Cala de Moraig

Cala de Moraig, supposedly one of the most beautiful ones in this part of the coast. Well, I could argue with that. Yet, indeed, the view is stunning. Cuddled by cliffs on both sides, accessible by a long walk from Cumbre del Sol, the beach will treat you with stony waterfront and quite windy currents which go crazy between the cliffs. Make sure you come with a stock of snacks and beverages as there’s nowhere to buy them, that’s how close to nature Cala de Moraig is.

Platja de la Granadella

Another cala worth a drive is Cala Granadella, also called Platja de la Granadella, close to Javea. The beach on the stones between two cliffs welcomes you with turquoise color of the sea and unique cliff formations. Two restaurants and one breakfast bistro place will cater to your hunger. Make sure you take all your beach gear such as umbrellas, deck chairs and the like, and most importantly snacks and beverages, as typically you won't find a store to purchase them by the beach.

We chose Restaurante Sur, storming in just 45 minutes before its closing at 5pm. The restaurant’s both levels will please you with amazing view of the beach and the cliffs as you are enjoying your sea food. Go for their pulpa or calamari meals for starters and you won’t be disappointed. Their lubina and dorada for main course melted in our mouth. Postres are definitely not the Spaniards’ strength but we appreciated the restaurant’s effort to make a mousse an original dessert. Their moscatel mousse (with muscat grapes which are used to produce moscatel wine) was the interesting one, their three -chocolate mousse one was not what we expected, on the other hand, as it was not chocolate enough. The Sur is perfect for sea food simple meals.

I wish the Bandidita bistro was open as this white and pinky building was luring to have at least a cortado at. Next time, hopefully.

Platja de les Marines

If you prefer municipal sandy beaches, Platja de les Marines in Denia is a good choice. Perfect for beach sports and family time with kids or fun time with friends this wide and spacious beach is calm with its breeze from the sea and mild waves. Also, you will have a choice of restaurants and bistros along the beach. Yet again, always check opening hours or ask at the restaurants if the kitchen is open to avoid siesta afternoons during which most of the restaurants take a break to gear up for the dining hours. The beach is not crowded and even though it’s part of Denia touristy sea port town it feels local thanks to Spanish families coming here off the high season to hang out on their deck chairs. Just take their example and bring some snacks as the are no beach bars around to get them, and the restaurants are there for a different eating experience.

Restaurant Primera Linea on the Platja de les Marines makes you feel the Caribbean vibes with its palms and trees on the beach location and on its patio. Great pulpa Galician style and quite decent desserts, as for the Spanish dulce crafters, satisfied our first hunger. We couldn’t taste more as the restaurant kitchen was already closed when we arrived and it was just their kindness that saved us from starving. Lesson learned, again, avoid late afternoons for eating and always check in advance if the restaurant’s kitchen is open.

L’Arenal Beach

Missing Californian vibes, like I do? Javea and its L’Arenal beach will bring them back to you a little bit. The skates roller ramp and cruise bikes are missing but the overall look of this beach reminds me of the fave LA Venice Beach waterfront.

Pastel colored fish and chips joints, sea food restaurants, colorful shops with beach garment, ice cream parlors and cute gift shops strand along the beach and the tiled covered pavement.

Kids love the beach for its minuscule grind sand, the width and the medium size waves you can jump over. Parents and adults like the beach for its proximity to drink bars and restaurants. You can actually keep an eye on the kids playing in the sand as you’re sipping on your cocktail as the restaurants and bars are so close to the beach entrance.

The Palminito Beach grill and bar is perfect for that, so is the Geographic. Both serve great food and drinks all day long so you won’t be trapped by siesta times. Chabada is also a good option if you’re looking for breakfast or lunch on the beach.

All in all, the L’Arenal is a typical sea town beachfront full of holiday hustle and bustle but you can still find your piece of privacy on its wide sands if you prefer to escape the music, the beach volleyball players, or the skaters racing on the boulevard.