The Costa Blanca by Boat: Calpe, the Calas of the Marina Alta & Tabarca
A Costa Blanca sailing guide — the rock of Calpe, the hidden calas of the Marina Alta, the island of Tabarca, and a warm, settled coast that sails late into the season.
The Costa Blanca is Spain's warm, sheltered south-east — a coast of dramatic headlands, clear coves and a long, settled season that sails comfortably well into autumn. Gentler and less known to charterers than the Balearics, it's a forgiving, sunny ground, and an easy first leg toward Ibiza.
Calpe and the Peñón de Ifach
The great limestone rock of the Peñón de Ifach rises straight from the sea at Calpe — the coast's landmark, a nature reserve and a spectacular backdrop for an anchorage. A dramatic place to begin.
The Marina Alta calas
The stretch between Jávea (Xàbia) and Moraira is the coast's prettiest — the Cabo de la Nao headland, the turquoise Cala Granadella, and a run of pine-backed coves with water as clear as the islands. Anchor, swim, and lunch at a chiringuito ashore.
Tabarca
Off Santa Pola, the little island of Tabarca — Spain's smallest inhabited island and a marine reserve — has one walled village, clear protected water and a famous fish stew, caldero. A perfect day-anchorage and lunch stop.
A late-season coast
Warm and settled, the Costa Blanca holds its sailing weather later than most of Spain — a good choice for a September or early-October week when the Balearics are winding down.
Practical notes
- When to go. Long, warm and settled — see the best time to sail the Balearics & Spain.
- A springboard to Ibiza. The crossing to the Balearics is short from here. Compare on where to charter.
- Ready to plan? Browse Costa Blanca charters.
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