The best chiringuitos on the Costa Blanca

What exactly is a “chiringuito”?

A chiringuito is a casual and cozy Spanish beach club or bar located directly on the beach, often overlooking the sea. They offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy drinks, snacks, tapas and meals, often with an emphasis on fresh fish and seafood such as grilled sardines and paella; it is a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists to relax and experience Mediterranean coastal culture.

• Chiringuito Cala Clémence in Jávea

TapasMagazine.es: “To get here, you don’t just step into a random chiringuito; it’s a matter of discovering Portitxol, a cove that is not exactly easy to get to, and the access is not for the timid or ill-equipped traveler. But the effort is absolutely worth it and will be richly rewarded.

High above the sea, you’ll find a terrace with postcard-worthy views and blue doors that have appeared on Instagram more often than many celebrities – although there are plenty of famous visitors as well. The menu is varied and very tempting. But fair’s fair: if you manage to get a table at Marta Iglesias and Eric Slama, then you should consider yourself really lucky.”

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Cala Clémence, a stunning restaurant right on the beautiful Cala del Portixol in Jávea.

Cala Clémence offers you a complete experience: a nice, quiet atmosphere, excellent service and tasty dishes, perfectly complemented by refreshing cocktails. The restaurant is decorated according to a bohemian style. It immediately invites you to enjoy all the peace and beauty around you: a fantastic view of the bay.

Cala Clémence’s cuisine is also worthy of note: the menu features many Mediterranean dishes, including authentic Valencian rice dishes, and a nice selection of meat and fish. Fresh ingredients from the market form the basis of each tasty dish.

• Chiringuito El Cranc in Altea

TapasMagazine.es: “Across from the islet of L’Olla you will find El Cranc, a classic restaurant that has been serving pure Mediterranean cuisine for more than forty years, with stunning sea views. It was founded by Pepe “Barranquí,” a true Altea connoisseur and a host like you rarely see them anymore. Today his legacy lives on in every dish and at every table.

The kitchen is now under the direction of César Marquiegui, who retains the maritime essence with dishes such as “aspencat with capellán” (a type of dried fish), stuffed squid, “ensaladilla” with fried egg and garlic, or rice with monkfish, venus clams and young garlic. Inside, artist Jorge Parra’s drawings have breathed new life into the interior, and his style is also reflected on the delectable menu.”

El Cranc has been a household name in Altea since 1982. This particular restaurant is located near the L’Olla beach, right on the water, surrounded by large palm trees.

The story begins with Pepa Bañuls and José Ángel Navarro Barranqui, who created this chiringuito to serve fresh produce from the sea and the Mediterranean vegetable garden to friends and family. The name “El Cranc”(The Crab) originated on a warm August night in 1982, when crabs crawled up the new terrace from the bay.

Today, forty years later, you can still find El Cranc in the same spot, with the same breathtaking view of L’Illeta de L’Olla, the small island about 200 meters from the shore.

• Chiringuito La Siesta in Jávea

TapasMagazine.es: “Overflowing with Balinese beds and hammocks, this is the ideal spot for a leisurely breakfast or lunch by the sea, and the location for Jávea’s best cocktails or a drink as soon as night falls.

This Javea Company restaurant celebrates the little things that make life joyful every day. Think Lebanese breakfast, a dip in the sea and then come back for Thai mussels, a paella or some sushi. Then a cocktail, some dancing and keep going until you can’t take it anymore. It will be hard for you to leave here, because here you come for everything. Except to sleep, of course, although the name suggests otherwise.“

La Siesta in Jávea is a popular spot right on the beach, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. This place offers the ideal setting for a relaxed breakfast or lunch. Once evening falls, La Siesta transforms into the place for delicious cocktails.

La Siesta’s menu is diverse and offers something for everyone, from tasty crispy chicken wings to fresh salads, pizzas and sandwiches.

With its sea views, La Siesta is a place where many people like to return to enjoy the relaxed ambiance and beach life of Jávea.

• Chiringuito Portosenso Bar in Altea

Portosenso Bar is a beach bar in Altea, uniquely located at the end of a pier with stunning views of Altea and the sea. It is therefore often described as a hidden gem where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

It is an excellent place for a relaxing drink or coffee, and offers a cozy atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of dishes and is a popular choice for lunch or a romantic evening.

• Conviction Beach Club in Elche

Restaurante Conviction Beach Club at Playa Carabassí is an exclusive beach club that combines comfort, innovation and sustainability for a unique coastal experience.

Located in a protected nature reserve, it offers a perfect escape where nature and well-being come together.

The restaurant serves Mediterranean gastronomy and offers plenty of space to relax: including luxurious loungers. The focus is on personalized service in a beautiful setting with fine sand dunes and crystal clear waters.

• Chiringuito La Bandideta in Jávea

La Bandideta is a beach bar located on Cala Granadella in Jávea, right on the beach, offering Mediterranean cuisine with 100 percent natural ingredients, including burgers, tapas and smoothies.

The chiringuito is known for its beautiful location and atmosphere, an ideal place to relax and enjoy the view. Although the location and food are often praised, reviews on service and value for money are mixed. Nevertheless, it is a popular destination for breakfast and lunch & dinner.

• Chiringuito Olalà in Benissa

Xiringuito Olalà is a beach bar in Benissa, beautifully situated on a clifftop with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, Calpe and the Peñon de Ifach.

This restaurant offers a diverse menu of dishes, including tapas, paella and vegetarian options, complemented by cocktails. They regularly organize evenings with live music.

• Xiringuito del Sol Playa la Zenia

Xiringuitos del Sol, with multiple locations such as Playa la Zenia, offers a comprehensive beach experience where safety and fun go hand in hand.

You can come here for snacks, tapas, lunches or dinners, or just a refreshing drink or cocktail in a spectacular setting.

Besides relaxing on sunbeds and umbrellas, they offer various water sports activities such as pedal boats, banana boating, jet skiing, parasailing and kayaking. Facilities such as restrooms, lockers and an adapted swimming area have also been thought of.

• Chiringuito Algas l’Andragó in Moraira

Algas l’Andragó is a lively beach bar located on Cala l’Andragó, a beautiful cove in Moraira. It is known for its magnificent view, with Moraira’s harbor in the distance. From the terrace you more or less walk straight into the sea.

They offer a varied menu of tapas and dishes ideal for sharing. They also feature an extensive cocktail menu.

Algas is easily accessible and there is ample parking nearby. Please note that reservations are not possible.

• Chiringuito Xiringuito Moana in El Campello

Xiringuito Moana is a unique beach bar and it is one of the few chiringuitos in this list that are truly located on the beach. It is known for its excellent cocktails and various dining options, including tapas and toast, and also offers a private stretch of beach with lounge chairs.

Regular live music performances add to the lively ambiance.

Xiringuito Moana is a great place to end the day in style, enjoying the view of Club Náutico de Campello, El Campello’s marina.