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Cala Barraca is a hidden gem located in the stunning coastal town of Javea, Spain. Known for its crystal clear waters, picturesque scenery, and diverse range of activities, Cala Barraca is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
From swimming and snorkeling to sunbathing and exploring the natural beauty of the area, Cala Barraca offers something for everyone. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the history and significance of Cala Barraca, as well as the many activities and attractions that make it one of Javea's most popular destinations.
Whether you're planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Cala Barraca is the perfect place to escape to in 2023.
Cala Portitxol, Cala Portixol, or Cala Barraca? These names may sound familiar, but there's a reason behind each one. Cala Portitxol and Cala Portixol are interchangeable names used by Spanish speakers who speak Valenciano and Castellano dialects.
However, Cala Barraca is the name that most closely aligns with the history of the area. Cala Barraca is known for its unique fisherman houses with white facades and bright blue doors, which are a common sight in photos of the area.
These houses, known as "barracas" in Spanish, are an iconic feature of Javea and symbolize the Mediterranean lifestyle that the town is known for. This is the reason behind the name "Cala Barraca," which roughly translates to "Fishermen's Bay” in English!
Cala Barraca has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The area was first settled by the Iberians, an ancient indigenous people who lived in the region before the arrival of the Romans. The Romans also left their mark on the area, with the remains of a Roman fish salting factory found in the vicinity of Cala Barraca.
The romans also used the bay of Cala Barraca as a place to moor their boats in the protection of the island of Cala Barraca and Cap Negre. Their mark is still to be found around Javea! In fact, in September 2021, 53 pure golden Roman coins were find just on the Eastern side of the island of Cala Barraca!
During the Middle Ages, the area was mainly used for fishing and agriculture. However, it wasn't until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Cala Barraca began to attract tourists. The first visitors were mainly artists and writers who were drawn to the area's natural beauty and mild climate. This led to the construction of the first tourist accommodations, including small hotels, guesthouses, and private rentals.
In the following decades, Cala Barraca continued to attract visitors from all over the world, becoming a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing beach holiday.
Cala Barraca is located in the town of Javea, in the Eastern Spanish province of Alicante, on the Costa Blanca. It can also be found on the eastern part of Javea's coastline, turning off Javea’s famous coastal road Carretera de Portitxol, situated between Cap Prim and Cap Negre. It is also near other nearby beaches such as Cala Sardinera, Cala Blanca, and Cala Ambolo.
Cala Barraca is protected from external maritime conditions such as waves, swells, and currents. This is thanks to the island of Cala Barraca, which acts as a shield and aligns perfectly to protect the bay from adverse conditions. This means that Cala Barraca is always sheltered and protected, making it the perfect beach for families with smaller children. The calm waters and beautiful weather make it a safe and relaxing spot for swimming and exploring, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the sunshine while their children swim just a few meters away.
Getting to Cala Barraca can be tricky, but with the right information it shouldn’t be too difficult!
To get to Cala Barraca, take the Carretera del Portixol road and look for the sign indicating "Cala Portitxol." Turn left onto Carrer de la Barraca. Follow the road straight without any turns, it will take you directly to Cala Barraca. Alternatively, you can input "Carrer de la Barraca 78, Javea" into your GPS for specific directions.
Cala Barraca is a highly sought-after destination for beachgoers, especially during the summer months. With its beautiful scenery, crystal-clear waters and famous Puerta Azul Javea, it's no wonder that it's a popular spot. However, due to the high demand, accessing the beach during peak season can be challenging. But not to worry! In this guide, we'll provide you with tips and tricks on how to easily access Cala Barraca, even when the parking is full. With the information provided, you'll be able to enjoy your summer vacation without any hassle and make the most of your time at this beautiful beach.
A great way to beat the crowds and fully enjoy Cala Barraca during peak summer season is to arrive early, before 09:00 in the morning. This is when the beach guards start their shift, and the parking lot and beach access is less restricted.
By arriving early, you'll have first access to parking and the beach, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing experience. It's a great option for those who want to enjoy the beach before it gets too crowded and also for those who are looking for a quiet spot to relax. This way you can make the most of your time at this beautiful beach and make the most of your summer vacation.
