Top 6 Coastal Towns to Visit by Tram from Alicante in 2026
I still remember that sticky July afternoon in Alicante, back in 2018, when I first stumbled onto the TRAM platform amid the chaos of the city's bustling promenade. Sweat trickling down my back, a cold Estrella Galicia in hand from a nearby chiringuito, I watched this sleek, if slightly rattling, electric tram glide in from the north, promising escape without the hassle of rental cars or overpriced taxis. Alicante's TRAM network—L1 snaking north to Benidorm, L9 pushing on to Denia via those dramatic cliffs, and L3 dipping south to Santa Pola—has become my secret weapon for uncovering the Costa Blanca's soul. Not the glossy brochure beaches, but the real deal: faded fishing boats bobbing in harbors, elderly locals nursing cortados at seafront cafés, and that salty tang in the air that hits you like a first love.
Fast forward to 2026, and whispers from insiders at TRAMd'Alacant suggest upgrades that'll make these rides even sweeter—more frequent services, bike-friendly carriages, and eco-powered extensions that shave minutes off journeys while cutting emissions. If you're plotting day trips from Alicante to coastal villages by tram, this is your moment. These aren't just stops on a map; they're portals to hidden beach gems by public tram from Alicante, where the Mediterranean laps at your toes without the tourist crush. I've ridden every line multiple times, dragged friends, lost my sunglasses in the surf, and even once missed a return tram after one too many glasses of local fogonazo in Villajoyosa. Here's my heartfelt rundown of the best coastal towns by tram from Alicante 2026—each a must-visit coastal spot on Alicante tram route, blending family fun, romance, and sheer affordability.
1. Santa Pola: Sun-Bleached Beaches and Ancient Salt Pans
Let's start southbound on the L3, a quick 30-minute hop from Alicante's Luceros station. Santa Pola feels like stepping into a sun-bleached postcard from the '70s, but with a pulse. This working port town, once a humble fishing village, exploded post-Franco with salt flats and seafood shacks. I arrived once at dusk, the tram doors hissing open to reveal flamingos strutting in the salinas—pink against the orange sky, like nature's own cocktail hour. Families flock here for Alicante tram coastal destinations for families 2026, with wide, shallow beaches perfect for sandcastle empires and paddling pools.
Playa de Levante: Golden Sands for Endless Play
Head straight to Playa de Levante, the main drag (Avenida de Andalucía, Santa Pola, 03130 Alicante). Open year-round, dawn to dusk, though lifeguards man it 10am-7pm in summer (check alcadiasantapola.es for updates). This golden stretch arcs two kilometers, backed by promenades lined with heladerías slinging absurdly creamy helado de turrón. I spent a whole afternoon here last summer, burying my feet in the warm sand while watching kids chase waves, the water so clear you spot sea grass swaying below.
Santa Pola Salt Pans and Seafood Delights
But don't stop at sunbathing—wander to the Santa Pola Salt Pans (Salinas de Santa Pola, Camí de les Salines, s/n, 03130 Santa Pola; visitor center open Mon-Sat 10am-2pm, 4-7pm, €3 entry). These ancient lagoons, worked since Roman times, yield fleur de sel that's exported worldwide. Tour the evaporation ponds by footpath, breathing in that briny mist, then hit Restaurante El Faro (Puerto de Santa Pola, Muelle de Levante, s/n; open daily 1pm-midnight) for arroz a banda—rice simmered in fish stock with plump gambas. It's messy, glorious, €18 a plate. Families love the nearby Aquarium (Paseo de la Fuente, 03130; daily 10am-7pm, €12 adults), with touch pools teeming with starfish and rays. Santa Pola's budget-friendly vibe shines: tram fare €1.45 one-way, beachfront paella under €15/person. Stay longer? Posada de las Flores (Calle de las Flores, 13; boutique gem with sea views). I left with salt-crusted shoes and a sunburned grin—pure, unpretentious bliss.
