Cala del Portitxol (La Barraca) - Image 1
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Cala Portitxolet Moraira

4.5
·2k reviews·la Mar Blava, Spain

A hidden gem on the Costa Blanca, known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant blue-doored houses, and excellent snorkeling.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, best light

CrowdLow
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Cala del Portitxol (La Barraca) - Image 1

Cala Portitxolet Moraira

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, best light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hidden gem on the Costa Blanca, known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant blue-doored houses, and excellent snorkeling.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Stunning beach, good snorkeling, there wasn't much of a current and it was easy enough to swim without fins."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Blue Doors

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key

Cala Portitxolet can get packed, especially in summer. Arrive early morning or late afternoon to snag a good spot on the pebbles. The road access is also restricted between 2-6 PM, so be prepared for a walk if you arrive during peak hours.Reddit

Pebbles & Snorkeling: What to Expect

This isn't a sandy beach; it's covered in smooth, warm pebbles, so water shoes are a must.TikTok The clear waters are fantastic for snorkeling, with plenty of marine life to discover, though swimming to the nearby island might be restricted due to boat lanes.Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, best light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon (after 7 PM)
Why
Road reopens, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Romantic vibe, fewer people
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

No es Grecia ❌ es ESPAÑA 🇪🇸 La Cala Portitxol, famosa por sus casitas con puertas azules que recuerdan a Grecia 💙 se encuentra en la Costa Blanca y es una cala de aguas cristalinas y turquesas 🤩 perfecta para desconectar o para hacer snorkel 🤿 kayak o paddle surf 🏄‍♀️ ⚠️ Es una playa de piedras, así que aconsejo usar escarpines ☝️ ❌La playa se llena mucho en Julio y Agosto, así que evitaría esos...
@krisbuscandoalsol
107.5K likes • 3.2M views

👟 Wear Water Shoes!

The beach is all pebbles, so water shoes are essential for comfort and grip.TikTok

🚗 Road Access Times

Roads can close 2-6 PM. Be prepared for a walk or plan around these hours.Reddit

¿Estás por Alicante y buscas un sitio al que ir a hacer un brunch, comer, cenar o incluso ver un atardecer con un vinito? Te traigo el sitio perfecto: Cala Clémence del Portitxol 📍 Está en Alicante, se encuentra cerca de Jávea, y podrás disfrutar de una velada romántica o incluso ir a hacerte fotos porque es muy instagrameable. Recomiendo reservar con antelación, suele estar lleno. 💰Precio medio d...
@esdeplanes
13.6K likes • 443.3K views
Pequeña, escondida… y absolutamente 🔥 La Cala del Portitxolet no se enseña… se descubre 😏🌊 Piedras calientes, agua salvaje y yo, perdiéndome entre olas 💦 No es Ibiza, no es Tulum… es Moraira, y sí: lo tiene TODO 💋 Ven si te atreves… pero no digas que no te avisé 🐚🖤 #PortitxoletVibes #MorairaSecrets #CostaBlancaHotspot #WildBeachEnergy #CalaMoodOn #AlicanteLovers #SpanishGem #HiddenParadise #NoFi...
mrlambo.vlc
23 likes • 1.5K views

🍽️ Book Restaurant Ahead

The popular nearby restaurant needs reservations, or try takeaway for beach dining.Reddit

🤿 Great for Snorkeling

Discover diverse marine life in the clear, calm waters. Easy swimming even without fins.Reddit

🇬🇧 December days in Moraira. We made a beautiful evening walk around the Portitxolet viewpoint. Have you ever visited this place? 😍 🇪🇸 Dias de diciembre en Moraira 😍 Hicimos un paseo por la tarde, por el mirador del Portitxolet. Alguna vez habéis estado? . . . #moraira #costablanca #alicante #teulada #elportet
holacostablanca
0 likes • 13.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Water Shoes!

