Which beach and sea sports can you try on the Costa Blanca?

On the Costa Blanca you can sail, kitesurf, dive, paddleboard and kayak all along the coast, with sea temperatures that stay pleasant from June to November. Living here means having the Mediterranean as a year-round playground, and the choice of watersports is huge whether you want a relaxed afternoon or a proper adrenaline hit.

Sailing: a sailors' land

Alicante is the home port of The Ocean Race, the round-the-world sailing race, so this is a region that truly breathes the sea. Nautical clubs (clubs nauticos) line the coast from Alicante to Denia, with sailing schools for all ages, from Optimist dinghies for children to courses for adults. You can get started in a few days, hire a dinghy or a catamaran, or set your sights on regattas. It is also a great way to build a social circle once you have moved over.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing: head to Santa Pola

Santa Pola is one of Spain's best wind spots, well known for both kitesurfing and windsurfing, with schools that offer lessons and gear hire. Other breezy beaches around the province add to the choice. If you are a beginner, always take a supervised lesson: kitesurfing is learnt with an instructor, never self-taught.

Diving: Tabarca and the marine reserves

Tabarca island, off Alicante, is home to Spain's first marine reserve, created in 1986: clear water, seagrass meadows and abundant fish make it an outstanding site for diving and snorkelling. Dive centres along the coast run trips and taster dives there, as well as at other protected sites in the province. You need no experience for a first supervised taster dive.

Paddleboarding, kayaking and more

To reach calas (coves) that you cannot get to on foot, paddleboarding (SUP) or sea kayaking are ideal: hourly rentals are available on most beaches in season, and guided trips head out to the caves and coves of the Marina Alta. Add beach volleyball, snorkelling and long-distance swimming, and there is easily enough to fill a whole summer without ever leaving the coast.

FAQ

What is the best sea sport for a family to start with?

Paddleboarding and kayaking are the most accessible: stable, easy and with no gear to buy. For children, the sailing schools at nautical clubs offer Optimist dinghies from around age 6 to 7.

Can you dive without any experience?

Yes, through a supervised taster dive at a dive centre: a short briefing, an instructor at your side, and you descend safely. Tabarca is an ideal place to give it a go.

Where can you learn kitesurfing?

Santa Pola is the province's reference spot: take a lesson at a school and never head out alone at first. Gear can be hired on site.

Sources

• Comunitat Valenciana tourism board, watersports on the Costa Blanca: comunitatvalenciana.com
• Real Federacion Espanola de Vela: rfev.es

Verified July 2026: sea and wind conditions change fast, so always follow your school or club's instructions and check the marine forecast before heading out.

Information verified in July 2026. The Daily Costa Blanca is an AI-assisted publication with human editorial review and responsibility.