Right, let’s talk beaches. After twenty years of living in Benifallet, we’ve done the beach run countless times. From the tourist-packed sands of Salou to the wild stretches of the Delta del Ebro, here’s what you actually need to know about the coastline within driving distance of our finca.
Before You Go: The Reality Check
Listen, these aren’t Caribbean beaches. The Mediterranean can be choppy, sometimes there’s seaweed, and in peak season (July-August) finding a patch of sand without someone’s elbow in your face can be challenging. But when the conditions are right — crystal-clear water, golden sand, Spanish sun — they’re genuinely beautiful.
Security Warning: Petty theft at beaches is real, especially in summer. Don’t leave ANYTHING valuable in your car — not even hidden. Take turns swimming if you must bring valuables to the beach. Those guys wandering around selling “authentic” sunglasses? They’re also watching who leaves bags unattended. You’ve been warned.
What to Bring:
- Beach umbrella (shade costs €15-20 to rent at most beaches)
- Water shoes (some beaches are pebbly, sea urchins exist)
- Your own drinks and snacks (beach bar prices are criminal)
- Small padlock for beach lockers where available
- Cheap phone case that can get wet
The Costa Dorada Beaches (North to South)
Salou Beaches
Distance from Benifallet: 85km (1 hour 10 minutes drive)
The tourist epicentre. If you like crowds, jet skis, and paying €8 for a small beer, you’ll love it.
Platja de Llevant: The main beach with golden sands and palm trees. Blue Flag status, all facilities, completely packed in summer. Good for families who want everything on tap.
Platja de Ponent: Slightly quieter (emphasis on slightly). Also Blue Flag. The sunset views are genuinely nice if you can ignore the crowds.
Platja Llarga: The longest and least crowded Salou option. Still busy, but you might find a spot without someone’s music blaring.
Reality: Arrive before 9am in summer or forget about parking anywhere close.
Cambrils Beaches
Distance from Benifallet: 75km (1 hour drive)
More laid-back than Salou, popular with Spanish families rather than just foreign tourists.
Playa de Cap de Sant Pere: Calm, shallow water and fine golden sand, ideal for families. Natural boundary between Cambrils and Salou. Can get busy but nothing like Salou madness.
Vilafortuny-L’Esquirol: Blue Flag beach. Long stretch, good facilities, decent chiringuitos (beach bars) that won’t rip you off.
Cavet and Prat d’en Forés: Also Blue Flag beaches. More space to spread out. The further from Salou you go, the better it gets.
La Pineda (Vila-seca)
Distance from Benifallet: 80km (1 hour 5 minutes)
Long stretch of golden sand, ideal for beach games with plenty of room to spread out. Blue Flag beach. Popular with families but somehow manages to feel less crazy than Salou despite being close by.
L’Ametlla de Mar
Distance from Benifallet: 40km (35 minutes)
Here’s where it gets good. Smaller resort town, multiple coves (calas) to explore. Some beaches are walkable only — keeps the crowds down. Mix of sand and pebble beaches. The town beach is decent, but explore the coastal path for quieter spots.
Cala Forn: Small, sheltered, gorgeous. Gets full but nothing like the northern beaches.
Playa de Sant Jordi: Bigger beach, good facilities, still maintains some Spanish authenticity.
The Delta del Ebro Beaches
This is where it gets interesting. Wild, windswept, and wonderfully empty compared to the Costa Dorada.
L’Ampolla
Distance from Benifallet: 35km (30 minutes)
Gateway to the Delta. Nice town beach, but the real treasures are the wild beaches heading into the Delta. Arenal beach stretches for kilometres. Bring everything you need — facilities are minimal.
Deltebre/Riumar Beaches
Distance from Benifallet: 45km (40 minutes)
Riumar beach is considered one of the most representative natural spaces of the Delta del Ebro Natural Park, with prominent dunes and wild flora and fauna. Shallow, calm waters, almost empty even in August. The residential area has restaurants and shops but zero tourist junk.
Platja del Trabucador
Distance from Benifallet: 55km (50 minutes)
Virgin beach with fine sand and dream landscapes. The narrow spit of land leading to Salt Island. Kitesurfers love it, naturists use the far end. Can be seriously windy. No facilities whatsoever — that’s the point.
Platja dels Eucaliptus
Distance from Benifallet: 50km (45 minutes)
An unspoilt beach of almost 6 km reached by sandy paths, passing lagoons where kite-surfing is common. Named after the eucalyptus trees. Wild, beautiful, and you might not see another soul. The access road is rough — don’t bring your hire car if you value the deposit.
