Ambolo num. 47 on the 'Europe's Best Beaches' list
The tourist board in this northern Alicante-province coastal town was surprised to find the Ambolo Cove had made it to number 47 on the 'Europe's Best Beaches' list – mainly because it's shut.
One of its attractions was the challenging cliff-path trek downwards – and also what kept mass tourism away, leaving it as a peaceful enclave for those who were up to the hike – but at the moment, it is, in fact, too challenging for Jávea to recommend it, and signs warn visitors not to try to enter because of the high risk of rockfalls.
As a result, it has no lifeguard service.
But locals and regular Jávea visitors are hoping one day soon it will be restored and reopened, since those who defy the danger warnings have good reason to do so: apart from its being one of the few nudist beaches in the province, its rocky landscape, powdery sand, crystal-clear waters with an emerald tinge, stunning view of the uninhabited Isla del Descubridor ('Discoverer's Island'), unrivalled sub-aquatic fauna and flora making it something of a watery art gallery for snorkelers and secluded, rural location mean for as long as this tantalising treasure remains closed off, beachgoers truly do feel as though they've been locked out of heaven.