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This immaculate golden beach is famously “combed” by tractors in summer to maintain its pristine appearance. Lined with smart rows of coconut-matting sunshades and blue-and-white-striped sun loungers, it has all the amenities: play areas for children, showers, lifeguard posts, and a line of restaurants and cafés along the seafront.

Oliva is blessed with long, sandy beaches that extend for miles so that you can always find a quiet spot if you are prepared to walk. This beach is the largest and best equipped, with every imaginable amenity.

This is a delightful pebbly stretch of rock pools, tiny islands and hidden coves, where you can usually find a quiet corner. It has good amenities and a breezy seafront promenade lined with restaurants and cafés.

The only way in and out of this tiny, pebbly cove is a narrow road which twists and turns down to the perfect curve of the bay. The blue-green water is overlooked by cliffs, and the small rocky beach is backed by just a couple of café-bars.

This is another exquisite cove, flanked by high cliffs and looking out over the tiny island of Portitxol. The viewing point (mirador) above the cove offers some of the most beautiful views on the whole coastline. Amenities include a handful of café-bars and a lifeguard post.

The golden arc of Benidorm’s twin beaches stretches for almost five km (3 miles) around the bay, a breathtaking sweep of gleaming sand and turquoise waters. In high season, you’ll need to get there early to grab some space. Immaculate and superbly equipped with everything from play areas and wheelchair ramps to beach bars and lifeguard posts.

Easily the best of Alicante’s beaches, this glorious stretch of fine sand with every facility is in a popular holiday suburb a short tram ride from the city centre. The bars and clubs buzz all night in summer.

These wild, gorgeous, windswept dunes are rarely crowded, even in the height of summer. The dunes are part of a natural reserve backed by a pine forest with walking trails and picnic spots. There are a few snack bars, but little else.

Calblanque is the most beautiful stretch of coastline on the Costa Blanca, with golden beaches, secluded coves, cliff walks and forested hills. It has few facilities, so bring picnic things and plenty of water. Take care: the current can be dangerous.

The main beach of this sleepy little resort is long and sandy, with good facilities including lifeguards, cafés and restaurants. Behind it are the extraordinary cliffs of the “Enchanted City” (see Ciudad Encantada de Bolnuevo). To the south, naturists will find a series of secluded coves.