Platja del Migjorn
Distance from Benifallet: 52km (45 minutes)
2.7 km long with services including bar, barbecue, picnic area, and toilets. Has a naturist area. More facilities than other Delta beaches but still relatively quiet. The naturist section is well-marked — don’t wander in by accident unless you’re prepared to join in.
The Costa del Azahar (Moving South)
Vinaròs
Distance from Benifallet: 65km (55 minutes)
Traditional Spanish working town with excellent Blue Flag beaches. Real Spanish seaside town without the package holiday feel. Several beaches to choose from.
Platja del Fortí: Perfect for a peaceful and romantic stroll. Rocky sections mixed with sand. Popular with locals.
Main beaches: Long promenade, good facilities, very Spanish atmosphere. Excellent seafood restaurants that locals actually eat at.
Benicarló
Distance from Benifallet: 70km (1 hour)
Three main beaches: Mar Chica (pebble beach), Playa del Morrongo and Playa la Caracola (fine golden sand). Famous for artichokes, oddly enough. Less touristy than Vinaròs but perfectly pleasant.
Peñíscola
Distance from Benifallet: 80km (1 hour 10 minutes)
Often called the “Gibraltar of Valencia”, built on a rocky headland about 67m high. The castle is genuinely impressive, but the town is tourist central in summer.
Playa Norte: Crystal clear water and golden sand. 5km of beach, gets very busy but big enough to find space. All facilities, Blue Flag status.
Playa Sur: Smaller, more sheltered, still busy but slightly less manic than Norte.
The summer months see 150,000 visitors in a town of 8,000 — that tells you everything about August here.
The Naturist Beaches
Since you asked — yes, there are several clothing-optional beaches in the area:
Platja del Torn (L’Hospitalet de l’Infant): Official naturist beach, well-signposted, mixed crowd
Platja del Trabucador (far end): Unofficial but accepted, mainly at the southern tip
Platja del Migjorn (marked section): Official naturist area, clearly marked
Various Delta beaches: The emptier stretches often have informal naturist use
Naturist Beach Etiquette:
- Don’t stare or take photos (obvious but needs saying)
- Bring a towel to sit on (always)
- Textiles usually tolerated but why would you?
- Leave more space between groups than on regular beaches
Best Beaches By Category
For Families with Kids:
- Cambrils (any of the Blue Flag beaches)
- La Pineda
- Riumar (shallow and calm)
For Peace and Quiet:
- Platja dels Eucaliptus
- Any Delta beach midweek
- L’Ametlla de Mar coves
For Water Sports:
- Trabucador (kitesurfing)
- Salou (jet skis, parasailing, the lot)
For Authentic Spanish Beach Experience:
- Vinaròs
- L’Ampolla
- Riumar
For Instagram:
- Peñíscola (castle backdrop)
- Any empty Delta beach at sunset
- Hidden coves at L’Ametlla de Mar
Practical Tips from a Local
Parking:
- Arrive early or late, never midday in summer
- Blue lines = paid parking, white = free (if you can find it)
- Never leave anything visible in the car
Beach Bars:
- Prices double the closer you get to the sand
- Walk one street back for normal prices
- “Menu del día” usually decent value, even at beach restaurants
Best Times:
- June and September: warm enough, not packed
- Weekdays: Obviously quieter
- After 5pm in summer: Families leaving, still warm
Avoiding Crowds:
- Delta beaches: Always quieter
- Walk 10 minutes from any main access point
- The rougher the access road, the quieter the beach
Safety:
- Red flag = don’t swim, and they mean it
- Jellyfish: More common in warm, calm conditions
- Rip currents: Rare but exist, especially at river mouths
- Sun: You’ll burn faster than you think
The Bottom Line
You’re spoiled for choice, really. From the full-on resort experience of Salou to the wild emptiness of the Delta, there’s a beach for every mood within 90 minutes of the finca. My personal favourites? The Delta beaches when I want solitude, L’Ametlla de Mar when I want a proper beach day without the tourist nonsense, and yes, occasionally even Salou when I fancy people-watching and overpriced ice cream.
Just remember: the best beach is the one where you remember to relax and stop checking your phone. Though do keep an eye on your belongings — those beach thieves don’t take days off.
Back to the finca? It’s a nice change of pace after the coastal crowds. Nothing but river sounds and mountain views. The splash pool might be small, but at least you won’t have someone’s music blaring while you float.
Getting There: All beaches accessible via AP-7 motorway (free and fast) or N-340 (free but slower).
