If you’re planning a beach-hopping holiday in Javea, you’re in luck as there are many beautiful beaches to choose from.
Javea, also known as Xàbia, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Blanca.
I’ve written up a complete guide to visiting the best beaches in Javea, including details about the facilities to the activities available. I’ve also added links to more detailed guides about each beach.
Here’s a map of all the Javea beaches I’ve listed below.
The best time to visit the beaches is the early morning or late afternoon, when the beach is less crowded, and the temperatures are more comfortable.
Playa del Arenal (Arenal Beach)
- The Arenal beach is Javea’s most popular beach. It is a sandy beach.
- Perfect for the family as there are children’s climbing frames to play, and even beach volleyball nets.
- Ideal for shallow water swimming, especially for families with young children.
Playa del Arenal is Javea’s most popular and family-friendly beach.
Located right in the heart of Javea, it’s the only sandy beach in town.
The beach is surrounded by a lively promenade lined with bars, restaurants, and shops, offering plenty of options for a meal or a refreshing drink after a swim. The Arenal is also home of the Javea nightlife, so its busy at all hours of the day!
Cala Blanca
- Cala Blanca is a rocky beach.
- Cala Blanca is a much quieter beach compared to the Arenal and the port beach.
- The second cove is great for snorkeling and spotting marine life.
Just a short 5 minute drive from Playa del Arenal, you’ll find Cala Blanca, also known as La Caleta. I always recommend visiting as it really is one of my favourite beaches in Javea. It’s much quieter than the very popular Arenal beach and Port beach as its a little further out of the way, an in my opinion, far more stunning.
This beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, set against a backdrop of white cliffs that give the cove its name.
Its one of my top beaches as you can swim in crystal-clear waters. My favourite spot for snorkelling is in the second cove, there’s tons of marine life to see and explore.
Cala Barraca (Cala del Portitxol)
- Barraca beach is the best beach in the Javea area for snorkelling.
- Scenic beach for paddleboarding or kayaking along the coast.
- There are two beach bars which offer drinks and meals.
Cala Barraca, also known as Cala del Portitxol, is a pebby beach. It os one of the local’s most loved beaches for snorkelling as it has some of the most abundant marine life. It is also home to some of the most incredible natural views. The beach is surrounded by cliffs Cap Negre and Cap Prim which are popular hiking routes in Javea.
You’ll also see the Isla del Portitxol in the distance – there are boat trips travelling close by to it!
Barraca beach is locally famous for the whitewashed fishermen’s houses scattered around the beach. Getting a photo here has to be on your to-do list.
Cala Granadella (Granadella beach)
- Granadella beach is a rocky beach. I recommend bringing water shoes.
- Perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. There are excursions available from this beach.
- There are a couple of beach restaurants serving fresh seafood and cold drinks.
- Parking can be limited, especially in peak season, so my advice is to arrive early.
Voted one of the best beaches in Spain, Cala Granadella, or Granadella beach, is a must-visit. This small, pebbly beach is tucked away between cliffs. It has the clearest waters in the region, and you can see the rich marine life and schools of fish if you snorkel there!
It’s a bit of a drive from the Arenal side of Javea, but it really is well worth the trip.
Cala Ambolo
- A quiet, natural and unspoiled beach with very few visitors.
- Clothing is optional, making it popular with naturists.
- Bring everything you need, as there are no bars, restaurants, or lifeguards.
This beautiful, nudist-friendly beach is located at the base of steep cliffs and is only accessible by a steep path.
The beach is small and pebbly, with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for a quiet swim or snorkelling as there are schools of fish in the area.
There is also a viewpoint above the beach called Mirador Ambolo.
Playa de la Grava (Javea Port beach)
- Javea Port beach is a rocky beach, I recommend bringing water shoes.
- The beach is located directly next to the Port town, making it one of the most convenient beaches to visit.
- The beach is very calm, making it perfect for relaxed swimming.
Located near the port of Javea, Playa de la Grava (Javea port beach) is a convenient option if you’re looking to stay close to the town centre.
This pebbly beach is popular with locals and offers a more laid-back vibe compared to Arenal. It’s a great spot for a quick swim or a leisurely afternoon spent people-watching.
My tips for enjoying Javea’s beaches
- Sun protection: Javea gets incredibly hot in the summer season, with highs of 37 degrees celsius in July and August. Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and an umbrella. I recommend visiting the beaches either earlier in the morning, or later in the early evening to avoid the extremely hot weather mid-day.
- Stay hydrated: With the above point, bring plenty of water, especially if you’re planning to spend long hours at the beach.
- Protect your belongings: As with any public area, be mindful of leaving your belongings so they don’t get stolen. I recommend one person stays behind to watch valuables while others go in the sea. Do not leave your things on the beach to visit a restaurant, there’s little guarantee it’ll be there when you return!
- Water shoes: Many of Javea’s beaches are pebbly or rocky, so water shoes will make your experience much more comfortable. You can get these at any of the Bazars in the area for a cheap price.
- Parking: Some of the more popular beaches, like Cala Granadella, have limited parking. Arrive early to secure a spot.
- Snorkeling gear: Javea is a snorkeler’s paradise, so don’t forget your gear to explore the underwater world. You can buy goggles and snorkels at any of the Bazars in the area. They also have inflatables you can buy if you want to float on the sea!
