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- Cala Portixol is one of the best beaches to snorkel.
- It is a pebble beach, so do make sure to bring protective footwear.
- The area provides incredible hiking opportunities to several viewpoints including the Mirador del Portixol, Cap Prim Mirador and Cap Sardinera.
- In the distance, you can see the Isla de Portixol (the island).
If you’re looking for one of Javea’s most stunning beaches with incredible snorkelling opportunities, Cala Portixol should be at the top of your list. This hidden gem offers crystal-clear waters, traditional fishermen’s houses, and some of the best underwater views on the Costa Blanca.
I’ve put together everything you need to know about Cala Portixol to help you make the most of your visit to this special beach.
About Cala Portixol
Cala Portixol (also known as Barraca beach) is a pebble beach, and one of the many beaches in Javea. The beach is popular for its traditional whitewashed fishermen’s houses which are called “barracas” and also the reason why the beach is also coined as ‘Barraca beach’.
The beach stretches around 900 metres and has a unique shell shape, nestled between Cap Prim and Cap Negre. Rocky hills covered in Mediterranean vegetation surround the beach, creating a dramatic backdrop that makes this spot feel incredibly special.
In the distance, you can see the Isla de Portixol – a small island that’s perfect for kayaking adventures or simply admiring from the shore.
Getting to Cala Portixol
Cala Portixol is accessible by car, but parking can be quite challenging during peak summer months. I strongly recommend arriving early, preferably before 9am, to secure a parking spot. The small car park fills up quickly, and there’s limited street parking nearby.
There’s no public transport directly to the beach, so a car or taxi is your main option unless you’re staying within walking distance. If you’re staying in Javea town centre, it’s about a 10-minute drive to the beach.
From Javea port, follow the signs towards Cabo de la Nao, and you’ll see signs for Cala Portixol along the way.
What to do in Cala Portixol
The beach offers various activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and exploring nearby coves and caves. Guided tours are available, which can provide easier access to some of the more secluded spots.
Snorkelling
Bring your googles and snorkels because Cala Portitxol is a very popular diving spot, probably one of the best in the area. Due to the unique archaeological landscape, the beach itself has many rocky seabeds even near the shallow parts of the water which make it great for snorkelling and exploring. Many locals and divers visit in the early mornings during the summer to dive and explore the waters near the island.
The water here is incredibly clear and transparent, so you’ll easily spot schools of fish and marine life even in shallow waters. In the rockier areas, keep an eye out for sea urchins, sea snails, crabs, and if you’re lucky, octopuses hiding in the crevices.
Many locals and experienced divers visit in the early mornings during summer to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best visibility underwater.
Kayak excursion
Siesta Advisor offer several amazing Javea Kayak excursions – one in on this beach which will have you exploring Cala Portixol, Cala el Pom, the Potrixol Island and its secret cave, Cap Negre and the Blue Lagoon.
It takes about 2.5 hours and starts from the Cala Portixol. You don’t need to have kayaking experience as the instructor can quickly teach you the basics on the day.
You can book tickets through Get Your Guide.
Visit the Mirador de la Cruz del Portixol
The Mirador de la Cruz del Portixol offers one of the best views of the surrounding landscape. The easiest way to access it is by parking at the Creu del Portixol, and you can start a small hike to make your way from the viewpoint and to Cala Portixol.
The paths are quite rocky and steep in places so wear proper shoes. The route roughly takes 50 minutes as a return trip and covers 1.5km, so it it kid-friendly.
For directions to the beach, you need to follow the green and white SL CV-97 trail and it’ll bring you to Cala Portixol.
Other nearby hiking spots include Cap Prim and Cala Sardinera, which provide additional hiking opportunities. You can begin from the same spot.
Puerta Azul Javea
Seen photos of a mysterious blue door against white walls? Surprisingly, its not Santorini in Greece, but a special location within Javea.
You’ll find the famous blue door on a ‘barraca’ on the beach. Make sure to get your cameras ready and snap your picture!
What to bring to Cala Portixol
Protective footwear
As the Cala Portixol is a pebble beach, similar to the Javea port beach, I recommend bringing protective footwear which you can easily get in one of the bazaars in the town.
Portable deck chair
I highly recommend bringing a portable deck chair to sit on, especially if you’re looking to sunbathe. The rocky beach will create an uneven surface if you’re lying down, and lying on rocks isn’t the most comfortable!
Snorkelling gear
If you have your own snorkelling equipment, definitely bring it along. While you can rent gear at some nearby shops, having your own ensures the best fit and hygiene.
Sun protection
With limited natural shade on the beach, bring plenty of sun cream, a hat, and consider an umbrella if you plan to spend the whole day here.
Sea temperature at Cala Portixol
The Cala Portixol is swimmable from spring up to the early Autumn months.
During the summer months (June to August), the water temperature typically ranges from 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F).
All the way up to late September and early October, the temperature ranges from 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F). I’d say you could still swim comfortably on a sunny day.
In winter, the water temperature drops to around 14°C to 16°C (57°F to 61°F), which is cold for most swimmers without proper thermal equipment.
You can read more about the sea temperature here for Cala Portixol.
Facilities at Cala Portixol
Cala Portixol has basic facilities including two restaurants (Cala Clemence and La Barraca) a Red Cross station, and seasonal lifeguards. The beach has free toilets to use. You can also rent umbrellas, sunbeds, canoes and kayaks.
Cala Clemence de Portitxol
Cala Clémence del Portitxol open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering Mediterranean cuisine and fabulous views of the beach. They also offer a delicious cocktail menu and wine list.
Best time to visit Cala Portixol (Barraca Beach)
In my experience, the best time to visit Cala Portixol is when the air is cooler, either early in the morning at around 9am or 10am, or later in the day just after 6pm when the sun is beginning to set. You’ll also be able to find parking spots much easier this way, before the town starts to get busy.
Late afternoon visits are perfect if you want to stay for sunset – the views from this beach as the sun sets over the Mediterranean are absolutely stunning.
During peak summer months (July and August), I’d especially recommend avoiding the midday hours when the beach gets crowded and the pebbles become uncomfortably hot.
Getting around the area
Once you’re at Cala Portixol, you’re perfectly positioned to visit other beautiful spots along this stretch of coast. The famous Cabo de la Nao lighthouse is just a short drive away, and you can easily combine your beach day with a visit to other nearby coves like Cala Granadella or Cala Ambolo.
If you’re planning to hop between several beaches, I’d recommend starting early and bringing a cooler with drinks and snacks, as facilities can be limited at some of the more secluded spots.
