Albir Beach vs Benidorm Beach: Which Costa Blanca Shore Should You Choose?

After ten years living on the Costa Blanca, one question comes up more than almost any other: "Should we stay near Albir beach or Benidorm beach?" They're only 8 kilometres apart, but they feel like entirely different worlds. This June, with both beaches at their sun-drenched best before the real peak-season crowds arrive in July, is the perfect moment to break it all down.

Let me give you the honest, local answer — not the tourist brochure version.

The Beaches Themselves: What You're Actually Getting

Playa del Albir is a 1.2-kilometre stretch of clean grey-white pebbles backed by pine-scented promenade. It's part of the Sierra Helada Natural Park, which means it's been deliberately kept low-density — no parasol rentals stacked six rows deep, no relentless vendors. The water here is extraordinarily clear (it holds a Blue Flag year after year) with that turquoise shimmer you see in photos of Greece. Because it's pebble rather than sand, you don't get the sticky, gritty-everywhere experience. Yes, you need water shoes — but you'll thank yourself within five minutes.

Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente in Benidorm are broad, golden-sand beaches that are undeniably impressive in scale. Levante especially — nearly 2 kilometres of fine sand — can feel like a proper beach resort, with sun lounger rentals, beach bars at every turn, water sports operators and a carnival buzz. For many people, this is the ideal beach holiday. For others, from about mid-July onwards, it can feel overwhelmingly packed.

Crowds & Atmosphere in June

Right now, in June, both beaches are at a sweet spot. Albir's promenade fills up with a relaxed mix of Spanish families on their first summer weekend escapes, Dutch and German couples who've discovered this quieter corner, and British holiday makers who specifically chose Albir to avoid the Benidorm circus. It's busy but never frantic.

Benidorm in June is genuinely enjoyable — the beaches have breathing room before the July onslaught, the sea temperature is climbing past 22°C, and the town has an infectious energy. If you want beach loungers, cold drinks delivered to your towel, and a buzzy evening scene within walking distance, Benidorm in June works well.

By August, the contrast sharpens dramatically. Albir stays manageable. Benidorm's beaches become seriously crowded.

Water Quality & Swimming

Both beaches hold Blue Flag status and the water quality is genuinely excellent across the Costa Blanca. However, I'd give Albir the edge for snorkelling and swimming. The rocky edges framing the bay mean there's interesting marine life close to shore — bream, wrasse, the occasional octopus tucked into the rocks — and the pebble bottom keeps the water clarity exceptional. For pure flat-water swimming and building sandcastles, Benidorm's sandy beaches win.

Getting There & Parking

Albir beach has free street parking on Avenida del Albir and in the surrounding residential streets, plus a paid car park near the promenade (around €3–4 for a full day, which is remarkably good value). The L9 tram connects Albir to Benidorm in under 15 minutes and costs just €1.45 — so if you're based in Albir, you can easily do a Benidorm beach day without a car.

Parking in Benidorm in summer, particularly near the beaches, is genuinely stressful and expensive. The underground car parks fill fast. The tram from Albir is honestly the smarter option.

Food & Drinks on the Beach

Albir's beachfront has perhaps five or six chiringuitos and restaurants — La Cava, Casa Flora, La Higuera — proper places with real menus, not just frozen snacks. Prices are notably lower than equivalent spots in Benidorm. A cold beer and fresh-grilled dorada here costs what a beer alone might cost at some of Benidorm's beach clubs.

Benidorm has a far wider range — from excellent traditional restaurants like the ones tucked into the old town, to international chains and British-style pubs steps from the beach. The choice is almost overwhelming.

The Promenade Experience

Albir's promenade is one of my favourite things about living here. At dusk in June, it fills with locals doing the paseo, families with bikes and pushchairs, the smell of salt and pine. It leads up towards the lighthouse trail through the natural park — so your beach day can seamlessly turn into a golden-hour clifftop walk with views that stop you in your tracks.

Benidorm's seafront promenades are impressive for sheer scale and entertainment value — palm-lined, buzzing, with ice cream stalls and tourist shops. Different energy, different appeal.

So Which Should You Choose?

Choose Albir beach if: You value clear water, a natural park setting, peace and quiet, authentic Spanish atmosphere, and easy access to the best hiking and cycling on the Costa Blanca.

Choose Benidorm beach if: You want golden sand, beach lounger service, maximum entertainment options, a huge choice of bars and restaurants, and don't mind (or actively enjoy) a lively, crowd-heavy atmosphere.

The good news: staying in Albir gives you both. The tram ride to Benidorm is 12 minutes. You can wake up to a calm pebble beach morning in Albir and be on Levante's sand by 11am if the mood takes you.

Stay in Albir and Get the Best of Both Worlds

Our holiday rentals in Albir are ideally placed to enjoy Albir's beach on your doorstep while keeping Benidorm's beaches, the old town of Altea, and the Sierra Helada trails all within easy reach. Browse our available properties and book direct with JV Properties — you'll save up to 18% compared to booking the same apartment through Airbnb or Booking.com, with no hidden service fees.

If you have questions about which area suits your group best, drop us a message. After ten years here, we've helped thousands of families, couples and groups find exactly the right base on the Costa Blanca — and we genuinely love doing it.