La Ermita
Valencian Community, Spain — Excellent water quality
La Ermita is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 17.07 km from Elx / Elche. The beach is open from June 20 to September 6, with free access for all visitors. Lifeguards are on duty during operating hours, and the beach has disabled access facilities.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to La Ermita
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is La Ermita?
La Ermita is a Blue Flag beach located in the Valencian Community near Elx/Elche, about 7.4 km from Alicante-Elche Airport. This family-friendly beach maintains excellent bathing water quality and operates seasonally from late June through early September. The beach is free to access and staffed with trained lifeguards during opening hours. Its Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, indicates adherence to strict water quality, environmental, and safety standards. La Ermita sits 17 km from Elx/Elche and faces west, offering a reliable coastal destination for swimmers and families seeking a monitored, well-maintained beach environment.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Valencian Community, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Spain certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
La Ermita faces W toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June, September. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 12°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 13°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 14°C | Low |
| Apr | 16°C | 17°C | Low |
| May | 19°C | 18°C | Low |
| Jun | 23°C | 22°C | Med |
| Jul | 26°C | 25°C | High |
| Aug | 26°C | 25°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 22°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 21°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| Dec | 12°C | 13°C | Low |
The best time to visit La Ermita is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 26°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.5°C in July.
How crowded does La Ermita get?La Ermita experiences predictable seasonal crowding patterns tied to school holidays and summer temperatures. June and September represent the optimal visiting months when crowds are moderate and water temperatures remain pleasant (21.7°C and 22.3°C respectively). What distinguishes the peak season is the sustained influx during July and August, when air temperatures reach 26.0–26.4°C and families with school-age children dominate visitor numbers. January, February, March, November, and December see variable activity, though the beach closes entirely from October through May, eliminating off-season visiting. The busiest conditions occur during July and August when combined factors—school holidays, peak water temperature (24.5–24.9°C), and maximum air temperature—converge. This timing aligns with Spanish school calendar patterns and European summer holiday conventions. What to expect during peak months: limited parking availability, crowded lifeguard zones, and higher noise levels. The seasonal closure from October onward means September represents the final opportunity for summer-style visits before the beach shuts down. Early June offers a quieter entry to the season with adequate facilities and acceptable temperatures. The 5-week closure period, combined with winter water temperatures below 16°C, creates a clear separation between the active season and dormant months.
Is La Ermita open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (20-06 – 06-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at La Ermita
Is La Ermita safe to swim?La Ermita is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at La Ermita?Peak water temperature at La Ermita reaches around <span class="inline-stat">24.5°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.6°C.
What is the beach like at La Ermita?La Ermita spans a west-facing shoreline in the Valencian Community, characterized by its Blue Flag status and comprehensive safety provisions. The beach operates seasonally, opening from late June through early September, which aligns with optimal water temperatures ranging from 21.7°C in June to 24.9°C in August. Water quality remains excellent year-round according to bathing water classifications. What makes La Ermita distinct is its commitment to accessibility, with disabled access provisions available on-site. Trained lifeguards patrol the beach throughout operating hours, providing oversight for swimmers of varying abilities. The seasonal operation reflects local environmental management practices and visitor patterns. The beach itself is relatively compact compared to larger Mediterranean options, making it manageable for families who prefer less sprawling layouts. The west-facing orientation means afternoon and evening light conditions differ from east-facing alternatives. Summer air temperatures reach 26.4°C in August, cooling to 23.8°C by September, creating comfortable conditions for extended beach visits. Water temperature progression is gradual—June starts at 21.7°C, peaks at 24.9°C in August, then moderates to 22.3°C by September. What you should know: the beach closes entirely from October through May, limiting options for winter swimming. The shallow, sheltered conditions suggested by its family-friendly classification make it suitable for younger swimmers, though exact beach gradient and sand composition details remain undocumented.
Does La Ermita have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, La Ermita meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Parking is available nearby.
La Ermita sits on the Mediterranean Sea — explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Spain? Blue Flag Beaches Spain 2026 — our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
While You're Here
Beyond La Ermita
Elx/Elche, located 17 km inland from La Ermita, serves as the nearest significant town and offers cultural and commercial facilities. The city is recognized for its palm groves, which represent one of Europe's oldest and largest concentrations of date palms, creating a distinctive landscape element. Beyond immediate beach infrastructure, visitors accessing La Ermita typically base themselves in Elx/Elche for accommodation, dining, and services not present at the seasonal beach facility. The Valencian Community region provides broader context—this coastal area sits within Spain's eastern Mediterranean zone, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Alicante, 7.4 km away via the airport route, offers additional urban amenities and cultural attractions. The region's wider infrastructure supports multi-day visits combining beach time with exploration of inland towns and agricultural areas. The seasonal nature of La Ermita (June–September) means planning should account for limited beach facilities outside these months, making nearby towns essential bases for accommodation year-round.
