Lounge on a deck chair in the sand, explore deeper waters on a windsurfer and eat lunch brought straight to your towel at Alicante’s most popular beach.

Spotless, peaceful and with simple amenities, this 6-kilometre (4-mile) beach is one of the best you’ll find along the Costa Blanca. It might be near the Alicante city centre but the Playa de San Juan feels pleasantly secluded. Despite the fact that it’s Alicante’s most popular beach, the long, wide stretches of sand mean you can always find a quiet spot to settle down. On weekends the atmosphere is more lively and some visitors come here to party. When it’s time for a meal, walk to the palm-lined promenade that runs along the beach. Here you’ll find bars and cafés with regional cuisine, drinks and plenty of people to meet.

Hire an umbrella and a lounge or deck chair and spend the day relaxing on the beach. You’ll find anything you need for a day by the sea available at rental stands along the sand. Browse the row of restaurants, bars and stores on the west side of the beach or wait for vendors to come out to your spot in the sand. They will sell you cold drinks, sandwiches or even useful trinkets like sunglasses, which will come in handy out on the bright-white strand.

The shallow, clear water at Playa de San Juan makes it an ideal place for swimming and bodysurfing. Young children will love the calm, knee-high water. Hire windsurfing equipment and sail into deeper waters on the sea breeze. Challenge a friend at beach volleyball or participate in a friendly game of beach soccer with some Alicante residents. Play a few holes at the Alicante Golf Club just west of the beach.

Take a 20-minute tram ride from the city centre to reach Playa de San Juan. Designated parking is available for drivers at a small daily rate. Playa de San Juan is free and open to the public.