7 Beautiful Coves in Moraira and Benissa Costa
Discover hidden coves
Crystal-clear Mediterranean water, little beaches tucked between rocky cliffs and beautiful places to go snorkelling. The coves around Moraira and the Benissa Costa are some of our favourite places on the northern Costa Blanca. Most visitors know Moraira’s popular sandy beaches, such as El Portet and Playa de l’Ampolla. But follow the coastline towards Calpe and you’ll discover something quite different. Small pebble beaches, rocky swimming spots, turquoise water and beautiful coves surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation. Some have lovely beach bars where you can enjoy a long lunch. Others are quieter, more natural places where the sea is the main attraction. We’ve lived in this area for many years, and we still enjoy discovering these little coastal treasures.
Here are seven of our favourite coves in Moraira and the Benissa Costa, together with a few practical local tips.
1. Cala Cap Blanc | Beautiful Cliffs and Clear Water
Cala Cap Blanc lies on the southern side of Moraira, close to the Benissa Costa. It’s a rather special place. Instead of a sandy beach, you’ll find impressive rocky cliffs, wonderfully clear water and beautiful views towards the Peñón de Ifach in Calpe. The rocky seabed makes Cap Blanc particularly attractive for snorkelling, especially when the sea is calm. Don’t expect sun loungers or a traditional beach. This is somewhere to enjoy the natural coastline, take a refreshing swim and discover the underwater world.
Our tip: access is through the residential area around Calle Cabo de Gata, followed by a walk down towards the sea. Parking is limited, so wear comfortable shoes and travel light.
2. Cala L’Andragó | Snorkelling and Lovely Seafront Restaurants
Cala L’Andragó is one of our favourite places along Moraira’s coastline. This small rocky cove has clear Mediterranean water and flat rock platforms where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine. It’s particularly popular with snorkellers. But what makes L’Andragó special is the combination of beautiful scenery and the restaurants nearby. You can enjoy a morning beside the water and then settle down for a leisurely Mediterranean lunch overlooking the sea. That sounds like a pretty perfect holiday to us!
Our tip: visit L’Andragó when you fancy combining a swim or some snorkelling with a relaxed lunch or a drink on a sunny terrace.
3. Cala Baladrar | Turquoise Water and a Beach Bar
Just beyond Moraira, on the Benissa Costa, lies the beautiful Cala Baladrar. This natural pebble cove is surrounded by cliffs and pine trees, creating a wonderfully Mediterranean setting. On sunny days, the water often has a beautiful turquoise colour. It’s a lovely place for swimming and snorkelling when conditions are calm. The beach consists mainly of smooth pebbles, known locally as bolos, so water shoes are a good idea. During the summer season, there’s usually a chiringuito, a traditional Spanish beach bar, where you can enjoy a drink or something to eat.
Our tip: Baladrar is a lovely choice when you want to enjoy a natural cove without giving up the pleasure of a beachside lunch.
4. Cala de l’Advocat | Small, Sheltered and Full of Character
Cala de l’Advocat is another attractive little cove along the Benissa Costa. It’s known for its rocky surroundings and distinctive breakwater, which offers some protection from the waves. The cove has a mixture of pebbles, rocks and a small sandy area. When the sea is calm, it’s a pleasant place for a swim or some snorkelling. There’s also usually a beach bar during the summer months, making it easy to stop for a drink or a relaxed lunch. Because the beach is relatively small, it can become busy during July and August.
Our tip: arrive earlier in the day if you want to find a comfortable spot. It’s a charming little cove, but there’s not a great deal of space.
5. Cala de la Llobella | One of the Most Natural Coves
If you prefer a quieter, more natural setting, Cala de la Llobella is well worth discovering. This beautiful cove is surrounded by rocks, pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation. There are no busy promenades or rows of beachfront restaurants. Instead, you’ll find a pebble beach, clear water and a peaceful coastal atmosphere. The rocky seabed makes it particularly interesting for snorkelling when the sea is calm. Facilities are limited, so it’s best to bring your own drinking water and anything else you might need.
Our tip: Llobella is for visitors who enjoy nature rather than beach facilities. Bring water shoes and be prepared for a more rugged beach experience.
6. Cala Pinets | A Little Coastal Gem
Close to Playa de la Fustera lies Cala Pinets, a small cove that many visitors overlook. It’s a beautiful little spot with pebbles, flat rocks and clear Mediterranean water. The surrounding coastline is particularly interesting. Nearby, you’ll find the unusual rock formations of Mar Morta and Les Roques Negres, where the colours and shapes of the rocks create a striking landscape. Pinets is also a lovely place to stop while exploring the coastal walking paths. It’s not somewhere we’d recommend if you’re looking for a large sandy beach with lots of facilities. But for a short swim, snorkelling or simply enjoying the scenery, it’s a wonderful little discovery.
Our tip: combine Cala Pinets with a walk along the Paseo Ecológico on the Benissa Costa.
