There are beaches that simply exist, waiting for visitors. And then there’s La Roda beach in Altea: lively, balanced, loved by locals and surprising for anyone who visits for the first time. It’s the most recognisable image on Altea’s coastline and, rightly so, one of the most sought-after each year by both residents and travellers.
Just a short walk from Altea’s old town, this urban beach strikes an almost perfect balance between comfort and natural beauty. It’s clean, well-kept, with water that invites you to dive in and a vibrant seafront promenade alongside every step. If you haven’t been yet, you’re probably missing out on one of the finest spots on the entire Costa Blanca.
And if you have visited, you’ll understand why so many people keep coming back.
Where La Roda beach is and how to get there
La Roda beach sits in the heart of Altea, right to the south of the marina and running alongside the main seafront promenade. It’s the most central beach in town and the easiest to reach on foot.
By car: follow signs for Puerto de Altea or Playa de la Roda. Paid parking nearby and free parking near the port if you arrive early.
By public transport: take the TRAM from Benidorm or Alicante and get off at the Altea stop. From there it’s a 7-minute walk.
Where to park
Free parking near the port if you arrive early. Paid blue zone on Avenida del Puerto and surrounding streets. In high season, arriving before 11am is strongly recommended.
What La Roda beach is like
La Roda is a pebble and fine gravel beach – no sand. The stones keep the water cleaner and clearer than most sandy beaches on the coast. The seabed slopes gradually, comfortable to enter though it gets deep fairly quickly.
The beach is wide enough to feel open even in summer, though it fills up in peak season. What sets it apart is the atmosphere: never as hectic as beaches like Levante in Benidorm. The pace here is quieter, more local.
Services and facilities
Showers and footbaths along the promenade. Sun lounger and umbrella hire in summer. Lifeguards active in high season. Accessible wooden walkways. Bars and restaurants on the promenade. Free public toilets nearby.
What to do near La Roda
The beach is just the starting point. Right next to it, Altea’s old town rises up the hill – cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, the iconic blue-domed church, viewpoints over the bay. One of the most photogenic old towns on the Costa Blanca, and you can walk there in under ten minutes.
The seafront promenade connects the beach to the port and stretches north. Perfect for an evening walk, especially at sunset.
Frequently asked questions
Is it good for children?
Yes, though the sea entry is a little deeper than on sandy beaches. Lifeguards and showers on site, and the promenade has shade and benches. Well suited to families with children over five.
Is there sand?
No. The surface is pebbles and fine gravel. This keeps the water cleaner but water shoes are recommended for comfort.
Is it busy or quiet?
Depends on the time of year. In July and August there’s more footfall, but it remains much quieter than beaches like Levante in Benidorm.
Discover Altea from its coastal heart
Visiting Altea without passing through La Roda means missing the soul of the town. It’s where locals swim in the morning, where families gather in the evening, and where visitors realise that Altea is something more than just a pretty old town on a hill.
