Playa del Xarco
A natural, rocky cove in Villajoyosa, renowned as a dog-friendly paradise with crystal-clear waters and a haven for campervans.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Playa del Xarco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A natural, rocky cove in Villajoyosa, renowned as a dog-friendly paradise with crystal-clear waters and a haven for campervans.
"This dog-friendly beach with crystal clear waters is a campervan haven, offering natural beauty and a great escape."
🐾 Doggy Day Out
This is a designated dog beach! Your furry friends will love it here. Remember to bring water for them.
🚗 Campervan Parking
Popular with campervans, parking can be tricky. Arrive early or be prepared to search for a spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
The cove itself
Enjoy pristine, clear waters perfect for swimming and water activities. Ideal for a refreshing dip on a sunny day.
Dog-Friendly Fun
The entire beach
A paradise for your canine companions! Let your dogs run, play, and swim freely in this welcoming environment.
Rocky Coastal Scenery
Surrounding cliffs and cove
Explore the natural beauty of the rocky coastline and enjoy scenic views. Great for short hikes and appreciating nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dog-Friendly Paradise
Campervan Haven & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Doggy Day Out
This is a designated dog beach! Your furry friends will love it here. Remember to bring water for them. +1
🚗 Campervan Parking
Popular with campervans, parking can be tricky. Arrive early or be prepared to search for a spot. +1
🪨 Watch Your Step
The beach is rocky, so wear sturdy footwear. Be cautious when entering the water, especially if waves are present.
🗺️ Navigation Tip
Ignore official signs; Google Maps is your best bet for finding the correct access route.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Doggy Day Out
This is a designated dog beach! Your furry friends will love it here. Remember to bring water for them. +1
🚗 Campervan Parking
Popular with campervans, parking can be tricky. Arrive early or be prepared to search for a spot. +1
🪨 Watch Your Step
The beach is rocky, so wear sturdy footwear. Be cautious when entering the water, especially if waves are present.
🗺️ Navigation Tip
Ignore official signs; Google Maps is your best bet for finding the correct access route.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa del Xarco is a popular, rocky, dog-friendly cove known for its crystal-clear waters and appeal to campervan travelers. While parking can be challenging and the terrain requires caution, visitors appreciate its natural beauty and the freedom it offers to pets. It's a unique spot that offers a different kind of beach experience.
"A stoney, dog-friendly and popular with caravans beach with crystal clear waters offers something for everyone - those who get their high from hiking can try one of the nearby hills, and those who prefer laying flat should find plenty of space. When coming from the main road, ignore the official signage - instead, follow google maps’ instructions, go straight, then left, and down."
P.
"Not like the pictures. It was also a bit wavy so that could’ve been it, some parts there are no hairs (I don’t mean dog hairs I mean the Black Sea things) in the water but overall it’s rocky.
Easy to find though if you’re not driving too fast."
Mallika Benallal
"Cute beach were you can go with your dogs as well! Nice waks around. Too many huge Rv around that take many spots of the parking, so sometimes is difficult to find a spot."
Erica Tierno
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa del Xarco is located in Villajoyosa, Alicante. While official signage can be confusing, many visitors recommend using Google Maps for precise directions. The access involves following a route that leads down to the cove.
Information on direct public transport to Playa del Xarco is limited. It's most commonly accessed by car or campervan, with parking available nearby. 
Parking can be challenging due to its popularity with campervans. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays is advised. Some reviews mention RVs taking up significant space.
The area around Playa del Xarco offers opportunities for hiking and exploring nearby hills or even a castle ruin, as mentioned by visitors.
The access is described as a bit complicated by some, but generally manageable. It's a natural cove, so expect a rocky path rather than a paved walkway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa del Xarco is a natural beach and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free for all visitors.
As a natural beach, Playa del Xarco is accessible at all hours. However, visiting during daylight is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No booking is required for Playa del Xarco. It's a public beach, and visitors can come and go as they please, though parking can be limited.
Due to its rocky terrain and natural access, Playa del Xarco may present challenges for individuals with significant mobility issues.
Playa del Xarco is a popular spot for campervans, with visitors mentioning spending a few days camping there. However, always check local regulations regarding overnight stays.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Playa del Xarco is a rocky beach. Visitors should expect stones of various sizes, from small pebbles to larger rocks, both on the shore and in the water.
Yes, Playa del Xarco is a designated dog-friendly beach and is very popular with dog owners. Many visitors bring their pets to enjoy the sea and sand. +1
Visitors can swim in the crystal clear waters, walk along the shore, explore the surrounding natural areas, and enjoy the company of their dogs.
Playa del Xarco is a natural cove and generally lacks amenities like restrooms or showers. Visitors should come prepared with everything they need.
It can get quite busy, especially during peak season and weekends, due to its popularity with locals, tourists, and campervan users. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning coastal scenery, the clear turquoise waters, and the happy dogs enjoying the beach. The rocky formations offer unique photographic elements.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour lighting, enhancing the natural beauty of the cove. Early mornings can also offer softer light and fewer people.
Some drone footage has been captured at Playa del Xarco, showcasing its beauty from above. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the cove's expanse. Waterproof gear or a protective case is advisable due to the proximity to the sea.
The natural rock formations and the cove itself are the main photographic subjects. Some visitors mention a nearby castle ruin as a potential point of interest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While there are no traditional amenities like playgrounds, the natural environment provides plenty of opportunities for exploration. Kids can enjoy searching for interesting shells and rocks, and the presence of other dogs can be entertaining. Just be mindful of the rocky entry into the water and ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear.
🚐 Campervan Travelers
Be prepared for potential parking challenges, as campervans are popular here and can take up significant space. Arriving early is key. The rocky terrain is a plus for keeping vehicles cleaner compared to sandy beaches. It's a great base for exploring the Costa Blanca region.
🐶 Dog Owners
Your canine companions will likely have a blast here, making new furry friends and enjoying the refreshing Mediterranean waters. Remember to bring water for your dog and keep them supervised, especially near the rocks. It's a fantastic spot to create lasting memories with your four-legged family members.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Playa del Xarco: Access and Parking
Parking is a significant consideration here. The beach is a popular stop for campervans, and these larger vehicles can occupy a considerable amount of space. This means that finding a parking spot, especially during busy periods like weekends or holidays, can be challenging. Arriving early in the morning or opting for a weekday visit can greatly improve your chances of securing a convenient spot.
Despite the potential parking hurdles, the effort is often rewarded with a beautiful, natural setting. The access itself is described as a bit tricky but manageable, leading you into a picturesque cove that feels relatively untouched.
The Rocky Charm of Playa del Xarco
Visitors often highlight the clarity of the water, which is perfect for swimming and enjoying the marine environment. However, the rocky seabed requires a bit of caution, especially if the waves are larger. Wearing sturdy footwear is highly recommended to navigate the shore comfortably and to protect your feet.
This rocky nature also means that the beach retains a more natural feel, often free from the fine sand that can be difficult to clean off vehicles. For campervan travelers, this can be a practical advantage, making it easier to maintain a cleaner living space after a day at the beach.
A Canine-Friendly Coastal Escape
Many visitors share heartwarming stories of their dogs having a fantastic time, enjoying the freedom to explore and interact with other canine beachgoers. The natural environment, with its rocks and clear waters, offers a stimulating and enjoyable experience for pets. It's a place where dogs can truly be dogs, making it a favorite for many local and visiting pet owners.
+1When visiting with your dog, remember to bring plenty of fresh water for them, as the saltwater can be dehydrating. While the beach is welcoming, responsible pet ownership, including keeping an eye on your dog and cleaning up after them, ensures that this special spot remains enjoyable for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit