Xàbia — Jávea in Spanish — is Dénia’s neighbour on the far side of the Montgó, about 20 minutes by car. It comes in three distinct parts, and it has two of the best-known coves on this coast.
The three Xàbias
The old town sits inland, a compact grid of pale stone streets around a fortress-church. The port, a few minutes away, has the fishing harbour and the seafood restaurants. The Arenal is the sandy beach strip, with the bars and the summer crowd. Most visits take in all three.
Cala Granadella
A small pebble cove in a pine-backed inlet south of the port, regularly named among Spain’s best beaches — which means it fills early and the access road is closed once the car park is full. Clear water, a couple of beach restaurants, good snorkelling. Go early or late, or take the summer shuttle bus.
Cala del Portitxol
Also called the Illa del Portitxol, for the islet offshore. A wilder pebble cove reached down a track, with old fishermen’s huts along the shore and deep, clear water. No services to speak of — bring what you need.
Good to know
- About 20 minutes from Dénia, over or around the Montgó
- Granadella’s car park fills by mid-morning in summer and the road is then closed
- Both coves are pebble rather than sand, and both are good for snorkelling
- Xàbia’s old town is the place to eat if the coast is packed