Xabia, Spain, is a favorite city among locals-with Michelin’s secret beaches and dinner

In Spain, there is no shortage Town Where you will find sandy areas or rocky coastline and clear and clear water. But this beautiful destination is not quite secret. So you’ll also find people and many of them. Instead of stacking with other tourists on the beaches of major hubs such as Barcelona or Marbella, do like locals and escape to Xabia.

The Costa Blanca town has unified itself as a summer holiday for the Spaniards, whether they are looking for a bright day spent relaxing on the beach or an epic adventure involving climbing the mountain for beach views. Against all possibilities, it remains under the radar, even like a city -banding like Valencia North, Alicante to the south, and Balearic Islands Off the coast has jumped in popularity in recent years.

Clara Puig, owner of the starred restaurant Michelin Tula, said the best: “Xabia is the diamond of the area.” After living in Xabia about a decade ago, he embraced the city for his quiet luxury, such as sneaking into a hidden beach called Calves And stay at a boutique accommodation with less than 10 rooms. “You can be on the beach, and then 20 minutes later, climb the amazing mountain,” Puig said. “That’s what makes Xabia so special: you really have everything.”

The best hotel & resort

Hotel nomad

Dieter Roelen and Monica Mascaros, husband and wife behind Hotel nomadSpend 20 years of life like a nomadic wandering around the world. When they were ready to slow down, they channeled the adventure into a 14 -room hotel with eclectic details collected during the trip to Morocco, the Greek Islands, Mexico, and so on. Steps are located from Platja de la Grava, each room offers views of the seaside from a private balcony, and about half of the accommodation is a suite with two bedrooms. The property also offers local Intel guests, thanks to the beautiful guidance to the city, and access to electric scooters for the zip around.

Ritual Resort & Spa

Located away from the major restaurants and hotels along the coast, Ritual of terra offers a remote place to relax. The Boutique Hotel has 42 rooms, and the majority of accommodation is a suite with a separate seating area and a private balcony. Do not miss the spa in the location and pools that are rare in the rare beaches without the embelle.

Villa Dora

Villa Dora are small adults, just running away with just nine rooms. This classic Mediterranean property is adorned with antique furniture, elegant chandeliers, and smart touches such as fresh flowers and handled art. The Jewel, however, is complete with a double double chaises and the epic view of the beach below.

The best thing to do

Explore the hidden beach.

Xabia is home to two majors beach: Platja de l’enenal, sandy stretch with all the facilities of a large vacation area, and the smaller Platja de la Grava, rocky areas along the more popular port with locals. Visitors can spend their entire journey turn between the two Calves That has made Costa Blanca famous.

Thanks to the geography of this special hideout, bright blue water in the Mediterranean sea is usually quiet, making a beautiful place to take a snorkel or even snorkel. While some Calves Accessible to cars, others can only be achieved by short hikes -where visitors will find real magic and privacy. Some of the most popular options are larger beaches like Cala Granadella, Cala Portixol, and Cala Blanca, but Cala Sardines and Cala del Francés are popular with locals for their isolated taste. “[They are] Small, intimate, and unusual, “said Monica Mascaros.” Because of this Calves It can only be done on foot, they are not crowded, even in the summer. “

Climbing in Montgó Natural Park.

No matter where you are in Xabia, look and you’ll see a high mountain on top. That’s Montgó, a mountain of almost 2,500 feet located in Montgó Natural Park. The park offers several hiking trails that explore the caves along the base of the mountain and trail leading to the nearby Dénia city. But the most popular climbing route brings visitors all the way to the summit. Expecting a trip to three to four hours of simple difficulties, but the rocky beach views from the summit are worth the trip.

Albarda Park visit.

With more than 700 species of native plant, call mascaros Albarda Garden “The most beautiful Mediterranean Park in Spain.” The fertile gardens are spreading around the acre and have a mixture of style, including traditional Valencian spaces with the influence of Moor, a large greenhouse, and pergolas covered in roses. For Mascaros, these large parks feel unexpected for the area, making visitors feel like they have stumbled on something special.

Go kayak or paddleboarding.

Costa Blanca is amazing from dry land, but exploring with water offers the opportunity to see the coastline from a new perspective. So, let the travel company love Siesta’s advisor or Kayak javea Help you out on the water with a guided kayak or a padleboard visit. “I always say Xabia is very different depending on whether you experience it by land or sea,” Puig said. “It’s special and something that everyone has to do.” Exploration by boat or paddleboard is also a great way to find hidden areas that feel like your own private beach.

The best night life

Lunch

Xabia has maintained its low profile, so you won’t find the main beach club here. But that doesn’t mean the pleasure stops in the sunset. On the other hand, enjoy a relaxing place such as LunchWhere you can sip a cocktail or order a wine with a bottle while resting on a stylish and white beach.

Chabada

For a better scene, go to the main drag along Platja de l’prenal to find Chabada. Guests can stay in some of the best cocktails in the area before the place of dance party with DJ in the evening of the weekend.

The best restaurant

Ratchet

You can’t leave Xabia without eating some tapas. Therefore, try the spread in RatchetA comfortable restaurant in Old Town, a historic center where several facades returned to the Middle Ages. Valencia and the larger Costa Blanca region are known as Paella, so order a pan along with seafood such as roasted squid and red shrimp. Make sure you call for more restaurants in Xabia requires bookings and preorder for Paella.

Bonamb

Since first acquired Michelin’s two stars in 2016, Bonamb Has helped Xabia be the destination for the top meal. The restaurant offers a high -minded menu that centers around the new theme every season, so guests can return year after year for a creative new experience.

Tula Restaurant

Tula Restaurant It is another place of Xabia that has been recognized by Michelin’s guide. Located along the stretch of Platja de L’Ensals, the restaurant offers high caliber foods that change with season and highlight local ingredients. “Our restaurant is like our living room, and we want you to feel like our guests,” said Puig, co -owner of the restaurant. While the dining room is more relaxed, you can trust every delicious dish -Puig and Chef Borja Sadilla, her husband, meet while working at Quique Dacosta A Michelin Three Restaurant in the nearby Dénia city.

Ca aleix

Another favorite among locals such as Puig is Ca aleix. Chef Alejandro Crespo has created a menu that dials traditional tapas. Puig says a cocaTraditional pastries, saving in the region, should be at every table. His favorite is Coca de dacsawhich comes with tuna, grated tomatoes, onions, and eggs and fish on top.

How to get there

Visitors will want to fly to Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. Xabia lies a little over an hour by car from there, and Beniconnect Offers transportation between Alicante and Xabia for those who are not rented.

Xabia is also an easy journey from other major cities in Spain. It’s less than two hours of driving south of Valencia, or you can take the bus with Alsawhich offers a direct trip between the two destinations.

The best time to visit

Xabia shines in the summer, with August the busiest month. But the coastal city is amazing all year long and staying warm throughout the spring and fall, so visitors may want to take advantage of the delightful shoulder season on the beach. “In recent years, it feels like the season has never ended,” Puig said.

Get around

Renting a car is a great choice if you want to easily explore Xabia and the surrounding area. But if you plan to stay in the city, many destinations along the coast or in the old city are accessible or accessible by bicycle. Radio Taxi Jávea is an option for longer trips. The city also offers Train Trainers For five euros that run around every hour, connect the historic center with two main beach areas (Platja de la Grava and Platja de l’pal).