In Spain, there is not any scarcity of beach towns the place you will discover sandy stretches or rocky coastlines and crystal-clear, turquoise water. However these lovely locations haven’t fairly been saved a secret. So, you’ll additionally discover crowds—and plenty of them. As an alternative of piling up with different vacationers at seashores in main hubs like Barcelona or Marbella, do because the locals do and escape to Xabia.

This Costa Blanca city has cemented itself as a summertime getaway for Spaniards, whether or not they’re looking for sunny days spent lounging on the seaside or epic adventures that contain mountain climbing to the highest of a mountain for coastal views. In opposition to all odds, it’s remained below the radar, whilst cities like Valencia to the north, Alicante to the south, and the Balearic Islands off the coast have boomed in recognition in recent times.

Clara Puig, proprietor of native Michelin-starred restaurant Tula, stated it finest: “Xabia is a diamond of the world.” After settling in Xabia a few decade in the past, she has embraced the city for its quiet luxuries, like sneaking away to hidden seashores referred to as calas and staying at boutique lodging with lower than 10 rooms. “You will be on the seaside, after which 20 minutes later, climb an incredible mountain,” says Puig. “That’s what makes Xabia so particular: You actually have the whole lot.”

Greatest Accommodations & Resorts

Nomad Lodge

Dieter Roelen and Monica Mascaros, the husband-and-wife duo behind the Nomad Hotel, spent 20 years dwelling like nomads touring all over the world. Once they have been able to decelerate, they channeled that sense of journey right into a 14-room resort with eclectic bohemian particulars collected throughout journeys to Morocco, the Greek islands, Mexico, and past. Positioned steps from Platja de la Grava, each room provides a waterfront view from a non-public balcony, and about half of the lodging are suites with two bedrooms. The property additionally offers friends native intel, due to a fantastically hand-drawn information to the city, and entry to electrical scooters to zip round on.

Ritual de Terra Resort & Spa

Tucked away from the primary stretch of eating places and inns alongside the coast, Ritual de Terra provides a secluded place to unwind. The boutique resort has 42 rooms, and nearly all of lodging are suites with a separate seating space and personal balcony. Don’t miss the on-site spa and refreshing outside pool—each uncommon facilities on this no-frills seaside city.

Villa Dora

Villa Dora is a small, adults-only escape with simply 9 rooms. This traditional Mediterranean property is embellished with vintage furnishings, elegant chandeliers, and considerate touches like contemporary flowers and curated artwork. Its jewel, nevertheless is the pool, full with striped double chaises and an epic view of the coast down under.

Greatest Issues to Do

Discover tucked-away seashores.

Xabia is house to 2 main beaches: Platja de l’Arenal, a sandy stretch with all of the facilities of a big-time trip spot, and the smaller Platja de la Grava, a rocky space alongside the port that’s extra standard with locals. Guests can spend their complete journey switching off between the 2, however remember to take a while to discover the rocky cove seashores referred to as calas which have made Costa Blanca well-known.

Due to the geography of those particular hideaways, the colourful blue water of the Mediterranean Sea is often fairly calm, making for an idyllic place to take a dip and even snorkel. Whereas some calas are accessible by automotive, others can solely be reached by a brief hike—that’s the place guests will discover the true magic and privateness. Among the hottest choices are bigger seashores like Cala Granadella, Cala Portixol, and Cala Blanca, however Cala Sardinera and Cala del Francés are standard with locals for his or her secluded really feel. “[They are] small, intimate, and amazingly clear,” says Monica Mascaros. “As a result of these calas can solely be reached on foot, they don’t seem to be crowded, even within the summertime.”

Hike in Montgó Pure Park.

Irrespective of the place you might be in Xabia, search for and also you’ll see an imposing mountain towering above. That’s Montgó, the practically 2,500-foot mountain situated inside Montgó Pure Park. The park provides a number of mountain climbing paths that discover caves alongside the bottom of the mountain and a path that results in the close by city of Dénia. However the most well-liked mountain climbing route leads guests all the way in which to the summit. Count on a three- to four-hour trek of reasonable issue, however the majestic views of the rocky shoreline from the highest are definitely worth the journey.

Go to Jardin de L’Albarda.

