Last summer, I spent two weeks in the Valencia region and unexpectedly discovered Arenales del Sol. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Alicante and Valencia city, this place, with its Arenales del Sol property prices, feels like a corner forgotten by time. The town hugs the Mediterranean coast with a population under 20,000, yet possesses an irresistible charm.
Beaches and Coastline
The main attraction of Arenales del Sol is its stretching sandy beach. Playa de Almadraba is the main beach, with fine sand and crystal-clear water. Early morning walks around 7 AM are most pleasant, with locals jogging with their dogs along the shore and occasional anglers casting their lines. Beach bars typically open at 10 AM - a café con leche with churros under a beach umbrella while gazing at the sea offers a relaxed vibe hard to find in big cities. To the south lies Cap Prim, a small nature reserve with short but scenic hiking trails.
Accommodation and Dining
Accommodation options in town are limited, mainly small apartments and guesthouses. I stayed in an apartment near the train station for about 60 euros per night, fully equipped and just a ten-minute walk to the beach. Book in advance, as locals also vacation here during peak season.
For dining, here are some frequently visited spots:
| Restaurant Name | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|
| Restaurante El Puerto | Seafood paella | 15-25€/person |
| Bar Los Amigos | Tapas | 8-15€/person |
| Pizzeria da Marco | Italian pizza | 10-18€/person |
El Puerto’s seafood paella is authentically delicious and requires a 30-minute advance reservation as it’s made fresh to order. Their arroz a banda, made with fish caught that day and served with alioli garlic sauce, leaves an unforgettable taste. Los Amigos is where locals gather, coming alive after 9 PM - order a few tapas with beer or vermouth, chat with neighboring tables, and you’ll easily blend into the local atmosphere.
Transportation and Surroundings
From Alicante city center, take the C-1 Cercanías train line for a direct 40-minute journey at around 3.5 euros per ticket. Trains run frequently, roughly every half hour. Walking covers most destinations within town, and for longer distances, you can rent bicycles available near the train station.
If time permits, explore the surrounding area. 15 kilometers north lies San Juan Beach, and 20 kilometers south is Santa Pola, both charming coastal towns. Santa Pola features the Salinas de Santa Pola salt marsh natural park where you can spot flamingos - perfect for afternoon walks and photography.
Practical Tips
A few personal recommendations: summer UV rays are intense, so sunscreen and sunglasses are essential; most shops close on Sundays, don’t expect to go shopping on Sundays; locals generally have limited English, so learning basic Spanish phrases helps - at least know hola, gracias, and por favor; beachfront restaurants charge 20-30% more than inland options, so to save money, visit Mercadona supermarket in the town center and cook your own meals.
Arenales del Sol isn’t an Instagram hotspot nor does it boast spectacular attractions, but precisely because of this, it preserves authentic Spanish coastal town life. It’s ideal for those seeking to escape crowds and enjoy a peaceful vacation. If you’re planning an itinerary in the Valencia region, consider adding this place, along with the Arenales del Sol port and Arenales football club, to your list - stay two or three days and experience another side of the Mediterranean.
