The 21-year-old woman was attacked as she walked on the upper promenade towards the pier at about 02:00 BST on 19 October.
Mani Kurian, 50, of Eridge Road, Eastbourne, has been charged with rape, and appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court earlier, police said.
He is due to appear at Lewes Crown Court on 20 August.
A man has been charged after a woman was raped near Eastbourne Pier, Sussex Police said.