Cala Granadella Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Cala la Granadella, Granadella Javea
Cala Granadella is consistently rated the most beautiful natural anchorage on the Costa Blanca — a dramatic S-facing cove backed by the limestone cliffs of Cabo de la Nao, with crystal-clear water over sand and Posidonia. The water clarity rivals the Balearics and the setting is equally dramatic. This is also one of the most actively patrolled areas for Posidonia violations in mainland Spain — inspections are routine in summer. Good shelter from the Levante (NE) but open to SW groundswell.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°45.2'N 000°11.4'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand, Posidonia patches
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NW, NE, E, W
Exposed To
S, SW
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m for 4–10m depth. Active Posidonia enforcement in this area — DONIA app verification is not optional here.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreePosidonia Alert — Critical
Posidonia oceanica meadows are present in this anchorage. Before dropping anchor, use the free DONIA app to identify sandy patches. Anchoring on Posidonia is prohibited under EU law and Spanish Law 42/2007 — fines up to €200,000 in the Javea area are actively enforced. Yellowish-green patches visible from the surface indicate Posidonia — do not anchor there.
The Anchorage
Anchor in 4–8m in the sandy central area. The bay faces S/SW and is one of the most protected anchorages between Denia and Calpe for N/NE winds. Posidonia present — use DONIA app to locate sandy corridor in the bay centre. Active Posidonia enforcement in the Javea area — fines up to €200,000 documented. Good holding in sandy patches.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Cala Granadella is primarily sand and Posidonia patches with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly — at 4–10m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily.
- Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds moderate throttle astern.
- Snorkel to verify Posidonia-free hold — visually confirm anchor buried in sand.
Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Cala Granadella are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SW winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 85m radius before going below. 85m for 4–10m depth. Active Posidonia enforcement in this area — DONIA app verification is not optional here.
May–June and September ideal. July–August: crowded and patrol active. Avoid any SW/W forecast overnight.
Navigation Hazards
- Most actively enforced Posidonia zone on Costa Blanca — inspection without warning
- Open to SW/S groundswell from Atlantic depressions
- Cabo de la Nao 1nm W: wind acceleration and overfalls in strong conditions
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Posidonia strictly enforced — fines up to €200,000 documented in Javea area. Use DONIA app. Environmental patrol active Jun–Sep.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Javea (Xàbia) (4nm)
- Restaurant: One seafood restaurant at the head of the bay, open Jun–Sep.
- Provisions: None on site — Javea (Xàbia) (4nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Download the DONIA app before your trip and check the Javea sector specifically — the sandy patches are narrow.
- The environmental patrol uses a RIB and will board to check your anchor position — visible verification is expected.
- Best visited May–June before the heat and crowds arrive.
A note on this guide: Data researched from multiple sailing sources and provided in good faith. Always check current weather, NAVTEX bulletins, and the DONIA app for Posidonia mapping before visiting. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Cala Granadella
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously and sounds an alarm if your boat drifts outside your set radius.
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