There is one question we get asked before almost every trip: “Which is the most beautiful cove in Alicante?”

And we always give the same answer: “It depends on how you want to spend your day.”

If you're looking for crystal-clear water and great snorkelling, our answer will probably be different from someone who wants to celebrate a birthday on a boat or enjoy a relaxed lunch anchored beneath the cliffs.

After countless days exploring the Costa Blanca by boat, we've learned something very simple: there is no perfect cove. There is a perfect cove for each person.

That's why this guide isn't about ranking the coves. It's about helping you choose.

Because a great boat trip isn't about visiting as many coves as possible.

It's about reaching the right places, at the right time… and enjoying them without watching the clock.

That's exactly what we try to do at Aguayate every time we head out to sea.

Why discover Alicante by boat?

Many people know Alicante from land. They've walked along the promenade, visited its beaches and perhaps taken a trip to Jávea or Tabarca.

But the sea offers a completely different perspective.

The cliffs seem taller. The water constantly changes colour depending on the light and the seabed. Even the best-known beaches reveal a different side.

And then there are the small caves, rocky walls and hidden corners that simply can't be appreciated from the coast.

There's something that still surprises us, even after so many trips.

When the boat leaves the marina and the noise of the city disappears, everything changes.

People start to relax. Conversations become quieter. Phones stop being the centre of attention.

And the Mediterranean sets the pace.

That's probably the biggest difference between renting a boat in Alicante and simply going to the beach.

You don't just change your location.

You change the way you experience the day.

How we chose these coves

You'll find dozens of lists online featuring the best beaches in Alicante.

Many of them are useful, but almost all are designed for people arriving by car.

We've approached this guide differently: from the perspective of people who spend a large part of the summer exploring this coastline by boat.

To select the best coves to visit by boat in Alicante, we've considered five things.

1. The beauty of the landscape

It's not just about the colour of the water.

We also look at the surroundings, the cliffs, the vegetation and the feeling each place creates.

Some places are beautiful.

Others are the kind of places where everyone goes quiet for a few seconds when they arrive.

Those are the ones we're looking for.

2. The experience from the boat

There are fantastic beaches for spending the day on foot, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're particularly interesting from the sea.

We've focused on coves that are genuinely worth discovering by boat.

3. Water quality

A good cove makes you want to swim.

A great cove makes you want to stay much longer than planned.

That's why we've given plenty of importance to water clarity and the opportunity to snorkel.

4. Peace and quiet

We don't always recommend the most famous places.

Quite often, we'd rather choose a lesser-known spot where the atmosphere is more relaxed.

Because in the end, the best memories are rarely made in a crowd.

5. Our own experience

This is the most important criterion.

Every recommendation in this article answers one very simple question:

Would we take our friends here if we only had one day to show them the Alicante coastline?

If the answer is yes, that cove belongs in this guide.

A tip before we start

There's one mistake we see every summer.

Most people try to visit too many coves in a single day.

On a map, it looks like the perfect plan. In reality, it means spending more time travelling from one place to another than actually enjoying the sea.

Our recommendation is always the same:

Fewer stops, more time.

One long swim is better than three quick ones.

A relaxed lunch on board is better than rushing to reach the next cove.

And floating quietly in the water often becomes the best memory of the day.

If this article convinces you of just one thing, we hope it's that.

Aguayate tip: Want to discover these coves from the sea? Aguayate offers private boat experiences along some of the most beautiful areas of the Costa Blanca, adapting the route to the sea conditions and the kind of day you're looking for.

The 7 Best Coves in Alicante

1. Cala Granadella

The cove that best represents the Costa Blanca

If someone asked us to show them a single image that explains why so many people fall in love with the Costa Blanca, we'd probably choose Cala Granadella.

Not because it's a hidden gem. Quite the opposite.

It's one of the best-known coves in Alicante. And yet, it can still surprise you.

Very few places retain that ability after becoming so popular. Granadella does.

Arriving by boat completely changes the experience.

