The best beach in Spain, a hidden paradise

From the ones bathed by the cold Atlantic waters to those caressed by the warm Mediterranean Sea—if there is something particularly remarkable about Spain, that's its beaches. Choosing the best of them is a difficult task, but this idyllic corner in the Levante region can be considered the best beach in Spain.

The captivating beauty of the best beach in Spain

The first reason behind this choice is the dazzling beauty of this saltwater Eden that hypnotises those who set foot here. It is an unbeatable feeling that stays in the heart and emerges back when you look at it again, no matter how long has passed. One of the reasons why many people consider it the best beach is precisely because you are always left wanting more.

Cala Granadella
Cala Granadella. | Shutterstock

This beach hides on the coast of Jávea. Not only is it beautiful, but it is completely different for many reasons. Its mere name is a hint: Granadella Cove. It is proof that the less, the better, because this is not one of those massive, infinite sandbanks that are usually attributed to tropical paradises. A quiet five-minute walk is enough to cover it.

The truth is that, with its 160 metres, it is as tiny as it is beautiful. Cala Granadella's crystal-clear waters wear infinite shades of blue. Its golden sand differs from other paradisiacal beaches—it's an inherent part of its essence, covered by tiny rounded edges and gravel sand. That doesn't make it any less charming, but comfortable shoes are indispensable.

We should go further and explore Cala Granadella’s incomparable surroundings. It sits in one of the wildest areas on the coast of Alicante, so it is surrounded by magnificent cliffs that protect it and offer privileged views of this Mediterranean area.

Cala Granadella, a beach that suits every taste

The best beach in Spain
The best beach in Spain. | Shutterstock

Some people may think that Cala Granadella won’t offer much because of its dimensions, but that is far from the truth. In fact, here is another reason why this is the best beach in Spain: the many things to do here. Let’s begin with the most evident: swimming in its turquoise waters is a true pleasure that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else. But there is so much more!

The best beach for snorkeling and diving

Cala Granadella’s crystal-clear water
Cala Granadella’s crystal-clear water. | Shutterstock

This cove’s waters hide a treasure that delights those who dive into them. Its rocky seabeds are home to infinite marine species, and some areas are covered by Posidonia. Besides, it is an exceptional place for beginning divers due to its particular conditions. If you do not feel like doing so, some snorkelling equipment will allow you to discover its fascinating marine world.

A kayak ride or paddle surfing

Panoramic of Granadella Cove and its surroundings
Panoramic of Granadella Cove and its surroundings. | Shutterstock

You can get to Granadella Cove by renting a kayak in Jávea, the perfect choice for admiring the wild beauty of this coast. But you can also bring a surfboard for a lovely paddle surfing session. These two activities allow you to discover nearby corners that are just as charming.

Caló Cove is one of them, a tiny bay hidden among cliffs over 100 metres high. This idyllic corner’s beauty is inversely proportional to its size. It can only be accessed by sea. Keep your eyes open so you don’t miss it!

This sea route from Granadella Cove includes another stop, the Cova del Llop Marí. This cave results from human activity, the extraction of the tuff stone used to build the most emblematic buildings in the surrounding areas. Do not forget your snorkelling mask because it hides a true underwater gem, a marvel due to its biodiversity and its fascinating rock formations.

Hiking in Granadella Cove’s surroundings

The best beach in Spain has the perfect landscape for hiking
The best beach in Spain has the perfect landscape for hiking. | Shutterstock

The picture postcards near Granadella Cove are quite dramatic. This small paradise is surrounded by a forest park, one of the few virgin spaces on Levante’s coast. It's the starting point for a path that leads to the impressive cliffs around it and allows you to admire the most beautiful views and an old towerwatch that served to protect the area from Berber pirates.

If you still have time and strength, this circular path also leads to the park. It is quite challenging, but discovering the tiny treasures that explain the old local lifestyle and richness is worth it. That is, ochre mines, lime kilns, and teuleries, small circular constructions to make Arabic tiles and bricks.

Jávea’s many treasures

Street at Jávea
Street at Jávea. | Shutterstock

The best beach in Spain couldn’t be anywhere else but in Jávea, one of the most beautiful villages in the Valencian Community. This locality has preserved its marine essence and recalls its medieval past in an old town centre that you should explore leisurely. Explore its charming cobbled streets, and pristine, white façades that compose its heart, only broken by some ochre traces of those traditional stuff stone door and window frames.

You should stop and admire the simplicity of the San Bartolomé Church. Right by it sit two emblematic buildings: the town hall and the mercado de abastos, or food market, where you can buy local delicacies, such as preserves, Montgó goat cheese, Muscatel raisins, and mistela.

If you are still hungry after the visit, you can always taste some of the most emblematic dishes of Jávea’s gastronomy. There is a dish for every taste: rice with fish cruet, cocas, escalivada, or sea urchins. Pastissets are the perfect dessert, and a dry Muscatel wine is the perfect accompaniment. Is there a better way to conclude a day on the best beach in Spain?

You can also read this article in Spanish here.

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