Paradise Beach
Golden sand, blue water, and chocolate on the side
About
Platja del Paradís stretches roughly 400 metres along the Costa Blanca coastline in Villajoyosa, a compact town in the Valencian Community of Spain. Golden sand meets calm blue water here, framed by scenic cliffs that give the beach a sheltered, unhurried feel. The vibe is relaxed — this isn't a resort strip, it's a neighbourhood beach with genuine character. Just steps away, the Valor Chocolate Museum adds an unexpected cultural twist that sets this place apart from every other sandy patch on the coast. Swimming is safe, the Blue Flag flies, and the whole scene rewards visitors who take their time.
How to get there
From the N-332, the beach is about a five-minute drive — straightforward, though the final approach involves a rocky road. Public parking exists but free spots are genuinely hard to secure, especially in summer, so arrive early or be prepared to walk. You can also reach the beach by ferry from the Villajoyosa tram stop, a ten-minute ride that sidesteps the parking headache entirely. There's no entry fee to the beach itself.
Who it's for
For couples
The relaxed pace, scenic cliffs, and the quirky detour to the Chocolate Museum make this a genuinely easy day out for two — low-key, unhurried, and a little different from the typical Costa Blanca beach stop.
For families
Safe swimming, golden sand, and the free chocolate tastings at the Valor Museum nearby mean kids and parents both leave happy — just arrive before the summer peak to keep the day stress-free.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Platja del Paradís punches above its 400-metre length. The swimming is safe, the Blue Flag is earned, and the golden sand backed by cliffs gives it a look that most beaches on this coast can't match without a filter. What really separates it is the cultural layer — a 4th-century B.C. sanctuary, a Roman museum, and a chocolate factory, all within walking distance of your towel. The rocky road access and tight parking are real friction points, so the ferry from the Villajoyosa tram stop is the smarter move in summer. Come in June, early July, or September. August is a different beach entirely — skip it.
What to do
The Valor Chocolate Museum is right on the doorstep — free tours and tastings of Spanish chocolate make it an easy and genuinely enjoyable stop before or after the beach. Vilamuseu, also in Villajoyosa, holds Phoenician, Roman, Egyptian, and Greek artefacts that tell the deep history of this stretch of coast. A short distance south, the Iberian and Roman Sanctuary of La Malladeta dates to the 4th century B.C. and is one of the more quietly impressive ruins in the region. Les Cases de Colors, the famous row of brightly painted fishermen's houses, is just 2.4km away and worth the short walk.
The cliffs flanking the beach create a natural frame for wide shots of the golden sand and blue water — shoot from the southern end in the morning for the best light.
Les Cases de Colors, 2.4km away, delivers the iconic Villajoyosa shot with its row of vividly painted facades reflected in the harbour. The Valor Chocolate Museum entrance also makes for an unexpectedly photogenic stop with its distinctive signage and local character.
Where to eat
The nearest highly rated dining is in the Benidorm direction — La Mejillonera and La Cava Aragonesa are both under 12km away and consistently well reviewed. La Cartuja and Bar Mariano's are solid options in the same corridor if you're after a longer meal after the beach. Pack a picnic if you want to eat on the sand itself, as on-beach dining isn't listed for this spot.
Where to stay
Gran Hotel Bali, about 9km away, is one of the most reviewed hotels in the area and a reliable base for exploring the Costa Blanca. Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa sits roughly 10km out and earns strong marks for its resort experience. Meliá Villaitana, around 12km away, is another well-regarded option if you want something with a bit more polish.
Photography
The scenic cliffs at either end of the beach frame the golden sand and blue water beautifully — early morning light from the eastern cliff face is especially clean before the sun climbs high. The colourful facades of Les Cases de Colors, just 2.4km away, are a natural second shot for anyone with a camera in hand.
Good to know
July and early September hit the sweet spot — safe swimming, good weather, and manageable visitor numbers. Skip August entirely: it's peak summer and the beach gets packed. The rocky road access is real, so low-clearance vehicles should take it slowly. No naturist bathing is permitted here, and if you're planning to bring a dog, check current local rules before you go as this wasn't confirmed at time of writing.
Map
Nearby places
Benidorm Palace
La Mejillonera, Restaurante Benidorm
Bar Mariano's
La Cartuja
La Cava Aragonesa
Gran Hotel Bali
Meliá Villaitana
Hotel Helios
Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa
Marina Resort Benidorm
Valor Chocolate Museum
Vilamuseu
Iberian and Roman Sanctuary of La Malladeta
Things to see around Villajoyosa
Valor Chocolate Museum
Free tours and tastings of Spanish chocolate.
Vilamuseu
Phoenician, Roman, Egyptian, Greek, Iberian artifacts.
Iberian and Roman Sanctuary of La Malladeta
4th-century B.C. sanctuary south of Villajoyosa.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other relaxed beaches in Spain
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Concepcion AMAT ORTA… · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 2 — Diego Delso · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 3 — Diego Delso · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 4 — Orniosviajero · source · CC BY-SA 4.0