This is a beautiful part of the Mediterranean, with crystal clear sea water, abundant marine life and long sunny days throughout the year. Despite vigilance incidents do occur and rescues sometimes become necessary in the Costa Blanca, perhaps due to momentary lapses of judgement or because of unforeseen changes in tides and currents, even though the area can boast an extremely high number of Blue Flag beaches. Spanish councils proudly ensure that standards of cleanliness and safety are maintained, and this is an important consideration for anybody buying a property in Spain.
Lifeguards are an excellent addition to most of the beaches in the Costa Blanca but, in some cases their presence is seasonal so do be cautious especially if you have children with you. You will easily be able to see which beaches do have lifeguards at busier times of the year because there will be a high lookout platform for them to sit on. Many beaches will also offer hygiene facilities to help with cleanliness and in some cases, there will be a Cruz Rojo first-aid hut. Buoys are also used to designate swimming areas to avoid swimmers and sea craft coming too close together.
In addition to the presence of the Blue Flag do keep your eyes open for the other coloured flags flown throughout the year to show whether it is considered safe to enter the water. Weather might be an obvious factor regarding the strength of the sea but, even on the calmest day there may be currents and tides which are not obvious to most onlookers. Green flags indicate that it is safe to swim although it is always necessary to exercise caution and supervise children. The Yellow flag advises that there may be unseen currents that make it dangerous for those who are not strong swimmers to enter the water and are a signal that extra caution should be observed. When the flag is Red do not ignore this, it is unsafe for anyone to enter the water at this time.
When you buy a villa in the Costa Blanca do speak to your neighbours and other residents to find out their opinions regarding which local beaches are best for you, whether you’re looking for a peaceful location primarily for adults or require a family and child friendly beach. Locals will already be aware of areas where there is a sudden drop causing you to be quickly out of your depth or where unseen, strong currents and riptides are common and which weather conditions will affect with areas of the coast.
The excellent water quality along the Costa Blanca means that we are lucky enough to have thriving marine life with a variety of species to wonder at. However, some of these can be hazardous and once again local warnings will be given in such cases. Be mindful for example of warnings about jellyfish and spiny sea urchins which at certain times of the year may come closer to shore. Also avoid disturbing wildlife and dispose of any waste products correctly.
Supervision is essential!
In the honeymoon days of buying a villa in the Costa Blanca it can be easy to be carried away with your new lifestyle in the wonderful paradise. You will have been very busy with your move and had both your hands and minds full and this can, when you are able to breathe and relax again, lead you to perhaps be a little less vigilant. During these halcyon days do try to continue to focus of practicalities particularly when taking your children to enjoy their new playground of the local beach or indeed when using their new private or communal pool! Supervision always remains of vital importance because the lifeguards can only do so much, and a moment lack of attention can lead to accidents. In addition, ensure that you educate your children about potential hazards and make sure that they are set clear boundaries when they are playing on the beach or by the pool.
These hazardous currents can occur in any area including the Costa Blanca and can be tricky to spot so keep an eye out for signage, check with a lifeguard and look for channels of surface water that are not the same as the surrounding water – they may be calmer, moving in a different way, or discoloured which makes them impossible to spot once you are swimming. In case of being caught in one of these, and they can occur on the most peaceful days in the calmest of seas, stay calm!!! These currents will not pull you under themselves, but they are impossible to swim against causing extreme fatigue. Instead of fighting it and swimming against it swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the current, they are usually quite narrow, then swim for the shore.
The beauty of buying a villa in the Costa Blanca is that the sun becomes less of a novelty but, when you’re first here make sure that you begin good habits. Choose shady areas of the beach or take a parasol with you in areas were there is no natural shade. Frequently and generously apply high factor sun lotion and go back indoors at mid-day until mid to late afternoon – you will soon get the hang of enjoying the Spanish tradition of taking a long lunch at this time of day.
Moving anywhere close to the sea requires caution to be observed and by following these simple guidelines you and your family will never regret buying a home in the Costa Blanca.
A 2025 guide from your Hamiltons Real Estate team
