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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).
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’.
Cala Portixol is around 900 metres long in size. It’s a pebble beach surrounded by rocky hills covered in lush green vegetation. The beach is nestled between Cap Prim and Cap Negre and has a unique shell shape.
This guide will detail everything you need to know about la Cala Portixol and have a splendid beach day during your time in Javea. I’ll discuss the best times to visit, the facilities nearby, and activities you can do during your visit!
Getting to Cala Portixol
Cala Portixol is accessible by car, but parking can be challenging, especially during peak summer months. I recommend arriving early, preferably before 9am, to secure a spot.
There is no public transport directly to the beach, so a car or taxi is your main option unless you are staying near​.
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 is crystal clear and transparent, which will help you see the schools of fish and aquatic life even within shallow waters. Within the rockier areas, there are urchins, sea snails, crabs, and octopuses.
Kayak excursion
Siesta Advisor offer an amazing Kayak excursion 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.
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!
Portixol Sea Temperature
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 the beach
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 Platja de la Grava
In my experience, the best time to visit Platja de la Grava 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.
As it’s very close to the Port town, during the summer, lots of locals usually enjoy a very early swim in the sea before the temperature heats up. as a relaxing and healthy way to start their day.
