Discovering El Campello, Alicante (Spain).
History, gastronomy, lazy days and fun by the sea! Life in El Campello, a pleasant coastal town on the Costa Blanca, just north of Alicante city, has revolved around the sea since times immemorial…
Why You Need To Visit El Campello
History of El Campello
Mention of Campello brings to mind an ancient watchtower down by the fishing port or eating a leisurely lunch at one of the traditional restaurants, gazing across the sandy beach to the azure Mediterranean Sea.
Over the centuries, many civilizations have stamped their footprint on the landscape.
To unravel the mysteries they left behind, first take a look at La Illeta dels Banyets’, the small rocky islet that juts into the sea just behind the smart modern leisure harbour.
A significant archaeological site, prehistoric remains date back to beyond the Bronze Age and ruins include part of an old Iberian settlement. ‘Banyets’ or ‘Baños de la Reina’ refers to the manmade rock pools, originally a Roman fish salting industry and not the ‘Queen’s Baths’ as popular legend leads us to believe.
Campello has a seafaring tradition that goes back centuries. The fishing port is one of the oldest in Spain and was, until the middle of the XX century, the second biggest on the Mediterranean coast. Don’t miss watching the fish auction that takes place as the fishing boats dock late afternoon. The catch is brought out on trays and sold to the highest bidder, then taken to local restaurants. Seafood doesn’t come any fresher than this!
Best Beaches in El Campello
People may not realise that El Campello has the longest stretch of coastline in Alicante Province, 23 kilometres of marvellous golden beaches, secluded coves and abrupt cliffs. Campello’s popular main beach is south of the harbour.
Playa Carrer la Mar
Playa Carrer la Mar is wonderfully sandy and the sea safe for swimming.
The traffic-free seafront is great for a stroll and then stopping off for something tasty to eat – Mediterranean rice dishes figure strongly among the specialities to try in Campello. Treat yourself to tapas, homemade ice-cream or a cool cocktail.The town has an extensive choice of international restaurants too, such as those serving French or Italian cuisine.
Punta del Riu
Carrer la Mar beach ends at Rio Seco ‘Dry River’ estuary and Punta del Riu where there’s a dog-friendly beach. Yes, you can take your pet with you for a romp and swim! It’s a large open pebbly beach; suitable for bathing and snorkel.
Tram stop: Salesians and Plà Barraques.
Playa Muchavista
Further south around the headland, Playa Muchavista offers three kilometres of fine golden sands along the top sector of San Juan bay, the remainder of this magnificent beach pertains to Alicante. Spend a relaxing day on the beach, enjoy a picnic under the shade of a sun umbrella, take part in beach volley game or other activities, then cool off in the sea.
You’ll find a choice of restaurants and cafés along the seafront, and during the summer additional amenities on the beach such as children’s activities, facilities for the disabled, open-air cinema and beach bars. A few steps away, the Salesianos XVIII century mansion has a lovely wooded picnic area.
Tram stop: Muchavista.
La Illeta dels Banyets
Campello’s northern coastline is more abrupt…discover this series of quiet coves for yourself!
La Illeta dels Banyets is beside the Yacht club; a rocky platform, little beach and seawater pools. Enjoy the snorkel route in crystal clear water around this interesting archaeological site.
Tram stop: Poble Espanyol.
Playa de l´Almadrava
Playa de l´Almadrava is a sand and pebble beach some 600m in length. It’s a short walk along an interesting promenade (just north from la Illeta) which features informative panels regarding wildlife and three evocative sculptures on the edge of the sea.
Tram stop: Poble Espanyol.
Cala del Llop Marí
Cala del Llop Marí is a small rocky cove further up the coast by Pueblo Español. There is a cavern here, which was in fact an open Roman mine; an intriguing site steeped in legend and lovely for diving, centuries ago raiding Berber pirates are said to have hidden their treasures in the depths of the cave system.
Tram stop: Poble Espanyol.
Playa de l´Amerador and Cala Nostra
Playa de l´Amerador is a picturesque pebble beach some 800m long; the sea is habitually clear and calm. Cala Nostra ‘our beach’ is a quiet little-known cove with sand and pebbles.
