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Looking for clean, well-tended beaches sloping gently into the sea for safe family swimming? Look no further. Spain boasts the highest number of blue flag beaches in the world, picking up 520 awards in 2010. Moraira is a great example of that and with crystal clear waters why go anywhere else.

Platja del Portet is a quiet, picturesque cove with fine sand and crystal-clear water, lying between the port of Moraira and Cap d`Or Tower, which you can climb up to, it is closely bounded by headlands, which give it a dramatic feel, and a splendid vista, the gently shelving sheltered beach makes it ideal for children. Almost like a Caribbean bay, as the water is turquoise, the road to it is winding, and the hills are covered with pine trees. There are some cafes/restaurants along the front, and just above, overlooking the bay the excellent Dauphin restaurant. Blue Flag beach, lifeguard on duty from 11:00-19:00h everyday in the season, showers, large car park, and various water sport activities available.
How to get there: Follow the Del Portet Avenue out of Moraira, north along the coast. Portet is about a kilometre along the road, at the end of the road.

Platja de l’Ampolla – of golden sand – (Moraira beach), it is the largest and most popular beach in the area, with an excellent range of facilities including beach bars, sunbeds & hammocks, wash rooms, showers, and various water sport activities including Jet Ski and boat excursions, and beach games. As you are in the resort then you have a huge selection of bar, cafes, restaurants, shops etc at hand, and plenty of parking. Blue Flag beach, lifeguard on duty from 11:00-19:00h everyday in the season.
How to get there: As you approach Moraira the parking is to the south of the centre of town.

Platgetes – This sandy/rocky beach runs parallel to the Moraira/Calpe coast road, with a beautiful long promenade to stroll along and a good variety of bars and restaurants nearby. There is plenty of designated parking, and a Red Cross lifeguard team are in close proximity. This is an ideal area to find quieter, more private spots to spend the day on the beach, and you can pop into the various nearby bars for refreshments, or take a leisurely lunch.
How to get there: As you leave Moraira, towards Calpe on the coastal road, you will see various parking spots for the beach.

Platge del Andrag. This Cove is very relaxed, and a quiet beach, perfect for fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, and any sort of water sport. It has a very long coastal walk, with beautiful views of the cliff edges and the Mediterranean shoreline. Also, the famous ‘Algas’ beach bar is located here where you have to go for the ‘sun-downer’ and anything else that takes your fancy – well worth a visit.
How to get there: As you leave Moraira, towards Calpe on the coastal road, you will see various parking spots for the beach, past Platgetes beach.

Cap Blanc & Punta de l’Estrella The rest of the coastline up to Cap Blanc is an area full of dramatic cliffs, coves and secluded beaches, with excellent viewpoints. Cap Blanc itself is a quiet rocky beach with spectacular cliffs and magnificent views along the Mediterranean shoreline to the Rock at Calpe.
How to get there: From the Moraira to Calpe coast road, take the turning by the Pepe la Sal Supermarket, and drive through the pine forest to reach the Cap Blanc cliff top. From here you will find one road that winds down to a small parking area near the sea with a flight of stairs leading down to a sunbathing and diving spot. In the summer there is a ladder to assist you in and out of the water. The sea is particularly clear here, a real paradise for divers and snorkellers.

Cumbre del Sol This hidden gem is a favourite of ours, but not ideal for small children. Two hazards – large pebbles, so flip-flops needed or you do an unusual dance, and the far end is a nudist section!
The joy of this beach is that it drops away dramatically, so perfect for snorkelling and exploring the lovely life under the water.
How to get there: Follow signs to the ‘Cumbre del Sol’, which is the development on top of the highest mountain – you can’t miss it. Once there follow sign to ‘Playa’ (beach) and it will bring you to to a cutting and down onto the small bay, where there is plenty of parking.

Susan Bradshaw works for Villaspain, a villa rental company that not only deals with luxury villas in the Costa Blanca area but also provides a wealth of information about the various activities and experiences this beautiful and underestimated area has to offer. Everything you need to know on one site.