ALL ABOUT ALBIR
Albir - The Little Gem of the Costa Blanca - Albir is part of the Alfaz del Pi Municipality and is the coastal area.
Unlike many other Costa Blanca towns Albir has been carefully planned virtually from scratch. Only one or two of the buildings are over five storeys high, its avenues are broad, and tree lined, there is a sense of space and an unhurried atmosphere making a visit to Albir a real pleasure.
Albir Beach
With almost 600 metres of clean safe beach, there’s always plenty of room to stretch out.
Albir’s Raco beach is a NO SMOKING zone.
The beach at Albir features very fine, smooth pebbles, offering a comfortable and scenic spot for bathers. From the shore, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra Helada Nature Reserve on one side, and the iconic Peñón de Ifach—the striking rock formation in Calpe, on the other.
Excellent Beach Facilities
Albir Beach is well-equipped, particularly during the summer season, when there are:
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Three lifeguards on duty
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A first aid post
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An ambulance on standby for minor injuries
Visitors will also find public toilets located centrally along the promenade, as well as freshwater foot showers for rinsing off after a swim.
Accessible for All
During peak summer months, Albir Beach is highly accessible for people with reduced mobility. Facilities include:
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Reserved parking spaces
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Ramps and special walkways for wheelchair access
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Amphibious crutches and floating beach chairs
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Specialised personnel to assist individuals entering and enjoying the sea
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Shaded seating areas, located in the space that once hosted the popular “Biblioplaya”
Scenic Promenade – Paseo de las Estrellas
Running alongside the beach is the Paseo de las Estrellas (Walk of the Stars), a charming promenade inspired by Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. It features plaques honoring stars who have received awards at Albir's International Film Festival.
Dining and Shopping in Albir
Albir offers a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with restaurants serving cuisine from all across Europe and beyond. Whether you're craving traditional Spanish tapas, Italian pasta, Scandinavian dishes, or international fusion, you're sure to find something to suit your taste and mood.
In addition to great dining, Albir is home to a variety of charming boutique shops and stores, perfect for leisurely browsing. Whether you're looking for unique souvenirs, fashion, or local products, you'll find plenty to explore just steps from the beach.
Market days
A large market is held every SUNDAY in the car park on the high street.
Explore Local History – Albir Roman Ruins
Step back in time with a visit to the open-air Roman ruins museum in Albir. Here, you’ll find the remains of a Roman villa dating back to between the 4th and 6th century A.D.
This archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s ancient past, giving you a chance to explore the lifestyle of a Roman family who once lived on this very spot.
Inaugurated in 2011, Albir’s Roman Villa Museum is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Roman baths in the Valencian Community. This fascinating open-air archaeological site features a remarkably intact hot water heating system, along with a mausoleum where members of the Roman family were buried, making it a must-visit for history lovers.
Step Into History with Virtual Reality
Since September 26th, 2022, visitors can enjoy free virtual reality headsets that recreate what life was really like in the villa during Roman times. This immersive experience brings the ruins to life and is particularly engaging for children and young visitors.
Opening Hours
Audio commentaries are available in English upon request.
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SUMMER SCHEDULE (June, July and August)
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Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 – 12:00 and 19:00 – 22:00
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Sundays and Monday CLOSED
- WINTER SCHEDULE
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Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 – 13:00
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Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 – 14:00
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Monday - CLOSED
The museum is close to the beach in the centre of Albir. Look for the dry riverbed which runs from Albir Playa Hotel down to the beach
Walk to Albir Lighthouse (Faro de l'Albir) – Scenic Coastal Trail
One of the most popular and enjoyable walks in the area, the Albir Lighthouse Trail offers stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline, including Calpe’s iconic Peñón de Ifach, the Bay of Albir, and Altea.
This easy and well-paved walk is ideal for all fitness levels, including families and casual walkers. With minimal gradient and a total distance of 5.4 kilometers (round trip), it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Sierra Helada Natural Park.
