Altea's beaches are unlike anything else on the Costa Blanca — and I mean that as a genuine compliment, not a warning. After ten years of living here, I still get a small thrill pulling up to the pebbly shoreline of Playa del Cap Negret on a June morning, crystal-clear turquoise water catching the early light, the blue-domed church of the old town perched on the hillside behind me. No, you won't find golden sand in Altea — but what you will find is some of the cleanest, most transparent water on this entire stretch of coast, framed by dramatic mountain backdrops that you simply don't get further south in Benidorm.
June is, in my opinion, the single best month to be on Altea's beaches. The sea temperature has climbed to a very swimmable 22–24°C, the crowds are manageable compared to July and August, and the light in the evenings is extraordinary — that golden-hour glow that photographers and couples both lose their minds over. If you're planning a beach holiday here, here's everything you need to know.
Playa del Cap Negret — Altea's Most Popular Beach
Stretching for about 800 metres just north of the town centre, Cap Negret is the beach most visitors picture when they think of Altea. The dark pebbles are a slight adjustment if you're used to sand, but bring a decent mat or rent one of the sun loungers (around €6 per day) and you'll forget all about it within twenty minutes. The water here is genuinely spectacular — transparent to a depth that makes you feel like you're snorkelling even when you're just paddling.
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Find rentals →Facilities are excellent: showers, toilets, a handful of chiringuitos serving cold Estrella Damm and decent bocadillos, and a Blue Flag quality standard that's been maintained for years. Parking in July and August requires patience (or an early start — before 9am you'll usually find a spot along the N-332). In June, it's considerably easier.
Local tip: Walk north along the promenade past the Camping Cap Negret site and you'll find smaller, quieter coves where the water is equally beautiful but the crowds thin out dramatically.
Playa de la Roda — The Town Beach
Sitting right at the foot of the old town, La Roda is Altea's most central beach and probably the one with the best backdrop: those whitewashed houses and blue dome directly above you. It's also the most sheltered bay in town, which means calmer water on windy days — useful to know if you're travelling with younger children.
La Roda has a row of restaurants right behind it — El Cantón is a long-standing local favourite for paella — and the promenade along here is genuinely lovely for an evening stroll. The beach itself is on the smaller side, so in high summer it fills up fast. Come in June and you'll have significantly more breathing room.
Playa del Albir — Altea's Sandy Secret (Sort Of)
Strictly speaking, Playa del Albir sits just across the municipal border in l'Alfàs del Pi, but it's a 10-minute walk or a short bike ride from central Altea, and almost every guest staying in Altea visits it — so I'm including it. Albir has the only proper sandy beach in this stretch, a long, wide arc of grayish-golden sand backed by the Serra Gelada Natural Park. The contrast between the mountain cliffs behind and the flat blue sea in front is genuinely dramatic.
The beach here is longer and wider than Cap Negret, making it great for families who want more space. Sunbed hire, multiple chiringuitos, and excellent accessibility (flat promenade, disabled facilities) make it one of the most user-friendly beaches on this part of the coast. Parking at the Albir end has improved since the new car park opened near the lighthouse trailhead.
Cala de la Mena — Altea's Best Hidden Beach
This is the one I don't tell everyone about. Cala de la Mena is a tiny, wild cove tucked into the cliffs between Altea and Altea la Vella — accessible only on foot or by paddleboard/kayak. The path down is a bit rough (wear proper shoes, not flip-flops) but the reward is a completely unspoiled pebble cove with water so clear it's almost comical. No facilities, no sunbeds — bring your own food, water, and snorkel.
The snorkelling here is the best I've found in the area: sea urchins, octopus, and shoals of bream visible in the rocks to the left of the cove. Go on a weekday morning in June and you may well have the whole place to yourself.
Practical Beach Tips for Altea in June
- Water temperature: 22–24°C — perfect for swimming without a wetsuit
- Pebble beaches: A good beach mat or inflatable roll is worth every cent. Some rentals provide them; check when you book
- Parking: Easier in June than July/August. The main free parking for Cap Negret is along the N-332 and around the camping area
- Jellyfish: Occasionally present in June, especially after easterly winds (levante). Check the local Facebook group 'Medusas Costa Blanca' for current reports
- Beach bars close: Most chiringuitos are open from around 10am; lunch service runs until 4:30pm
Stay Close to the Beaches
The best way to make the most of Altea's beaches is to stay within easy walking or cycling distance. Our holiday rentals in Altea range from apartments right in the town centre (walking distance to La Roda and Cap Negret) to hillside villas with pool and sea views. Browse our full selection of properties in Altea and book direct — you'll save up to 18% compared to Airbnb or Booking.com, with no booking fees and a direct line to us if anything comes up.
Altea in June is genuinely special. The beaches are at their best, the town hasn't hit peak-season madness yet, and that evening light — trust me on this — is worth the trip on its own.
