There isn’t a great translation for the word cala, in fact if you visit many places the name remains ‘Cala Granadella’ instead of changing to Granadella Bay, for example. A cala is basically a bay or cove, where there is a small beach (often with pebbles) surrounded by mountains or rocks. Therefore, the water is calmer than an open beach, and typically very clear since there are no boats passing through.

The Balearic Islands of Spain (Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera) are famous for their crystal clear turquoise waters and breathtaking calas, but an hour outside of Valencia you’ll be amazed to find views and beaches almost identical!

Driving outside of the city limits down the coastline (or up), there are small coves and inlets surrounded by rocky mountains, pebble beaches, and of course pristine water. If you like snorkeling, these calas are the perfect place to do it. Some of these areas are even known for scuba diving! Many of them also have kayaks and paddle boards to rent, too.

Of course the calas are somewhat more difficult to get to since they are outside of the city, but they are well worth the drive! The easiest way to arrive is by car, so get a few friends together, rent a car and go visit them!

Some of the calas are wilder with less things around, while others are more crowded and have restaurants and bars nearby. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but do a little research before choosing which one sounds best to you!

Below are a few of the most popular calas near Valencia, mostly located in Javea and Denia, about an hour south of Valencia along the coast:

Cala Granadella

Cala Moraig

Cala Portixol

Cala Moraira

Don’t forget to take some shoes for walking on the rocks – or even water shoes – so that you don’t hurt your feet!

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