Your Complete Guide to the Best Beaches (and Beach Bars) in Oliva, Spain
Discover the Charm of Oliva Beach: A Guide to its Best Spots
When you arrive in Oliva, it’s easy to think that the beach is just one long stretch of sand, but the truth is, there’s so much more to it than meets the eye. Each section of Oliva Beach offers something different—from peaceful retreats to lively spots for a drink and dance. It’s easy to lose your sense of direction among the vastness, but fear not, this guide will help you explore every beautiful corner of Oliva Beach.
Start at the Marina to Get Your Bearings
Your journey begins at Oliva Marina, the most central landmark to start your exploration (and steps away from our Oliva Beach Getaway apartment). Think of the marina as the anchor of your beach adventure. If you stand at El Nautic Restaurant, right at the tip of the port, you’ll be perfectly positioned between two beaches. With your back to the marina and your eyes on the sea, Playa Terranova lies to your left, while Playa Pau Pi stretches to your right.
Let’s start with Terranova and work our way back.
Playa Terranova: A Quiet Escape
Playa Terranova is a more laid-back, natural section of the beach. In contrast to the busier Pau Pi, Terranova is the perfect spot for peace and quiet. It’s less crowded, with fewer kids and more adults looking to relax and unwind. While you won’t find a wide array of restaurants here, the few that exist are real gems. One of our favorite beach bars - Xiringuito Llampuga - and one of our favorite seafood restaurants - Merendero de Quimera - are open in the summer, where you can grab a refreshing drink, indulge in seafood, and maybe even enjoy a dance as the sun sets.
Terranova feels more open and untouched, with beautiful dunes and Mediterranean vegetation. The further you walk from the marina, the quieter it gets. Continue your stroll, and you’ll eventually cross into the neighboring town of Piles. Along the way, you’ll also find El Tou, a lovely beachy seafood spot that’s worth the short trip.
Length: 1750 meters
Width: 80 meters
Sand: Fine golden grains
Crowd: Medium
Urbanization: Lightly developed, natural
Beach Bar We Recommend - Llampuga: Chill vibe with music and DJ’s, free sombrillas on the sand with chairs so you can relax in the shade, take a dip in the Med, and sip on a cold bevvy. A great mix of locals and tourists. Food is also available (Sunday paella is always popular but you have to book ahead). This is our number 1 favorite beach bar. A must see!
Back to the Marina: Playa Pau Pi
Now, heading back from Terranova, you’ll find the busy heart of Playa Pau Pi. This beach is perfect for families and groups looking for a vibrant atmosphere. With the marina and El Nautic Restaurant to your left, Pau Pi is where you’ll find a bustling promenade lined with some fantastic restaurants, including Kiko Port Restaurant, El Cresol, Restaurante Rumar, and La Goleta. And another Beach Bar called Rumbo 90.
With volleyball nets and beach football pitches scattered around, Pau Pi Beach is where locals and visitors come to socialize, play, and relax. It’s also where our very own Oliva Beach Getaway apartment is located—perfectly positioned for convenience and just far enough from the crowds to offer you some quiet moments of peace.
If you continue to stroll along Pau Pi, you’ll pass by two beachfront restaurants La Gavina and Mandala, and eventually reach the Red Cross station, which marks the Playa Pau Pi’s end. Here, you’ll also find popular dining spots (that we unofficially call Restaurant Row) like La Nansa, Bistro Maremma, Moby Dick, and Soqueta. This area is perfect for families and groups seeking a lively beach experience with plenty of options for food and drink. And what would Oliva Beach be without one more Beach Bar. This one is called Malamar and it’s right by the Red Cross station.
Length: 1400 meters
Width: 70 meters
Sand: Fine golden grains
Crowd: High, busy during summer
Urbanization: Urban, with restaurants and amenities
Beach Bar We Recommend - Rumbo 90: Close to the marina and popular with locals and and a lot of tourists, here’s where you can grab a drink and enjoy the sun. They also have beach loungers that you can rent if you’d like to spend the day there. They advertise fresh local fish dishes and paella, but let’s call this what it is - a centrally located beach bar. If you want food, then there are much better restaurants right around the corner.
Beach Bar We Recommend - Malamar: Close to the Red Cross station, the kitesurfing and wingfoil championships take place here where professionals from around the world compete for the title. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and see the action up close. Food is available (might have to book ahead) but with so many great restaurants right there on Restaurant Row, think of the beach bar as just that - a bar and not a restaurant. If you want to stay for the day, then beach loungers in the shade can be rented.
