Benissa Beaches

Overview

Benissa, located in the Valencia Province of Spain, offers a charming and tranquil beach experience along its 4km coastline. Unlike the larger, bustling beaches of its neighbours, Benissa's coast is characterized by a series of picturesque coves, often with pebbles or rocks, providing a more rugged and natural feel. Visitors will find that most coves feature clear, calm waters, making them ideal for swimming and snorkeling. While the historic old town of Benissa is situated a few kilometers inland, the beautiful coves are easily accessible by a short drive.

Among the highlights is Cala de La Fustera, Benissa's main and most popular sandy beach, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and Blue Flag status. For breathtaking scenery, Cala Baladrar stands out with its dramatic cliffs and clear turquoise waters. Those seeking tranquility will appreciate Cala Llobella, renowned as the most unspoiled and secluded cove in the area. Snorkelers will find a paradise at Cala Pinets, which also offers the unique 'Mar Morta' rock pool, perfect for children. Many of these coves are connected by the scenic Benissa Ecological Coastal Path, offering lovely walks with views.

Benissa is an excellent choice for a relaxing beach holiday, particularly suited for those who enjoy exploring natural coves, swimming, and snorkeling in clear waters. While some coves are pebbly, sandy options like Cala de La Fustera are available. The calm and often shallow waters in many coves make Benissa a good destination for families. For a wider selection of beaches and coves, be sure to check our longer list in this guide.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Are Benissa beaches sandy or pebbly?

Most of Benissa's coastline features small coves (calas) with pebbles or rocks. However, there are a few sandy beaches, with Playa de la Fustera being the most well-known sandy option. Cala Advocat also has a small sandy area.

Cala de La Fustera

Cala Advocat

Is Benissa a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Benissa can be a great destination for families. Several coves like Cala dels Pinets, Cala Advocat, and the sandy Playa de la Fustera are particularly suitable for children due to their calm, shallow waters and available amenities. La Fustera even has a play area for children.

Cala Pinets

Cala Advocat

Cala de La Fustera

Can you swim in the coves in Benissa and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the coves of Benissa. The waters are generally calm, clear, and often shallow, especially in the coves, making them ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The water quality is often highlighted, with Playa de la Fustera having Blue Flag status.

Cala de La Fustera

What's the best time of year to visit Benissa for beaches?

The best time for a beach holiday in Benissa is generally from June to September when the weather is warmest and sunniest, with sea temperatures ideal for swimming. July and August are peak season. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October) offer milder weather and fewer crowds, still pleasant for beach activities.

How do Benissa's beaches compare to Moraira's or Calpe's?

Benissa's beaches are generally smaller coves, often pebbly, offering a more rugged and natural feel compared to the larger, often sandier, beaches found in nearby Moraira (like El Portet or Ampolla) and Calpe (which has long sandy stretches like Playa Arenal-Bol). Benissa's coastline is known for its scenic ecological path connecting these intimate coves.

Cala El Portet

Platja de l'Ampolla

Arenal-Bol

Are there many facilities like restaurants and toilets at Benissa's coves?

Facilities vary by cove. The more popular ones like Playa de la Fustera and Cala Advocat have restaurants or beach bars (chiringuitos), especially in summer, and some offer toilets and showers. Smaller, more rustic coves like Cala de la Llobella have fewer or no facilities.

Cala de La Fustera

Cala Advocat

Cala Llobella

Is it easy to park near Benissa's beaches?

Parking can be limited, especially during peak season (summer) and at the smaller coves. Some coves like Cala Baladrar have small dedicated parking areas (around 20-25 spaces). For popular beaches like La Fustera, arriving early is recommended to find parking. Some suggest parking at La Fustera and walking to nearby coves like Les Bassetes via the coastal path.

Cala Baladrar

Are any of Benissa's beaches dog-friendly?

Cala de la Llobella is often mentioned as a beach where people take their dogs. However, it's important to note that its official status as a dog-friendly beach has been questioned, with some sources indicating it was closed by local government for this purpose in 2019. It's best to check the latest local regulations. Other nearby towns like Altea and Denia have officially designated dog-friendly beaches.

Cala Llobella

What is the Benissa Ecological Coastal Path (Paseo Ecológico)?

The Paseo Ecológico is a scenic coastal footpath that runs for about 4-5.5 kilometers along Benissa's coastline, connecting several of its coves and beaches, and extending towards Calpe. It offers beautiful views, information panels about local flora, fauna, and geology, and is suitable for families. It's a great way to explore the different coves.

Which Benissa coves are best for snorkeling?

Many of Benissa's coves are excellent for snorkeling due to their clear waters and rocky seabeds with Posidonia seagrass. Cala Baladrar, Cala de la Llobella, Cala dels Pinets, Les Bassetes, and La Fustera are frequently recommended for snorkeling. The area around El Cantalar cliff near Cala Advocat is also noted for its underwater environment.

Are Benissa's coves accessible for people with reduced mobility?

Accessibility varies. Playa de la Fustera is mentioned as having access for people with reduced mobility. Cala Advocat also has features like a breakwater that might aid access to the water. However, many coves are more natural and may involve steps or uneven paths, like Cala Baladrar (reached by stairs) or the rustic Cala de la Llobella.

What is the 'Mar Morta' near Cala Pinets?

The 'Mar Morta' (Dead Sea) is a shallow, natural rock pool located near Cala Pinets. It's protected from the open sea by rocks, creating a calm, shallow area that is particularly good for children to paddle and play in safely.

Cala Pinets

How far are Benissa's beaches from the old town of Benissa?

The old town of Benissa is located inland, a few kilometers from its 4km stretch of coastline. To reach the beaches and coves from the old town, you would typically need to drive or take other transport, as they are not within immediate walking distance.

Are there quiet, less crowded coves in Benissa?

Yes, while popular spots like La Fustera can get busy, Benissa has more rustic and secluded coves. Cala de la Llobella is often described as one of the most unspoiled, natural, and least crowded coves, partly due to its more challenging access. Generally, coves that are smaller or have more difficult access tend to be quieter.

Cala Llobella

Cala de La Fustera

What kind of holiday is Benissa best for, regarding its beaches?

Benissa is ideal for a relaxing beach holiday focused on exploring charming, natural coves rather than large, bustling resort beaches. It suits those who enjoy swimming, snorkeling in clear waters, scenic coastal walks (like the Paseo Ecológico), and a generally quieter atmosphere. It's good for families seeking calmer waters and couples looking for picturesque spots.