Playa de las Ortigas / Platja de les Ortigues, Guardamar del Segura
The southernmost beach of Guardamar is accessed by footpath through the dunes
The Playa de las Ortigas lies at the southern end of the 11-kilometre coastline in the municipality of Guardamar del Segura and borders with La Mata in the municipality of Torrevieja, from which it is separated by a tiny headland where the Canal de las Salinas reaches the sea. At the northern end of this 1.5-kilometre stretch of shoreline the beach imperceptibly merges into the Playa del Campo.
The sand and the sea are the same as at the rest of Guardamar’s beaches, but the Playa de las Ortigas is 
arguably the wildest (or less spoilt) part of the shore. The shortest walk to the beach is to follow the coast northwards from La Mata, but to reach the centre of Playa de las Ortigas it’s necessary to park in the Pinomar development next to the N-332 and set out on foot over the dunes. In theory this isn’t far – approximately 400 metres – but on a hot summer afternoon, with chairs, sunshades and coolboxes, it can 
seem a lot further. Comfortable footwear and some wheels are strongly advised!
However, the walk to and from the sand can also be a pleasure: the unusual landscape has its own beauty, the yellow dunes contrasting starkly with the lush greenery of the vegetation. Just when you’re beginning to wonder whether you’re lost, over the top of the pine trees the flag advising of the state of the sea comes into view: if it’s red, turn back! If not, carry on, and you soon arrive at a long stretch of unbroken fine sand, 
punctuated by a beach bar, sunbeds for hire and a lifeguard lookout point which covers the centre of the Playa de las Ortigas. A Red Cross first aid hut also serves the beach in the summer, and there is a beach volleyball net and a children’s play area.
This picturesque beach doesn’t enjoy Blue Flag status, principally because of the difficulties of access, particularly for those of limited mobility. In addition, there are none of the beachside bars and restaurants which do a brisk trade at other, more urban beaches in Guardamar del Segura, and the lifeguard service covers only part of the beach.
However, for those who prefer a day out at the beach to be a quiet, simple affair, the Playa de las Ortigas is about as good as it gets. Even in summer it is far from over-populated, and a far cry from the hustle and bustle which are nowadays almost ever-present in the beach resorts of the province of Alicante.
This is the Costa Blanca in its original state: sun, sea, sand and tranquility. Enjoy it!
Click for map, Playa de las Ortigas / Platja de les Ortigues, Guardamar del Segura
Click for more information about other beaches in the Guardamar municipality
Further information about the municipality of Guardamar del Segura can be found in the dedicated Guardamar del Segura municipality section, accesed via the map box at the bottom of every page
