Altea's beaches are unlike anything else on the Costa Blanca — and I mean that in the best possible way. After ten years of living here, I still find myself stopping on the N-332 coastal road just to stare at the water. The sea around Altea is genuinely, impossibly blue. But here's the thing most first-timers don't realise: Altea's beaches are mostly pebble, not sand. That surprises people. Once you get used to it (bring water shoes, seriously), you'll appreciate that this is exactly why the water here is so crystalline — no fine sand to cloud it up.
September is arguably the best month to enjoy Altea's beaches. The summer crowds have thinned, the water is still at around 25°C, and you can actually get a sunlounger without setting your alarm for 7am. Here's every beach and cove worth knowing about.
Playa de la Roda — The Main Beach
La Roda is Altea's biggest and most central beach, stretching for about 1.5 kilometres in front of the town. It's a classic Mediterranean scene: fishing boats pulled up on the shore, the old town's blue-domed church presiding over everything from the hill, kids chasing seagulls. The beach is pebbly but not uncomfortably so — the stones are smooth and well-worn — and the water shelves gently, which makes it safe for children.
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Find rentals →You'll find sunlounger rentals (around €8–10 per day in September), beach bars serving cold Estrella Damm and fresh espetos (grilled sardines on skewers), and a decent promenade for an evening stroll. Parking can be tricky in peak July and August, but in September there's usually space in the free car park near the football pitch off Avenida del País Valencià.
My tip: Take a table at El Capri beach bar around 7pm on a weekday evening in September. The light is extraordinary — the kind that makes your travel photos look like someone else took them.
Playa de l'Espigó — The Quieter Neighbour
Just north of La Roda, separated by the small harbour jetty, Playa de l'Espigó is noticeably quieter and slightly more sheltered. It's popular with local families and older residents who come every morning for a swim. The beach is a bit narrower here, but the pebbles are finer and the water feels even calmer. There's less tourist infrastructure — which is either a feature or a bug depending on your preference.
Playa del Fornet — The Hidden Northern End
Continue walking north along the promenade past l'Espigó and you'll eventually hit Playa del Fornet, tucked at the northern edge of Altea before you enter the municipality of Altea la Vella. Fewer facilities, more solitude. This is where I go when I want to read a book without being interrupted by someone trying to sell me a massage.
Cap Negret — The Snorkeller's Secret
Head south from La Roda for about 20 minutes on foot (or drive and park in the small free car park off Calle Cap Negret) and you'll find the rocky coves around Cap Negret. This isn't a beach in the traditional sense — it's a series of flat rocky platforms descending into water that's so clear you can see the bottom at 4 metres.
Snorkelling here is sensational. I've seen octopus, sea bream, moray eels and once — unforgettably — a small sea turtle drifting past. Bring your own snorkel gear or pick some up at the Decathlon in nearby Calpe. There are no facilities here at all, so come prepared with water and snacks.
Playa de l'Olla — Where the Fishing Boats Are
Slightly south of the town centre, Playa de l'Olla sits next to the working fishing port and is one of the most photogenic spots in the entire town. The beach itself is narrow and functional rather than spectacular, but the setting — colourful llaut fishing boats, the aromas of the nearby seafood restaurants, the morning fish market — makes it unmissable. Come at 8am to watch the fishermen unload the night's catch.
The seafood restaurants along this strip are among the best-value in town. La Costera and El Pòsit both serve incredibly fresh fish simply prepared — this is not a tourist trap area.
Playa de la Aigüera — The Family Pick
A short drive north of the town centre brings you to Playa de la Aigüera, a calm, relatively wide pebble beach that's particularly popular with families. It has good facilities including showers, a snack bar, and a beach volleyball net. The water here is calmer than the main beach and the approach is easy, making it ideal if you're travelling with young children or grandparents.
What to Know Before You Go
Water shoes: Non-negotiable. Pack them. The pebbles are smooth but they shift underfoot when you're walking into the water. I wear Quechua brand from Decathlon — €15 and they last for years.
Beach clubs: Altea doesn't really have Ibiza-style beach clubs. What it has is better: authentic chiringuito beach bars with plastic chairs and spectacular food. Don't go expecting bottle service and DJs.
Nudism: Technically tolerated at the far northern and southern ends of the main beach, and more openly at Cap Negret. Nobody bats an eye.
Accessibility: La Roda has a designated accessible section with a beach wheelchair available for loan from the Red Cross post in summer months. Call ahead on +34 966 884 260.
Dogs: Banned from all main beaches June–September. There is a small designated dog beach at the far northern end of Fornet.
The Best Base for Beach Holidays in Altea
If you're planning a proper beach holiday here, location matters. The best holiday rentals in Altea are within walking distance of La Roda — which means you can be on the pebbles within ten minutes of waking up, without dealing with parking or driving. Browse our Altea holiday rentals — we have apartments and villas from the old town down to the seafront, handpicked and managed directly by us.
Booking direct through JV Properties rather than via Airbnb or Booking.com saves you up to 18% — that's a real number, not marketing fluff. On a two-week September rental, that difference can pay for your groceries for the whole trip. See available properties and book with no platform fees.
September in Altea is golden. The beaches are yours to discover — and now you know exactly where to start.
