Cala Cantalar (Cap de l'Horta)

Cala Cantalar sits on a stretch of coast between La Albufereta and Playa de San Juan, inside the protected area of Cabo de las Huertas, one of the last parts of Alicante's coastline to have escaped heavy building. It runs about 100 metres long, with a mixed bottom of sand and pebbles and the cape's low cliffs as a backdrop. With no direct road access and no seasonal services, it's one of the quieter beaches in the city, even at the height of summer.

The area sits within the same stretch of coast that the Roman city of Lucentum once controlled, whose ruins stand a short distance inland, on the same Cabo de las Huertas headland. Today the protected area combines coastal paths, Mediterranean scrubland, and a string of small coves stepping along the shoreline, of which Cantalar is one of the best known.

Getting there

The usual approach is to leave the car at a small nearby car park and walk down an easy path that takes only a few minutes; there's also a city bus stop within reasonable reach, followed by a short walk. Since the cove itself has no shade and no beach bars, it's worth bringing water, sun protection and some food if you plan to stay a few hours. Thanks to its quiet, uncrowded character, Cala Cantalar comes up often among alternatives to the city's larger beaches, alongside other options in the guide to the best beaches near Alicante. For contrast, the central Playa del Postiguet, with full urban beach services, is a short drive away.