Getting There:
To reach the starting point:
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Drive through Altea towards Benidorm on the N-332
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Turn left at the sign for Albir
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Follow signs to the El Tiburon restaurant
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Continue until you reach the entrance to the Sierra Helada Natural Park
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There is a free public car park on the right-hand side
- From there, follow the paved coastal lane that leads directly to the Albir Lighthouse.
What to See Along the Way
The trail is rich in nature and history, with plenty to discover:
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Wildflowers and Aromatic Herbs
The path is lined with native plants and colorful blooms, particularly in spring and early summer. Informative signs along the way identify local species and describe their uses and significance. -
The Old Ochre Mines
About halfway along the route, look to the left-hand side for the remains of ancient ochre mines. These were in use from Roman times through the Middle Ages and up until the early 20th century.
A footpath leads down to the site, where some mine entrances remain open for exploration. Inside, you can see striking red and orange ochre veins in the rock. -
La Boca de la Ballena ("The Whale’s Mouth")
A little further along, on the right-hand side, you’ll come across a large cave entrance. Known as La Boca de la Ballena, this natural formation resembles a whale’s mouth and once served as a shelter. -
Scenic Viewpoint and Micro-Reserve
Just beyond the cave, take the footpath on the right to reach a viewpoint with panoramic sea views. At the top, you'll find a plaque describing the area's conservation efforts, protecting fossil dunes, prickly juniper, crowberry broom, thyme, and other rare Mediterranean plant species.
Final Stretch to the Lighthouse
Eventually, you’ll come to a set of large iron gates, which are locked. To continue to the lighthouse, simply follow the path to the left of the gates—this bypass takes you to the other side. From there, it’s just a short 200-meter walk to the Albir Lighthouse (Faro de l'Albir), where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and sea.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or just looking for a peaceful walk with stunning scenery, the Albir Lighthouse Trail is a must-do when visiting the Costa Blanca.
Walking tips:
- Wear good comfortable shoes.
- Take plenty of water with you.
- Keep an eye on the local weather.
Getting to Albir from Benidorm - Bus and Taxi Information
By Bus – Line 10
The Number 10 bus is a convenient option that runs every 15 minutes - Times vary depending upon the season.
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Journey Time: Approximately 20 minutes
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Bus Stops in Albir: Clearly marked with the letter ‘P’, and are no more than a 10-minute walk apart
This is one of the most popular and budget-friendly ways to travel between the two towns.
TAXI Information – Albir & l'Alfàs del Pi
A taxi ride between Benidorm and Albir typically costs between €12 and €15, depending on traffic and time of day.
Important Update:
The taxis of l'Alfàs and Albir now operate under a new phone number: +34 96 585 61 01
*Note that each municipality in the Marina Baixa region now has its own dedicated taxi dispatch center, so it's important to call the correct number for service in Albir and l'Alfàs del Pi*.
OFFICIAL FIESTA DATES IN ALBIR/ALFAZ DEL PI - some dates may change but most are static
January
Three Kings, January 5th Place: Carpa Municipal
March
March 1st, Carnival, Calle Federico Garcia Lorca.
San José, 18th and 19th, Location: Plaza Mayor
May
Celebrations of the Creueta, 2nd, 3rd and 4th May, Place: Plaza de la Creueta
June
San Juan, June 23rd, Location: Playa del Albir
August - Festes de Albir - around 19th
September
Copletes, Sept. 12th, Location: Plaza Mayor
October
Valencia Day, October 9th
November
Fiestas patronales of the Holy Christ of the Good Success. Place: L'Alfás Del Pí. Days: 06,07,08,09 and 10 November.
December
Celebrations of the Immaculate Conception, 6. 7 and 8 December.
FIND OTHER PLACES TO VISIT ON THE COSTA BLANCA NORTH HERE
Albir in 1988
Beautiful photos of Albir 2021 taken by Benidorm Seriously Member Sharon Nolan Gordon