8 Best Beaches in Javea, Spain: From Kid Friendly to Naturalist!

Javea, Spain has some of the prettiest beaches in Costa Blanca – and below we share 8 of the best beaches to visit for your summer vacation!

(Oh… AND also 5 bonus day trip beaches, if you want to explore beyond Javea, Spain)!

🖐 Hands up if you’re visiting Javea, Spain and you are looking for beach time on some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean? Well we just happen to know the best beaches in Javea, for every type of traveller. From the best kid friendly and family beaches, through to the best naturalist beaches.

Below we explain everything you need to know about these 8 best beaches in and around Javea. Things like parking, what amenities are available, as well as the best nearby restaurants or chiringuitos to grab tapas and a sangria. We tell you where to go for the best sandy beaches, the hidden gems, the small rocky bays AKA the calas, the top snorkelling spots, or beaches with a walk.

We’ve also loaded this post with bonus beaches – for that perfect day trip from Javea, Spain. With our list of extra nearby beaches in Denia, Moraira and Calpe, you’ll be spoilt for choice this summer vacation!

We love Spain, and lived in Javea over two summers, consequently we’ve visited ALL of these beaches on multiple occasions. So shoot us message if you have any questions, and don’t miss our beach tips and map of Javea, Spain at the very end of this post!

8 Best Beaches in Javea – Spain

First up browse through our list of the 8 best beaches in Javea. These beaches are all within 15 minutes of the main beach and new town of Javea.

Then after you’ve tried all of these and feel like a day trip or drive – head to one of Javea’s neighbouring beaches. Browse through the 5 bonus beaches to find out what sounds like a bit of you!

There’s something here for everyone!!!

Platja l’Arenal – Main Beach

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Family friendly
🚗 – When car parks at the beach are full, park at Carrer Nancy
⛵️ – Paddle-O & paddle boards available for rent
🍷 – Order tapas & sangrias from Chabada
🗺️ – In the centre of new Javea
⛱ – Beach umbrellas and chairs available for rent
⏳ – Sandy beach
🧻 – Port-a-loo toilets available during summer

First up, this is for the families with little ones. The Platja l’Arenal or the Main Beach in Javea is ideal if you have kids. The long stretch of sandy beach makes it the perfect location for sunbathing and dips in the ocean. The kids will love the fact that they can make their sandcastles and there are even a few climbing structures dotted along the Arenal. For a bit of a laugh, look out for the Paddle-O rentals at the northern end of the beach.

The Arenal is jammed packed full of restuarants, cafes and ice-creameries to check out. You’ll never need to eat at the same place twice with the selection of choices available. Geographic and Chabada are popular with holidaymakers. And for an ice cream or two we love Jijoneca… they have an awesome collection of flavours and are reasonably priced.

Given a choice, this is where our kids would visit day after day. The only thing is that it gets very busy in July and August and as a result parking becomes a challenge. When the streets are full, head a block behind to find a few parks at Carrer Nancy or Carrer Lyon. That way you aren’t walking too far to get to the beach.

🚸 Looking for fun things to do with kids in Javea, then read our guide here.

Cala Blanca & La Caleta de Dins

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Family friendly
🚗 – Park at Cala Blanca Car Park or Calle Tripoli if parking is full
🐟 – Eat sardines and drink cerveza at Chiringuito la Caleta
🤿 – Great snorkelling
🗺️ – Distance from the Arenal in Javea – 2.5 km
🩴 – 5-10 minute walk involved
🪨 – Rocky cala / beach

If you are staying in new Javea and looking for an option closer to the Arenal then Cala Blanca and La Caleta de Dins are a great choice. These two little calas are a short walk, without the uphill effort – if they’re joining the holiday.  The first is Cala Blanca, just meters from the car park. It could be best described as a small lagoon and thus provides shelter when there’s a swell. If you have beginner snorkellers, this is the place for them to learn. 

Further along the path is Caleta de Dins. This bay is also protected by a rock outcrop that provides the perfect spot for sun bathing. So either find a spot on the stoney bay or choose the rocky reef, lay your towel out, or open your chair, crack open a cerveza and get comfy.

The snorkelling here is worth checking out too. The clear waters of the bay have some interesting underwater reefs to explore. And apart from this there is little else in the way of activities or amenities. Cala Blanca is purely that, a place to swim and sunbathe.

If you want to experience a little piece of authentic Spain then visit Chiringuito La Caleta. Just two minutes from the carpark is this little beach bar and restaurant. It’s only open in summer, but is a great place to stop for some sardines and beer!

