Playa del Carabassí, Alicante.

Carabassí doesn't look like a typical Alicante beach — and that's exactly the point. To reach the sand you walk along wooden boardwalks built over the dunes — elevated paths that keep you above the natural landscape rather than cutting through it. On either side: sandy dunes, low pine scrub, a few palm trees. It feels more like a nature reserve than a beach approach. The beach itself is wide and open — almost 2km of fine sand with the Sierra de Carabassí rising behind it and views out towards the island of Tabarca on a clear day. If you've spent time on Postiguet or San Juan and want something that feels genuinely different — this is it.

By Car (recommended): 20 minutes from Alicante city centre via Avenida de Elche — turn towards Urbanova, El Altet, and Arenales del Sol. Carabassí is just before Santa Pola. Three large free car parks at the entrance — even in peak summer you'll almost always find a space. Public transport: Technically possible, but involves 2–3 transfers and takes around 1.5 hours each way. Not worth considering when the drive is 20 minutes. Rent a car if you don't have one. Carabassí is one of those beaches that genuinely rewards coming by car. The free parking alone makes it easier than most beaches around Alicante.

Parking: Easier than most beaches around Alicante — including Playa de San Juan. Three large free car parks at the entrance. Even when they look full, wait two or three minutes and someone always leaves. In all my visits I've never had a real problem finding a space. On the beach: Foot wash taps at the exit — useful after a day on the sand. In season there's a beach bar with toilets and sunbed rental. Outside of season, facilities are minimal — bring everything you need. Come prepared with food and water if you're visiting outside July and August. The beach bar isn't guaranteed to be open in shoulder season.

Much like any beach on the Costa Blanca — it depends on what you're after. Morning: Arrive early and parking is straightforward. The beach is quieter, the light is softer, and you get the best of the day before the heat peaks. Afternoon: If you want to avoid the strongest sun, come after 4:00 PM. The car park will be clearing out, temperatures drop, and the evening light over the dunes is worth staying for. Full day: Plenty of people make a day of it — morning swim, lunch at the beach bar, afternoon back in the water. With free parking and facilities in season, there's no reason to rush. July and August mornings fill up fastest. If you're visiting in peak summer, aim for before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM.

Yes — the sea entry is one of the most gradual and gentle on this stretch of the Costa Blanca. The shallow water extends far out, which makes it ideal if you're teaching a child to swim or letting them explore with a mask and snorkel for the first time. One thing to know: occasionally there are small rocks in very shallow water — under a metre deep. Not dangerous, but worth being aware of so nobody steps on one by accident. The upside is that small fish gather around those rocks, which makes for genuinely good snorkelling for kids — even very young ones. Flat wooden walkways run from the car parks over the dunes to the beach, so getting there with a pushchair or young children is straightforward. There are no beach playgrounds to speak of — don't come expecting that. But between the shallow water, the fish, and the dunes, most kids won't notice. Bring a mask and snorkel even for small kids — the rocks and fish in shallow water make it far more interesting than just paddling.

The water is clear and visibility is good — no complaints there. But if you're expecting an underwater spectacle, Carabassí isn't that beach. The seabed is mostly flat sand — clean and pleasant to swim over, but not particularly interesting through a mask. Occasionally you'll come across a small rock on the bottom with a few fish around it, which is worth a look. That's about as exciting as it gets. For kids snorkelling for the first time — perfect. For anyone expecting reefs, caves, or serious marine life, look elsewhere on the Costa Blanca. Cala Cantalar is a better option — rocky coastline, more fish, more to explore.

Not entirely — but there is a designated nudist area at the southern end of the beach. If you're standing facing the sea and walk to the right, you'll eventually reach it. It's signposted and well away from the main beach area. The rest of Carabassí is a standard beach — families, swimsuits, no surprises. You won't stumble into the nudist zone by accident.