Playa Aigua Blanca: A Peaceful Retreat
With the Red Cross station behind us, now let’s head past the Séquia Mare River to Playa Aigua Blanca, where things start to quiet down again. You’ll immediately notice the shift in atmosphere—Aigua Blanca feels much more residential and laid back, with beautiful dunes and Mediterranean flora framing the shoreline. The boardwalk offers great views of the beach and some lovely houses, but the real charm here is the space. With so much beach, you’ll have no problem finding your own quiet spot.
This beach is also known for its water sports, especially windsurfing. The promenade is perfect for cycling, rollerblading, or simply enjoying a long walk. There are a few scattered restaurants, such as La Sota and in the summer, a beach bar called L’ambatà pops up to offer drinks and snacks. But overall, this is a place to relax and escape the crowds.
Length: 1750 meters
Width: 80 meters
Sand: Fine golden grains
Crowd: Medium
Urbanization: Mostly residential, peaceful
Beach Bar We Recommend - L’ambatà: Quieter and less crowded, this beach bar is popular with locals and tourists, music and DJs, food available (mostly paella and other rice dishes), but you need to book ahead. Like we keep saying, think of the beach bar as just that - a bar.
Playa Rabdells: Quiet and Secluded
Continuing along, we arrive at Playa Rabdells, a secluded stretch of beach that offers a completely different vibe. Known for its well-preserved dunes, Rabdells is perfect for those looking to camp or enjoy a peaceful evening by the sea.
Rabdells is a favorite among families who camp nearby and enjoy the natural beauty of this untouched beach. If you’re looking for tranquility, Rabdells is your spot.
Length: 1000 meters
Width: 80 meters
Sand: Fine golden grains
Crowd: Medium
Urbanization: Light, camping and beach bars
Playa Aigua Morta: A Fancy Gem
Finally, we arrive at Playa Aigua Morta, a quieter, more rustic beach between the Bullent River and the San Fernando residential area. Aigua Morta is the perfect blend of nature and low-key activity, with stunning dunes acting as a natural barrier between the sea and the residential areas. It’s also where you’ll find the Oliva Nova Golf Resort, making this beach a favorite for golfers and sports enthusiasts. You may even see horseback riding here.
Here, the beach opens up to the Bullent River, offering a mix of saltwater and freshwater bathing. Aigua Morta is a fancy gem, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape but also a touch of fabulousness with Oliva Nova Golf Resort and the 2 beach bars Sunset and Oli Baba.
Length: 2200 meters
Width: 120 meters
Sand: Fine golden grains
Crowd: Medium
Urbanization: Light, with sports facilities nearby
Beach Bar We Recommend - Sunset: Where white party meets Chiringuito. A bit pricier than some of the other beach bars but you will feel fancy here with a hipster vibe at night - excellent for your Instagram posts. Food is available and the menu is on their website.
Beach Bar We Recommend - Oli Baba: The most famous Oliva chiringuito. It’s worth the drive at least once so you can you went. Food is available but you may have to book ahead. Music and DJs. It gives Ibiza vibes so feel free to bust out your beachy linen outfit at night and get snap happy for Insta.
Playa Les Deveses: For the Windsurfers
Last but not least, we come to Playa Les Deveses, the southernmost beach in Oliva. This beach is a hotspot for windsurfing, thanks to the strong winds that pick up in the afternoon. If you’re into water sports, this is the place to be. Les Deveses is more rustic and relaxed, with its natural dunes and laid-back atmosphere. It’s perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Length: 700 meters
Width: 100 meters
Sand: Fine golden grains
Crowd: Medium
Urbanization: Light, perfect for water sports enthusiasts
In Summary:
Playa Pau Pi: Central, bustling, and perfect for families.
Playa Terranova: Quiet, natural, and ideal for a more relaxed, adult-friendly beach day.
Playa Aigua Blanca: Scenic and spacious, great for water sports and long walks.
Playa Rabdells: Secluded and peaceful, great for campers.
Playa Aigua Morta: Rustic and peaceful, with a sports-focused vibe near Oliva Nova.
Playa Les Deveses: A windsurfing haven with natural dunes.
Each section of Oliva Beach offers something unique, and the best way to experience them all is by car, except for Playa Terranova and Playa Pau Pi which are easily walkable from our Oliva Beach Getaway apartment. Whether you're looking for excitement, relaxation, or a bit of both, Oliva Beach has a spot just for you.
