Javea
Javea is a small, historic town, free of high-rise buildings offering a relaxing holiday atmosphere. The local people are friendly and affable. The clean, warm, blue Mediterranean Sea laps the beautiful beaches and coves that Javea has to offer.
With its variety of landscape, ranging from sandy coastlines to rugged mountainous areas, its mild year-round climate, careful planning policies and extensive tourist facilities, Javea is the jewel on the Costa Blanca, combining beauty and modern facilities with the charm of an ancient fishing village.
The town is situated between the San Antonio and Cablo Del La Nao points and enjoys the impressive and magnificent protection of Mount Montgó.
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive from Alicante Airport towards the most easterly point of Spain at the northern most tip of the Costa Blanca.
History & Culture
Javea old town is steeped in history and it’s evident in the architecture, with its Tosca stone porticoes, gothic bay windows, wrought iron window bars and balcony railings. The church of San Bartolemé in the town centre is an example of late gothic architecture with a defensive character. The “Soler Blasco” Archaeological Museum is close by in the narrow streets and offers a wealth of information about Iberian history.
Dominating the fishing port is the modern silhouette of the church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto, with its roof depicting a ship’s hull. Outside the town, following the road to the San Antonio cape, the architectural sites include the monastery of Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, a series of small hermitages clutch the slopes of the hill side and ancient windmills dominate the landscape.
Market
In the centre of oldtown the covered indoor market sells all sorts of fabulous fresh local produce: fruit, vegetables, meat and fresh fish which is brought up from the port daily.
Port & Marinas
The importance of the town’s maritime activities is apparent in the port area; known as Aduanas de Mar, it boasts a lovely promenade and some excellent fish restaurants where you can enjoy the ‘catch of the day’.
The fishing harbour is situated next to an attractive marina full of all types of boats and yachts , a lovely area for a morning or evening stroll along the sea wall.
Eating out
Pavement cafés and bars overlooking the Mediterranean invite you to sit and have a drink and just enjoy the ambience of the port.
Beaches
There is a variety of coves and beaches including the Arenal which offers a beautiful sandy bay with palm trees and play areas for children. The bay is framed by the promenade with its wonderful choice of bars and restaurants offering national and international specialities.
Shopping
Javea is a great place to shop with an excellent choice of small independent shops and boutiques.
Sports
Javea has an excellent choice of sea sport and fishing facilities. The modern yacht club in the marina has nearly 300 berths and offers all types of water sports: sailing, fishing, scuba diving, water skiing, and windsurfing.
There are several sports clubs and associations in the area where you can enjoy a game of tennis, horse-riding and even shooting.
Cycling
Javea (Xàbia) has several bike routes which travel through breathtakingly beautiful scenery and lead to interesting tourist attractions such as the “Miradors” (Scenic Viewpoints), the Montgó Natural Park, etc. There are also numerous small rural roads throughout the Municipality which are ideal to make small cycling trips or visit the neighbouring towns. Cycle routes have been installed between the port and the Arenal making this a safer experience for all.
Golf
Between Javea and Teulada just outside the town, surrounded by pines and orange groves, the Javea Golf Club offers a pleasant setting for golfers. With several other golf courses within easy access.
Fiestas
The Javea town fiesta is held during the second fortnight of July and is an occasion for feasting, dancing, parades, music and fireworks, as are the Moors & Christians parades at the end of August.
On the third Sunday of Lent, the image of Jesus of Nazarene descends in procession, From the 28th of April to the 3rd of May they are the most important religious festivals of Jávea. from the hermitage of Calvary to the parish church of Sant Bertomeu. May 3rd a new procession accompanies the image to its usual place in El Calvario. Around this time, numerous acts are organized, both religious and páganos, the fireworks castles, the novena, the masses, the processions, From 1st – 8th September, the town celebrates their patroness Our Lady of Loreto.
Cuisine
The local cuisine of Javea is typically that of the Costa Blanca, which combines delicacies from both land and the Mediterranean Sea. Many civilizations have lived in this area (Celts, Iberians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims), all of which have all left their mark on the gastronomy.
The diet in Javea is a healthy Mediterranean one; the Costa Blanca is rich in fish, vegetables, olive-oil, rice and fruit and the ingredients which are all used to prepare delicious, healthy dishes, such as Paella Valenciana, Arroz Negro (black rice), Arroz al horno (Oven baked rice), Arroz a banda (fish and rice stew), Arroz del Señoret (Princes rice).
Aside from seafood, typical dishes include succulent lamb chops, rabbit in garlic, roast leg of lamb with garlic and fresh rosemary, and homemade sausages and black puddings.
If you have a sweet tooth then you will enjoy the local homemade pastries and deserts that the whole region is famous for. Or Jijona ice-cream (Nougat), which is made with the almonds of the region.
Whilst in Javea we recommend you try the local wine selection on offer, especially Jalon wine which is of high quality with a lovely bouquet.
There are many international restaurants in the town offering a wide choice of different cuisines from around the world.
Climate
Javea enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with cool sea breezes in summer and protection by surrounding mountains against the cold North winds in winter. The area averages 300 days of sunshine each year and the average temperature easily exceeds 18 degrees.
The World Health Organisation recommended the climate of the area as one of the most equitable in the world – neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter, making it an ideal all year-round destination.