L' Alfàs del Pi was originally an inland fortified village providing shelter from the Berber pirates. Of the 12,547 inhabitants, 6,000 are foreigners from some 54 different countries. Playa del Albir is located two kilometres away from the old town centre, next to the Sierra Helada. It is a pebbled beach with a range of services and a concentration of leisure amenities, including a free nudist beach near the lighthouse. The Sea promenade is known as the Promenade of Stars as it contains the names of famous actors who have visited L' Alfàs del Pi during the annual Cinema Festival in July.