Cala Granadella

Cala de la Granadella is one of the most celebrated coves on the Costa Blanca, renowned for its turquoise waters, pebble seabed and high cliffs that shelter it from the wind. Located at the southern tip of Jávea/Xàbia, it has been repeatedly recognised among the best beaches in Spain and the Valencian Community by national and international media such as National Geographic. It is an ideal spot for water activities such as snorkelling and kayaking, as well as for those seeking an authentic Mediterranean setting with services close at hand.

Where is Cala Granadella and how to get there?

The cove lies to the south of Jávea, signposted as Carretera de la Granadella (typically accessed via the CV-742 “Cabo de la Nao / Portitxol” road). During peak season, traffic can be heavy and access regulated (see section on capacity). Tip: arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The most convenient way to reach Cala Granadella is by car, following the signs towards Cabo de la Nao from Jávea until you connect with the local Granadella road. Be aware that the access road is narrow and winding, and that parking beside the cove is highly limited during high season and may be closed once capacity is reached, requiring you to leave your vehicle in designated zones higher up or use the municipal shuttle. Therefore, arriving early in the morning or late in the day is advisable to avoid queues.

• Typical driving route: CV-742 → turn-off to Carretera de la Granadella (ending at Av. del Tío Català).
• Navigation tip: follow signs for “Cap de la Nau & Granadella” from commercial areas (Consum/Av. del Pla) and avoid unmarked turnings.

Access, capacity and shuttle service (summer)

In summer, Xàbia Town Council regulates vehicle access and visitor capacity to prevent overcrowding. When maximum capacity is reached, an entry checkpoint is activated and vehicles may only enter when others leave. As an alternative, a shuttle train/bus operates from the Urb. La Guàrdia car park (C/ de la Falzia, 4) with frequent departures and return tickets available.

• Controlled capacity during peak months; waiting times at the checkpoint are possible.
• Official shuttle from Guardia Park (La Guàrdia): daily operation in high season, approx. €5 (adults) and €2.50 (children under 12).
• Access exceptions: persons with reduced mobility, emergency services and licensed active tourism companies.

Nature and activities: snorkelling, kayaking and hiking

Granadella Beach is a pebble cove with exceptionally clear waters, widely regarded as one of the best spots on the Costa Blanca for snorkelling thanks to its visibility and seabed covered in posidonia oceanica. Beneath the surface, schools of salema, wrasse and small groupers can often be seen hiding among the rocky walls, especially during the quieter months of spring and autumn.

Beyond swimming, Granadella is a popular launch point for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). From the shore, paddlers can begin the route towards the Cova del Llop Marí, a narrow-sea cave that glows turquoise in the early morning light — a favourite among photographers and local guides.

Continuing southwards, kayaks follow the cliffs to reach smaller secondary caves, sometimes as far as the Cova del Nao, a sheltered area ideal for calm water exploration. On exceptionally still days, some tours head offshore to observe seabirds or, with luck, coastal dolphins. In the opposite direction, more experienced paddlers may reach the imposing Cabo de la Nao or the waters facing Ambolo Beach (closed to the public but visible from the sea).

The cove is also a starting point for panoramic hiking routes. From the upper viewpoint begins trail PR-CV 354, which ascends to the remains of the Castell de la Granadella, an 18th-century coastal fortification. The circular route offers views over the Granadella Forest Park and the open Mediterranean. It is especially recommended in winter or at sunrise, when peace and soft light enhance the surroundings.

Altogether, Granadella offers far more than a beach day: it is a haven for those seeking active nature experiences, pure sea and direct immersion in an unspoilt Mediterranean landscape. Outside high season, the area regains its original tranquillity, allowing visitors to enjoy transparent waters and sunrise solitude—worth every curve of the road.

Services and restaurants at Cala Granadella

• Beach services: during high season, the cove offers lifeguards, safety signage and public toilets. The bathing area is buoy-marked and protected from boats to ensure a safe environment, particularly for families and snorkellers.
• Dining: at the water’s edge lies the historic Restaurante Sur, renowned for traditional rice dishes and fresh fish, with a seafront terrace frequented by locals. Nearby, La Bandideta (Av. del Tío Català, 37) is a relaxed beach bar serving artisan burgers, tapas, cocktails and breakfasts. Both establishments typically require advance booking in summer due to high demand.
• Fine dining in Jávea: within 15 minutes by car, visitors will find prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants such as BonAmb, Tula and the acclaimed Escama, specialising in Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood with harbour or canal views.
• Parking and logistics: parking at the cove is very limited and arranged in small areas near the ravine, Restaurante Sur and C. Pic Tort. On peak days, access may be closed once full. In such cases, vehicles must be left in upper designated areas or visitors must use the municipal shuttle from Urb. La Guàrdia. Arriving before 10:00 or late in the afternoon is recommended to avoid delays.

Practical tips

• Best time to visit: early morning (08:30–10:00) or late afternoon (after 18:00) to avoid queues.
• Footwear: wear water shoes (pebble beach).
• Sustainability: do not leave litter and respect capacity and safety regulations.

Living near Cala Granadella

Living in the Granadella – Costa Nova area means choosing one of the most exclusive residential settings in Jávea, where Mediterranean nature and high-end architecture coexist in harmony. It is not only about being close to one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches, but embracing a lifestyle defined by privacy, sea views and the peaceful atmosphere of protected woodland.

Properties in this area often sit on large plots with pine groves, south-facing terraces and panoramic views extending from Cabo de la Nao to the Montgó. Unlike denser coastal zones, Granadella offers a spacious residential layout without high-rise buildings, making it a favourite among European families — especially from Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany — seeking a second home or permanent retreat in total tranquillity.

Within a few minutes’ drive you will find essential services: international schools, supermarkets, tennis clubs and marinas such as La Fontana or Jávea’s Nautical Club. This combination of natural privacy and service proximity is one of the reasons the area is regarded as “prime residential” within the Costa Blanca luxury market.

Granadella also attracts lovers of sport and wellness: sunrise hikes, kayaking routes, cycling around Cabo de la Nao and yoga facing the Mediterranean are part of everyday life for many residents. Open horizons, privacy and low-density planning make this area a unique choice for those seeking a Mediterranean home with soul, away from mass tourism yet well connected to Alicante, Valencia and international airports.

Featured Luxinmo properties in Granadella – Costa Nova

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