The beach is all pebbles, so water shoes are essential for comfort and grip.TikTok

🚗 Road Access Times

Roads can close 2-6 PM. Be prepared for a walk or plan around these hours.Reddit

🍽️ Book Restaurant Ahead

The popular nearby restaurant needs reservations, or try takeaway for beach dining.Reddit

🤿 Great for Snorkeling

Discover diverse marine life in the clear, calm waters. Easy swimming even without fins.Reddit

📸 Insta-Worthy Views

Capture the iconic blue doors and stunning coastal scenery for your feed.TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

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

Beautiful clear waters
Great for snorkeling
Iconic blue doors

What People Dislike

Can get overcrowded
Limited parking
Pebble beach (not sand)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access by car is restricted between 2-6 PM, often requiring a walk for the last stretch.Reddit If driving, follow signs for El Portet and then look for Cala Portitxolet. Parking can be limited, so consider arriving early or late.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

The final kilometers of the road leading to the beach can be closed between 2 PM and 6 PM, necessitating a longer walk.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.TikTokReddit

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.Reddit

Snorkeling is a major highlight due to the abundant marine life.Reddit Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular.TikTok

While there might be a shower, it may not always be functional.Reddit 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.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a very popular restaurant nearby, Cala Clémence del Portitxol, known for its ambiance and views.TikTok It's highly recommended to book in advance.TikTok

You can order takeaway from the nearby restaurant and enjoy your meal on the beach.Reddit 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.TikTok

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.TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The iconic white houses with bright blue doors are a must-capture.TikTok The coastal views from the surrounding viewpoints are also stunning.Instagram

Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoon also provides beautiful golden hour light.Instagram

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.Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for landscapes, and a waterproof camera or phone case is great for capturing underwater shots while snorkeling.TikTok

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

Cala Portitxolet offers a unique beach experience for families, but it's important to be prepared. The pebble beach means you'll need water shoes for everyone, especially little ones, to walk comfortably and safely.TikTok While the clear waters are great for snorkeling, which older kids will love, the pebbles might make it less ideal for very young children who prefer soft sand for playing. The limited parking and afternoon road closures also mean you might have a bit of a walk, so pack light or consider a stroller suitable for uneven terrain.

There's a popular restaurant nearby that offers takeaway, which can be a convenient option for a family meal on the beach.Reddit 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

For photographers, Cala Portitxolet is a dream. The iconic blue doors on the white houses are a signature shot, offering a splash of color against the Mediterranean backdrop.TikTok The coastal scenery and the unique texture of the pebble beach also provide ample opportunities for creative compositions. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light – the golden hour will make the turquoise waters and white buildings glow.Instagram

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.TikTok 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

If snorkeling is your priority, Cala Portitxolet is a must-visit. The cove boasts incredibly clear turquoise waters and a rich variety of marine life.Reddit You can easily spot different fish species swimming around the rocky outcrops and seagrass. The water is generally calm, making it accessible even for novice snorkelers, and many find they don't even need fins to enjoy the underwater sights.Reddit

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

Cala Portitxolet is famously known for its picturesque white houses adorned with vibrant blue doors, a sight that has drawn comparisons to the Greek islands.TikTok These charming architectural details create a unique and highly photogenic scene against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Many visitors come specifically to capture these colorful facades, making it an 'instagrameable' spot.TikTok The contrast of the bright blue against the white walls and the azure water is truly striking.

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.Instagram

Snorkeling Paradise: What to Expect

The clear, calm waters of Cala Portitxolet make it an exceptional spot for snorkeling. The cove is teeming with marine life, offering a vibrant underwater spectacle for visitors. You can expect to see various types of fish swimming amongst the rocks and seagrass beds.Reddit The visibility is generally excellent, allowing for an immersive experience.

Many reviewers highlight the ease of swimming and snorkeling here, with some noting that fins aren't even necessary to enjoy the underwater world.Reddit While the main bathing area offers plenty to see, swimming directly to the small island might be restricted due to boating lanes.Reddit 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

Getting to Cala Portitxolet requires a bit of planning, especially regarding vehicle access. The road leading to the cove has restricted hours, typically closing to cars between 2 PM and 6 PM.Reddit This means that if you arrive during these hours, you'll need to park further away and walk the remaining distance.Reddit This restriction is in place to manage traffic and preserve the tranquility of the area during peak times.

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.Reddit 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.