The bay gradually opens up as pine-covered cliffs appear and the water begins to take on the deep blue colour that makes this part of the coast so recognisable.

It's one of those moments when almost everyone reacts in the same way.

First, they take photos.

Then they put their phones away and simply look around.

It's something we see constantly. And we never get tired of it.

What makes Cala Granadella special?

Beyond the photographs, Granadella has almost everything you'd expect from a Mediterranean cove.

The water is usually very clear for much of the year.

The rocky seabed is ideal for snorkelling.

The cliffs create a natural feeling of shelter that makes the landscape particularly spectacular from the sea.

And when conditions are right, it's one of those places where it's difficult to decide when to get back on the boat.

Is Cala Granadella good for snorkelling?

Yes. In fact, it's one of the first coves we recommend to people who want to discover the underwater world of the Costa Blanca.

You don't need to be an expert. With a mask, snorkel and a little curiosity, you can enjoy the experience enormously.

That said, visibility always depends on sea conditions.

Some days are spectacular, while on others wind or waves can significantly reduce water clarity.

Nature decides. And we think that's part of the charm.

What's the best time to visit?

If we could choose, we'd arrive early.

In the morning, the sea is often calmer, the light brings out the colours of the water and there is generally less activity than during the middle of the day.

During peak season, the difference can be huge. Not only because of the number of boats, but also because of the feeling of calm.

And that sense of peace is part of the experience.

The best of Cala Granadella

• Very clear water for much of the year.
• Excellent for snorkelling.
• Spectacular scenery from the boat.
• One of the most iconic images of the Costa Blanca.
• Perfect for a first boat trip along the coast.

Things to keep in mind

Precisely because it is so beautiful, it is also one of the most popular coves.

During July and August, it can get very busy.

That doesn't mean you should avoid it. It simply means you should plan your timing carefully and not expect to find an empty cove in the middle of summer.

Our opinion

If a friend from another country came to visit us tomorrow and we could only show them one cove in Alicante, Granadella would almost certainly be on the route.

Not because it's the most exclusive or the least known.

But because it perfectly captures what makes this coastline special.

Clear water. Nature. Cliffs.

And that feeling of disconnecting that appears almost without you noticing when the boat switches off its engine and all you can hear is the sea.

Quick facts

📍 Location: Jávea (Xàbia)

🤿 Best for: Snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding and photography

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families: Yes, although arriving early is advisable in summer due to high visitor numbers

🐶 Dogs: No (restrictions apply during the bathing season)

☀️ Best time: Before 9:30 am or later in the afternoon

🧭 Distance from Alicante: 49 nautical miles (≈91 km). Approximate sailing time: 2 h 25 min

⭐ Our rating: 10/10

2. Cala del Portixol

A cove made for taking things slowly

Some places impress you as soon as you arrive. Others reveal their charm little by little.

Cala del Portixol, also known as Cala Barraca, definitely belongs to the second group.

From the boat, the first thing that catches your eye is the small island protecting the bay. Then come the old fishermen's houses with their characteristic blue doors, one of the most photographed corners of the Costa Blanca.

The whole setting has a sense of calm that's difficult to explain until you're actually there.

It's a cove with plenty of character. It doesn't need dramatic cliffs or a huge beach to win you over.

Its charm comes from the balance between nature, history and the sea.

When the Mediterranean is calm, it's one of those places where time seems to move a little more slowly.

What makes Cala del Portixol special?

Unlike some of the wilder coves, this is a place that makes you want to stay.

It's not somewhere to take a quick photo and move on.

It's perfect for anchoring, swimming, preparing some food on board and simply enjoying the surroundings.

We often see guests start by taking photos and, a few minutes later, put their phones away to look at the landscape.

That's usually a good sign.

Is it good for snorkelling?

Yes, particularly around the rocky areas at either end of the cove.

We wouldn't say it's the best place in Alicante for marine life, but it offers very good conditions when the sea is calm.

The water also tends to remain exceptionally clear throughout much of the summer.

If you've never tried snorkelling before, it can be a very pleasant place to start.

What's the best time to visit?