Elx/Elche, located 17 km inland from La Ermita, serves as the nearest significant town and offers cultural and commercial facilities. The city is recognized for its palm groves, which represent one of Europe's oldest and largest concentrations of date palms, creating a distinctive landscape element. Beyond immediate beach infrastructure, visitors accessing La Ermita typically base themselves in Elx/Elche for accommodation, dining, and services not present at the seasonal beach facility. The Valencian Community region provides broader context—this coastal area sits within Spain's eastern Mediterranean zone, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Alicante, 7.4 km away via the airport route, offers additional urban amenities and cultural attractions. The region's wider infrastructure supports multi-day visits combining beach time with exploration of inland towns and agricultural areas. The seasonal nature of La Ermita (June–September) means planning should account for limited beach facilities outside these months, making nearby towns essential bases for accommodation year-round.
Transport
Getting to La Ermita
How do I get to La Ermita by car?La Ermita is approximately 17.07 km from Elx / Elche. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to La Ermita?The nearest airport is Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), approximately 7.4 km away. Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is the nearest air gateway, located just 7.4 km from La Ermita beach. Major European carriers operate regular connections to Alicante from key hubs. Ground transport from the airport includes taxi services, rental cars, and bus connections to Elx/Elche town. From the airport, taxis offer direct routes to the beach, typically requiring 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Car rental provides flexibility for beach access and exploration of the wider Valencian region. The proximity to the airport makes La Ermita accessible for visitors planning short beach breaks without extended travel times.
Can I get to La Ermita by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Elx / Elche.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 20-06 – 06-09 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.2244°N, 0.5105°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Spain |
Frequently Asked Questions
La Ermita FAQ
Is La Ermita worth visiting?
La Ermita holds Blue Flag certification, indicating excellent water quality, environmental standards, and safety provisions. The beach is particularly valuable for families due to lifeguard coverage, disabled access provisions, and seasonal operation that reduces crowding outside peak months. The west-facing orientation and pleasant summer temperatures (air: 26°C, water: 21–25°C) create comfortable conditions June through September. It is worth visiting if your priorities include monitored water quality, lifeguard presence, and reliable family-friendly infrastructure. The seasonal closure from October onward means timing is essential.
How do I get to La Ermita?
La Ermita is located 7.4 km from Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), the primary air gateway. Taxis and rental cars provide direct routes from the airport to the beach (15–20 minutes typical duration). The beach sits 17 km from Elx/Elche town, accessible by regional transportation. Ground transport options include taxi services from the airport, car rental for independent travel, and local bus connections through Elx/Elche. Visitors should confirm seasonal operation (late June–early September) before planning arrival.
Best time of year to visit La Ermita?
June and September represent optimal visiting months, offering moderate crowds, excellent water quality, and pleasant temperatures. June water temperature reaches 21.7°C with air temperatures around 26°C. September maintains 22.3°C water and 23.8°C air—still comfortable for swimming with fewer visitors than July–August. July and August peak season brings water temperatures of 24.5–24.9°C but significant crowding. The beach operates only from late June through early September; winter months (October–May) are closed entirely, making the September window the final summer opportunity.
What facilities are there at La Ermita?
La Ermita provides trained lifeguard coverage during operating hours, disabled access provisions, and Blue Flag environmental standards management. The beach is free to access. Specific details regarding changing facilities, showers, food vendors, or equipment rental are not documented in current operational records. Visitors should confirm facility availability before visiting or contact local authorities for detailed amenity lists. The seasonal operation (late June–early September) may affect availability of certain services outside peak months.
Is La Ermita suitable for families?
Yes, La Ermita is explicitly designated a family-friendly beach with infrastructure supporting this designation. Lifeguards patrol during operating hours, providing water safety oversight. Disabled access provisions indicate attention to accessibility needs. Summer water temperatures (21–25°C) and air temperatures (23–26°C) create comfortable swimming conditions. The west-facing orientation and seasonal operation (June–September) align with family vacation schedules. However, exact beach gradient, sand composition, and shallow-water conditions are undocumented. The seasonal closure means families planning visits must work within the June–September window.
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