Playa del Postiguet, Alicante

Beach in Alicante

Playa del Postiguet, with Castle in Background
Playa del Postiguet
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Eduardo Manchon

Playa del Postiguet is Alicante's signature city beach, sitting right at the foot of Benacantil hill and Santa Bárbara Castle, and only a few minutes on foot from the historic centre and the Explanada promenade. It's an urban beach with soft sand and generally gentle water, making it one of the easiest places in the city to mix sightseeing with a swim.

For first-timers, the best way to experience Postiguet is to treat it as a walking-tour anchor: start in the Old Town, stroll the Explanada and waterfront, then drop down to the sand for a late-morning break or a sunset finish with the castle above you. If you want a quieter feel, come early, especially in summer when the central location makes it the most popular beach in town.

History and Significance of the Playa del Postiguet

Postiguet's importance is inseparable from Alicante's geography. The beach lies directly below Santa Bárbara Castle, a defining landmark that has watched over the city for centuries, and it sits beside the port and main promenades that shaped Alicante's modern identity as a seafront city. Visiting Postiguet gives you a “map in real life” moment: castle above, marina nearby, and the historic core immediately behind you.

In practical terms, Postiguet has become the city's most emblematic “public living room” by the sea. Its central placement makes it a default meeting point for locals and a natural first beach for visitors-especially those who want a swim without committing to a longer trip out to other coastal stretches.

Things to See and Do in the Playa del Postiguet

Start with the simple pleasure: a swim with a castle backdrop. The calm-water feel is one reason Postiguet works well for a quick dip between museum visits, long lunches, or an evening paseo, and it's also a solid spot for relaxed sunbathing when you want convenience over seclusion.

Then walk it like a local. Pair the sand with a promenade circuit-Postiguet to the Explanada and back-so you get palms, sea views, and that lively Alicante atmosphere without needing a plan. In summer, you'll typically find more seasonal services on the beach, which adds a bit of “holiday resort” energy right in the city centre.

How to Get to the Playa del Postiguet

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) is the nearest airport; from there, you can reach central Alicante by public transport and continue on foot or by local connections to Postiguet. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Alicante on Booking.com.

If you arrive by rail, Alicante-Terminal is the main station for longer-distance services, and from there the beach is a straightforward taxi, bus, or walk depending on luggage and heat. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio..

Within the city, tram and bus options are convenient, and the central location means many visitors simply walk from the Old Town or the Explanada. The official tourist listing also notes tram stops at Mercado and Puerta del Mar, plus multiple bus lines serving the area.

Driving is feasible, but central parking can be tight in peak season, so it's often more efficient to park once and do Postiguet as part of a walkable loop with the seafront and historic centre. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you..

Practical Tips on Visiting the Playa del Postiguet

  • Entrance fee:
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website: https://alicanteturismo.com/en/playas/postiguet-beach/
  • Best time to visit: Early morning for space and softer light, or late afternoon into sunset for a cooler, more atmospheric promenade-and-swim combo.
  • How long to spend: Plan 45-90 minutes for a quick swim and stroll, or 2-3 hours if you want a proper beach session plus a promenade loop.
  • Accessibility: Look for the main access points and level promenade routes; seasonal assistance/services may operate at designated entrances.
  • Facilities: Expect an urban-beach setup with nearby cafés, promenade seating, and seasonal beach services in peak months.

Where to Stay Close to the Playa del Postiguet

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in Alicante's Old Town/Centro so you can walk to museums, tapas streets, and the waterfront; if your trip is mainly “beach first,” consider staying closer to the seafront for quick sand-and-swim access.

If you want to be steps from the water and the marina, Meliá Alicante is a convenient, classic choice for beach-and-city breaks. For a similarly prime waterfront position with an easy walk into the historic core, INNSiDE by Meliá Alicante Porta Maris is well placed for sunrise walks and quick dips before sightseeing.

If you prefer a smaller, atmospheric stay in the Old Town streets (still within easy walking distance of Postiguet), Hotel Boutique Alicante Palacete S.XVII suits travellers who want character and a more local feel while keeping the beach close.

Is the Playa del Postiguet Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially if you want a beach you can reach on foot from Alicante's main sights. It's not the wild, empty-coast version of the Mediterranean, but as a central, good-looking, low-effort beach with a castle backdrop, it delivers exactly what most travellers need.

Honest pivot: if you're chasing quiet coves, dramatic scenery, or a “get away from the city” beach day, Postiguet can feel too urban and busy in peak season-choose an outing to a less central beach instead, and keep Postiguet as a quick stroll-and-photo stop.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (3,678)

Reviewers describe a long, easily accessible city beach with soft, generally clean sand, calm water, and a pleasant promenade, popular for walking, jogging, sunrise views, and relaxing. Families appreciate the play areas and sports facilities, along with nearby cafés and amenities like foot-wash taps. Common drawbacks include limited shade, crowding on sunny days, occasional seaweed and odors near the waterline, and complaints about dirty toilets.