Another great way to access Cala Barraca is by taking the Creu de Portixol hike, a short and picturesque hike that offers an alternative route to the beach. The hike is well-marked and offers breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding area. It starts from the parking area of the beach and takes you through a beautiful path surrounded by Mediterranean scrub, passing by several viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the sea.
The hike takes about 10 minutes one way and is a great option for nature lovers and those who want to enjoy a bit of exercise while getting to the beach. You can park directly on Carretera de Portitxol where you'll find a small roadside parking, or just the street next to the hike, Carrer Illa. It's a great way to add some adventure to your beach vacation and to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Another great option to access Cala Barraca is to arrive later in the day, after 17:00. By this time, the beach guards have finished their shift, allowing for unrestricted access to the beach.
This can be a perfect option for those who prefer to spend their afternoons and evenings at the beach, enjoying the beautiful scenery and transparent turquoise waters under the warm Mediterranean sun. It's a great way to spend a lazy afternoon or evening, unwinding and relaxing at the beach.
Another great option would be to visit Cala Barraca outside of the peak summer season, anytime outside of June, July, and August. My personal favourite time to visit is mid-September until mid-October when the water is at its warmest after absorbing the sun during the entirety of the summer, the weather is spectacular, and the beach is not crowded at all. It's a perfect time to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful vacation at the beach, without the craziness of peak season.
Finding a place to park can be one of the most challenging aspects of visiting Cala Barraca during peak season. However, with a little bit of planning, you can ensure that you have a spot to park and easy access to the beach. In this section, we'll provide you with all the information you need to know about parking at Cala Barracal.
The parking area closest to the beach is the most ideal location, with ample space for around 75 cars. It offers shade for most of the spaces, and it's the most convenient spot for a quick access to the beach. However, since it's the closest parking area to the beach, it's also the most popular and can fill up quickly. To secure a spot, it's best to arrive early in the morning.
There is another section a little bit higher up Carrer de la Barraca, where you have spots for around 15 more cars. This is an alternative
As we briefly mentioned, you also have the option to park on Carretera del Portitxol, or the road just next to it, Carrer Illa, from where you can access the Creu de Portixol hike down to the beach! This is one of the best alternatives if you find the beach too full!
Another option is parking on Calle Truita, but keep in mind that it requires a long walk down to the beach, and it's not the most convenient option.
Cala Barraca is considered one of the best beaches in Javea because of the wide range of activities and experiences it offers. As someone who has spent over ten years operating from this beautiful beach, I would like to share some tips and secrets with you that I personally recommend trying out while at Cala Barraca! Here are some of my favorites
One of the best things to do at Cala Barraca is to take a beautiful kayak excursion organized by Siesta Advisor. During this excursion, you'll have the opportunity to paddle alongside an incredible jurassic-like coastline, visiting some of the most spectacular places such as Cala el Pom. This is one of Javea's best spots for snorkeling due to its enormous underwater structures and diverse marine life.
You will also have the chance to visit Cap Negre, a colossal landmark in Javea that stands 100 meters directly above you, offering incredible views of the coastline.
Another highlight of the excursion is visiting the island of Cala Barraca, where you can explore a beautiful naturally formed cave and even do some cliff jumping.
One of the most exciting possibilities during the excursion is a visit to Cova dels Orguens, one of Spain's largest sea caves. Sea caves are an incredible natural phenomenon, characterized by their unusual formations, and crystal-clear waters. It's a once in a lifetime experience that you won't want to miss!
Snorkeling at Cala Barraca is truly unique experience. It's considered one of the best bays in Javea to snorkel due to its transparent waters which are filtered by sea grass (also known as Posidonia). This results in crystal clear waters that make it easy to see the abundance of marine life that inhabit the bay.
You'll see an array of marine life such as different kinds of fish, octopus, sea urchins, starfish, and even sometimes stingrays and sunfish.
The sea grass also provides shelter and food for a diverse range of fish, making it a great spot for snorkeling. It's a perfect place for those who are looking for a chance to explore the Mediterranean sea and its inhabitants up close.