We usually recommend arriving in the morning.

The light illuminates the bay and makes the colour of the water particularly intense.

During the early hours there is also generally less boat traffic, making the atmosphere much more relaxed.

In peak season, a few hours can completely change the experience.

The best of Cala del Portixol

• Very photogenic scenery.
• Excellent for anchoring and relaxing.
• Very clean, clear water.
• Ideal for couples and small groups.
• One of the most charming spots in Jávea.

Things to keep in mind

It's a very well-known cove and can get quite busy during July and August.

That doesn't mean it's no longer worth visiting.

Simply plan your timing carefully and avoid the middle of the day if you're looking for more peace and quiet.

Our opinion

Portixol doesn't try to impress you.

It simply makes you want to stay a little longer.

And we think that's where much of its charm lies.

If Granadella represents the power of the landscape, Portixol represents the calm of the Mediterranean.

Quick facts

📍 Location: Jávea (Xàbia)

🤿 Best for: Snorkelling, paddleboarding and photography

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families: Yes, although it can be very busy during peak season

🐶 Dogs: No (restrictions apply during the bathing season)

☀️ Best time: Before 10:00 am or at sunset to avoid crowds

🧭 Distance from Alicante: 50 nautical miles (≈93 km). Approximate sailing time: 2 h 30 min

⭐ Our rating: 9.5/10

3. Cala Ambolo

A place where nature still sets the rules

Cala Ambolo retains a wilder feeling.

Vegetation reaches almost to the sea, and the landscape creates a sense of isolation that's difficult to find elsewhere on the Costa Blanca.

It's easy to forget that you're only a short distance from some of Alicante's most visited beaches.

Everything feels quieter here. More authentic. More natural.

What makes Ambolo special?

It's not a cove for people looking for an atmosphere or lots of services.

It's a cove for people who want to disconnect.

To swim without rushing. To hear nothing but the sound of the water. To enjoy the scenery without feeling the need to do anything else.

On a coastline that's becoming increasingly popular, finding places that still offer that feeling is a real privilege.

Is it good for snorkelling?

Yes. The rocky seabed can offer plenty of marine life and the water is often very clear when conditions are favourable.

As always, sea conditions make the difference. That's why we adapt every route according to the wind and waves on the day.

Not every cove works equally well in every condition. And that's precisely part of the value of knowing the coastline well.

What's the best time to visit?

If you're looking for peace and quiet, any time in the morning is usually an excellent choice.

The sea is often calmer then and the atmosphere is particularly pleasant.

On quieter days, it's one of those places where you can spend a long time without feeling any need to leave.

The best of Cala Ambolo

• Very natural surroundings.
• Spectacular cliffs.
• A strong feeling of tranquillity.
• Very clear water.
• Perfect for disconnecting.

Things to keep in mind

It's important to remember that access conditions and restrictions can change over time.

In recent years, access from land has been restricted at different times due to the risk of rockfalls.

If you're planning to visit from land, always check the latest official information before travelling.

From the sea, the experience will mainly depend on weather and sailing conditions.

Our opinion

Ambolo doesn't usually appear as the first recommendation in the most popular guides.

And perhaps that's precisely what makes it special.

It's a cove that rewards people looking for more than a beautiful photograph.

Here, silence is the main attraction.

And after so many hours exploring this coastline, we still think silence is one of the greatest luxuries the Mediterranean can offer.

Quick facts

📍 Location: Jávea (Xàbia)

🤿 Best for: Snorkelling, diving and enjoying crystal-clear water

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families: No. More suitable for adults due to access and the surrounding conditions

🐶 Dogs: No (restrictions apply during the bathing season)

☀️ Best time: Early morning, when the sea is usually calmer

🧭 Distance from Alicante: 51 nautical miles (≈94 km). Approximate sailing time: 2 h 35 min

⭐ Our rating: 9.5/10

4. Cala Moraig

Where the Costa Blanca shows its wildest side

If Granadella represents the classic Mediterranean image and Portixol wins you over with its tranquillity, Cala Moraig impresses through the sheer power of its landscape.

