PLAYA DE PUNTA PRIMA might be Orihuela Costa's smallest beach, but what it lacks in size is more than compensated for by its local history, rich bio-diversity, and a prime Mediterranean coastal location.
Punta Prima was one of the first beaches to be established in the area, and before the arrival of mass tourism in the 1970s, Punta Prima beach was the go-to hotspot for local Spaniards and domestic visitors that flocked to the area in their droves each summer.
Playa de Punta Prima is a thin sheltered strip measuring 234 metres at the waterline, offering 6.552 m² of fine sand. The sand is less filtered than other neighbouring beaches, and it's not unusual to find small pebbles and shells adorning the beach at certain times of the year.
Cut into the rocky coastline, the beach's southeast-facing aspect guarantees sunshine for most of the day, unlike most of the surrounding east-facing beaches which offer plenty of sun first thing in the morning, waning as the day goes by.
The cliff that rendered the beach relatively inaccessible has been bypassed by the installation of a lift toward the west end of the beach. Very few beaches in the southeast of Spain can boast such a luxury, and the lift makes it easy for families and persons of limited mobility to reach the golden sands below.
Playa de Punta Prima beach in Orihuela Costa
The Paseo Maritimo promenade wraps behind the beach providing a pedestrian and cycle route to neighbouring Cala Piteras beach to the north, and Playa Flamenca's beautiful beaches to the south of Punta Prima.
A work of art in itself, the Paseo Maritimo is a wide stretch of colourful ornate paving that offers commanding views over the Mediterranean Sea and access to the beach via two sets of steps at either end of the sand.
The promenade passes the enigmatic Punta Prima Restaurante which sits atop the beach. The restaurant is renowned locally for its first-class food, and the views from the outside dining terrace are rarely surpassed by other venues in South Costa Blanca.
It's a local favourite with all nationalities, and Punta Prima Restaurante offers an extensive Mediterranean à la carte menu every day that focuses on fresh seafood and Spanish rice dishes, with options to suit vegan and vegetarian palates.
During high season, a traditional Spanish chiringuito offers eager sunseekers additional dining choices. The beach bar provides welcome shade, a full bar service, and a menu of snacks and light bites such as burgers, hotdogs, and a selection of pizzas that will appeal to casual diners and families with younger children.
One of the most established beaches in South Costa Blanca
The beach is located to the south of a natural rocky headland that keeps the seawater calm, safe and suited to bathing at most times of the year. Relatively shallow water several metres from the water's edge makes the beach an ideal choice for families or less confident swimmers.
A lifeguard service operates during the main tourist season, and the beach bar provides a calendar of free-to-attend events including live music with performances from local musicians most weekends throughout the summer. The chiringuito also offers the rental of luxurious Balinese beds that overlook the beach.
Plentiful parking and ease of access make Punta Prima Beach a pleasure to visit at any time of year, and a small car park at the west end of the promenade offers off-road parking spaces and access to the beach via the lift.
Alternatively, virtually limitless on-street parking along Avenida Mar de Punta Prima close to the restaurant permits access to the beach via paths on either side, that lead to a set of steps at the east end of the beach.
Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.
Photo credit: LaZenia.com