2. El Campello: Serene Dunes and Kitesurfing Haven
Swing north now, back through Alicante to El Campello on L1, just 15 minutes out. This understated gem clings to the coast like it knows it's overshadowed by flashier neighbors, but that's its charm. I discovered it on a rainy spring day trip, tram rocking gently as we passed pine groves, and it hooked me instantly. Muchamiel Beach (officially Playa de Muchavista, between Av. de Europa and Carrer del Mar, 03560 El Campello) is the star—open 24/7, lifeguards 10am-7pm peak season. This Blue Flag beauty stretches 5km of powdery sand, dunes whispering in the breeze, with kitesurfers slicing the horizon—one of the top beaches reachable by Alicante tram line. I picnicked here once with manchego cheese and membrillo from a mercado stall, the sea a moody turquoise under scudding clouds.
Roman Ruins and Chiringuito Vibes
For families or solos, rent bikes at the promenade (€10/hour) and pedal to the Roman ruins at Torre de les Caletes (free access, anytime), where amphorae shards crunch underfoot, evoking ancient shipwrecks. Food-wise, dive into Chiringuito El Xiringuito (Playa de Muchavista, km 10, 03560; daily noon-11pm), where patatas bravas arrive scalding hot, smoky from the grill, paired with cava that's crisp as the waves (€12 combo). It's raucous on weekends, locals belting out flamenco snippets over pitchers of sangria. Explore inland to the old fisherman's quarter around Iglesia de la Asunción (Plaza de la Iglesia, s/n; open for masses, but peek anytime), with whitewashed walls splashed in bougainvillea. El Campello's a serene pick because it's just endless sea shimmer—no skyscrapers. Budget tip: whole day under €20 including tram. I once stayed at Hotel Campello Beach (Av. de Europa, 44; seafront doubles €80/night), waking to gull cries and fresh croissants. It's the anti-Benidorm, and I adore it for that.
3. Villajoyosa: Rainbow Houses and Chocolate Heaven
Further up L1, 25 minutes from Alicante, lies Villajoyosa—oh, La Vila, how you stole my heart with your candy-colored facades. These rainbow houses, painted by fishermen to spot their homes from sea, cascade down cliffs like a tipsy painter's fever dream. I arrived hungry (always), tram depositing me at the station amid the scent of chocolate wafting from Valor factories—Spain's oldest, since 1881. This is prime territory for budget-friendly coastal towns via Alicante tram 2026, where glamour yields to grit and garlic.
Playa del Paradís and Local Markets
Playa del Paradís (Passeig Marítim, between Río Amadorio and Algar, 03570 Villajoyosa) reigns supreme—open always, supervised 10am-7pm summers. Narrow but exquisite, framed by those vibrant casitas, with pebbles massaging your soles and water gin-clear for snorkeling parrotfish. I snorkeled here at dawn once, coffee thermos in tow, spotting octopuses darting like thieves. For eats, Mercado Municipal (Av. de la Generalitat, 03570; Mon-Sat 8am-2pm) bursts with figs plump as jewels and anchovies cured to silk. Then, Chocolate Valor Museum and Factory (Av. Alcalde Soler, 12; tours Mon-Fri 10am-1pm, €5), where you watch beans roast and sample bonbons that melt like sin.
Michelin-Worthy Dinners and Water Parks
Dinner at Nou Raco (Calle de l'Església, 24; Wed-Sun 1pm-4pm, 8pm-midnight; tasting menu €45), a Michelin Bib Gourmand with suquet de peix that tastes of Neptune's pantry—chunky monkfish, potatoes dissolving into broth. Families dig the water park Aquópolis (Partida Fondonet, s/n, summer only 10am-7pm, €29), slides twisting like candy canes. Romantic souls, sunset strolls here are electric. I got lost in those alleys once, emerging with a bag of turrón and zero regrets. Pure magic.
4. Benidorm: High-Energy Beaches and Old Town Charms
Now, the beast: Benidorm, 45 minutes north on L1. Love it or loathe it, this skyline of towers piercing the clouds is unmissable, a Vegas-on-the-Med fever—one of the scenic seaside towns accessible from Alicante tram. I first went skeptical, tram filling with stag dos, but emerged converted—it's joyfully absurd.
