Everyone knows about Benidorm's two famous beaches — Levante and Poniente — but after ten years living on the Costa Blanca, I can tell you with complete confidence: the best swimming spots near Benidorm are the ones most tourists never find. September is honestly the perfect month to explore them. The summer crowds have thinned, the water is at its warmest (around 26°C), and the dramatic limestone cliffs along this stretch of coastline look golden in the autumn light.
This guide covers the secret beaches and hidden calas within striking distance of Benidorm — from the tiny rocky inlets just minutes from the Casco Antiguo, to the wild, untouched coves you'll need to hike to reach. Whether you're staying in a holiday rental in Benidorm for a week or just passing through, these are the places I'd take my own family.
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Find rentals →Cala del Tío Ximo: The Locals' Favourite You've Never Heard Of
This is the one I always mention first when visitors ask where the locals actually swim. Cala del Tío Ximo sits just around the headland from Mal Pas beach, tucked beneath the old town promontory. It's small — maybe 80 metres of coarse sand and smooth pebbles — but the water clarity here is extraordinary. On a calm September morning, you can see the seabed at four metres depth.
Getting there requires a short walk along the rocky coastal path that begins near the foot of the old town cliff. It takes about 12 minutes from the old town plaza. There are no sunbed rentals, no bars, and no toilets. Bring everything you need. That's exactly why it's wonderful.
Best for: Snorkellers, couples, anyone who wants a genuinely quiet swim Parking: Use the paid car park near Balcón del Mediterráneo and walk down
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Cala de Finestrat: The Underrated Gem Just 4km Away
Head south along the coast from Benidorm and within ten minutes you'll reach Cala de Finestrat, a proper little beach in the adjacent village of Finestrat. This cala has fine golden sand, calm water sheltered by the bay, and a handful of excellent chiringuitos (beach bars). The famous El Tros restaurant sits right on the sand here — the arroz a banda (rice with seafood) is the best I've had on this stretch of coast.
Cala de Finestrat is busiest in July and August, but in September it genuinely feels like a different place. You can get a sunbed and umbrella, the water sports rental is still running, and the walk along the beachfront promenade is lovely in the evening.
Getting there: Bus line 10 from Benidorm runs frequently. By car, take the CV-70 towards Finestrat — there's a free car park a short walk from the beach.
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Playa del Torres: The Long-Distance Walker's Reward
If you follow the coastal path north from Poniente beach past the Benidorm Island viewpoint, you'll eventually reach Playa del Torres near Rincón de Loix. Most people turn back before getting here — which means on a Tuesday in September, you might have this 200-metre stretch of sand almost entirely to yourself.
The beach itself is backed by low scrubland and faces directly west, making it absolutely spectacular for sunset watching. The rocky reef at the northern end is brilliant for snorkelling — I've seen octopus, sea bream, and once, memorably, a large moray eel.
Walk time from Poniente: Around 35-40 minutes one way Facilities: None — this is a wild beach. Pack water.
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Isla de Benidorm: The Snorkelling Paradise You Can Boat To
Technically not a secret, but massively underused as a swimming destination. The Isla de Benidorm sits about 3km offshore and is a protected marine reserve. Boats depart from the port area regularly — the round trip costs around €10-12 per adult and takes about 20 minutes each way.
The island has a small pebble beach on its southern side, but the real draw is the water. The marine reserve status means fish populations are extraordinary — parrotfish, dentex, sea bass, and enormous schools of bogues. Snorkelling here in September, with warm water and excellent visibility, is genuinely one of the best experiences on the entire Costa Blanca.
Boats stop running around 6pm in September, so plan accordingly. The last boat back fills up fast.
Pro tip: Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. The weekend crowds are noticeably bigger.
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Cala de la Almadrava: The Hiker's Secret
This one requires effort, and that's the whole point. Cala de la Almadrava lies within the Sierra Helada Natural Park, which stretches north of Benidorm towards Altea. To reach it, you'll take the hiking trail that begins at the Faro de la Punta de l'Aguila lighthouse car park.
The path down to the cala takes about 25 minutes each way and involves some scrambling on loose rock — not suitable for young children or anyone without decent footwear. But what's waiting at the bottom is extraordinary: a horseshoe-shaped inlet of deep turquoise water, completely sheltered from the wind, with a small shingle beach and towering limestone cliffs on three sides.
In September, the morning light hits the cliffs at a perfect angle between 9-11am, turning everything amber. I've brought a picnic and spent entire mornings here. There are no facilities whatsoever.
What to bring: Water, sunscreen, snorkel gear, proper shoes Car park: Free parking at Faro de la Punta de l'Aguila, off the N-332
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Practical Tips for Beach-Hopping Around Benidorm in September
Water temperature: September water in Benidorm averages 25-27°C — warmer than most of the summer thanks to accumulated heat. It's genuinely the best month to swim.
Crowds: Levante and Poniente can still be busy on weekends in early September, but the hidden calas are noticeably quieter than they were in August.
Safety: The wild calas have no lifeguards and no emergency services nearby. Always check weather and sea conditions before heading to remote spots. The app Windy.com is what I use.
Snorkelling: Bring your own mask and fins. Rental equipment is available on Levante and Poniente, but not at the hidden spots. The Decathlon in Benidorm retail park sells decent beginner snorkel sets for around €25.
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Stay Close to the Best Swimming on the Costa Blanca
The key to exploring all these beaches properly is having a good base. Staying in a self-catering holiday rental in Benidorm gives you the flexibility to head out early before the day-trippers arrive and to pack your own picnic for the more remote calas.
Browse our Benidorm apartments and villas — and book direct with JV Properties to save up to 18% compared to what you'd pay on Airbnb. No booking fees, no service charges, just honest pricing direct from the owner.
September in Benidorm is genuinely special. The heat is still there, the water is perfect, and the tourist crowds are starting to thin. Go find a cala that's just yours.
