Playa de San Juan is a short drive from Alicante’s city centre, but is impeccably clean with crystal-clear waters and a leisurely atmosphere unaffected by the recent tourism developments on nearby beaches. Local bars and cafés have taken up prime position along the beach’s promenade and offer traditional food from the region as well as cool drinks, such as sangria. This stretch of the Costa Blanca is the most popular beach in Alicante. Despite this, it’s not difficult to find your own private patch along the wide sand.

The warm Mediterranean sun can get quite intense in the warmer months, so find some shade under the tall palms. Hire a sun umbrella from one of the beach stalls if you plan to spend the day and hire a lounge or deck chair to ensure complete comfort and relaxation.

Many of the restaurants, bars and shops are located at the city end of the beach. Vendors wander up and down the beach, so you can purchase cold drinks, snacks and even sunglasses without having to leave your seat!

Cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear Playa de San Juan waters. The shallow waters are ideal for young children and families to play and swim. Hire watersports equipment from the esplanade. Try out windsurfing and explore the water by skimming across the waves with the wind in your hair. Hire a ball and set up a match of beach volleyball or play beach soccer with the locals. The Alicante Golf Course is located just behind the beachfront.

Playa de San Juan beach is situated a 20-minute tram ride away from the Alicante city centre. It’s a quick 6-kilometre (4-mile) drive if you come by car. Parking is available behind the promenade for a small price. Playa de San Juan is open to the public day and night. There is no fee to use the beach.