Major city · Spain
Xàbia
Base in Xàbia for 3 nights with a car: old town for one morning, Arenal for the beach, and the coves and Montgó on the other days.
Xàbia (Spanish: Jávea) sits on a rocky stretch of the Costa Blanca between Dénia and Calpe, with three separate centres: the old town inland, the port, and the Arenal beach strip. The coast here is coves and cliffs rather than one long beach, and the Montgó massif rises behind the town. A car makes the difference: buses and the tram reach the edges, not the coves.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds and heat), and the busiest weeks of August when parking at the coves fills by mid-morning
- Airports
- ALC · VLC
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Xàbia112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Xàbia, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyA low-crime resort town; the real risks are summer heat on exposed trails, cliff edges at the capes, and swimming where there is no lifeguard.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (EU emergency) · 091 National police · 062 Guardia Civil (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportALC Alicante–Elche (About 100 km (62 mi) south; roughly 1 h 15 min by car).ALC Alicante–Elche (About 62 mi (100 km) south; roughly 1 h 15 min by car).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice for the coves, the capes and Montgó; rentals sell out in summer, so book ahead.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beercaña at a bar / can at a supermarket€2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5)€0.60–1.20 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, short hop within towncheck€8–15 (≈ US$10–18)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€15–25 (≈ US$18–30)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, hotel or apartment, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedDouble room, hotel or apartment, a night, per room€280 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ALC Alicante–Elche (About 100 km (62 mi) south; roughly 1 h 15 min by car) · VLC Valencia (About 100 km (62 mi) north; roughly 1 h 15 min by car)ALC Alicante–Elche (About 62 mi (100 km) south; roughly 1 h 15 min by car) · VLC Valencia (About 62 mi (100 km) north; roughly 1 h 15 min by car)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Feb
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jan (5 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Xàbia: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
5 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
1 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Dec
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice for the coves, the capes and Montgó; rentals sell out in summer, so book ahead. Local buses link the old town, port and Arenal. Tram Alicante (el Trenet) runs the coast between Dénia and Alicante but does not serve Xàbia: the nearest station is Gata de Gorgos, about 8 km inland, and you need a taxi from there. Taxis: Radio Taxi Jávea +34 902 199 777, Xàbia Taxi +34 965 792 535.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Dénia
goDoor to door: About 1 h by ferry
Ferry from the port (Mundo Marino), about 50 min; or drive the CV-736 over Montgó
Ferry round trip about €18 (check seasonal timetable); the castle and port are a short walk from the landing.
Calpe
goDoor to door: About 35 min
Drive the AP-7 or N-332 south, about 30 km (19 mi)Drive the AP-7 or N-332 south, about 19 mi (30 km)
The Penyal d'Ifac rock and its short climb; go early to beat the queue.
Altea
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive south on the AP-7, about 45 km (28 mi)Drive south on the AP-7, about 28 mi (45 km)
Whitewashed old town on the hill and a seafront promenade; easy half-day.
Benidorm
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive south on the AP-7, about 60 km (37 mi)Drive south on the AP-7, about 37 mi (60 km)
Big resort beaches and towers; a contrast, not a quiet day.
Alicante
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive south on the AP-7, about 100 km (62 mi)Drive south on the AP-7, about 62 mi (100 km)
Castle, old town and airport; better as a night than a return day.
Elche
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 20 min
Drive south via the AP-7 and A-7, about 110 km (68 mi)Drive south via the AP-7 and A-7, about 68 mi (110 km)
Palm grove and museums; a long day from Xàbia.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Xàbia old town (Centre Històric)
Narrow streets around the church and market; quiet at night, walkable, 10–15 min drive from the beaches.
Port (Duanes de la Mar)
Restaurants and bars along the waterfront; the ferry to Dénia leaves from here.
Platja de l'Arenal
The main beach strip: promenade, most hotels and rentals, easiest for a car-free stay.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €160 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, hotel or apartment1 × 3 nights × €130 | €390 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × €110 | €660 |
| Car hire, one day, small car1 × €45 · check; higher in August | €45 |
| Ferry to Dénia, round trip2 × €18 · check | €36 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €20 | €40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €117 |
| Trip total≈ €215 per person per day, bed included | €1,288≈ US$1,500 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Menu del día at lunchWeekday set menus are the best value. | €13–20 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Seafood rice for two (paella marinera or arròs a banda)Often priced per person or minimum two; order ahead at busy places. | €30–50 (≈ US$35–60) |
| Beer: caña at a bar / can at a supermarket | €2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5) / €0.60–1.20 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Taxi, short hop within towncheck | €8–15 (≈ US$10–18) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €15–25 (≈ US$18–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cove parking at Granadella and Portitxol is limited and fills early in summer; go before 09:30 or use the seasonal shuttle if running (check locally).Cove parking at Granadella and Portitxol is limited and fills early in summer; go before 9:30 AM or use the seasonal shuttle if running (check locally).
- Some coves are pebble or rock, not sand: bring shoes for the water.
- The tram does not reach Xàbia; the nearest stop is Gata de Gorgos, so plan the last leg by taxi or car.
- Summer heat and the exposed Montgó trails: start hikes at first light and carry water.
Emergency numbers
- All services (EU emergency)
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
XàbiaXàbia
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services (EU emergency)112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
No embassies in Xàbia: the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland all have embassies in Madrid, with consulates in Alicante or Valencia (check which covers your case).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ferry Xàbia port → Dénia: about €18 (≈ US$25) round trip, 50 min (check seasonal timetable)
- Tram Alicante, Gata de Gorgos → Dénia or Benidorm: fare by zone; the nearest station is Gata de Gorgos, about 8 km (5 mi) inland (check)fare by zone; the nearest station is Gata de Gorgos, about 5 mi (8 km) inland (check)
- Taxi Gata de Gorgos → Xàbia: €15–25 (≈ US$18–30) (check)
Say or show
- Hola / Buenos días — Hello / Good day (OH-lah / BWEH-nos DEE-as)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-thee-as)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-do pa-GAR kon tar-HEH-ta)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DON-de es-TA la PLA-ya)
- ¿Tienen mesa para dos? — Do you have a table for two? (TYEH-nen ME-sa PA-ra dos)
Local tourist offices: Xàbia Centre, Plaça de l'Església 4 (+34 965 794 356); Xàbia Port, Plaça President Adolfo Suárez 11 (+34 965 790 736); Arenal offices on Passeig del Tenista David Ferrer and del Capde la Nau Pla 122 (+34 966 460 605). Hours change by season: check before you go.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Xàbia. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds and heat), and the busiest weeks of August when parking at the coves fills by mid-morning · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ALC and VLC: rental desks, last bus and taxi fallback, and the Gata de Gorgos tram link.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: old town, port, Arenal, and the capes and coves.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (church, museum, Montgó trails, Granadella and Portitxol parking) and eat pages with last orders.
- Cove and heat fixtures so gates A–D can go green in July and August.
Sources
- officialXàbia official tourism (en.xabia.org)
- officialAjuntament de Xàbia
- officialParc Natural del Montgó (Generalitat Valenciana)
- officialTRAM Alicante
- officialMundo Marino ferries
- secondaryWikivoyage: Xàbia, revision 5244425 (CC BY-SA 4.0)