Cala del Portixol, Mediterranean beach cove in Javea, Spain

Cala del Portixol is a pebble beach cove in Javea, on the coast of the Province of Alicante, about 400 km from Madrid. The bay lies between two headlands, with steep cliffs rising from the water. The pebble bottom slopes gently into the sea, so the water stays shallow near the shore. The climate is mild: the average temperature is 18 °C, July averages 26 °C and January 11 °C, and annual rainfall is about 659 mm.

The name Portixol appears in records of the coastal watch established along this stretch of the Marina Alta, where a lookout tower once stood above the cove. Its sheltered anchorage later drew small fishing boats, and the pebble beach below became the landing point for those working the cliffs and waters of the cape.

The name Portixol comes from the Valencian word for a small harbour or landing place, recalling the cove's use as a sheltered spot for small boats. Fishermen still set out from here, and the pebble shore is where they haul their craft up. Look for the low white walls and simple boat sheds at the back of the cove.

The cove lies about 400 km from Madrid on Spain's eastern coast, in the province of Alicante, Comunitat Valenciana. July is the hottest month at around 26 °C and January the coolest at about 11 °C. November is the wettest month with 136 mm of rain, while July brings only 7 mm, so summer visits are usually dry.

The beach lies in the bay of Portitxol, about 400 km from Madrid on Spain's eastern coast. The climate is mild: the average annual temperature is 18 °C, July averages 26 °C and January 11 °C. Rainfall averages 659 mm a year, most of it in November (136 mm) and least in July (7 mm).