detail: what it's like, what facilities are available, how to get there, and where to eat nearby. Plus — what property is available within walking distance of each beach.
Overview of the Orihuela Costa Coastline
The Orihuela Costa coastline extends from Punta Prima in the north to Mil Palmeras in the south. The municipality of Orihuela is one of Spain's largest by area, and its shoreline includes both rocky coves (calas) and wide sandy beaches (playas).
Key features of Orihuela Costa beaches:
- Sand — golden, fine-grained, comfortable underfoot
- Water — crystal clear, warm from May to October (22-28°C)
- Entry — gradual on larger beaches, rocky in coves
- Blue Flags — many beaches receive them annually
- Lifeguards — on duty June to September
- Facilities — showers, toilets, sunbed rental, cafés
For more on the different areas, read our article Orihuela Costa Areas.
Beaches from North to South
Playa de Punta Prima
The northernmost beach of Orihuela Costa, bordering Torrevieja. Small (around 200 metres) but very well-maintained with golden sand. Nearby is a famous clifftop restaurant and a seafront promenade (paseo marítimo) that connects to Torrevieja on foot.
Facilities: showers, toilets, lifeguards (summer), sunbed and parasol rental, cafés and restaurants on the promenade. Free parking, but fills up early in season.
Best for: families (gentle slope), older couples (calm atmosphere), walkers who enjoy the promenade.
Cala Piteras
A small rocky cove between Punta Prima and Playa Flamenca. About 100 metres long. Not the most popular for swimming due to the rocks, but perfect for snorkelling. Clear water and a rocky bottom create excellent conditions for observing marine life.
Facilities: minimal — no cafés or showers. Bring everything you need.
Best for: snorkelling enthusiasts and those seeking solitude.
Playa Flamenca
One of Orihuela Costa's most popular beaches. Consists of several coves separated by rocky outcrops. Total length about 800 metres. Golden sand, clean water, well-developed infrastructure.
Nearby is the Playa Flamenca shopping centre with supermarkets, restaurants, and shops. Every Saturday, a large street market (rastro) operates here — one of the biggest on the coast.
Facilities: showers, toilets, lifeguards, sunbeds, several chiringuitos (beach bars), parking.
Best for: families with children (shallow, safe), young people (bars nearby), shoppers (Saturday market).
Cala Cerrada (La Zenia)
A compact cove (about 150 metres) near La Zenia Boulevard — the largest shopping centre in southern Costa Blanca. The beach is sheltered by rocks on both sides, creating a sense of seclusion. The water is particularly clear thanks to the rocky seabed around the cove.
Facilities: showers, lifeguards (summer), restaurants on the cliff with sea views. La Zenia Boulevard is a 5-minute walk — Primark, Zara, cinema, restaurants.
Best for: those who enjoy combining beach and shopping, couples.
Cala Bosque (La Zenia)
Another cove near La Zenia, just south of Cala Cerrada. Approximately 200 metres of sandy beach framed by rocks. Less crowded than Cala Cerrada but with the same quality water.
Facilities: shower, clifftop restaurant. Limited parking.
Best for: those seeking a quieter alternative to Cala Cerrada.
Playa de Cabo Roig
Two beaches on either side of the scenic Cabo Roig headland: Cala Capitán (to the north) and Playa de la Caleta (to the south). The headland is crowned by a historic watchtower (Torre de Cabo Roig, 16th century) and a promenade lined with restaurants.
Cala Capitán — one of the most photogenic beaches on the coast. About 200 metres of golden sand framed by rocks. Crystal-clear turquoise water. A perennial Blue Flag holder.
Playa de la Caleta — a longer (300 m) and more open beach to the south of the headland. Great for walks.
Facilities: showers, lifeguards, restaurants on the Cabo Roig promenade (Restaurante la Caleta, El Rincón de Pepe — excellent fish). Street market every Wednesday.
Best for: everyone — one of the region's finest beaches.
Playa de Campoamor
A spacious beach (about 400 metres) with fine sand and a gentle slope into the water. Nearby is the Dehesa de Campoamor marina, where you can watch yachts and fishing boats.
Campoamor is one of the most "upmarket" areas of Orihuela Costa. Here you'll find villa urbanisations with golf courses (Las Ramblas Golf, Campoamor Golf, Villamartín Golf), and the beach reflects this atmosphere: well-maintained, calm, with quality restaurants.
Facilities: showers, lifeguards, chiringuito, restaurants by the marina. Free parking at the marina.
Best for: families, golfers, those who enjoy a relaxed setting.
Playa de Barranco Rubio
A small, semi-wild beach (about 150 metres) between Campoamor and Aguamarina. Less well-known and less equipped than its neighbours. Rocky entry to the water — water shoes (escarpines) recommended.
Facilities: minimal.
Best for: solitude seekers, snorkelling.
Playa de Aguamarina
A small beach (about 250 metres) with fine sand. Named after the adjacent Aguamarina residential complex. The beach is quiet, uncrowded even in peak season. Sandy, gentle entry to the water.