Cala Barraca – AKA Portixol

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Family friendly
🚗 – When car parks at the beach are full, park at Creu del Portixol
🛶 – Kayak tours available – read our review here
🥘 – Cala Clemence – but be sure to book your table
🤿 – Fantastic snorkelling
🗺️ – Distance from the Arenal in Javea – 8 km
⛱ – Beach umbrellas and chairs available for rent during summer
🪨 – Rocky cala / beach – smaller rocks
🧻 – Port-a-loo toilets available during summer

This is my personal favourite! Cala Barraca is more commonly referred to as Portixol. Well known for its white painted houses with blue doors, you’d be forgiven for mistaking Portixol for Greece.

The water is always crystal clear and great for snorkelling. If you snorkel to the right of the bay in front of the restaurants there are some deep crevices in the rocks. These make great resting places for beginner snorkellers, but also hiding places for various fish life.

When you need a break from the sun, take a table at Cala Clemence. Then order a bottle of white wine and a paella as you enjoy the afternoon views of the bay.

Parking can be tough! The Portixol car park fills up very quickly, especially in summer. And so to monitor this, the road is controlled by people who radio up and down. When it’s full the arm comes down and you need to look for an alternative. So either get there really early, or if you’re later try for a car park at the Creu del Portixol. From the Cross (explained below for Cala Sardinera), follow the signs towards Cala Barraca. The walk takes about 10 minutes, and is relatively easy, but note that it’s all up hill on the way out.

Cala Sardinera

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Family friendly
🚗 – Park at Creu del Portixol
🗺️ – Distance from the Arenal in Javea – 4 km
🤿 – Snorkelling
🩴 – 15-20 minute walk involved
🪨 – Rocky cala / beach

In the same vicinity as the alternative walk into Portixol, is a walking access to Cala Sardinera. You can combine a walk out towards Cap Prim with spectacular views back towards Javea. In the off season, we combined these walks with an afternoon swim at Cala Sardinera and had this little bay more or less to ourselves.

Firstly we found a car park at the Creu del Portixol, then headed for the walking track. Instead of taking the path to right towards Portixol, we took the walking track to the left and followed it around 15 minutes all the way to the Mirador lookout. Breathtaking views to the right and left made this short walk worth it. Then returning back along the path we hung a right down towards Cala Sardinera.

It’s important to note, that these tracks are very well sign posted with little X’s to mark the wrong trails. So there is little worry that you’ll get lost along the way. Oh and if you have a drone, then this is a superb vista to do it from!

Overall, Cala Sardinera doesn’t have anything in the way of amenities. So bring drinking water, snacks and shade if you plan on staying for the day.

Granadella

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Family friendly
🚗 – Some Parking is available – read more below
🛶 – Kayak tours available – read our review here
🤿 – Great snorkelling
🍷 – Grab a vino tinto at La Bandideta and enjoy the views
🗺️ – Distance from the Arenal in Javea – 8 km
⛱ – Beach umbrellas and chairs available for rent
🪨 – Rocky cala / beach

Another one in my top three is Granadella beach.  Once again, parking in the peak of summer can be a struggle, so get there early or you’ll need to expect a walk in and out. 

This cala or bay operates a one way in and out system, so follow the sign posts which will bring you to the small car park near the beach. If this park is full the road begins to wind up and away from the beach. By default this road becomes the car park, with space for cars parked nose to tail, as the road continues up and out. 

A transportation shuttle service to Granadella beach used to support the parking challenges, but from 2022 this service ceased. However, there is talk of a 9 Euro daily car-parking fee and offical public transport system eventuating for both Portixol and Granadella. So watch this space!

For tapas and a vino tinto, pop into La Bandideta. They have a lovely courtyard, which stretches along opposite Granadella beach, under the trees. 

If you want to combine a walk and beach visit, then this is a great choice. On the southern point of Granadella beach is Granadella Castle, this can be combined as a loop walk or a simple return track. But read our review of the Granadella Castle walking trail here. 

In terms of water activities, you can also book a kayak and snorkel tour that leaves from Granadella.

Javea Port Beach – Platja de Grava + Others

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Family friendly
🚗 – Park at Javea / Xabia Port Parking, or C. Santisimo Cristo del Mar
🍽 – Eat the best tapas in town at Tal Cual Tapas – a favourite among the locals
🗺️ – Distance from the Arenal in Javea – 3.6 km
🪨 – Rocky cala / beach – medium sized rocks

Platja de Grava is right next to the Javea Port and is perfect if you are staying in this part of town or the old town. This is another pretty cala and is busy in the peak of summer especially with the local residents. Mid week you’ll notice the elders of Javea walking through town towards Platja de Grava with their beach chairs in hand.

Across the road and in the area are many fabulous places to eat. At this end of Javea you start to find some typical Spanish style tapa eateries. Tal Cual Tapas and Cocktails is great and a favourite among the locals and residents of Javea. Also check out restaurant Cala Bandida, which is a favourite for sea views and good food.

