L' Alfàs del Pi was originally an inland fortified village providing shelter from the Berber pirates. Tourism has served as a platform to develop the town, the people and the cultural activities of L' Alfàs del Pi. It has been possible to control the growth of the town by ensuring that residential developments respect a limit of 4 storeys and by guaranteeing that 50 % of developed land is made up of green areas. 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.