The cliffs fall almost vertically into the sea.

The colour of the rock changes with the light, while the water takes on an intense blue that looks almost unreal.

There are few places where mountains and the Mediterranean meet in such a spectacular way.

Very close to the cove is one of the province's most famous natural landmarks: Cova dels Arcs.

It's a rock formation created by water erosion, with natural arches connecting the sea with the inside of the mountain.

Seen from a boat, it's even more impressive.

There's not much to say.

You simply look around.

Is it good for snorkelling?

Yes, and on days with good visibility it can be a fantastic experience.

The seabed combines rock and Posidonia seagrass meadows, where you can often see small schools of fish and other Mediterranean species.

As always, sea conditions make the difference.

Wind, waves from previous days and currents can completely change visibility.

That's why we never promise crystal-clear water.

We prefer to adapt the route to find the best conditions on each day.

The best of Cala Moraig

• One of the most spectacular landscapes in Alicante.
• Excellent for photography.
• Very good snorkelling when the sea is calm.
• Impressive cliffs.
• Ideal for nature lovers.

Things to keep in mind

It's not always the best option when the sea is rough.

Because of its orientation, there are days when we'd rather recommend other coves where sailing conditions are more comfortable.

Knowing the coastline also means knowing when it's better to change your plans.

And quite often, that decision is what makes the difference between a good boat trip and an unforgettable experience.

Our opinion

If someone asked us which landscape in this guide is the most spectacular, Cala Moraig would be very high on the list.

It's not a cove that stands out because of its atmosphere.

It stands out because it makes you feel small in front of nature.

And that's something that never goes out of fashion.

Quick facts

📍 Location: El Poble Nou de Benitatxell

🤿 Best for: Snorkelling, diving and exploring sea caves

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families: Yes, although the beach is pebbly and access is quite steep

🐶 Dogs: No (restrictions apply during the bathing season)

☀️ Best time: Before 10:00 am for calmer water and fewer crowds

🧭 Distance from Alicante: 55 nautical miles (≈102 km). Approximate sailing time: 2 h 45 min

⭐ Our rating: 9.5/10

5. Tabarca Island

The trip everyone should take at least once

Although technically not a cove, Tabarca deserves a prominent place in this guide.

Because talking about exploring Alicante by boat without mentioning Tabarca would mean leaving out one of the most special places in the entire Mediterranean.

It is the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community and is also home to Spain's first officially designated marine reserve.

But beyond the facts, there's something that makes so many people want to come back.

A snorkelling paradise

If we had to recommend just one place for snorkelling in Alicante, Tabarca would always be among our first choices.

The marine reserve protects some of the best-preserved seabed in the province.

Visibility is often excellent, and the amount of marine life can surprise even people who have snorkelled elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

You don't need to go far.

With a mask, snorkel and a little curiosity, you can discover a completely different world beneath the surface.

Much more than the sea

After swimming, it's worth going ashore.

The village has a very special charm. Its streets are small, peaceful and perfect for exploring without rushing.

It's also a good opportunity to sit down at one of the island's restaurants and try traditional caldero tabarquino, one of the island's most representative dishes.

It's a simple plan.

And that's precisely why it works so well.

If you'd like to spend a full day exploring the island, take a look at our guide to Tabarca by boat from Alicante.

How long should you spend in Tabarca?

If your trip allows it, we'd recommend spending at least several hours there.

Tabarca isn't somewhere you visit, take a photo and immediately leave.

Ideally, you should combine sailing, snorkelling, walking and lunch.

Only then do you really understand why so many people consider the island one of Alicante's great treasures.

The best of Tabarca

• Protected marine reserve.
• One of the best places for snorkelling.
• History and heritage.
• Excellent food.
• Perfect for a full-day trip.

Our opinion

If we could recommend just one experience to someone visiting Alicante for the first time, we'd probably choose spending a day sailing to Tabarca.

Not because it's the most exclusive place, but because it brings together everything that makes the Mediterranean special.

