Granadella Beach: A Complete Guide

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If you’re the type of person who seeks out those hidden Mediterranean spots that feel worlds away from the crowded tourist beaches, then Granadella Beach is exactly what you’re looking for. This isn’t your typical Spanish beach experience – it’s something far more special.

Located in Javea on the Costa Blanca, Granadella (or Cala Granadella) consistently ranks as one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches. I’ve visited countless coves along this stretch of coast, and this one still takes my breath away every single time. What makes it even more incredible is that you can access hidden sea caves and secret bays that are completely invisible from the shore.

Getting to Granadella Beach

Granadella Beach is located away about 8 kilometres south of Javea town centre. The drive takes around 15 minutes, winding through pine forests and residential areas before you catch your first glimpse of that incredible turquoise water.

You’ll need to park at the top of the cliff – there’s a large car park that costs around €9 for the day during the peak summer season and you can pay through the EasyPark app.

From there, it’s a 10-minute walk down a steep path to reach the beach. The path is well-maintained but can be challenging if you’re carrying lots of beach gear, so pack light!

If you’re staying in Javea without a car, you can take the seasonal tourist train/bus service that runs during summer months. You can take the this bus/tran from La Guardia parking lot (Carrer de la Falzia, 4) which costs €4 for adults for a return trip and €2.50 return trip for children/pensioners.

Train service from:

• La Guardia (to Granadella) runs roughly every 50 minutes: 9am, 9:50am, 11:40am, 12:20pm, 1:10pm, 2pm, 2:50pm, 4pm, 5:40pm, 6:30pm, 7:20pm.
• From Granadella (to La Guardia): 9:25am, 10:15am, 11:05am, 11:55am, 12:45pm, 1:35pm, 2:25pm, 3:15pm 4:25pm, 5:15pm, 6:05pm, 6:55pm, 7:45pm.

See the map below to find La Guardia:

Alternatively, it’s about a €10-15 taxi ride from Javea the town centre.

What makes Granadella Beach special

This is a small pebble beach set in a dramatic horseshoe-shaped cove surrounded by towering pine-covered cliffs. The water here is absolutely crystal clear – so clear that you can see the rocky seabed even when you’re swimming quite far out.

The beach itself is only about 160 metres long, which gives it an intimate feel. You won’t find endless rows of sun loungers here – just natural beauty and that gorgeous Mediterranean setting.

The water stays relatively calm thanks to the protected cove, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling. I’ve seen octopus, sea bream, and loads of colourful fish just a few metres from the shore.

Best time to visit Granadella beach

If you want to avoid the crowds, visit early morning (before 10am) or late afternoon (after 5pm). The beach can get quite busy during July and August, particularly at weekends.

For the best experience, I’d recommend visiting between May and October when the weather’s perfect for swimming. The water temperature is lovely from June through September.

What to bring

Since this is a natural beach with limited facilities, you’ll need to come prepared:

• Plenty of water and snacks (there’s one small beach bar but it can get overwhelmed)
• Sun protection – there’s very little natural shade
• Snorkelling gear if you have it
• Comfortable shoes for the walk down
• A beach umbrella if you want guaranteed shade

Kayaking in Granadella

One of the most exciting ways to experience Granadella is from the water itself. Siesta Advisor runs fantastic kayak tours in Javea that take you to the most incredible places on the coast!

Their most popular tour is the Cala en Caló Sea Cave Snorkel & Kayak Tour, which is absolutely incredible. You’ll paddle to the hidden bay of Cala en Caló (only accessible by sea), snorkel through stunning underwater caves, and visit the famous Llop Marí cave that most visitors never get to see.

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and costs around €50 per person. They provide all the equipment including kayaks, snorkelling gear, life jackets, and even waterproof bags for your belongings. What I love about their tours is that they’re led by local guides who know these waters inside out.

If you’re up for it, they also offer cliff jumping opportunities for those seeking a bit more adrenaline. The tour often includes a stop at Cala Ambolo, a secluded nudist beach that’s normally inaccessible to the public.

You’ll find their team easily – they set up on the left side of Granadella Beach with a white van and wear distinctive white tops and red shorts. I’d definitely recommend booking in advance, especially during summer months.

Swimming and snorkelling

The water quality here is exceptional – it’s been awarded Blue Flag status multiple times. The clarity is incredible, often offering 20+ metres of visibility.

The rocky areas on either side of the beach are perfect for snorkelling. You’ll find small caves and crevices that are home to various Mediterranean fish species. The left side of the cove tends to be particularly good for underwater exploration.

Swimming is safe and enjoyable, though the beach is pebbles rather than sand, so water shoes might be helpful if you have sensitive feet.

Facilities

Granadella has minimal facilities, which is part of its charm but worth knowing about:

• A couple of small beach bar/restaurants serving drinks, ice creams, and meals
• Basic shower facilities
• No shop or supermarket (bring your own supplies)
• No toilets on the beach itself (there are some on the right side of La Bandideta beach bar)
• Sun lounger and umbrella rental

Photography tips

The viewpoint from the cliff path as you walk down offers the classic shot of Granadella Beach that you’ll see on postcards. The best light is typically in the late afternoon when the sun hits the water at just the right angle.

For underwater photography, the clarity of the water here is perfect – just make sure you have a waterproof camera or housing.

Facilities and dining

Granadella has minimal facilities, which is part of its charm but worth knowing about:

• Basic shower facilities
• No toilets on the beach itself (there are some at the car park)
• No sun lounger or parasol rental

For dining, you have two main options right on the beach:

Restaurante Sur is the local’s choice for a meal. This family-run restaurant has been serving visitors for years and has built up quite a reputation locally. Their paellas are absolutely fantastic, and they do excellent fresh seafood. It’s located at Avenida Tío Catalá, 35, right at Cala Granadella. It’s consistently good quality and you’ll often see Spanish families dining there – always a good sign!

La Bandideta Granadella Beach Bar offers a more casual beach bar atmosphere. They serve Mediterranean food including rice dishes, tapas, and burgers, all cooked in a wood-fired oven. It’s open daily from 9am to 5pm and has lovely sea views. The food is generally good, though service can be hit or miss during busy periods.

Whichever you pick, I’d recommend making a reservation at either place during peak season, as they can get quite busy.

In my experience, if you want the full dining experience with excellent food in Granadella, go for Restaurante Sur. If you just want drinks and light bites with a beach bar vibe, La Bandideta fits the bill.

Planning your visit to Granadella

Granadella Beach isn’t huge, so if you’re planning to spend a full day here, bring entertainment like a book to read or even beach games – or book a kayak tour! It’s more of a place for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the natural beauty.

Factor in the time to travel back from Granadella, especially if you’re travelling with older family members or very young children.