Platja de Grava beach could be combined with some exploration and sightseeing of the port. The beautifully unique church – Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Loreto is a stones throw from the beach. There are also some lovely small boutique shops to browse through.

Otherwise, for a slightly different view, drive down the one way Av. del Mediterráneo. Look for the designated area for parking on the gravelly beach. On Google maps this beach is referred to as Platja de Guijarros and a little further down is Platja Primer Muntanyar. On the whole this rocky beach is quieter than places such as the Arenal. Nearby you have La Siesta, another funky little place to grab lunch!

Cala Tango

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Family friendly, but best for years 5+
🚗 – Park at Javea / Xabia Port Parking, or C. Santisimo Cristo del Mar
🛶 – Kayak tours available – read our review here
🤿 – Fantastic snorkelling in the marine reserve
🗺️ – Distance from the Arenal in Javea – 3.6 km
🩴 – 10-15 minute walk involved
🪨 – Rocky cala / beach – medium sized rocks

Now here is a hidden gem… one that you can only reach by kayak or on foot. It is very very small, but it is part of a marine reserve so the snorkelling is top notch!

This is probably not the spot to go if you’re all about the sun bathing. Rather if you like exploring along the rocks, a little cliff jumping with some pretty damn good snorkelling on the side, then this is for you.

Park at the Javea Port Parking and jump onto the PR-CV 355 Montgo walking track. But I definitely recommend that you download the All Trails map and follow for clarity. Note that Cala Tango is labelled incorrectly on Google maps, so don’t rely on this for navigation.

The teeny weeny bay is protected by large boulders. If you’re looking towards the water, to your right are the cliff jumping rocks. There are jumps at varying levels, 3m, 5m, 7m and higher still. We didn’t try the highest, but enjoyed the other three cliff jumps. But as with all things cliff jumping related, be sure to check the depth below the water!

Cala Ambolo

🍉 – Naturalist beach
🚗 – Street parking above
🗺️ – Distance from Arenal 6.5 km
🤿 – Great snorkelling
🩴 – 10-15 minute walk involved
🪨 – Rocky cala / beach

Disclaimer: We didn’t visit this one. Cala Ambolo is said to be a very pretty little beach and frequently visited by nudists. However, it seems that not everyone who visits these days choose to strip off. Chances are you’ll find a mix of beachgoers, some in swim wear and others without.

This beach was officially closed in 2017 due to rock fall and slides, however more than several years on, this seems to be largely disregarded by locals. From the Google reviews, the beach is beautiful but a 10-15 minute walk in and for some people it’s reportedly a struggle. In addition, there are a couple of comments from summer 2022 that police were fining people for ignoring the closure signs.

This said, many people appear to regularly attend Cala Ambolo claiming that the walk is worth it. So we’ll let you take the choice on this one… are you up for the adventure or not?

Bonus Beaches Beyond Javea, Spain

We’ve added a bonus section here as there are many other beautiful beaches just a short drive from Javea. So read on if you are interested in taking a day trip –

Denia Beaches – Platja de les Deveses

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Family friendly
🚗 – Look for parks available along Ctra. Les Marines Racons a Denia
🗺️ – Distance from the Arenal in Javea – 27 km
🍕 – Eat at Tio Rico el Italiano for the best pizza and ravioli of ALL time!
⏳ – Sandy beach

The longest stretch of sandy beach lies just north of Denia. If you’re looking for a change of scenery from the Arenal then jump in the car and make the trip through to Denia. There is plenty of beach space here to sink your teeth into.

And, I’m going to give a shout out to our friends who own Tio Rico el Italiano! These guys are the coolest family and have recently set up a chiringuito with deliciously authentic Italian food. So if you’re looking for the best homemade pizza or handmade ravioli, then you absolutely must visit these guys in El Camping los Patos just north of Denia.

Denia Beaches – Cala de Aigua Dolç & Cala Les Rotes

🍉 – Cala de Aigua Dolç is a Naturalist beach
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Cala Les Rotes is a family beach
🚗 – Look for parks available along C. Provincial Barranco Monyo
🗺️ – Distance from the Arenal in Javea – 14 km
🤿 – Opportunity for snorkelling
🐙 – For seafood eat at Restaurante Mena
🪨 – Rocky cala / beach

So you prefer a nudist beach, but don’t fancy the adventure of Cala Ambolo? Then don’t worry because we still have an option for you here.

The drive from Javea to Denia through the Parc Natural del Montgo is beautiful one, and a great opportunity to see the local mountain of Montgo, up close. When you arrive at these fantastic little protected rocky coves you have the choice of visiting the first – Cala Les Rotes for the family experience. Or to continue along in the direction of Cala de Aigua Dolç for the nudist or naturalist area.

At these two coves, there is very little beach to sit on, so the rocks substitute. Either cove is picturesque with calm, clear waters perfect for cooling off in.

Also nearby is the walk to Cova Tallada. So for an hour adventure read our guide on how to visit the sea caves of Cova Tallada.

Cala del Moraig

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Family friendly
🍉 – Clothing optional areas are available
🚗 – Look for parks in the surrounding streets
🗺️ – Distance from the Arenal in Javea – 12 km
🤿 – Great snorkelling
🪨 – Rocky cala / beach
⏳ – Sandy beach

South of Javea is Cala del Moraig which is another clothing optional beach. This stunning cala is only 12 km from Javea. There is some street parking as well as designated parking areas, but these are likely to fill quickly in the summer months. So get there early if you want to avoid the steep 10+ minute walk in and out.

To the southern end of the beach is the Cueva de los Arcos, which is WELL worth a visit if you are exploring these ways. Best seen at low tide, the large arches carved into the rocks will be a favourite with kids!

Don’t expect to find anywhere to eat here. Pack a picnic if you’re planning a day trip, bring an umbrella and lots of water.

Moraira Beach – Platja de l’Ampolla

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Family friendly
🚗 – You can’t miss the large public car park in Moraira
🍦 – Pick up an ice cream from Tutto Frutto across the road
🗺️ – Distance from the Arenal in Javea – 12 km
🤿 – Opportunity for snorkelling
🪨 – Rocky pools &
⏳ – Sandy beach

There is a lovely little sandy beach in Moraira, that even has a little estuary or river that runs to the sea. As such, this beach is absolutely perfect for families with toddlers and young children who enjoy a paddle and splash.

It gets exceptionally busy in the summer months. But in true Spanish style, you just find a tiny patch of sand and squeeze in. No-one will take offence, this is just how it’s done when in Spain!

Don’t miss the chance to explore the Castillo de Moraira while you’re in town. In the same area you’ll notice what’s left of the old tosca or sandstone quarries which has left large carved portions cut out of the rock. These make great areas for slighter older kids to explore.

Calpe Beaches – Los Baños de La Reina & Playa del Cantal Roig

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Family friendly
🚗 – Large free parking in C. Alfaz del Pí
🍽 – Eat lunch or dinner at Lapsus Bistro – but book your table before your visit
🗺️ – Distance from the Arenal in Javea – 24 km
🤿 – Opportunity for snorkelling
🪨 – Rocky pools &
⏳ – Sandy beach

We loved our day trip from Javea to Calpe. And my personal favourite spot was Los Baños de La Reina. I just couldn’t believe how picturesque it was with the Calpe rock in the background along with the crystal clear water of the baths. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel and mask to see the large fish swimming within the baths.

There is a large free parking area, which requires a 15 minute walk to get the baths. But if you walk along the beach it’s a pleasant stroll.

The long white beaches of Calpe are rather resort driven, so if you head to the small beach closest to the port you can find Playa del Cantal Roig. This was a very protected little bay with fewer people.

And for absolutely fantastic food then combine your visit to Calpe with a dinner or lunch at Lapsus Bistro. Note: they are closed on Wednesday’s and they closed between the hours from 3pm to 7pm.

Read our dedicated post for a day trip from Javea to Calpe!

Tips for Hitting the Beaches of Javea, Spain

• Beach shoes – One of the most difficult things about visiting the pretty cala style beaches in Javea, Spain is walking on rocks! But the answer is an easy one… bring beach shoes! You can buy a pair of waterproof beach shoes just about everywhere. And they really do help. Therefore to save yourself the painful walk out of the water, pick some up for your vacay.

• Umbrellas – In some of the beaches in Javea we have mentioned here you can rent umbrellas. However on the more remote beaches, then you’ll need to think about getting shade. Perhaps it would be worth your while to buy a beach umbrella for your visit.

• Bathrooms – Likewise with above, sometimes there are bathrooms available and at other times not. Keep this in mind in terms of dressing for the beach and for those moments when littles are busting!

Map of the Best Beaches of Javea, Spain

More on Javea, Spain

That brings me to the end of this post on the best beaches in Javea, Spain! But we have loads more content on this stunning little place in Costa Blanca.

Read through our other posts below for all the best hidden gems of Javea.

• 21 of the best things to do in Javea
• A review of a kayak and snorkelling tour in Javea
• A review of the beautiful Villa Riu Blanc – a perfect Spanish getaway
• Everything you need to know about taking a day trip to Guadalest Castle
• An essential guide to all the walking trails in Javea

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