Locals Love This Small Spanish Town With Secret Beaches and Michelin-starred Dining

"This Costa Blanca town has cemented itself as a summertime getaway for Spaniards, whether they're in search of sunny days spent lounging on the beach or epic adventures that involve hiking to the top of a mountain for coastal views. Against all odds, it's remained under the radar, even as cities like Valencia to the north, Alicante to the south, and the Balearic Islands off the coast have boomed in popularity in recent years."

"Clara Puig, owner of local Michelin-starred restaurant Tula, said it best: "Xàbia is a diamond of the area." After settling in Xàbia about a decade ago, she has embraced the town for its quiet luxuries, like sneaking away to hidden beaches called calas and staying at boutique accommodations with fewer than 10 rooms. "You can be at the beach, and then 20 minutes later, climb an amazing mountain," says Puig. "That's what makes Xàbia so special: You really have everything.""

Xàbia is a Costa Blanca town favored by Spaniards for summers, combining sandy and rocky beaches with clear turquoise water and fewer crowds than major hubs. The town offers both relaxed beach days and adventurous hikes to mountain summits with coastal views. Local amenities include hidden beaches called calas, boutique accommodations with fewer than ten rooms, and high-quality dining such as the Michelin-starred restaurant Tula. Small-scale hotels like a 14-room Nomad Hotel feature eclectic, bohemian decor, waterfront rooms with private balconies, several two-bedroom suites, and provide guests with local intel.

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