Playa del Carabassí (Elx)

El Carabassí continues the coastline south from Arenales del Sol and El Altet beach, right at the southern edge of Elche's municipal boundary, and it stands out for what it lacks: almost no building at beach level, protected as part of a natural area valued for its tall dunes, fossil dunes and the pine woods that hold them in place. The sand is fine and golden, and the swell tends to be moderate.

Access to the sand runs over wooden boardwalks raised above the dunes, built specifically to keep foot traffic off them and limit erosion. It carries a Blue Flag and seasonal services — lifeguard, showers, a beach bar and a marked windsurfing area — and shares an established naturist tradition with Cala Cantalar, though swimsuits are just as normal here. It's the pick if what you want is dune scenery and fewer people than Alicante's built-up seafront.