Benidorm beaches and coves: the complete guide
Benidorm is an anomaly on this coast: where its neighbours have pebble coves hidden below cliffs, here there are more than five kilometres of fine sand, fully equipped, with lifeguards, sunbeds, beach libraries and adapted access points. It is by far the most accessible coast in the Marina Baixa and the only one you can reach without a car, without planning and with a pushchair.
But Benidorm has a wild side too: north of Rincón de Loix, past the Tossal de la Cala, two rocky coves appear — Tio Ximo and l’Almadrava — below the Serra Gelada Natural Park, with Benidorm Island in front and a marine reserve underneath.
This guide covers all five, north to south, with what sets them apart.
Comparison table
| Beach / cove | Seabed | Size | Blue Flag 2026 | Facilities | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cala del Tio Ximo | Sand with rock and gravel | ~60 m | ❌ | Seasonal lifeguard | Snorkelling, kayaking |
| Cala de l’Almadrava | Fine sand and rock | ~100 m | ❌ | Lifeguard, foot showers | Official snorkelling trail |
| Levante beach | Fine golden sand | 2,000 × 40 m | ✅ | Everything; accessible point | Atmosphere, sun all day |
| Mal Pas beach | Sand | 120 m (2,400 m²) | ❌ (see below) | Lifeguard, foot showers, sunbeds | A swim from the old town |
| Poniente beach | Fine sand | 3,000+ m | ✅ | Everything; two accessible points | Space, families, calm |
The northern coves
Cala del Tio Ximo
A small cove of sand with rock and gravel, about 60 metres, reached on foot from the Punta de l’Escaleta viewpoint. It has a lifeguard and flag in season (the council posts one per cove in its summer service), though it is officially listed as a bathing zone “not controlled” by the regional government. One of Benidorm’s best for snorkelling and kayaking, with the island in front.
Cala de l’Almadrava
About 100 metres of fine sand and rock, with a lifeguard and foot showers. Benidorm’s official snorkelling trail starts here: a circuit down to about 8 metres with posidonia, white seabream, striped seabream and Padina pavonica algae. It has shared naturist use, although the council makes clear it is not officially a nudist beach.
Both lie at the foot of Punta del Cavall and the Torre de les Caletes, at the southern end of the Serra Gelada Natural Park: the walk to the tower, on a paved track and wheelchair friendly, is the perfect complement to a day at the cove.
The urban beaches
Levante beach
2,000 metres of fine golden sand, 40 wide — the best-known beach in Europe according to its own council, and probably the liveliest in Spain. Blue Flag since 1987, revalidated in 2026. Its orientation gives sun almost all day, and it has absolutely everything: lifeguards, sunbed and watersports hire, floating platforms, a beach library, children’s playgrounds, shaded reading areas, toilets, parking and an accessible bathing point on Calle Murcia with assistance for people with reduced mobility. Guide: Levante beach.
Mal Pas beach
The old town’s open secret: 120 metres (about 2,400 m²) sheltered by the Cerro Canfali, right below the Balcón del Mediterráneo, between Levante and Poniente. Lifeguard post, safety flag, walkway access, four foot-shower modules, bins, recycling and sunbed and parasol hire.
One honest note: Mal Pas held the Blue Flag from 1987, but in 2026 it did not submit a candidacy because of pending works to relocate the foot showers. It is not a water-quality problem.
Facing it lies Benidorm Island, sheltering an underwater platform, La Llosa, declared a marine reserve: the city’s diving spot par excellence, with boat trips from the harbour.
Poniente beach
At more than 3 kilometres, the longest beach in the municipality and the calm alternative to Levante: the same level of services, more space and a more family atmosphere. Blue Flag revalidated in 2026, floating platforms, beach library, children’s and sports playgrounds, shaded areas and two accessible bathing points, on Avenida Mont Benidorm and at Parque de Elche. Guide: Poniente beach.
Which one to choose
- Atmosphere, beach bars and crowds: Levante.
- Space and families: Poniente.
- A quick swim while strolling the old town: Mal Pas.
- Snorkelling: l’Almadrava (marked trail) and Tio Ximo.
- Diving: Benidorm Island and the La Llosa reserve, by boat.
- Accessibility: Levante and Poniente have adapted bathing points with assistance.
Practical tips
- Benidorm is one of the few places on this coast where you don’t need a car: tram, urban buses and everything walkable.
- The urban beaches have lifeguards from June to September; the northern coves get one each in high season.
- Water shoes only at Tio Ximo and l’Almadrava.
- The Punta del Cavall walk has no shade: go early and take water.
More about Benidorm and around
- Benidorm guide · Punta del Cavall and Torre de les Caletes · Serra Gelada Natural Park
- To the north: Altea beaches and coves · To the south: El Campello beaches and coves
- 🗺️ All the coves of the Costa Blanca — the index by municipality, from Dénia to El Campello