Levante Beach and Thrill Rides
Benidorm's Levante Beach (Paseo de Poniente to Cala de Mal Pas, 03503 Benidorm) dominates: 2km of flour-fine sand, open 24/7, lifeguards 10am-8pm. I body-surfed here till pruned, waves crashing like applause, then lounged under Balinese beds at €10/day. The old town charms more than the high-rises: wander narrow streets to Tapia tapas bar (Calle Santo Tomás, 36; daily 11am-midnight), devouring gambas al ajillo that pop with heat (€2/plate). Aqualandia (Partida Foya, s/n; June-Sept 10am-7pm, €39) thrills kids with kamikaze slides—my niece screamed delightfully.
Panoramic Views and Nightlife
For views, ascend Balcón del Mediterráneo (Calle Balcón, 03501; daily 10am-10pm, €4), panoramic sweeps over the bay. Evenings, promenade buskers strum while you sip mojitos at Champions British Pub (Av. del Mediterráneo, 03500; open late). Budget? Tram €2.70, meals €10. I crashed at Apartamentos Turísticos Don Gregorio (Calle Gerona, 03503; €60/night), steps from sand. It's chaotic fun—embrace it.
5. Altea: Bohemian Whitewashed Hills and Crystal Coves
Invert L9 at Benidorm for Altea, 60 minutes total from Alicante. Ah, Altea—whitewashed artistry perched on a hill, where hippies turned fishermen's haven into bohemia. Perfect for romantic getaways by tram from Alicante coast. I honeymooned nearby (okay, not really, but felt like it), tram chugging past olive groves into sunset gold.
Playa de la Roda and Artisan Old Town
Playa de la Roda (Camí Vell d'Altea, 03590) is intimate—pebbly, 400m, open anytime, lifeguards summers. Crystal waters for paddleboarding; I rented (€15/hour) and paddled to hidden coves, salt crusting my lips. Old Town's the draw: Plaza de la Iglesia, blue-domed Nuestra Señora del Consuelo (open masses, wander anytime), ceramics shops glittering like jewels. Atelier de Cerámica Casa Cervantes (Carrer Major, 15; Mon-Sat 10am-8pm) lets you paint pots (€20 class).
Seafood Paella and Bougainvillea Bliss
Dine at Ca Pere (Carrer San Pere, 3; daily 1pm-11pm; €35/person), paella verde with romesco that sings of earth and sea. Families hit Salt Towers beach nearby. Stay at El Raset (Calle San Pere, 1; €120/night), bougainvillea-draped bliss. Altea's soul lingers like perfume.
6. Calpe: Dramatic Cliffs and Fresh Fish Markets
Finally, Calpe on L9, 75 minutes out—Peñón de Ifach looming like a giant's thumb. Dramatic, rugged, alive. I hiked it once at dawn, tram arriving pre-tourists, heart pounding up 332m to views that humble you: endless blue, freighters like toys.
Arenal-Bol Beach and Peñón Hikes
Arenal-Bol Beach (Partida Dinars Altos, 03710 Calpe; open 24/7, lifeguards 10am-7pm) is wide, sandy, sailboats dotting the bay. Snorkel ruins off Les Bassetes (nearby cove). Fish market at Puerto Pesquero (Muelle de la Pescadería, s/n; mornings) yields ultra-fresh calamares for BBQ. Hike Peñón (Ctra. del Peñón, s/n; daily, free but permit weekends; 1-2hrs up).
Boat-Fresh Seafood and Family Adventures
Restaurante Vadegán (Cala del Racó, s/n; daily noon-11pm; €25), seafood straight from boats—pulpo a la gallega tender as whispers. Families love Safari Aitana zoo nearby. Budget tram €4.50, feasts cheap. Hotel Porto Calpe (Av. de Portugal, 03710; €90/night). Calpe's raw power etches into you.
Plan Your Guided Tram Tours from Alicante to Seaside Villages
These guided tram tours from Alicante to seaside villages—grab a 10-ride card for €20—unlock the Costa Blanca's heart. In 2026, with crowds thinned by smart travel, go. Pack sunscreen, curiosity, and an empty stomach. The tram awaits.
