Cala El Xarco Beach

From the N-332, follow the unpaved access road — allow about 5 minutes by car. You can also hike in from Hotel Servigroup Montíboli in around 15 minutes on foot. Free parking is available in an unpaved lot at the end of the road, though it can fill up with campervans, so arrive early in peak season. Low-clearance vehicles may struggle on the rough track — this is a genuine caution, not a formality.

The Xarco Watchtower ruins sit right at the cove — a 16th-century coastal defense structure worth a close look before or after your swim. A short drive away, the Valor Chocolate Museum in La Vila Joiosa tells the story of Spanish chocolate-making in an unexpectedly engaging way. About 4 kilometres out, the Santuari Iber i Romà de la Malladeta offers a glimpse into Iberian and Roman history dating back to the 4th century B.C. — a solid half-day detour for anyone curious about the region's deeper past.

The nearest dining options are a drive away, so pack a picnic for the beach itself. La Mejillonera and La Cava Aragonesa, both around 14 kilometres away near Benidorm, are well-regarded spots with thousands of reviews between them. La Cartuja, at roughly 14.8 kilometres, rounds out the options if you want a sit-down meal after your visit.

Gran Hotel Bali, about 11 kilometres away, is the closest large option and carries a solid reputation with nearly 21,000 reviews. Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, around 12 kilometres out, offers a more boutique feel with consistently high ratings. For something further but highly rated, H10 Porto Poniente sits at 13.7 kilometres and scores 4.7 out of 5 across more than 2,000 reviews.

The ruined watchtower framed against the turquoise water is the standout shot — early morning light from the eastern approach gives the stonework the most texture. Late afternoon, when the sun drops toward the sea, turns the water a deeper, richer turquoise and softens the rocky foreground.

The unpaved access road is the main practical hurdle: if your car sits low to the ground, think twice before committing. August brings the heaviest visitor numbers — if you want the cove to yourself, June, July, or September are smarter choices. Dogs are welcome, with one section specifically set aside for them, so leash up until you reach that zone. There are no facilities on the beach, so bring water, sun protection, and anything else you need.