Playa de la Granadella is a paradise on earth, located in Javea, Alicante, on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. The beach is nestled between the towns of Javea and Moraira, offering visitors crystal clear waters, polished snow-white pebbles and breathtaking views amongst the mountains.
Playa de la Granadella is not just a stunning beach, but it is also a recipient of the prestigious blue flag, attesting to the beach's exceptional water quality, safety and environmental standards. This accolade is just one of the many awards the beach has received over the years, as it has been voted multiple times as Spain's best beach by both tourists and locals alike.
If you're planning a trip to Spain, Playa de la Granadella is a must-visit destination. Not only for its natural beauty but also for the wide range of activities, restaurants and accommodations it offers.
Playa de la Granadella is located in Javea, on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, in the province of Alicante. It is situated between the towns of Javea and Benitachell, the neighbouring town of Moraira, in the region of Valencia.
Playa de la Granadella, although a bit tricky to find, with the right information you can reach it with ease.
To get there, take the Carretera del Portixol (CV-742) road onto Carretera Cabo la Nao until you reach the intersection for Carretera de la Granadella. Follow this road straight without taking any turns, it will lead you directly to Avenida del Tio Catala, Playa de la Granadella’s road!
It takes around 15-20 minutes to reach the beach from Javea city centre, and the distance is around 10 kilometres. It's highly recommended to use a GPS to avoid getting lost as the roads can be confusing.
Simply enter "Carretera Tio Catala, Jávea" in the GPS to reach Playa de la Granadella.
During the summer months, Playa de la Granadella's local town hall limits the number of visitors to the beach to prevent overcrowding and preserve the natural beauty of the area. This means that if the beach is full, you will not be able to access it. To avoid disappointment, there are several ways to ensure that you get to visit playa de la Granadella. Here are a few of our top suggestions.
The one sure way to ensure that you get to enjoy playa de la Granadella and avoid the crowds during peak summer season is to arrive early before 09:00 in the morning.
This is when the beach guards start their shift and access to parking and the beach is less restricted. By arriving early, you'll have first access to parking and the beach, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing experience.
It's a great option for those who want to enjoy the beach before it gets too crowded, and for those who are looking for a quiet spot to relax.
Another great way to access Playa de la Granadella is to arrive later in the day, after 17:00. By this time, the beach guards have finished their shift, allowing for unrestricted access to the beach.
This can be a perfect option for those who prefer to spend their afternoons and evenings at the beach, enjoying the beautiful scenery and transparent turquoise waters under the warm Mediterranean sun. It's a great way to spend a lazy afternoon or evening, unwinding and relaxing at the beach.
With a reservation to a service like kayak tours, you can access Playa de la Granadella even when the control is in place and access is limited. This means you don't have to worry about the time of day you come and you can access the beach in the comfort of your car. It's like having a VIP pass to enter the beach. Furthermore, it guarantees a special and memorable experience, more than the beach itself.
Another way to access Playa de la Granadella is to come by taxi or motorbike. These vehicles are not subject to the same restrictions and limitations as cars and other vehicles, so you can avoid the crowds and access the beach even during peak season. This can be a convenient option for those who prefer not to drive or don't have access to a car. Additionally, coming by taxi or motorbike allows you to avoid the hassle of finding parking and navigating the narrow roads leading to the beach.
Now that you've found a way to access Playa de la Granadella, an important question arises: Where to park? There are 4 main parking locations that can accommodate around 200 cars. They are:
It is important to note that parking is very limited during peak season and it's advisable to arrive early to find a spot!
There is so many things to do at Cala Granadella, and this is mainly due to its location! In terms of geography, Playa de la Granadella is situated in a sheltered bay, making it ideal for swimming and water sports. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and rocky outcrops, providing a dramatic backdrop, and adding to the beach's natural beauty. Here’s a few of our favourite recommendations!
Playa de la Granadella is considered one of the best beaches in Javea due to its incredible coastline and all the secrets it withholds. Thus, it has a wide variety of activities to offer. One of the best ways to explore the area is by kayaking. Siesta Advisor, which has been operating kayak tours from the beach for over a decade, can take you to discover the many hidden treasures the southern coastline of Javea has to offer!
Cala en Caló is an isolated and exotic bay hidden in an enormous canyon, towering a hundred meters above. It's a unique location that until recently wasn't even marked on Google Maps. It’s completely inaccessible by land, and it's only 1.5 km from Playa de la Granadella, well worth the paddling to get there.
One of the most spectacular highlights of the bay is the underwater sea cave system, which is a must-see for anyone visiting Javea. For more information, check out the Cala en Caló guide.
One of the must-see destinations when kayaking around Playa de la Granadella is the incredible Cova del Llop Marí. Translating to "Cave of the Sea lions" in English, this cave is said to have been named after sea lions that used to visit the cave during their migration. Today, you can still discover a variety of marine life such as octopus, starfish and even stingrays. The cave is entirely natural, and you will witness geological processes at work with various parts of the cave being purple, orange, and even bright blue. Not to mention the abundance of stalactites and underwater tunnels, making it an exhilarating adventure.
And last but not least, you would also visit the picturesque Cala Ambolo, a peaceful and beautiful beach with silky-smooth sand and breathtaking views. It's one of Javea's most exclusive and beautiful beaches and it's a must-visit gem. Access to this bay is limited and it's often closed to the public. But with our tour, you'll have the unique privilege to enjoy its privacy and beauty.
At the end of Playa de la Granadella, you'll find the Castell de la Granadella, a small castle that can be accessed by a hike found at the end of the Camí Vell del Morro de Castell road. The hike is moderate and is doable by families with smaller children, and the views from the top are incredible. It's a great way to explore the area and get a different perspective of the beach. The Castle is perfect for those who like to discover hidden gems and enjoy a good hike.
In addition to the natural beauty of Playa de la Granadella, there are also two restaurants on the beach, both offering food and beverages. This is a great way to take a break and enjoy the view while having a delicious meal or a refreshing drink. Here is what to expect
Playa de la Granadella is home to one of the most unique Mediterranean restaurants in the region, Restaurante Sur. They offer spectacular food, including delicious paellas, fresh fish, and meat. The restaurant has a long history of providing delicious Mediterranean cuisine, starting as a small family business and has been serving the local community for over 50 years. The owner, José, will welcome you with a big smile and warm welcome. If you're looking for a special Mediterranean snack, Restaurante Sur is the place to go.
Another option for food and beverages is La Bandideta, a restaurant/bar that offers some snacks and beverages. It's a good option if you're looking for a casual spot to grab a bite or drink. However, if you're looking for an authentic Mediterranean experience, we recommend Restaurante Sur.
As an insider, we have a few tips and tricks to make your visit to Playa de la Granadella even better. We obviously recommend arriving early to beat the crowds and have first access to parking and the beach, or arriving later in the day after the beach guards have finished their shift for unrestricted access. However, here’s a few more things to consider.
Another tip is that the best time to visit Playa de la Granadella is actually before or after the peak summer season. In May and June, you can still enjoy the summer warmth without the crowds of July and August.
However, the best time to visit is in September, October, or even November.
By this time, all the tourism has gone, but the climate remains warm and the sea is at its warmest, having absorbed all the heat from the summer. It's the perfect time to enjoy the beach without the crowds and make the most of your vacation.
When visiting Playa de la Granadella, it's important to pack light as you may have to walk a distance from your parking spot. It's important to bring items such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
A beach towel, swimsuits, and comfortable walking shoes are also essential. To enjoy the crystal clear waters, bring a snorkel and mask, or if you're feeling adventurous, a kayak tour is a great way to explore the surrounding coastline and caves.
Don't forget to bring some snacks and water, and if you're planning to spend the day at the beach, a beach umbrella and chairs will make your experience even more comfortable.
It's important to note that while Playa de la Granadella is a truly special place, there are other equally special beaches on the coastline that are worth visiting. Cala Ambolo, for example, is a peaceful and beautiful beach with silky-smooth sand and stunning views. Similarly, Cala Portixol is also worth a visit. It's a small and secluded beach surrounded by rocky cliffs, perfect for those looking for a more secluded spot. Exploring the coastline and visiting these other beaches will give you a chance to see the diverse natural beauty of the region.
In other words... There are nicer beaches out there that far surpass Cala Granadella! Here's just a few...
Playa de la Granadella is a stunning beach located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, in the province of Alicante. It's considered one of the best beaches in Spain and has been awarded the famous blue flag.
It's situated between the towns of Jávea and Moraira, in the region of Valencia. The beach is relatively small and during the peak summer months, access can be restricted to control the effects of massification and unsustainable tourism. To avoid this, visitors can arrive early before 09:00 or later in the day after 17:00, or access the beach through a service like a kayak tour. The beach also offers a variety of activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. The Castell de la Granadella, a little castle at the end of the bay, can be accessed by a hike and offers incredible views.
There are two restaurants, Restaurante Sur and La Bandideta, that offer food and beverages. The best time to visit is before or after the peak summer season, particularly in September, October, or November when the weather is warm and the sea is at its warmest, and the crowds have gone.
It's important to pack light and bring essentials such as sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes. While Playa de la Granadella is a must-see, there are also other special beaches on the coastline such as Cala Ambolo and Cala Portixol that are worth visiting.
