El Cerezo, Costa del Azahar
The Local Anchor
Just a short stroll from the shore, the town of Xilxes offers a taste of the region's soul. The local gastronomy is a celebration of land and sea, with restaurants serving rice dishes like arròs amb fesols i naps (rice with beans and turnips) or classic seafood paella. The true star, however, is the Xilxes melon, a fruit grown in the nearby marshlands using traditional methods, its sweetness a perfect counterpoint to a sun-drenched afternoon. For a touch of history, the town’s 17th-century Church of the Assumption of Mary provides a cool, quiet sanctuary, its baroque and neoclassical architecture a testament to the enduring heritage of this coastal community.
The Landscape
El Cerezo unfolds as a generous expanse of golden sand, pebbles, and fine gravel, stretching for two kilometres along the coast. Its semi-urban character means nature is never far; the beach is part of a protected wetland area, home to rare native flora like sea lilies. The shoreline slopes gently into the sea, where moderate waves create a placid environment for swimming. A pleasant maritime promenade connects El Cerezo to its sister beach, Les Cases, inviting leisurely strolls against a backdrop of the endless blue horizon.
