Xabia is a favorite small town among locals

Spain has a wide variety of hotels. beach towns You’ll find rocky or sandy coastlines with turquoise, crystal-clear water. These beautiful destinations aren’t exactly a secret. So, you’ll also find crowds—and lots of them. Instead of crowding the beaches of major cities like Barcelona or Marbella with tourists, escape to Xabia and enjoy the tranquility.

The Costa Blanca town of Elche has become a popular summertime destination for Spanish tourists, who come to enjoy the sun and the sea or go on epic adventures like hiking up a mountain to see the coast. It’s managed to remain under the radar despite cities like Valencia Alicante is located in the south and Alicante in the north. Balearic Islands Off the coast has exploded in popularity over recent years.

Clara Puig said it well: “Xabia, a gem of the area.” She settled in Xabia a decade or so ago and has embraced its quiet luxuries. For example, she enjoys sneaking off to secret beaches called Calas Boutique accommodations are those with fewer than 10 rooms. Puig says, “You can climb a mountain in 20 minutes from the beach and be on the beach.” “That is what makes Xabia unique: You have everything.”

Best Hotels & Resorts

Nomad Hotel

Dieter Roelen, the husband and wife team behind the Nomad HotelThey spent 20 years traveling the world as nomads. They decided to slow down and channel their sense of adventure in a 14-room boutique hotel, complete with eclectic bohemian decor collected on trips to Morocco, Greece, Mexico, etc. Located just a few steps from Platja de la Grava and with a view to the waterfront from every room’s private balcony, about half of accommodations are two-bedroom suites. A beautifully illustrated guide to the city is available to guests, as well as electric scooters.

Ritual de Terra Resort & Spa

The restaurant is located away from the main strip of hotels and restaurants along the coast. Ritual de Terra The hotel offers a quiet place to relax. The boutique hotel features 42 rooms. Many of the accommodations have a private balcony and a separate sitting area. Don’t miss the on-site spa and refreshing outdoor pool—both rare amenities in this no-frills beach town.

Villa Dora

Villa Dora This small escape is for adults only and has just nine rooms. This classic Mediterranean home is decorated with elegant chandeliers, antique furniture and thoughtful details like fresh flowers, curated art and carefully selected artwork. The jewel of this property is the pool with its striped chaises and epic view.

The Best Things to do

Explore hidden beaches.

Xabia is the home of two major beachesPlatja de l’Arenal is a large sandy beach with all the amenities you’d expect from a vacation destination. Platja de la Grava is a smaller rocky area that’s popular among locals. The two beaches are perfect for a vacation, and visitors can easily spend the entire time between them. But don’t forget to visit the nearby rocky coves. Calas Costa Blanca has become a popular destination.

The calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea are ideal for snorkeling or taking a swim. While some of these hideaways are popular for their calm waters, the Mediterranean Sea is a great place to swim or snorkel. Calas are accessible by car, others can only be reached by a short hike—that’s where visitors will find the real magic and privacy. Some of the most popular options are larger beaches like Cala Granadella, Cala Portixol, and Cala Blanca, but Cala Sardinera and Cala del Francés are popular with locals for their secluded feel. “[They are] Monica Mascaros says, “These are small, intimate and very clean.” “Because of these calas Even in the summer, these beaches aren’t crowded.

Hike in Montgó Natural Park.

Look up, and you will see a massive mountain rising above you. That’s Montgó, the nearly 2,500-foot mountain located inside Montgó Natural Park. The park offers several hiking paths that explore caves along the base of the mountain and a trail that leads to the nearby town of Dénia. The most popular route takes visitors to the summit. The moderately difficult trek will take between three and four hours. However, the views of the rugged coastline are well worth it.

Visit Jardin de L’Albarda.

Mascaros is home to more than 700 indigenous plant species Jardin de L’Albarda “The most beautiful private Mediterranean Garden in Spain.” The gardens cover about 12 acres, with a mixture of styles including traditional Valencian spaces with Moorish influences. There are also greenhouses and pergolas that have been covered in roses. These grand gardens are a surprise for Mascaros and make visitors feel as if they have stumbled across something special.

Paddleboarding or kayaking is a great way to get active.

Costa Blanca’s coastline is beautiful from the land. But exploring it by boat offers a unique perspective. So, let tour companies like Siesta Advisor You can also find out more about Kayak Javea Help you get out onto the water with a guiding kayak or paddleboard tour. Puig says, “Xabia is different whether you are on land or at sea.” “It is a special place that everyone should visit.” Explore hidden areas by boat or paddleboard. It’s like having your own private beach.

Best Nightlife

La Siesta

Xabia maintains a low profile and you won’t see any major beach clubs in this area. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the fun ends at sunset. Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere at La SiestaEnjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail in the chic white beachside lounge area.

Chabada

To experience a lively atmosphere, visit the main road along Platja de l’Arenal. Chabada. Weekend evenings, guests can enjoy the best local cocktails before the venue transforms into a dance party.

Best Restaurants

Trinquet

Xabia is not complete without some tapas. Try the tapas spread at TrinquetThe Old Town is a historic area where many of the buildings date back to medieval times. Valencia and Costa Blanca is known for its paella. So order one pan with some seafood such as grilled red prawns and squid. You will need to order paella in advance at many restaurants.

BonAmb

After earning the first two Michelin Stars in 2016, BonAmb Xabia has become a top destination for fine dining. The restaurant has an ambitious tasting menu that revolves around a different theme every season. This allows guests to return year after year and enjoy a unique experience.

Tula Restaurante

Tula Restaurante Michelin Guide has recognized another Xabia location. The restaurant is located along the busy stretch of Platja de l’Arenal. It offers fine dining with seasonal changes and local ingredients. Puig says that the restaurant is a living room. “We want you to be treated as our guests,” says Puig. Though the dining room is more relaxed, you can trust each dish is delicious—Puig and chef Borja Susilla, her husband, met while working at Quique Dacosta a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the nearby town of Dénia.

Ca Aleix

Puig is a favorite of many locals. Ca Aleix. Chef Alejandro Crespo created a menu which amplifies traditional tapas. Puig said a Coca, an authentic, savory, traditional pastry from the region, belongs on every table. Her favorite is coca de dacsaThe dish includes tuna with grated tomato and onion. It also has anchovies topped on top.

How to get There

Visitors will want to fly into Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. Xabia can be reached in a little more than an hour. Beniconnect Shuttles are available between Alicante, Xabia and other destinations for those who do not have a car.

Xabia can be reached easily from major Spanish cities. The drive is less than two hours south of Valencia. You can also take a bus. AlsaDirect flights are available between the two cities.

When is the best time to visit?

August is the busiest season in Xabia. The town’s beauty is maintained all year round and it remains warm in the spring and autumn. Visitors may wish to enjoy the shoulder season on the coast. Puig says, “In recent times it’s felt like season was never-ending.”

How to Get Around

If you’re looking to get around Xabia, renting a car will make it easier for you. Many destinations in the Old Town and along the coast are easily accessible by bike or on foot. Radio Taxi Jávea For longer trips, this is an excellent option. The city has a tourist train Five-euro shuttle bus that connects the historic center to the two main beaches (Platja de la Grava & Platja de l’Arenal).