What makes Levante Beach special?

Levante Beach has received multiple awards for cleanliness and environmental protection in 2025.

Levante was named “Europe’s cleanest beach” in a 2025 international professional article listing Europe’s cleanest sea beaches, highlighting its clean water and family-friendly environment.

In addition, Benidorm—including Levante, Poniente, Mal Pas, and the smaller coves—received five Qualitur certifications in 2025 for ecological and service excellence.

What’s more, Levante, Poniente, and Mal Pas beaches have also renewed their Ecoplayas certification in 2025, recognizing their water quality, sand, and services.

Now let’s see why Levante beach has become a favorite of both tourists and locals:

• Cleanliness and safety: The Levante coast and its waters are extremely clean, with the sand being cleaned every day. The beach has lifeguards along its entire length to ensure safety, and first aid stations are also in operation during the season, so you can enjoy swimming with peace of mind. The waves are generally moderate, the designated swimming area is marked by buoys, and colorful signal flags along the shore indicate the current condition of the water (e.g., whether it is safe to swim). All of this is ideal for families with small children.
• Excellent infrastructure: The infrastructure of Levante Beach is exemplary. Countless sun loungers and parasols can be rented in neat rows, and showers, changing rooms, and paved walkways add to the comfort. The seafront promenade, lined with palm trees, runs along the beach and is full of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, so a delicious lunch or refreshing cocktail is just a few steps away. In the evenings, the promenade fills with holidaymakers strolling with ice cream cones, enjoying the bubbly atmosphere and the view of the sea.
• Family-friendly experiences: Levante is an excellent choice for families. Children can splash around safely in the shallow water along the shore, and there are several playgrounds and climbing frames for the little ones in the sand. In summer, floating play platforms are often installed in the water, where children can jump and slide. The fine sand of the beach is also perfect for building castles, so the whole family can have fun.
• Water sports and entertainment: If you are looking for active recreation, Levante also has a lot to offer in this area. You can try out various water sports at several points along the coast: jet skiing, banana boating, parasailing (parachute towing by motorboat) and paddleboard rental are all available. You can also go diving and snorkeling at the nearby rocky areas. Paragliding over the sea offers a wonderful panorama of Benidorm’s skyscrapers and the mountains behind them – an unforgettable experience! During the day, you can play beach volleyball or soccer in the designated areas, and in the evening, the beach and promenade take on the rhythm of a bustling nightlife, with street performers and music bars.
• Vibrant atmosphere: Levante Beach is often referred to as the “never-sleeping” stretch of coastline. It is bustling with life during the peak summer season – filled with sunbathers and swimmers during the day, and in the evening, music and laughter filtering out from the surrounding bars and clubs create a Mediterranean atmosphere. There is always something going on here: water aerobics in the morning, beach volleyball tournaments in the afternoon, and live music or fireworks at night. Levante’s bustling day and night environment offers an exciting experience for those who love excitement and social life.

Poniente Beach – Peace and quiet and a family-friendly atmosphere

Poniente Beach is Benidorm’s other main beach, stretching over 3 km on the western side of the city. It is the longest beach in Benidorm and is typically quieter than the bustling Levante. Its wide sandy shore always offers a place to relax, even in high season.

In terms of infrastructure, Poniente is not far behind: it has full services, so visitors’ comfort is guaranteed. Its modern, wave-shaped promenade is architecturally spectacular, designed by Carlos Ferrater, and winds colorfully along the coast. There are numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars along the promenade, but overall it is more relaxed and low-key than the Levante side. There are plenty of showers, toilets, sunbed and parasol rental facilities on the beach, and several playgrounds and sports fields have been set up along the length of the beach. A special feature is that there is even a beach library and a shaded reading corner for those who want to read on the sand. Of course, there is also a lifeguard service and first aid station, and the beach is completely barrier-free, so guests with limited mobility can also enjoy the sea without any problems.

Poniente is also an excellent place for long walks: you can enjoy the sea view and the fresh sea breeze as you walk along the entire coastline. In the evenings, the sunsets are fabulous here – the setting sun bathes the sand and waves in golden light, while the modern cityscape of Benidorm stands out in the background. If you’re looking for a romantic atmosphere or a family evening stroll, the soft evening lights of Poniente create the perfect atmosphere. Here you can really unwind at the end of an eventful day.

Hidden gems: Benidorm’s secluded coves and small beaches

Benidorm is not just about its two main beaches – there are several smaller, hidden coves and beaches in the area that offer a quieter, more intimate experience. These gems are often favorites of locals or tourists who want to avoid the crowds and take a dip in the sea in a more natural setting. Below are some of Benidorm’s hidden beaches that are worth visiting if you’re looking for something special.

The small Cala Mal Pas cove below Benidorm’s old town: a golden sandy beach with a charming atmosphere, set against the backdrop of the Balcón del Mediterráneo (Balcony of the Mediterranean) cliff.

Cala Mal Pas: This tiny, 120-meter bay is tucked away at the foot of the rocky promontory (Punta Canfali) separating Levante and Poniente beaches, just below the old town – the famous Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint. Its golden sandy beach has a calm and intimate atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the large beaches. It can be reached via a staircase from the old town, and it is well worth the effort: Mal Pas offers spectacular views of Benidorm Island (Isla de Benidorm), which rises out of the sea not far from the coast. The waters around the island are a nature reserve (La Llosa Underwater Reserve), making it a favorite spot for divers and snorkelers. Cala Mal Pas beach is generally quiet and peaceful, ideal for couples or anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. As it is a small beach, services are limited (a few sun loungers, a small buffet nearby), but that’s what gives it its charm. If you’re in Benidorm, be sure to walk down here for a quick dip or a photo opportunity – it’s a real hidden oasis in the heart of the city.

Cala Tío Ximo: At the northern end of Levante beach, beneath the steep cliffs of Sierra Helada National Park, lies this secluded, romantic cove. Cala Tío Ximo is only about 60 meters long, and its natural, rocky environment offers a completely different experience from the long city beaches. It is covered with a combination of sand and rocks, and its waters are crystal clear and calm, allowing you to see the beautiful rocks underwater. The coast is rich in wildlife, with many fish swimming around, making Cala Tío Ximo the perfect place for snorkeling – put on your diving goggles and you’ll feel like you’re in an aquarium! As it is a secluded bay, few people know about it, so it is relatively quiet even in high season. There are only minimal services here (a few parasols and deck chairs can be rented in summer), and there are no bars or restaurants on the beach, so it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks with you. Cala Tío Ximo is officially a natural nudist beach, so you may encounter sunbathing naturists here, but the place is visited by both nudists and non-nudists. If you like wild nature and tranquility, visit here for a morning swim or before sunset, when the last rays of the sun paint the rocks red.

• Cala Almadrava: Also at the foot of the Sierra Helada, not far from Tío Ximo Bay, is the tiny beach of Cala Almadrava. This approximately 100-meter-long rocky-concrete coastline is a real hidden treasure for nature lovers. The water is similarly clear and generally calm, the seabed is rocky and rich in marine life – snorkeling is also worthwhile here, as you can observe shells and fish in the crystal-clear water. A path leads down to Almadrava Beach between the rocks, so few tourists come here; it is more popular with adventurous travelers and local fishermen. There is practically no infrastructure here (except for a few seasonal sun loungers), but the view and the close-to-nature experience make up for everything. If you are looking for peace and quiet and unspoiled surroundings, Cala Almadrava is the perfect choice for a little getaway. Don’t forget to bring everything you might need (water, sunscreen, towels), because here you can really get away from civilization for a while.