Facilities: showers, lifeguards (summer), small chiringuito. Street parking.
Best for: residents of nearby urbanisations, families with children.
Playa de Mil Palmeras
The southernmost beach of Orihuela Costa, bordering Pilar de la Horadada. Long (about 800 metres) and wide sandy beach with a gentle slope. The name says it all — the promenade is lined with palm trees, creating a tropical atmosphere.
Mil Palmeras is a quieter and more affordable area than the central parts of Orihuela Costa. Fewer tourists and lower property prices.
Facilities: showers, lifeguards, several restaurants and bars on the promenade. Large free car park.
Best for: families with children (shallow, safe), retirees (peaceful), budget property buyers.
Beach Comparison Table
| Beach | Length | Type | Blue Flag | Facilities | Crowdedness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Prima | 200 m | Sand | Yes | High | Medium |
| Cala Piteras | 100 m | Rocky | No | None | Low |
| Playa Flamenca | 800 m | Sand/coves | Yes | High | High |
| Cala Cerrada | 150 m | Cove | Yes | Medium | High |
| Cala Bosque | 200 m | Cove | No | Low | Medium |
| Cala Capitán | 200 m | Cove | Yes | High | High |
| La Caleta | 300 m | Sand | Yes | Medium | Medium |
| Campoamor | 400 m | Sand | Yes | High | Medium |
| Barranco Rubio | 150 m | Rocky/sand | No | None | Low |
| Aguamarina | 250 m | Sand | No | Medium | Low |
| Mil Palmeras | 800 m | Sand | Yes | Medium | Medium |
Blue Flags: What They Mean
The Blue Flag (Bandera Azul) is an international award given annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Criteria include: water quality, environmental management, safety, and facilities.
Orihuela Costa beaches regularly receive 5-7 Blue Flags per year — among the best records in the Valencian Community. This means water is regularly tested, beaches are cleaned, lifeguards are on duty, and basic amenities are available.
Practical Tips
Best Time to Swim
The swimming season on Orihuela Costa runs from May to October. Water temperatures:
- May: 18-20°C — for the hardy
- June: 21-23°C — comfortable
- July-August: 25-28°C — perfect
- September: 24-26°C — best month (warm water, fewer people)
- October: 21-23°C — last comfortable month
Parking
In most areas, beach parking is free, but in July-August finding a spot is difficult. Arrive before 10 AM or after 6 PM. Best parking: at Campoamor marina, on the streets of Mil Palmeras, at Playa Flamenca shopping centre.
Water Shoes
On sandy beaches (Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, Campoamor, Mil Palmeras) you don't need water shoes. On rocky coves (Cala Piteras, Barranco Rubio) we recommend escarpines — special swimming shoes.
Property Near the Beaches
Beach proximity is one of the key factors when choosing property on Orihuela Costa. Apartments within walking distance of the sea cost 15-30% more than comparable properties on the second or third line, but they offer maximum comfort and high rental potential.
Browse our listings by area:
- All Orihuela Costa property →
- Property in Cabo Roig →
- Property in La Zenia →
- Property in Campoamor →
FAQ
Which Orihuela Costa beach is best for families with children?
Playa Flamenca, Playa de Campoamor, and Playa de Mil Palmeras — all three have gentle slopes, fine sand, lifeguards, and nearby amenities. For small children, Mil Palmeras is best — wide, shallow, and peaceful.
Can you rent sunbeds and parasols on Orihuela Costa beaches?
Yes, on most major beaches (Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, Cala Capitán, Campoamor, Mil Palmeras). Prices: sunbed €4-6/day, parasol €4-5/day, set (2 sunbeds + parasol) €12-15/day.
Can you bring dogs to the beach?
Dogs are prohibited on most Orihuela Costa beaches from June to September. In other months, they're allowed on some beaches. The nearest dedicated dog beach (playa canina) is in neighbouring Pilar de la Horadada (Playa de las Higuericas) — about 10 minutes by car from Mil Palmeras.
Are there jellyfish?
Jellyfish on the Costa Blanca are rare, but they occasionally appear, usually in July-August with certain currents. Blue Flag beaches display jellyfish information on notice boards. When they're spotted, it's recommended not to swim or to use protective cream.
Which is the most beautiful beach?
Cala Capitán (Cabo Roig) — many consider it the most beautiful beach on Orihuela Costa. Turquoise water, golden sand, rocks on either side, and a 16th-century watchtower on the headland. Runner-up: Cala Cerrada (La Zenia) for its compact beauty.
Our team at Granfield Estate lives and works on the Costa Blanca year-round. If you’re considering a move to Spain or looking for property in the area, we’re happy to share our local knowledge — get in touch for a free consultation.
Granfield Estate
Av. Bélgica 1, C.C. Parquemar, La Mata, 03188 Torrevieja (Alicante)
Tel: +34 865 44 33 33
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