Playa del Postiguet, Alicante
The verdict
- Best for: City breakers who want a free, easy swim within walking distance of the old town, the marina and the tapas bars, with no car and no fuss.
- Best spot: The castle end nearest the old town for the shortest walk in, or the wider central sand for room to lay a towel.
- Know this: Postiguet is brilliantly convenient but small and busy. For a longer, less packed free day, ride the tram up to San Juan.
Published 14 April 2026. Last reviewed 6 June 2026
Postiguet is the city beach that almost every Alicante visitor ends up on, and for good reason. It sits right below the Santa Barbara castle, a short stroll from the old town, the marina and the station, fronted by a palm lined promenade and backed by the whole city. You can swim, dry off, and be eating tapas in the casco antiguo within ten minutes. For a free beach this central and this easy to reach, it is genuinely hard to beat on convenience.
What it is not is big or quiet. The strip of golden sand is only a few hundred metres long and it fills fast in summer, especially at weekends and during the June fiestas, when the whole city seems to pour onto it. The water is the calm, shallow Mediterranean of this coast, well watched in season, but you are swimming in a busy urban setting rather than escaping to nature. That is the trade. You gain unbeatable access and lose space and calm.
For value, Postiguet is the obvious choice if you have no car and want a free swim folded into a city break, since the tram and your own two feet get you there for nothing. The honest steer is this: if you want a longer, wider, less crowded beach day, do not fight for a towel space here. Ride the TRAM a few stops north to San Juan, where the same free Mediterranean sand runs for kilometres with room to spare. Use Postiguet for the quick dip, save San Juan for the full day.
Clubs on this beach
Postiguet runs on promenade bars and seasonal balnearios rather than glossy clubs. Names and terms change through the year, so check the current options in our Costa Blanca beach clubs directory.
Postiguet promenade bars
The palm promenade behind the sand carries seasonal beach bars and balnearios with drinks, snacks and sunbed hire at city prices. Specific operators, opening status and terms change through the year and are to be confirmed before you visit.
Beach bars up at San Juan
For a longer beach with more bar and sunbed choice, the San Juan strip north of the city carries a wider spread of seasonal operators. Names and terms vary by season and are to be confirmed.
Postiguet sits below the Santa Barbara castle, a short walk from Alicante old town, the marina and the main railway and bus stations. The TRAM light rail stops close by, so the easiest and cheapest arrival is on foot or by tram rather than driving into the city centre.
If you do need to park, use a paid city car park rather than circling for a space near the front. Bring sun cream, water and a parasol from a supermarket, and remember the tapas bars of the old town behind the beach are far better value than the seafront terraces.
Reserve a day at Playa del Postiguet
Tell us the date and party and we will match you to a beach bar or club on or near Postiguet and pass on your request. No charge to enquire.
Common questions
Is Playa del Postiguet free?
Yes. Postiguet is a free public city beach in central Alicante. You pay only for a hired sunbed and parasol or for food and drink on the promenade. Bring a towel and shade and the beach itself costs nothing.
Is Postiguet or San Juan the better beach in Alicante?
Postiguet wins on convenience, a short walk or tram ride from the old town and the port. San Juan is longer, wider and less crowded, better for a full beach day, but needs a tram or bus to reach. For a quick free swim in the city, Postiguet is the value pick.
How do you get to Playa del Postiguet?
Postiguet sits below the Santa Barbara castle, a short walk from Alicante old town, the marina and the main station. The TRAM light rail stops nearby, so there is no need to pay for city centre parking.
Is Playa del Postiguet good for families?
Yes for a city beach. The sand is soft, the water is typically calm and shallow, and there are seasonal lifeguards, showers and accessible ramps. It is busy and urban rather than spacious, so keep an eye on children in the crowds. Conditions are typical rather than guaranteed.
When is the best time to visit Playa del Postiguet?
May, June, September and early October give warm, calm water and a beach you can move on. The Bonfires of Saint John in June bring big crowds and fireworks to the seafront, lively but very busy, so plan around the dates.