Clear water. Nature. History. Good food.

Quick facts

📍 Location: Alicante

🤿 Best for: Snorkelling, anchoring, food and spending the day

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families: Yes, it's one of the best destinations in the province for families with children

🐶 Dogs: Yes (subject to transport and local regulations)

☀️ Best time: Before 11:00 am or after 5:00 pm in summer

🧭 Distance from Alicante: 11 nautical miles (≈20 km). Approximate sailing time: 30–35 minutes

⭐ Our rating: 10/10

6. Racó del Conill

A small refuge between Benidorm and Villajoyosa

When most people think of Benidorm, they imagine skyscrapers, urban beaches and plenty of activity.

That's why Racó del Conill is such a surprise.

Just a few minutes from the city, a small cove appears, surrounded by cliffs and vegetation, with a completely different atmosphere.

From the boat, it's hard to believe you're so close to one of Spain's best-known tourist destinations.

The noise disappears.

All that's left is the sea and the rock.

It's one of those places that proves the Costa Blanca still has peaceful corners for those who arrive by sea.

What makes Racó del Conill special?

Its biggest attraction is precisely the contrast.

In just a few minutes, you go from a heavily developed coastline to a much more natural environment.

The water is usually very clean and, when the sea is calm, it's an inviting place to anchor for a while.

It's not usually among the first recommendations in travel guides.

And we think that works in its favour.

Is it worth snorkelling?

Yes, especially around the rocky areas surrounding the cove.

It doesn't have the reputation of Tabarca or Granadella, but it offers a very pleasant experience for anyone who enjoys exploring underwater.

Our opinion

Racó del Conill is one of those coves we recommend when someone tells us:

“We want somewhere peaceful where we can simply enjoy the sea.”

And quite often, it ends up being one of the surprises of the day.

Quick facts

📍 Location: Villajoyosa

🤿 Best for: Snorkelling, anchoring and enjoying a peaceful setting

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families: Not particularly. The access and surroundings are more suitable for adults

🐶 Dogs: No (restrictions apply during the bathing season)

☀️ Best time: Early morning or at sunset

🧭 Distance from Alicante: 18 nautical miles (≈33 km). Approximate sailing time: 50–55 minutes

⭐ Our rating: 9/10

7. Cala del Xarco

A little-known spot that deserves much more recognition

Located between El Campello and Villajoyosa, Cala del Xarco has a much quieter character than other parts of the Costa Blanca.

The cove combines cliffs, rock and very clean water, creating the perfect setting for a stop during a boat trip.

It may not have Granadella's reputation.

But it doesn't need it.

A place to slow down

Xarco invites you to stay.

To swim.

To lie back on the deck.

To read for a while.

To prepare a snack.

Or simply to let time pass while the boat gently rocks on the water.

You don't always need to do lots of things to enjoy the Mediterranean.

The best of Cala del Xarco

• Very few crowds.
• Natural surroundings.
• Clean water.
• Perfect for anchoring.
• Particularly recommended outside peak season.

Our opinion

It probably isn't the most famous cove in this article.

But it is one of the ones that best represents our way of understanding a boat trip.

No rushing.

No noise.

Just enjoying the sea.

Quick facts

📍 Location: Villajoyosa

🤿 Best for: Snorkelling, diving and anchoring

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families: Yes, although the access and pebbly beach can be less comfortable for young children

🐶 Dogs: No (restrictions apply during the bathing season)

☀️ Best time: During the morning, when there are usually fewer boats and the water is calmer

🧭 Distance from Alicante: 16 nautical miles (≈30 km). Approximate sailing time: 45–50 minutes

⭐ Our rating: 8.5/10

Which cove should you choose depending on the experience?

There isn't one correct answer.

It all depends on how you want to remember the day.

If you called us asking for advice, we'd probably ask you a few questions before recommending a route.

Because sailing with young children isn't the same as celebrating an anniversary or heading out with a group of friends.

These would be our recommendations.