With greater than 700 native plant species, Mascaros calls Jardin de L’Albarda “essentially the most lovely non-public Mediterranean backyard in Spain.” The plush gardens are unfold throughout a few dozen acres and have a mixture of types, together with a conventional Valencian area with Moorish influences, sprawling greenhouses, and pergolas coated in swaths of roses. For Mascaros, these grand gardens really feel surprising for the world, making guests really feel like they’ve stumbled upon one thing particular.

Go kayaking or paddleboarding.

Costa Blanca is beautiful from dry land, however exploring by water provides a possibility to see the shoreline from a brand new perspective. So, let tour firms like Siesta Advisor or Kayak Javea provide help to get out on the water with a guided kayak or paddleboard tour. “I all the time say Xabia could be very totally different relying on whether or not you expertise it by land or sea,” says Puig. “It’s particular and one thing everybody ought to expertise.” Exploring by boat or paddleboard can also be a good way to search out hidden areas that really feel like your individual non-public seaside.

Greatest Nightlife

La Siesta

Xabia has maintained its low profile, so that you received’t discover main seaside golf equipment right here. However that doesn’t imply the enjoyable stops at sunset. As an alternative, take pleasure in laid-back spots like La Siesta, the place you possibly can sip cocktails or order wine by the bottle whereas lounging in a classy, all-white beachside space.

Chabada

For a livelier scene, head to the primary drag alongside Platja de l’Arenal to search out Chabada. Visitors can settle in for a few of the space’s finest cocktails earlier than the venue turns into an all-out dance get together with a DJ on weekend evenings.

Greatest Eating places

Trinquet

You’ll be able to’t depart Xabia with out feasting on some tapas. So, attempt the unfold at Trinquet, a comfortable restaurant within the Outdated City, the historic heart the place some facades date again to the medieval interval. Valencia and the higher Costa Blanca area are recognized for paella, so order a pan together with some seafood like grilled squid and pink prawns. Simply remember to name forward as many eating places in Xabia require reservations and preorders for paella.

BonAmb

Since first incomes two Michelin stars in 2016, BonAmb has helped Xabia develop into a vacation spot for top-notch eating. The restaurant provides an bold tasting menu centered round a brand new theme every season, so friends can return 12 months after 12 months for a inventive new expertise.

Tula Restaurante

Tula Restaurante is one other Xabia spot that has earned Michelin Information recognition. Positioned alongside the bustling stretch of Platja de l’Arenal, the restaurant provides high-caliber eating that adjustments with the seasons and highlights native substances. “Our restaurant is like our lounge, and we wish you to really feel like our visitor,” says Puig, the restaurant’s co-owner. Although the eating room is extra relaxed, you possibly can belief every dish is scrumptious—Puig and chef Borja Susilla, her husband, met whereas working at Quique Dacosta a three-Michelin-starred restaurant within the close by city of Dénia.

Ca Aleix

One other favourite amongst locals like Puig is Ca Aleix. Chef Alejandro Crespo has created a menu that dials up conventional tapas. Puig says a coca, a conventional, savory pastry of the area, ought to be on each desk. Her favourite is the coca de dacsa, which comes with tuna, grated tomato, onion, and egg plus an anchovy on high.

Find out how to Get There

Guests will wish to fly into Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. Xabia is situated slightly over an hour by automotive from there, and Beniconnect provides shuttles between Alicante and Xabia for these with out a rental.

Xabia can also be a simple journey from different main cities in Spain. It is lower than a two-hour drive south of Valencia, or you possibly can take a bus with Alsa, which provides direct journeys between the 2 locations.

Greatest Time to Go to

Xabia shines in the summertime, with August being the busiest month. However the coastal city is beautiful year-round and stays heat by means of the spring and fall, so guests might wish to make the most of nice shoulder-season days on the coast. “In recent times, it feels just like the season by no means ends,” says Puig.

Getting Round

Renting a automotive is a good selection if you wish to discover Xabia and its surrounding areas with ease. However in case you plan to remain on the town, many locations alongside the coast or within the Outdated City are walkable or accessible by way of bike. Radio Taxi Jávea is an choice for longer journeys. The town additionally provides a tourist train for 5 euros that runs about each hour, connecting the historic heart with the 2 primary seaside areas (Platja de la Grava and Platja de l’Arenal).