Cala Portitxolet Moraira
A hidden gem on the Costa Blanca, known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant blue-doored houses, and excellent snorkeling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Cala Portitxolet Moraira
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem on the Costa Blanca, known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant blue-doored houses, and excellent snorkeling.
"Stunning beach, good snorkeling, there wasn't much of a current and it was easy enough to swim without fins."
👟 Wear Water Shoes!
The beach is all pebbles, so water shoes are essential for comfort and grip .
🚗 Road Access Times
Roads can close 2-6 PM. Be prepared for a walk or plan around these hours .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Blue Doors
Along the cove's edge
Charming white houses with vibrant blue doors, reminiscent of Greece, make for stunning photos.
Crystal-Clear Snorkeling Waters
The cove's calm waters
Abundant marine life awaits snorkelers in the clear, turquoise waters. Easy to swim without fins!
Secluded Pebble Beach Vibe
The main cove area
A unique, wild beach experience with warm pebbles and a sense of discovery, far from the usual tourist spots.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Pebbles & Snorkeling: What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Water Shoes!
The beach is all pebbles, so water shoes are essential for comfort and grip.
🚗 Road Access Times
Roads can close 2-6 PM. Be prepared for a walk or plan around these hours.
🍽️ Book Restaurant Ahead
The popular nearby restaurant needs reservations, or try takeaway for beach dining.
🤿 Great for Snorkeling
Discover diverse marine life in the clear, calm waters. Easy swimming even without fins.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Water Shoes!
The beach is all pebbles, so water shoes are essential for comfort and grip.
🚗 Road Access Times
Roads can close 2-6 PM. Be prepared for a walk or plan around these hours.
🍽️ Book Restaurant Ahead
The popular nearby restaurant needs reservations, or try takeaway for beach dining.
🤿 Great for Snorkeling
Discover diverse marine life in the clear, calm waters. Easy swimming even without fins.
📸 Insta-Worthy Views
Capture the iconic blue doors and stunning coastal scenery for your feed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cala Portitxolet's stunning beauty, clear waters perfect for snorkeling, and the unique charm of its blue-doored houses. However, be prepared for a pebble beach, limited parking, and potential crowds during peak season. The afternoon road closures also require some planning.
"Beautiful stoney beach, clear waters, lovely snorkeling and cala clements restaurant.
Very picturesque."
Paul Pablo
"Bautiful gravel beach, and it's great for snorkeling as the cove has a lot of ocean life.
It's smaller in size, so it could get overcrowded during the summer. It can get windy so careful with the umbrellas.
There is a restaurant nearby, its very popular so requires reservation in advance, but it's possible to order takeaway at the entrance and then eat on the beach.
It had a shower but didn't work.
During 2-6pm, the last kilometers of the road to the beach can get closed down, resulting in a long walk."
CJ
"Stunning beach, good snorkeling, there wasn't much of a current and it was easy enough to swim without fins.
Slightly limited by the busy boating lane which prevents you being able to swim to the island.
But plenty to see within the limits of the bathing area, with various types of fish."
Richard Kaplan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access by car is restricted between 2-6 PM, often requiring a walk for the last stretch. If driving, follow signs for El Portet and then look for Cala Portitxolet. Parking can be limited, so consider arriving early or late.
Parking is very limited, especially during peak season. The road access is also restricted during certain hours, so be prepared for a walk from a nearby area if you arrive between 2-6 PM.
Yes, it's a scenic walk from Moraira town, especially if you're staying in the El Portet area. The walk offers beautiful coastal views.
The final kilometers of the road leading to the beach can be closed between 2 PM and 6 PM, necessitating a longer walk.
Public transport options are limited directly to the cove. It's best reached by car or a longer walk from Moraira's main bus stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cala Portitxolet is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. You can visit freely.
The beach is accessible at all times, but car access to the immediate vicinity is restricted between 2 PM and 6 PM.
There is no entry fee for Cala Portitxolet. It's a natural cove open to the public.
The main restriction is on car access during certain afternoon hours. It can also get very crowded in summer, so arriving early is advised.
No, you cannot book a spot as it's a natural beach. It's first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a beautiful pebble beach with clear, turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling. It's smaller and can get crowded, and water shoes are recommended.
Yes, the waters are generally calm and clear, making it excellent for swimming and snorkeling. However, boat lanes might restrict swimming to the nearby island.
Snorkeling is a major highlight due to the abundant marine life. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular.
While there might be a shower, it may not always be functional. Toilets are generally not available directly on the beach.
It can be suitable for families, but the pebble beach requires caution for young children. Snorkeling is a great activity for older kids.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a very popular restaurant nearby, Cala Clémence del Portitxol, known for its ambiance and views. It's highly recommended to book in advance.
You can order takeaway from the nearby restaurant and enjoy your meal on the beach. It's a great way to experience the cove's atmosphere.
The restaurant offers a dining experience with beautiful views, often catering to romantic evenings or special occasions.
Yes, you can bring your own food and have a picnic on the pebble beach. Remember to take all your trash with you.
It is highly recommended to reserve a table in advance, especially during peak season, as the restaurant is very popular.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic white houses with bright blue doors are a must-capture. The coastal views from the surrounding viewpoints are also stunning.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoon also provides beautiful golden hour light.
Try shooting from slightly above the cove to capture the blue doors and the turquoise water. Wide-angle lenses are great for the coastal scenery.
A wide-angle lens is useful for landscapes, and a waterproof camera or phone case is great for capturing underwater shots while snorkeling.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and be mindful of other visitors' privacy before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There's a popular restaurant nearby that offers takeaway, which can be a convenient option for a family meal on the beach. However, facilities like toilets are scarce, so plan accordingly. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can help avoid the biggest crowds and the afternoon road restrictions, making the experience more relaxed for the whole family.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping views of the cove and its surroundings. A waterproof camera or phone case is also a great idea if you plan on snorkeling and want to capture the underwater world. Be mindful of the restricted car access times, as this might influence your ability to get to certain vantage points with your gear. The 'hidden gem' feel of the cove adds to its photographic appeal.
🐠 Snorkelers & Nature Lovers
Beyond snorkeling, the natural beauty of the cove itself is captivating. The pebble beach offers a different kind of seaside experience, and the surrounding coastline is rugged and picturesque. While swimming to the small island might be restricted due to boat traffic, the designated bathing area provides ample exploration. Remember to respect the marine environment and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Blue Doors
These distinctive blue doors are not just for aesthetics; they are a characteristic feature of some traditional coastal dwellings in the region. They add a touch of whimsy and a strong sense of place to the cove. When visiting, take your time to wander along the paths near the beach to discover these hidden gems and frame your shots creatively. The best light for photographing these colorful elements is often during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset.
Snorkeling Paradise: What to Expect
Many reviewers highlight the ease of swimming and snorkeling here, with some noting that fins aren't even necessary to enjoy the underwater world. While the main bathing area offers plenty to see, swimming directly to the small island might be restricted due to boating lanes. Nevertheless, the area within the designated swimming zone is rich with aquatic activity. Remember to bring your snorkeling gear to make the most of this natural aquarium. The pebble seabed, while requiring water shoes for comfort, contributes to the clarity of the water.
Navigating Access and Parking
Parking directly at the cove is also very limited. During the busy summer months, it can be challenging to find a spot. To avoid disappointment and a long walk, it's highly recommended to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon, after the road restrictions have lifted. Consider this when planning your visit, and be prepared for a short hike to reach this beautiful destination. The walk itself can be quite pleasant, offering scenic coastal views.
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