If you're looking for the clearest water

• Tabarca Island
• Cala Granadella
• Cala Moraig

If you want to snorkel

1. Tabarca Island
2. Cala Granadella
3. Cala Moraig

These are the places where we generally find the best conditions for enjoying the seabed.

If you're looking for peace and quiet

• Cala Ambolo
• Cala del Xarco
• Racó del Conill

Perfect for anyone who wants to escape the noise and enjoy the Mediterranean at a slower pace.

If you're travelling as a couple

We love:

• Cala del Portixol
• Cala Ambolo

These are coves that invite you to relax, share a swim and enjoy the scenery without rushing.

If you're travelling with children

Our recommendation is simple: don't try to visit too many coves.

It's much better to choose one or two stops where they can swim comfortably and enjoy being on the boat.

In that sense, Granadella and Tabarca tend to work very well.

If you only have half a day

Don't try to go too far.

It's better to properly enjoy two nearby coves than to spend most of your time sailing.

Sometimes less really is more.

The mistakes we see every summer

After many seasons exploring Alicante by boat, there are certain mistakes we see again and again.

And avoiding them can completely change the experience.

1. Trying to visit too many coves

It's the most common mistake.

On the map, everything looks close. At sea, distances feel different.

Our recommendation is simple.

Two or three good stops are usually enough to have an amazing day.

2. Thinking August is always the best time

August has a fantastic atmosphere.

But it also means more boats, more heat and more people.

If you have the choice, June or September usually offer a much more relaxed experience than peak season.

3. Not taking the wind into account

The Mediterranean is constantly changing.

A perfect cove in the morning may no longer be the best option a few hours later.

That's why we always adapt our routes to the sea conditions.

4. Spending the entire day taking photos

We love taking home good memories.

But at some point, it's worth putting the phone away.

The best images are often not the ones that get posted.

They're the ones that stay in your memory.

5. Being in too much of a hurry

This is probably the biggest mistake of all.

You don't enjoy the Mediterranean by watching the clock.

You enjoy it by slowing down.

And, strangely enough, the less rushed people are, the better the day usually ends.

Aguayate tip

If you asked us for one piece of advice before heading out to sea, it would be this:

Don't try to see the entire Costa Blanca in one day.

Choose a good route, leave some room for spontaneity and enjoy every stop.

The best boat trips aren't the ones that visit the most places.

They're the ones that make you feel, when you return to the marina, that the day has gone by far too quickly.

What should you take on a boat trip?

Some people pack a huge bag. Others turn up with nothing but a towel.

Neither option is usually ideal.

Here's what we recommend bringing:

• Swimsuit.
• Towel.
• High-protection sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Hat or cap.
• Enough water to stay hydrated.
• A light T-shirt for the journey back.
• Snorkelling mask and snorkel, if you have your own and feel comfortable using them.
• A waterproof phone case if you like taking photos.

And there's something that almost never appears on these lists:

The desire to disconnect.

It may sound like a cliché.

But the best day at sea isn't usually the most carefully planned one.

It's the one that leaves room for spontaneity.

For more practical advice, see our guide to what to take on a boat trip.

Our way of understanding the sea

After so many days exploring the Costa Blanca, one conclusion keeps coming back.

People almost never remember how many coves they visited.

They remember other things.

The first swim.

The clarity of the water.

The sound of the sea when the engine switches off.

The meal shared on board.

The moment when someone says:

“Do we really have to go back already?”

Those little memories are what turn a boat trip into an experience.

And we believe that's the real magic of being at sea.

Discover Alicante from the sea with Aguayate

At Aguayate, we organise private boat experiences so you can discover the Costa Blanca at your own pace, without fixed routes and always adapting to the sea conditions and what you're looking for that day.

Some people want to snorkel.

Others prefer to anchor in a quiet cove and enjoy the sun.

Some are celebrating a special occasion.

Others simply need a few hours to disconnect.

We don't believe there is one perfect boat trip for everyone.

We believe there is a perfect trip for each group.

And that's what we try to create every time we leave the marina.

If you'd like to explore Alicante by private boat, discover our private boat experiences in Alicante.