Sun, sea, and sangria — the Costa Blanca has it all. These five beaches near Ciudad Quesada are not only perfect for relaxing, but also offer fantastic spots to eat and unwind.
📍 1. Playa de Guardamar (Guardamar del Segura)
- Distance: ~10 km, 15-minute drive
- Highlights: Fine golden sand, scenic dunes, shallow water, Blue Flag beach
- Amenities: Long promenade with restaurants, toilets, sunbeds, showers
- Google Maps: Playa de Guardamar location
🍽️ Where to Eat:
- Restaurante El Jardín – Elegant Mediterranean cuisine right on the beach promenade. Known for grilled fish and paella.
📍 El Jardín Map - Café Vienna – Laid-back café great for breakfast, coffee, and casual lunches.
📍 Café Vienna Map
🌾 2. Playa de La Mata (Torrevieja)
- Distance: ~12 km, 15 minutes
- Highlights: 3 km of golden sand, family-friendly, calm waters
- Facilities: Lifeguards, sunbeds, beach bars, long seafront walkway
- Google Maps: Playa de La Mata location
🍽️ Where to Eat:
- Queen Mississippi – Fun pirate-themed restaurant with a beachfront terrace, ideal for kids and casual dining.
📍 Queen Mississippi Map - Restaurante Barlovento – Upscale spot with beautiful views and excellent seafood. Try the arroz a banda!
📍 Barlovento Map
🌿 3. Playa Moncayo (Between Guardamar & La Mata)
- Distance: ~11 km
- Highlights: Peaceful and natural setting with sand dunes, clean and quiet
- Activities: Ideal for sunbathing, walks, and nature photography
- Google Maps: Playa Moncayo location
🍽️ Where to Eat:
- Chiringuito Moncayo – Classic beach bar with paella, grilled sardines, and cold drinks right on the sand.
📍 Chiringuito Moncayo Map - Restaurante El Bocaito Playa – Family-friendly, local dishes, beachfront terrace with shade.
📍 El Bocaito Playa Map
🏖️ 4. Playa del Cura (Central Torrevieja)
- Distance: ~14 km, 15–20 minutes
- Highlights: Urban beach with full services and a busy promenade
- Amenities: Lifeguards, showers, many cafés and shops steps from the sand
- Google Maps: Playa del Cura location
🍽️ Where to Eat:
- Tintero Restaurante – High-quality seafood with a lovely seaside view. Great service and cocktails.
📍 Tintero Map - Restaurante Vela Beach – Mediterranean classics with a modern touch, perfect for a romantic meal by the sea.
📍 Vela Beach Map
🏝️ 5. Playa de los Locos (Torrevieja – relaxed vibe)
- Distance: ~15 km
- Highlights: Long and peaceful beach with a mix of sand and rock areas
- Facilities: Lifeguards, showers, beach bars, great for a relaxed day
- Google Maps: Playa de los Locos location
🍽️ Where to Eat:
- Bar Restaurante Sirocco – Great paellas, burgers, and beach cocktails right on the promenade.
📍 Sirocco Map - Restaurante El Tiburón – “The Shark” offers seafood, tapas, and a lovely terrace view of the waves.
📍 El Tiburón Map
🧭 Pro Tips for Beach Days
- Morning = best parking – Arrive before 11am during peak season
- Bring water & cash – Some beach bars may not accept cards
- Ask locals – Staff at cafés often know where to rent sunbeds or book water sports
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
| Season | Ideal For |
| 🌞 Summer | Vibrant atmosphere, all bars open, best swimming conditions |
| 🌤️ Spring/Autumn | Quieter beaches, milder temperatures, great for walkers |
| ❄️ Winter | Peaceful, scenic — perfect for cafés and sea breezes |
🚗 Getting There
- All 5 beaches are within a 15–20 minute drive of Ciudad Quesada
- Parking is mostly free (except for blue zones in Guardamar)
- Directions available via each Google Maps link above
✅ Why These Beaches?
- Diverse vibe – from lively Torrevieja to peaceful dunes in Moncayo
- Foodie-friendly – plenty of authentic Spanish dining options by the water
- Accessible – all within easy reach of Ciudad Quesada, ideal for day trips