Playa de Poniente
Expansive sandy beach with calm waters, perfect for families, offering vibrant promenades and stunning sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful start to the day
Playa de Poniente
Best Time
Peaceful start to the day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Expansive sandy beach with calm waters, perfect for families, offering vibrant promenades and stunning sunset views.
"A great beach for all the family, with calm waves and close to everything you need."
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The western location makes it perfect for sunset views. Arrive early to secure a good spot!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the extensive promenade, lined with cafes and shops.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Spectacle
Western end of the beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the horizon. A perfect, romantic end to a day by the sea.

Family-Friendly Waters
Protected swimming areas
Gentle waves and shallow areas make it ideal for families with children and seniors to paddle safely.
Vibrant Promenade
Beachfront walkway
Stroll along the expansive promenade, lined with cafes and shops, offering lively atmosphere and sea views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beach Etiquette & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The western location makes it perfect for sunset views. Arrive early to secure a good spot!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the extensive promenade, lined with cafes and shops.
🌊 Gentle Waves for All
Ideal for swimming and paddling, even for kids and seniors, due to calm waters.
🐶 Check Dog Rules
Some visitors experienced confusion about dog access. Look for signage before bringing pets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The western location makes it perfect for sunset views. Arrive early to secure a good spot!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the extensive promenade, lined with cafes and shops.
🌊 Gentle Waves for All
Ideal for swimming and paddling, even for kids and seniors, due to calm waters.
🐶 Check Dog Rules
Some visitors experienced confusion about dog access. Look for signage before bringing pets.
☀️ Rent a Lounge Chair
Comfortable lounge chairs are available for rent, perfect for a relaxing day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa de Poniente is widely appreciated for its expansive sandy shores, calm waters ideal for families, and stunning sunset views. Visitors enjoy the convenient promenade with its array of cafes and shops. Some minor concerns have been raised about dog access and high tides, but overall, it's considered a great beach experience.
"One of the popular beaches close to the center of Gijón, this beach is located to the west, making it a great spot to watch the sunset. The beach features wide, soft sandy stretches, perfect for sunbathing or taking a walk. The waves are not too strong, making it ideal for swimming or surfing."
Seokjin Ham
"Great beach, you're so close to everything, cafes, restaurants, bars, ice cream sellers, souvenir shops, etc. A nice stretch of beach to walk along, the waves are pretty much non existent and kids can paddle quite safely. There are bigger waves a little further out for those of you that like to surf. The tide comes in quite high, so you have to be quick and keep moving back towards the wall. It's a fun place for all the family."
Darren Wyles
"Lovely beach, but got politely told off for taking our dog on the beach despite no signs saying they're prohibited...? Is it the locals ruling the roost? We did pickup 2 other dogs messes off the beach however."
R C (Peter)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa de Poniente is easily accessible in both Gijón and Benidorm. In Gijón, it's a popular beach close to the center.
In Benidorm, it's the city's most extensive beach, stretching over 3 kilometers. Public transport options are generally available in both cities, with walking being a great option if you're staying nearby.Yes, both Playa de Poniente in Gijón and Benidorm are well-known landmarks. In Gijón, it's located to the west of the city center.
In Benidorm, it's a prominent feature along the coastline, easily identifiable by its long stretch of sand.Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season. It's advisable to use public transport or arrive early if driving. Look for paid parking lots or street parking, but be prepared for potential limitations.
In Gijón, Playa de Poniente is conveniently located near the city center, making it a pleasant walk.
In Benidorm, depending on your accommodation, it's also often within walking distance or a short bus ride from central areas.In Gijón, the beach is close to cafes, restaurants, and bars.
In Benidorm, the promenade itself offers a lively atmosphere with shops and dining options, and it's known for its proximity to other attractions like the Gran Hotel Bali.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Playa de Poniente is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free for everyone.
As a public beach, Playa de Poniente is accessible 24/7. However, amenities like lifeguards and facilities typically operate during daylight hours, especially in peak season.
No booking is required for general access to Playa de Poniente. It's a public space. However, if you plan to participate in specific water sports or events, separate bookings might be necessary.
Generally, there are no major restrictions for entry. However, local regulations regarding pets, fires, or camping should be observed. Some visitors have noted confusion about dog access, so checking local signage is advised.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to Playa de Poniente. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants along the promenade if you prefer to dine out.
🎫 ☀️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and paddling in the calm waters.
Water sports are also available, and the long promenade is perfect for walking or cycling. The beach is also known for hosting events like drone shows and Guinness World Record attempts.Absolutely! The gentle waves and protected swimming areas make it very safe for children to play in the water.
The soft sand is also great for building sandcastles.Yes, Playa de Poniente typically offers public restrooms and showers, especially during the main tourist season. These facilities are usually located along the promenade.
Yes, you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas at Playa de Poniente, providing a comfortable spot to relax on the sand.
Crowd levels can vary. It's generally less crowded than some other popular beaches, especially during weekdays or off-peak hours.
Evenings, particularly for sunset, can be quite busy.📸 📸 Photography
The entire stretch of the beach offers beautiful views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The promenade provides great vantage points, and the unique architecture of nearby buildings in Benidorm can also be interesting subjects.Definitely! Being on the western side, it's renowned for its spectacular sunsets, offering vibrant colors and silhouettes against the sea.
Drone usage regulations can vary by location and time. While some events have featured drones,
it's crucial to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying.A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide beach scenes and details along the promenade. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sea and sky, especially during sunset.
Keep an eye out for local events or wildlife! A wild boar was once spotted enjoying a dip in the sea here.
The Guinness World Record attempt for simultaneous cider pouring was also a unique spectacle.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the peak crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for your little ones. The wide expanse of sand also provides plenty of space for kids to run around.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
If you're looking for a bit of activity, consider trying some of the water sports available or simply find a comfortable spot to read a book and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. The beach's accessibility and amenities make it easy to spend a full day exploring or unwinding.
☀️ Budget Travelers
While renting chairs and umbrellas incurs a cost, you can also bring your own towel and find a comfortable spot on the sand. The promenade offers a lively atmosphere without the need to spend money, making it a great place for people-watching and enjoying the ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Two Faces of Playa de Poniente
Playa de Poniente in Gijón is a popular urban beach known for its proximity to the city center and its role in local events, such as the Guinness World Record for simultaneous cider pouring and impressive drone shows. It's a lively spot where locals and tourists mingle, offering a classic Spanish beach town vibe. The nearby Piedra de San Justo offers scenic views.
Playa de Poniente in Benidorm is the city's most extensive beach, stretching over three kilometers. It's often described as more relaxed than the bustling Playa de Levante, making it ideal for those seeking a calmer atmosphere. Its long promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls, and it's a popular spot for enjoying the Mediterranean sun and sea.
Activities and Events
Beyond organized events, the beach itself offers opportunities for water sports and is a fantastic location for swimming due to its generally calm waters. The expansive promenade in Benidorm is ideal for cycling, jogging, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk with sea views. Whether you're looking for active pursuits or a place to witness unique cultural moments, Playa de Poniente delivers.
Navigating Beach Conditions and Amenities
Amenities are generally good, with options for renting lounge chairs and umbrellas. The beachfront promenades in both Gijón and Benidorm are lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering convenience and a vibrant atmosphere. One point of note from a traveler was some confusion regarding dog access, suggesting it's best to check for posted signs to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit