Xàbia

Xàbia / Jávea

An elegant coastal town with dramatic cliffs, the iconic Granadella cove, and a charming old quarter. It combines upscale beach life with stunning natural scenery along the Costa Blanca.

Things to do

• Cala Granadella — Swim in the turquoise waters of this pine-backed cove often ranked among Spain's most beautiful beaches, best visited early morning to beat the crowds.
• Cap de Sant Antoni lighthouse walk — Walk or cycle the cliffside path to this lighthouse and nature reserve for sweeping views over the Mediterranean and Montgó massif.
• Explore the old town (Poble Antic) — Wander narrow stone streets around the fortified Gothic church of Sant Bartomeu, built partly for defense against pirate raids.
• Hike Montgó Natural Park — Climb the distinctive Montgó massif for panoramic views stretching from Xàbia to Dénia and the open sea.
• Xàbia Port and Arenal promenade — Stroll the harbor with its fishing boats and continue to the Arenal beach strip lined with cafes and palm trees.
• Cova Tallada sea cave — Kayak or hike to this dramatic hand-carved coastal cave accessible only by sea or a rugged cliffside trail.
• Museu Arqueològic i Etnogràfic Soler Blasco — Learn about the town's Iberian, Roman, and maritime history in this small museum housed in a historic building.

Food to try

• Arròs a banda — A classic Valencian coastal rice dish cooked in fish stock, typically served with the seafood on the side.
• Fideuà — A noodle-based cousin of paella made with short pasta and local seafood, often finished with alioli.
• Espencat — A cold roasted vegetable dish of peppers, eggplant, and salt cod, dressed simply with olive oil.
• Bullit de peix — A traditional fisherman's stew of boiled local fish and potatoes, usually served with alioli on the side.
• Raisins and moscatell grapes — Xàbia's hillsides are historically known for sun-dried raisins and sweet moscatell wine, a legacy of its agricultural past.
• Fresh seafood at the port — Sample just-landed prawns, red mullet, and cuttlefish at the small restaurants near the fishing harbor.

Local customs & good to know

• Two town centers — Xàbia has a historic hilltop old town and a separate beachfront port area, so orient yourself before planning your day.
• Respect the Granadella access limits — Parking at Cala Granadella is restricted in summer, so arrive very early or use the shuttle bus service.
• Bilingual signage — Both Valencian (Catalan) and Spanish are used locally, with Xàbia and Jávea both being accepted names for the town.
• Quiet, upscale pace — Xàbia attracts a more relaxed, affluent crowd than nearby party towns, so nightlife is low-key and dining leans toward long, leisurely meals.