Benidorm's Best Beaches: Levante, Poniente & the Secret Coves You Need to Know

Ask most people what they picture when they think of Benidorm, and they'll say sun, skyscrapers, and sand. They're not wrong — Benidorm's beaches are genuinely world-class. After a decade living here, I still find myself stopping mid-walk to appreciate the view: that enormous sweep of golden sand, the turquoise Mediterranean, and yes, the dramatic skyline that makes Benidorm unlike anywhere else on the Costa Blanca.

But there's a lot more than the two famous strips. In June, when the water is a perfect 22–24°C and the summer peak hasn't quite hit yet, it's the ideal time to properly explore every beach Benidorm has to offer. Let me break it down for you.

Playa de Levante: The Iconic One

Let's start with the big one. Playa de Levante stretches for around 1,800 metres along the east side of town and is almost certainly what you've seen on every postcard. It's broad, well-maintained (Blue Flag every year without fail), and backed by the full Benidorm skyline — genuinely one of the most dramatic beach backdrops in Europe.

In June, Levante is buzzing but not yet at the shoulder-to-shoulder chaos of late July. You'll find sunbeds for rent from around €8–10 per day, beach volleyball courts near the northern end, and a string of chiringuitos (beach bars) where a cold Estrella Damm costs about €2.50. The water here is calm and shallow at the shoreline, which makes it good for families with younger children.

My honest tip: arrive before 10am or after 5pm to get a spot without fighting for it. The beach is longest and widest at the southern end, near the old town rock — that's where I'd head first.

Playa de Poniente: The Calmer Alternative

Playa de Poniente is Levante's quieter sibling, stretching about 2 kilometres along the western side of the headland. It faces southwest, which means it catches the afternoon and evening sun beautifully — sunset from Poniente in June is genuinely spectacular, especially around 9pm when the light turns golden.

Poniente tends to attract a slightly more local, residential crowd. The promenade here is lovely for an evening walk, lined with proper Spanish cafés where you can get a menu del día for €12–14. The beach itself is slightly narrower than Levante but feels less touristy. There's good free parking nearby on Calle Gambo (get there before 9am in June if you want a spot).

For couples or anyone wanting a slightly more relaxed vibe, Poniente is my personal recommendation over Levante.

Playa del Mal Pas: Benidorm's Best-Kept Secret

Now here's where things get interesting. Playa del Mal Pas sits tucked in between the two main beaches, right at the base of the old town rock (Peñón de Benidorm — the big headland that splits the bay). It's a small, gravelly cove that most visitors walk straight past.

Mal Pas has no sunbed rental, no beach bars, and no facilities to speak of — which is exactly why I love it. In June, you can often find a quiet corner here even on a busy day. The water is crystal clear (it's sheltered by the headland), and snorkelling around the rocks is genuinely excellent — I've spotted octopus, sea bream, and moray eels here over the years.

To get there, walk through the old town, pass the church of San Jaime y Santa Ana, and take the path that descends toward the sea on the east side of the headland. It's a 5-minute walk but most tourists never bother. Their loss.

Cala de Finestrat: Five Minutes Away, Worlds Apart

Strictly speaking, Cala de Finestrat is just outside the Benidorm boundary — it's actually in the municipality of Finestrat — but it's a 5-minute drive or a pleasant 20-minute walk along the coast path from the southern end of Poniente.

This is a small, horseshoe-shaped bay with fine golden sand and extremely clear water. There's one beach bar, La Cala, which does good fresh fish. In June, it's noticeably quieter than either Benidorm main beach, and the surrounding hillside backdrop gives it a completely different feel. If you have a car or don't mind the walk, it's absolutely worth a visit. Parking in the small car park by the beach costs around €1/hour.

Playa de Levante Norte (Rincón de Loix)

At the northern end of Levante, past the main tourist area, the beach continues into the Rincón de Loix neighbourhood. This stretch is much quieter — mostly used by residents of the northern apartment complexes — and the promenade here has some genuinely good, non-touristy restaurants.

If you're staying in an apartment in the Rincón de Loix area, you've got easy access to this calmer section of beach plus a 15-minute walk to the main Levante strip when you want the buzz. Best of both worlds.

Practical Beach Tips for June

• Water temperature: 22–24°C in June — warm enough for swimming, refreshing enough to actually cool you down
• Crowds: Noticeably less than July/August, especially on weekdays
• Sun: Strong by 11am — factor 50 if you're fair-skinned, no question
• Best time to arrive: Before 10am to secure sunbeds and prime position
• Accessibility: Both Levante and Poniente have excellent disabled access, including beach wheelchairs available free from the Red Cross stations
• Parking: Easiest access is by foot if you're staying centrally — another reason to choose a well-located holiday rental in Benidorm

Where to Stay for Beach Access

Beach access in Benidorm is genuinely one of those things where being 10 minutes closer makes a real difference to your day. If you're choosing between a big hotel far from the water and a private apartment close to Levante or Poniente, the apartment wins — every time. You can grab your own towels, make your own breakfast, and walk to the beach in 5 minutes.

We have holiday rental apartments in Benidorm ranging from studios for couples to large apartments for families — all within easy reach of the beaches. Browse available properties and book direct with us: you'll save up to 18% compared to booking through Airbnb or Booking.com, and you get direct support from people who actually live here.

Summer 2026 is filling up fast — June in particular is popular for families who want beaches without the peak-August crowds. Don't leave it too long.

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Questions about specific beaches or which area of Benidorm is best for your group? Drop us a message — we genuinely know this town inside out.