Situated in the north-west of the city of Alicante, between Serra Grossa and Tossal de Manises, La Albufereta beach is a perfect place to sunbathe and enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean. With fine golden sand and calm waters, the beach is situated in a residential area and is also very close to important archaeological sites that have borne witness to the origins of the city.
La Albufereta beach (Alicante) is around 400 metres long and 18 metres wide and is protected by the swell of waves by Cabo de Huertas. It is for this reason that the sea is usually calm in this area of the coast of Alicante. The water is only rough if the storm comes from the south or the east.
Since it is an accessible, urban beach, it has all kinds of services, such as showers and footwashes, lifeguards, first aid, disabled access, parasol and sun lounger hire, beach bars and restaurants. Also very close by is the Club Náutico Alicante Costa Blanca, where there is a surf, paddleboard and kayaking school and where you can hire sports gear.
- A semi-urban, blue flag beach
- Beach services and characteristics
- Beach activities
- Where to eat close to La Albufereta beach
- What to see in the area
- Where to stay in Alicante
A semi-urban, blue flag beach
La Albufereta is a semi-urban beach with golden sand that often gets quite busy due to its easy access. It measures approximately 400 metres in length and, due to its particular features, it is perfect for snorkelling. Next to the beach is the legacy of the city’s history in the form of archaeological sites, since it was once an important port for ancient Iberian settlements, which later became the Roman city of Lucentum.
La Albufereta not only has blue flag certification but also boasts the SICTED quality seal.
Beach services and characteristics
Being an urban destination with such easy access, La Albufereta beach has the type of services you would expect to find, especially in summer, on a beach on the eastern coast of Spain. Visitors will find showers and footwashes, sun loungers and parasols for hire and beach bars and restaurants in the vicinity. There is also a playground for children, which makes it a highly recommended destination for families. Leaving the car in the surrounding area is not easy, although there is a private car park. The best option is to take the public bus to the Condomina-Albufereta bus stop or the tram to La Isleta.
Beach activities
On La Albufereta beach you can do all types of water sports and activities and even take a nice walk, as a path begins from the sand itself, running along the rocky coast of Cabo de Huerta to Muchavista beach, passing through La Almadraba beach and other small coves, such as Cantalar, Los Judós, La Caleta, La Palmera and Faro de Huertas coves. The route is approximately four kilometres long and can be done in about two hours.
Where to eat close to La Albufereta beach
Next to La Albufereta beach there are various restaurants and cafeterias where you can enjoy Alicante’s delicious local cuisine as well as Mediterranean options. Recommendable places include Cabaña Grill, which serves excellent Argentine meat, Los Troncos, offering great value for money, La Boya, Spanish cuisine with high-quality produce, Puerto Madero Grill & Drinks, a cocktail bar with a wide range of tapas, and Apache Burger Grill, for a more informal meal.
What to see in the area
In the surrounding area of La Albufereta beach you can visit the Tosal de Manises archaeological site. It should be noted that what is now the beach was once the access to the sea from the coastal lagoon. The remains of sunken ships, such as the famous La Albufereta wreckage, have also been found in the area. At one end of the beach, next to the rocks, you can see ancient Roman fish farm structures carved into the stone.
Where to stay in Alicante
The best accommodation option in Alicante province, from where you can access La Albufereta beach, is without a doubt the Hotel Occidental Alicante, due to its high-quality services and excellent value for money. The four-star, recently-refurbished hotel could not have a better location. Situated just a short distance from Alicante’s old town, it has 80 comfortable rooms equipped with all mod cons. What’s more, the Occidental Alicante has a buffet restaurant for breakfast and an à la carte restaurant with lunch and dinner service upon request.
We also recommend, if you want to enjoy a truly luxurious stay, the Asia Gardens Hotel Thai Spa, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, which has Bali-style rooms with a terrace, surrounded by tropical gardens. At the hotel you can relax at the Thai Spa and Wellness Centre with Asian pools and traditional Thai massages, without forgetting the delicious gastronomy prepared at its four restaurants.
There are two other newly-built hotels in the Marina Baja region of Alicante that are also worthwhile due to their excellent services. These include the Hotel Barceló La Nucía Palms, featuring lush gardens, and Hotel Barceló La Nucía Hills, with 94 fully-equipped rooms.