Alicante Beach Safety: Postiguet & San Juan Guide
Everything you need to know about staying safe at Alicante's beaches. Anti-theft tips, water safety, and promenade advice.
Alicante has some of the best urban beaches in Spain: Postiguet (next to downtown) and San Juan (7km of sand). They're safe, but the sun, water and summer crowds require some precautions. This guide covers water safety, protecting belongings, and practical tips.
Safety overview
Alicante's beaches are safe for swimming. They have lifeguards in season and good water quality. The most real risk is theft of belongings while you swim: don't leave anything valuable alone on the sand.
Postiguet Beach
Alicante's most central beach, right below the Castle. Fine sand, calm waters, promenade with beach bars. Very popular with tourists and locals, especially in summer.
- ✓Advantages: easy access from downtown, elevator to Castle, facilities (showers, toilets, rentals)
- ✓Disadvantages: gets very crowded in July-August, less space than San Juan
- ✓Watch out: more pickpocketing than San Juan due to tourist traffic
San Juan Beach
7 kilometers of golden sand, wide promenade, family atmosphere. It's the preferred beach for residents and families. More space, less stress, better for spending the whole day.
- ✓TRAM connects downtown to San Juan in 20 minutes
- ✓More space for your towel, less crowded feeling
- ✓Beach bars and restaurants along the promenade
- ✓Parking areas (paid in summer)
Protecting your belongings
Golden rule
- NEVER leave valuables alone on the sand while swimming
- Use a waterproof pouch to take phone/wallet into the water
- Take turns watching with your group: someone always stays with the stuff
- If alone, bring only essentials (ID copy, little cash)
- ✓Avoid expensive backpacks or flashy bags: simple cloth bags go unnoticed
- ✓Towel over the backpack doesn't fool anyone: it's the most known technique
- ✓Some beach bars offer storage service (ask)
Water safety
- ✓Respect the flags: green (OK), yellow (caution), red (swimming prohibited)
- ✓On yellow flag days there are currents: don't go far from shore
- ✓Lifeguards are on duty 10:30-19:30 in high season
- ✓With small children, keep visual contact: water is calm but they can get scared
The promenade: day and night
Both Postiguet and San Juan have wide, safe promenades. During the day it's full of walkers, runners and cyclists; at night the lighting is good and terraces stay open late.
- ✓At night the promenade is safe, but avoid unlit remote areas
- ✓Don't leave bags on chair backs at terraces (pickpocketing)
- ✓Skaters and bikes have their own lane: watch when crossing
Conclusion
Alicante's beaches are safe and well-equipped. The biggest risk is theft of belongings: never leave them alone. Postiguet is more central but crowded; San Juan has more space and is ideal for families. Enjoy the sun, but use your head.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to leave things on the beach?
Not if you walk away. Never leave valuables alone. Use a waterproof pouch for essentials in the water or take turns watching with your group.
Are there lifeguards on Alicante beaches?
Yes, in high season (June-September) there are lifeguards at Postiguet and San Juan, generally from 10:30 to 19:30.
Which is better for families, Postiguet or San Juan?
San Juan has more space, less crowding and better family atmosphere. Postiguet is more practical if you're downtown and only have a few hours.
Are currents dangerous in Alicante?
On green flag days there's no problem. With yellow flag there may be currents: don't go too far from shore. Red flag means swimming prohibited.
Can I walk along the promenade at night?
Yes, both Postiguet and San Juan promenades are safe at night: good lighting, open terraces and activity until late. Avoid unlit remote areas.