7. Playa de la Fustera | A Beautiful Sandy Cove
Playa de la Fustera is a little better known than the other coves in this guide, but it certainly deserves a place on our list. Unlike most of the smaller rocky coves, La Fustera has a lovely sandy beach. It’s surrounded by attractive rocks and Mediterranean vegetation, giving it a beautiful natural setting. The beach is particularly popular with families because of its sand and convenient facilities. You’ll find toilets, a place to eat or drink and, during the main summer season, lifeguard services. The clear water also makes La Fustera an attractive spot for snorkelling. Beneath the surface are areas of Posidonia oceanica, a protected Mediterranean seagrass that provides an important habitat for marine life.
Our tip: if you’d love to visit a beautiful natural cove but still want the comfort of a sandy beach, La Fustera is probably your best choice.
Which Cove Is Right for You?
Each of these seven coves has something different to offer. Love snorkelling? We’d recommend Cap Blanc, L’Andragó or Cala de la Llobella. Fancy a beach bar and a leisurely lunch? Try Baladrar, L’Andragó or l’Advocat. Visiting with young children? Playa de la Fustera is usually the most convenient option thanks to its sandy beach and facilities. Looking for a quieter, more natural setting? Cala Pinets and Cala de la Llobella are lovely choices. A little local advice: most of these coves are rocky or pebbly, so water shoes are well worth bringing.
Always check the sea conditions before swimming or snorkelling. Rocky access points can become dangerous when the waves are strong, and not every cove has lifeguards.
Discover the Coves on the Paseo Ecológico
You don’t have to explore the coastline entirely by car. The Paseo Ecológico is a beautiful coastal walking route along the Benissa Costa. It takes you past Mediterranean vegetation, dramatic cliffs and several of the coves mentioned in this guide. Cala Pinets and Playa de la Fustera are particularly nice places to combine with a walk. Bring comfortable shoes, some drinking water and, of course, your camera.
Read our guide to the Paseo Ecológico coastal walk.
Prefer a Traditional Sandy Beach?
If you’re looking for larger sandy beaches with convenient facilities, we’d recommend El Portet or Playa de l’Ampolla in Moraira. Both offer a different experience from the smaller rocky coves.
Discover our guide to the best beaches in Moraira.
And if you enjoy a long lunch beside the Mediterranean, take a look at our favourite beach bars along the Benissa Costa.
Discover the Beautiful Coastline During Your Holiday in Moraira
One of the things we love most about Moraira is the variety of its coastline. One morning you might be snorkelling in a quiet rocky cove. The next, you’re enjoying a long lunch by the sea or walking along the coastal paths of Benissa. And after a wonderful day exploring? There’s something rather special about returning to your own holiday villa, enjoying a refreshing swim in your private pool and relaxing on the terrace.
At Moraira Holiday Homes, we’ve been helping guests find beautiful holiday accommodation in Moraira and the Benissa Costa since 2004. We live locally, know our properties personally and love sharing our favourite places with visitors.
Looking for a comfortable base from which to explore these beautiful coves?
Explore our holiday villas and apartments in Moraira and find the perfect place for your next Costa Blanca holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coves in Moraira and Benissa Costa
What Are the Most Beautiful Coves in Moraira and Benissa Costa?
Some of our favourites are Cala Cap Blanc, Cala L’Andragó, Cala Baladrar, Cala de l’Advocat, Cala de la Llobella, Cala Pinets and Playa de la Fustera. Each has its own character, from rocky snorkelling spots to small pebble beaches and sandy coves with facilities.
Where Can You Go Snorkelling in Moraira?
Cala Cap Blanc, Cala L’Andragó and Cala de la Llobella are particularly attractive for snorkelling. Their rocky seabeds provide interesting underwater habitats. Always choose a day when the sea is calm and avoid swimming near exposed rocks when waves or currents are strong.
Which Coves Are Best for Families with Children?
Playa de la Fustera is a good option for families because it has a sandy beach and useful facilities. Cala de l’Advocat may also be suitable in calm conditions, although space is limited. For larger sandy beaches, we’d recommend El Portet or Playa de l’Ampolla in Moraira.
Do You Need Water Shoes for the Coves?
Yes, we’d recommend water shoes for most of the smaller coves around Moraira and Benissa Costa. Many have pebbles, uneven rocks and slippery surfaces. Water shoes make getting into and out of the sea more comfortable. They’re less important at the sandy La Fustera beach.
Is There Parking Near the Coves?
Parking is available near several coves, although spaces are often limited. During July and August, it’s best to arrive earlier in the morning. Some places, such as Cala Cap Blanc, also require a short walk from the nearest parking area.
Are There Beach Bars at the Smaller Coves?
Yes. During the summer season, Cala Baladrar and Cala de l’Advocat usually have a chiringuito. There are also restaurants near L’Andragó and Playa de la Fustera. More natural coves such as Cala Pinets and Cala de la Llobella have few or no facilities. Opening times can vary.
Can You Walk Along the Coves of Benissa Costa?
Yes! The Paseo Ecológico is a scenic coastal path that passes several beautiful coves, including the areas around Cala Pinets and Playa de la Fustera. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the Mediterranean scenery and discover places you might otherwise miss.