The "Puerta Azul Javea" is a famous blue door located in Javea on the beach of Cala Barraca. It has recently gained popularity on social media for its unique and picturesque appearance that is perfect for some incredible photographs. So if you’re looking to fill your Instagram feed, this is the perfect place for you.
Arrive early: As mentioned earlier, the parking lot fills up quickly during peak season, so the earlier you arrive, the better chance you have of finding a spot.
Pack light: Cala Barraca is a small beach and space is limited, so it's best to pack light and only bring what you need.
Rent gear: If you don't have your own snorkeling gear, you can rent it with Siesta Advisor. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other equipment.
Bring sunscreen and hats: The sun can be intense, especially during peak season, so be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Respect the environment: Cala Barraca is a natural beauty spot, please do your part to keep it that way by not littering and respecting the wildlife and their habitat.
Bring a picnic: Cala Barraca has two restaurants, but they offer food at a very expensive price or low quality, so bring your own snacks, drinks, and food to enjoy on the beach.
Be prepared for a bit of a walk: Cala Barraca is a bit secluded so be prepared for a bit of a walk to get there, but it's worth it for the views and the transparent turquoise waters.
Hire a local guide for kayak excursion: A local guide can show you the best spots for snorkeling and kayaking, and tell you more about the area's history and culture! This is by far the best way to ensure an amazing day at Cala Barraca!
If you fancy something more adventurous or exotic, here are our favourite suggestions to ensure you have an amazing time whilst in Javea!
Cova dels Orguens, a sea cave located in the picturesque town of Javea, Alicante, is situated off the coastline of Cabo de la Nao. It is situated at the easternmost point of not only Javea but the entire Costa Blanca, making it a truly unique and special destination. The cave is located at the base of the Cabo de la Nao lighthouse, which towers over 150 meters above the cave. This means that the cave is nestled at the bottom of a massive cape that can only be accessed by the sea, adding to its beauty and seclusion. The remote and isolated location of Cova dels Orguens is a major part of its charm, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area.
Cala Ambolo is a peaceful and beautiful beach that has a tradition of nudism, offering an opportunity to sunbathe and take stunning pictures while enjoying the vibrant turquoise-blue waters. With limited access, it's one of the most exclusive beaches in Javea and can only be accessed with the right knowledge.
Cala en Caló is a beach in Javea that offers the same exotic beauty as beaches found in places like Thailand, Indonesia, or the Philippines, without the need to travel halfway around the world. It's one of the most secluded and exclusive bays in Javea and is not well known among everyday tourists visiting the area.
Cala Barraca (Cala Portitxol) is a picturesque beach located in the town of Javea, in the Alicante province of Eastern Spain. It's considered one of the best beaches in Javea due to its crystal-clear waters, and wide range of activities and experiences. It offers a protected bay from external conditions by its island, Isla de Portitxol. It's famous for its unique fisherman's houses with white facades and bright blue doors, that symbolize the Mediterranean lifestyle that Javea is renowned for. The beach is ideal for families with smaller children, as the island provides protection from adverse weather and currents.
To access Cala Barraca, you must follow the Carretera del Portixol road until you find the intersection signposted with a sign “Cala Barraca” turning to the left down Carrer de la Barraca. You can also write in your GPS “Carrer de la Barraca 78, Javea” to get direct directions to the bay.
During the peak summer season, access to the beach can be limited as the entrance is controlled when the parking fills up, however, you can arrive early, before 09:00 in the morning, take the Creu de Portixol hike, or arrive late after 17:00, by which time the beach guards have stopped working and the access is unrestricted. Another option would be to go outside of the summer season, so anytime outside of June, July & August.
Snorkeling at Cala Barraca is truly unique experience, one of the best bays in Javea to snorkel due to its transparent waters which are filtered by sea grass (also known as Posidonia) and the abundance of marine life that inhabit the bay. You can also take a beautiful kayak excursion organized by Siesta Advisor, which will take you to visit some of the most spectacular places such as Cala el Pom, Cap Negre, the island of Cala Barraca, and even sometimes Cova dels Orguens, one of Spain's largest sea caves.
