Improvements in Cala Granadella aim to enhance its status as a popular destination in Xàbia

Improvements have been made to the popular cove of Granadella this year, a popular destination recognised for its natural beauty and ecological value which has suffered from tourism saturation in recent years, forcing the local council to implement access controls to ensure a safe experience for both visitors and residents.

The local council has collaborated with the Granadella Residents Association to meet a list of requested improvements, 90% of which have already been completed, to strengthen its image as one of the most well-kept and protected corners of the coast of Xàbia.

One of the main actions is a familiar in recent years, the implementation of an access and parking control system which significantly reduces crowding in the cove which also includes a height restriction gate to prevent the access of large vehicles such as campervans to the recreation zones. In addition, signs have been updated which not only provides information on parking availability but also guidance on safe walking routes to reach the popular beach area. New signs have also been installed to mark the location of the fire hydrants.

A new access route has been created through a set of steps that will take take pedestrians off the road used by vehicles. However, although it is a safer option, the president of the neighbourhood association admits that it’s taking some time for beachgoers to use it, despite the installation of signs.

In addition, efforts to improve accessibility have been made, including the repainting of parking spaces for people with reduced mobility, the repair of the access road with the replacement of bollards to maximise safety whilst trees and bushes that were encroaching onto the road have also been trimmed back.

A paid-parking system of 9 euros per day has been in force since June 28th between 9.00am and 7.00pm and it will remain in place daily until September 9th when it is only charged at weekends until October 12th, although residents and people who work in the area are exempt from this charge and they also have a reserved parking area. In addition, a shuttle service now runs between the parking zone in La Guardia and the beach area of La Granadella, return tickets priced at 5,00 euros for adults and 2.50 euros for children (see the timetable below).

Despite these improvements, the Residents’ Association is already thinking about the next steps which will complete the remaining 10% of their demands, a final push towards achieving an exemplary cove, with the president explained that the goal is for Granadella “to be well-maintained and properly enjoyed by all. We are not impeding or restricting the passage of tourists; we are only asking that it be well-maintained and safe for those who choose to spend their holidays in this area“.

Among the demands is the renovation of a trail through the Parque Forestal de la Granadella to provide a more sustainable access alternative, the renovation of the playground in the Zone Verde, and the creation of a rest area with a viewing platform on the jetty by removing unused boats and created a shaded area with benches overlooking the sea and the cove. “A dream and a goal to further improve this cove“.

The president also explained that there is a request to adapt a specific area for an accessible bathing area on the north side of the cove: “a section where there are no rocks, only sand, so all we need to do is mark off this space so that people with reduced mobility can bathe like everyone else“:

Quesada also wanted to mention the request to adapt a specific area for the accessible bathroom On the north side of the cove, “it’s a section where there are no rocks; there’s already sand, so all we need to do is delimit this space so that people with reduced mobility can better access it and bathe like everyone else.”

Timetable – La Guardia Park to Cala Granadella

La Guardia Park
09:00 – 09:50 – 10:40 – 11:30 – 12:20 – 13:10 – 14:00 – 14:50 – 16:00 – 16:50 – 17:40 – 18:30 – 19:20

Cala Granadella
09:25 – 10:15 – 11:05 – 11:55 – 12:45 – 13:35 – 14:25 – 15:15 – 16:25 – 18:05 – 18:55 – 19:45