Your mental image of Benidorm is probably huge sandy beaches packed with swimmers and all the facilities you could need right by the sea. But this part of Alicante also has small unspoilt idylls in a protected nature reserve that can only be reached on foot. Tío Ximo Cove is one such place, a magical spot with a spectacular seabed that is pure heaven for fans of scuba diving and snorkelling.
It’s an unspoilt beach where nudists and non-nudists are both at ease as they enjoy its crystal-clear waters and fantastic views.
- Tío Ximo Cove and its location
- The beach and its facilities
- How to get to Tío Ximo Cove
- Where to eat nearby
- Where to stay in Benidorm (near Levante Beach)
Tío Ximo Cove and its location
Tío Ximo Cove is at the foot of the Sierra Gelada, northwards up the coast from Benidorm. The cove is just 60 m long and 6 m wide and its size remains stable all day due to the lack of strong currents in the Mediterranean Sea. So, if you want to get a good spot, make sure you get there early, at least in the summer months!
The path to the cove starts at the end of Calle de Sierra Dorada and Calle de Dos Calas; it borders sheer cliffs and is full of wonderful viewpoints that are a great and different way to discover this part of Alicante’s coastline. In fact, it makes a good break from the hustle and bustle of Benidorm.
The beach has both fine sand and rocks, so it’s a good idea to wear water shoes or suitable footwear so that you can enjoy your visit to the full.
Tío Ximo Cove is a pebble beach set between cliffs; it’s very close to Levante Beach, and is next to Almadrava Cove, Punta de L’Escaleta viewpoint and beautiful Cueva del Barbero cave.
The beach and its facilities
In summer, the beach has a lifeguard service and you can also hire sun beds, which isn’t a bad idea because the beach has pebbles rather than sand. You’ll have to bring your own sun umbrella though, and you’ll definitely need one because the sun is very strong here, particularly in the middle of the day.
Tío Ximo Cove is the perfect spot for snorkelling because it’s in a quiet area in a protected nature reserve so the seabed is bursting with life. So, make sure to bring your mask and tube, plus some good water shoes for the stony ground.
You can walk from Tío Ximo to Almadrava Cove by passing through a cave and making your way across a rocky area, and also head around the cliff on the other side to enjoy the clear waters.
Although it isn’t recommended for scuba diving, it’s actually quite a good spot because it gets fairly deep a short distance from the coast, and you can appreciate the nature reserve and the pristine cliffs.
Swells tend to be small, and many swimmers also go paddle surfing or set off on a kayaking excursion. Kayaking is great fun and gives you the chance to admire the Sierra Geleda landscape – you can even reach Albir lighthouse.
Don’t forget that the cove doesn’t have any beach bars, showers, foot showers or toilets: it’s totally undeveloped and unspoilt.
How to get to Tío Ximo Cove
You reach Tío Ximo Cove on foot along a semi-asphalted path that takes you to the cove area, and then walk along a wooden walkway down to the beach. You’ll need to use a car or public transport to get to the start of the path.
If you’re travelling by car, make sure you get there early because there are only a few spaces in the car park and it fills up quickly. Take the turning onto Calle Dos Calas at the end of Calle Sierra Dorada to get to the car park. If it’s full, you’ll have to park a little further away and walk to the path.
Considering this is Benidorm, Tío Ximo Cove isn’t particularly crowded and is even quieter than neighbouring Almadrava Cove. That’s why its popular with nudists and it’s enjoyed by both nudists and non-nudists.
There are also three city bus routes from Benidorm that stop close to the path, running more regularly in summer, and you can then walk down to the cove. Ask for information about the timetables and bus stops in the city.
Where to eat nearby
Tío Ximo Cove doesn’t have any restaurants or beach bars so you’ll have to bring food with you if you’d like to eat on the beach. One of the nearest restaurants to this pretty spot is Bahía Blanca Restaurante&Café which has spectacular views and a wide range of Mediterranean dishes.
Another option is to return to the Rincón de Loix area where you’ll find lots of restaurants and bars near the market and are sure to find something you like. The Curry House is highly recommended if you’re fans of Indian food, while if you’re after a cold pint by the sea, The Sun has everything you could look for in a great English pub.
Where to stay in Benidorm (near Levante Beach)
Two of the best hotels near Benidorm and Tío Ximo Cove are the Barceló La Nucía Palms and the Barceló Lar Nucía Hills. They’re both five-star hotels in La Nucía, halfway between Benidorm and Altea.
The Barceló La Nucía Palms is the perfect resort for a comfortable stay and spending your time on the beach and in nature. It has 148 modern and bright guest rooms with every luxurious detail you could need. Most rooms have pool views while some even have their own private garden.
This five-star hotel has a buffet restaurant that serves a variety of Mediterranean dishes, a bar/restaurant by the pool and the wonderful adults-only B-Heaven Rooftop Bar where you can enjoy a glimpse of the sea.
If you’re ready for some relaxation after a swim at the cove, the Barceló La Nucía Palms has a spa & wellness centre where you can switch off and treat yourself in the sauna, Turkish bath, massage cabins and water circuits.
Five-star Barceló La Nucía Hills is also in La Nucía. It’s near the Sierra Gelada; Tío Ximo Cove lies at the foot of this mountain range. The hotel has 94 smart, cutting-edge apartments that are comfortable and modern spaces, perfect for business travellers, couples and families.
The apartments are designed to be self-sufficient with all the facilities you could need: kitchen, bathroom, dining room, rest space and a large terrace or garden where you can enjoy the unbeatable Mediterranean climate.
As well as a buffet restaurant that serves fantastic Mediterranean food, the Barceló La Nucía Hills has a snack bar next to the pool and the B-Heaven Rooftop Bar on the top floor. The hotel also has a full spa & wellness centre with a sauna, a Turkish bath, four massage cabins, water circuits, a gym and two meeting rooms.
But if you’re looking for something unique and truly special, why not stay at the five-star Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, a Royal Hideaway Hotel? This luxurious hotel and spa in Sierra Cortina has incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea. Its 309 spacious rooms are surrounded by gardens with over 150,000 plant species and it has themed, Balinese style Asian pools that are decorated with wood, and great care is taken over every detail. It has nine themed restaurants that fuse Asian, Mediterranean and international cuisines.
The spa offers Thai treatments that will lift your body and soul, and the Asia Gardens is also the perfect destination for golf fans because there are several golf courses nearby.
If you’d like to stay in Alicante after your dip in the sea, the Occidental Alicante is your best option. It’s just moments on foot from restaurants, shops and the city’s main tourist attractions – it’s close to the old town, Santa Barbara Castle and the Explanada de España. This recently refurbished hotel has 80 guest rooms that have everything travellers could need, whether they’re travelling for business, as a couple or as a family.
It has a buffet restaurant (breakfast only) and an à la carte restaurant for lunch and dinner. Hotel guests can also use the O!Market service to enjoy drinks, aperitifs and snacks.