Tram stop: Amerador.
Coveta Fumá and Cala d’ Enmig
Cala del Morro Blanc (also known as Coveta Fumá) is a sandy beach; the sea is shallow and ideal for families, and also for snorkelling. Cala d’ Enmig is small sandy cove hidden away and protected on all sides by cliffs. Quiet and secluded but easily reached by road.
Tram stop: Coveta Fumá.
Cala Piteres, Barranc d´Aigües and Llomes de Reixes
Cala Piteres is a small cove with sand and pebbles; the transparent waters are ideal for snorkelling and water sports.
Playa del Barranc d´Aigües enjoys a lovely position sheltered by cliffs. This unspoilt pebble beach lies at the foot of Lloma de Reixes, a protected woody hillock crowned by the Aigües medieval watchtower.
Playa de les Llomes de Reixes is a secluded rocky beach lying under cliffs. A naturist beach, and good for snorkelling or fishing.
Tram stop: Cala Piteres.
Cala Baeza, Cala Lanuza and Les Palmeretes
Cala Baeza previously known as ‘Portet de la Merced’ is a delightful sandy cove with crystal clear water and a charming little harbour.
Cala Lanuza has a fine golden sand beach and calm sea for swimming; a favourite choice for families in the summertime and beautiful for snorkelling.
Cala de les Palmeretes is a pretty little pebble cove backed by palm trees and relatively unknown. Calm clear seawater makes it the perfect spot for bathing, diving and fishing.
Tram stop: Venta Lanuza.
Cala Carritxal
Cala Carritxal is last in the succession of coves and comes partly under the municipality of Villajoyosa; an unspoilt beach of coarse sand and gravel.
* Read our Related Post on Villajoyosa >>>
Water Sports in El Campello
Diving enthusiasts will love discovering Campello’s underwater landscapes. El Caballón is a rocky barrier reef which starts at Cabo de las Huertas (north of Alicante City) and runs for several kilometres northwards parallel to El Campello coastline.
A variety of action-packed multi-adventure activities and not-to-be-missed experiences include kayaking, boats trips or charters, and even a flight on a light plane!
Fiestas in El Campello
El Campello celebrates two deep-rooted festivals which are amazing to see!
The ‘Virgen del Carmen’ fiestas in honor of sailors, takes place around July 16 each year – a full programme of activities lasts several days, ending with a magnificent sea procession.
The traditional Moors and Christians festival (11 to 15 October) starts with the ‘Moors landing’ on the beach, and continues with colourful parades, flower offerings, street music and dancing, culminating in a magnificent firework display.
How to Get to El Campello
Nearest airport: Alicante-Elche airport (15km);
By rail: TRAM Alicante-El Campello-Benidorm-Dénia);
By car: A7 AP7 motorway exit 67 or on the N332.
El Campello is ideal for a day out anytime of the year, easy to reach on the Alicante to Denia TRAM line or by car. If you’re over for a holiday, hire a rental car (arrange to pick it up from the airport) to explore the Costa Blanca.
There are so many interesting and scenic places to see in Alicante Province, and El Campello is conveniently located to explore to the north, south and inland! Not only beaches, there’s mountains scenery and great walks in Alicante Province, castles, vineyards, historical cities, salt lakes…
Related Posts about the Costa Blanca
Alicante Province – North to South
- Costa Blanca Beaches and Coastal Resorts with info on outdoor activities, watersports, local history, cuisine, fiestas, getting here…
- Denia
- Ondara
- Moraira
- Benissa
- Calpe
- Jalón Valley
- Altea
- Alfaz de Pi and El Albir
- Guadalest Valley – Guadalest village and reservoir walk
- Guadalest Valley – Benimantell, Beniarda, Benifato, Abdet, Confrides
- Benidorm
- Finestrat Village and Cala de Finestrat Beach
- Finestrat Mountain Walk: Puig Campana
- Villajoyosa
- El Campello
- San Juan beach
- Alicante
- Tabarca Island
- Torrevieja
- Rojales
- Pilar de La Horadada
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