Elche Beaches

Overview

Elche offers a unique Spanish holiday, blending rich urban culture with a spectacular coastline. While the city proper, famed for its vast palm grove, sits about 15 kilometers from the sea, it governs nine kilometers of beautiful and well-preserved shores. This arrangement allows visitors to immerse themselves in history and city life before taking a short drive to some of the region's most celebrated beaches, creating a perfect holiday that combines sightseeing with seaside relaxation.

The coastline presents a beach for every preference, characterized by fine sand and high-quality waters. Among the editor's picks, Playa del Carabassí is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and protected dunes. For a more rugged and scenic escape, Playa de la Marina is backed by extensive pine forests. Families and those seeking calm waters often gather at the bustling town beach of Playa de Santa Pola, while Playa de El Pinet offers a quiet, tranquil retreat. Another key destination is Arenales del Sol, widely considered one of the best on the coast for its nearly three kilometers of white sand and lively promenade.

What truly sets Elche's beaches apart is their natural character, defined by extensive, protected dune ecosystems and clear waters that give them a wilder feel than more developed urban beaches. These shores offer everything from popular spots for watersports to secluded, quiet coves perfect for unwinding. From the famous shores to the nearly untouched sands at Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo, there are many more places to discover in our complete guide to the beaches of Elche.

Top Beaches

Arenales del Sol

Functioning as Elche's main beach, it offers a vibrant promenade and all the amenities for a classic, lively beach day. This expansive beach stretches for nearly three kilometers, its fine, golden sand meeting the clear Mediterranean waters. The sea slopes very gently, creating a vast, shallow area perfect for wading and relaxed swimming. What truly sets it apart is its remarkable system of protected dunes, with wooden walkways guiding you across this unique landscape to the shore. This natural character is enhanced by its connection to the Clot de Galvany wetlands, adding a touch of wild beauty to the urban setting. As evening approaches, the long promenade becomes the heart of the action, filled with people strolling and soaking in the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

FAQ

Is Elche a good destination for a beach holiday?

Elche is an excellent base for a holiday that combines culture with beach time, but it's important to know that the city itself is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) inland from the coast. You can enjoy the city's famous Palm Grove and historic sites, and then easily drive or take a bus to its nine kilometers of beautiful, well-preserved coastline. It offers the best of both worlds, but it is not a town where you can walk directly from your hotel to the sand.

How do you get to the beaches from Elche city center?

The easiest way to reach Elche's beaches from the city center is by car, which takes approximately 20-25 minutes. There are also regular bus services that connect the city of Elche with its main coastal areas like Arenales del Sol and La Marina. This makes it feasible to stay in the city and take day trips to the coast.

What are the best beaches in Elche for families with children?

Arenales del Sol is widely considered the best beach for families. It features nearly three kilometers of fine, golden sand, very shallow and calm waters perfect for little swimmers, and a long promenade with restaurants and ice cream shops. The beach is also equipped with playgrounds on the sand and has easy access via wooden walkways.

Are there nudist beaches in Elche?

Yes, Elche has popular and well-regarded naturist beaches. Playa del Carabassí has a well-known, designated nudist area. Playa de El Pinet and Playa El Rebollo are also known for being tranquil and naturist-friendly, offering a more secluded experience for those who wish to practice nudism.

Playa del Carabassí

Playa de El Pinet

Playa El Rebollo

Should I stay in Elche city or near the beach?

For a trip focused purely on sun and sand, staying in a coastal area like Arenales del Sol or La Marina is best, as there are hotels and apartments with sea views. However, staying in Elche city offers a more authentic Spanish cultural experience with easy access to the famous palm groves, museums, and a wider variety of restaurants. You can then travel to a different beach each day. The choice depends on whether your priority is beach convenience or cultural immersion.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What are the sand dunes like at Elche's beaches?

The sand dunes are a defining feature of Elche's coastline, especially at beaches like El Carabassí and El Altet. These are protected, natural dune ecosystems with high ecological value, featuring a mix of recent, mobile, and even fossil dunes. Wooden walkways are in place to protect the delicate environment while allowing visitors to cross them to reach the sea.

Playa del Carabassí

Playa El Altet

Which is better: Arenales del Sol or El Carabassí beach?

It depends on your preference. Choose Arenales del Sol if you want a lively, urban beach with a long promenade, many restaurants, and very shallow water ideal for families. Choose El Carabassí if you prefer a more natural, wild setting with impressive dunes, clear water for snorkeling, and a designated nudist area. They are right next to each other, so you can easily experience both.

Playa del Carabassí

How do the beaches in Elche compare to Alicante's city beach?

Elche's beaches, like El Carabassí and La Marina, are generally more natural and less crowded than Alicante's main city beach, Playa del Postiguet. While Postiguet is convenient and right in the city, Elche's coastline is known for its extensive sand dunes, pine forests, and a wilder, more preserved feel. If you're looking for natural beauty and space, Elche's beaches are a great choice. If you prioritize urban convenience, Alicante's beach is right there.

Playa del Carabassí

Playa de la Marina

Playa del Postiguet

People Also Ask

Can you swim in the sea and what is the water like?

Absolutely. The beaches of Elche are known for their clear, high-quality water, with many of them earning the Blue Flag award year after year. The sea is generally calm with moderate waves, making it ideal for swimming and bathing. The water temperature is most pleasant during the summer months, from June to September.

What's the best time of year to visit Elche for a beach holiday?

The peak season is June through August, offering the warmest sea temperatures and a lively atmosphere. However, for a fantastic experience with fewer crowds and very pleasant weather, consider visiting in the shoulder months of May, June, or September. The sun is still strong and the water is warm enough for swimming, but the beaches are more tranquil.

Are there quiet, less-crowded beaches in Elche?

Yes, for a more tranquil experience, head to the southern part of Elche's coastline. Beaches like Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo and the southern end of El Pinet are considered 'virgin' beaches. They are backed by pine forests and dunes rather than buildings, offering a peaceful atmosphere away from the more developed areas.

Playa El Rebollo

Playa de El Pinet

What kind of water sports are available?

Elche's beaches are great for water sports. Playa del Carabassí is particularly popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to its favorable wind conditions. You can also find opportunities for snorkeling in the clear waters, especially near the rocky areas. Nearby Santa Pola is a major hub for a wider variety of activities including sailing and kayaking.

Playa del Carabassí