Arun Kumar A
2 weeks ago
"Excellent beach on looking the castle Santa Barbara. Very long beach with an easy access from city centre. Nice place to relax after a long walkexploring the city. The rock path to walk amid the sea was soothing. The 3D flooring was an instant hit with my kids. Lots of play area for kids and volleyball courts are available too. Must visit beach...."
Sonya Stoyanova
3 months ago
"The sand is really soft and clean. The water is quite good too. There are lots of people in the evening/early night jogging, playing volley and othersports. There isn’t a lot of shade but you can always find a palm tree to hide under. ☀️..."
Tony Spyrou
4 months ago
"Lovely beach calm water nice soft sand plenty of sunbeds lovely beach side cafe nice staff. Lovely spot to see the sunrise . One negative are thetoilets they are filthy shouldn’t be opened look forward to return..."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Postiguet works well for families because it's close to everything: bathrooms, food options, and an easy “leave whenever you want” exit plan. That convenience matters more than people expect, especially with tired kids or changing weather.

Aim for earlier hours so you can claim a comfortable spot and keep the experience calmer. Pair it with a short promenade walk and a simple snack break rather than trying to force a full-day beach marathon in the hottest part of summer.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Postiguet is at its best as an “in-between” moment rather than the main event: a late-afternoon swim, a slow walk along the waterfront, then dinner in the Old Town. The setting-sea in front, castle above-does a lot of the work for you.

If you want the most romantic feel, prioritize golden-hour light and finish with a viewpoint moment (even if you don't go all the way up to the castle). It's a simple, low-planning date-night anchor.

Budget Travelers

It's hard to beat Postiguet for value: a prime-location beach day that costs nothing, right beside Alicante's most walkable areas. You can combine it with free city wandering and keep transport costs close to zero.

Bring what you need (water, towel, simple snacks) and treat it as your “reset button” between more structured sightseeing stops. If you're watching spending, this is one of the easiest wins in Alicante.

FAQs for Visiting Playa del Postiguet

Getting There

It’s the central city beach at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle, right by the waterfront and close to the Explanada. You can reach it easily on foot from the Old Town and most central hotels.
Head toward the seafront via the Explanada area, then follow the promenade until the sand opens up in front of you. It’s a straightforward, signposted walk with plenty of cafés along the way.
The simplest option is a taxi if you have luggage or it’s very hot. If you’re travelling light, you can also walk it as a city-centre route and arrive ready for a swim.

Visiting Experience

Even 30-45 minutes works if you mainly want the view, a quick paddle, and a promenade stroll. It’s a good “reset stop” between city sights.
Yes, because it’s central and gives you the classic Alicante coastal feel without a detour. It fits neatly into a one-day loop with the Old Town and castle viewpoints.
Link it with the Explanada promenade and the Old Town for a compact, very “Alicante” circuit. Add a short viewpoint stop if you want a stronger sense of the city’s layout.
It’s best when the weather allows you to swim or linger, but it can still be pleasant for a brisk sea walk. If it’s windy, treat it as a photo-and-prominade stop rather than a beach session.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Often, yes-because it’s a natural landmark on the city’s seafront and close to major sights. Even self-guided routes tend to pass through the promenade area.
Most travellers are fine independently since the beach is easy to navigate and naturally connects to nearby attractions. A guide adds value mainly for the broader Alicante story rather than the beach itself.
Do a waterfront stroll, cut into the Old Town for a few streets of atmosphere, then return via the Explanada. It’s flexible and works in almost any direction.

Photography

Yes-your best shots usually combine sea, palms, and the castle slope in one frame. It’s a reliable place for classic “Alicante postcard” angles.
Early morning gives cleaner light and fewer people, while late afternoon often delivers warmer tones and a more dramatic sky. Sunset can be especially rewarding from the promenade.
Try framing the sand and shoreline with Santa Bárbara Castle above for the unmistakable signature shot. The promenade also offers clean lines for wide, panoramic images.

Accessibility & Facilities

The promenade routes are generally straightforward and the beach has designated access points, though conditions can vary by season and setup. If accessibility is central to your plan, use the main entrances and check local signage on arrival.
Yes-promenade seating and nearby cafés make it easy to pause without committing to a long stay on the sand. It’s one reason Postiguet works well for mixed-energy days.

Food & Breaks Nearby

The promenade and nearby Old Town edges are the easiest places to find quick, casual options. If you want more choice, drift back toward the Explanada area.
Alicante’s central food scene is close enough that you can do beach first, then tapas or a sit-down meal without needing transport. Postiguet is ideal for building a “swim-then-eat” rhythm.

Safety & Timing

Generally, yes-the central waterfront tends to stay active and well-trafficked. As in any city, keep standard awareness with valuables, especially in crowded periods.
Morning is calmer and more spacious, while late day is livelier and often cooler. Choose morning for ease, evening for vibe.

Nearby Attractions to the Playa del Postiguet

  • Santa Bárbara Castle: Alicante's landmark fortress above the beach, with big views and a strong sense of the city's history.
  • Explanada de España: The iconic palm-lined promenade that's perfect for an easy, scenic walk near the waterfront.
  • Alicante Old Town (El Barrio): Atmospheric lanes, tapas spots, and small squares that make an excellent pre- or post-beach wander.
  • Marina and Harbourfront: A relaxed waterside area for strolling, people-watching, and boat-side cafés.
  • Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante (MACA): A compact museum option close to the centre, ideal when you want culture without a long detour.

The Playa del Postiguet appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Alicante!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Address: Playa del Postiguet, Spain
Alicante: 1 km
Official Website

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