All about Jávea / Xábia (Costa Blanca, Spain)

Jávea (in Spanish), Xàbia (in Valencian) is a town on the Costa Blanca in Spain. It lies between Valencia and Alicante and in the extension of the Montgó Massif, a mountain with a perimeter that stretches for kilometers.

As a result, the place is surrounded by beautiful nature and it offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. You can divide Jávea into 3 parts: El Pueblo (the old village), El Puerto (the port) and Arenal (the beach).

1. Discover, get to know Jávea

Did you know that…

• Jávea is the oldest known Roman location on the Spanish coast with a commercial port for fish and minerals, dating from the 2nd century BC;

• Jávea used to have walls to protect itself against pirate raids in the 16th and 17th centuries;

• archaeologists in 2021 found a treasure of 1500-year-old gold Roman coins in Jávea;

• on a clear day from Jávea you can see the island of Ibiza, which is about 90 kilometers away;

• the Montgó, the mountain that protects Jávea, is more than 750 meters high?

• the port of Jávea was an important export port for raisins in the 19th century;

• the church Mare de Déu de Loreto in the port of Jávea is built in the shape of an oval ship’s keel;

• the famous fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga lived in Jávea.

The center of Jávea

The center of Jávea is formed around the Parroquia de Sant Bertomeu. Nearby you will find the local covered market and the town hall, among other things. This center is approximately 2 kilometers from the port of Jávea.t

The boulevard of Jávea

Jávea has a prominent boulevard, located on the beach of El Arenal. This promenade bears the official name Paseo del Tenista David Ferrer, as a tribute to the famous tennis player who was born in the city.

The boulevard is a lively location for walkers and cyclists, and offers terraces with sea views. You will also find a diverse range of restaurants, bars and shops.

The port of Jávea

The port of Jávea, Port de Xàbia, is a real fishing port where you can see the catch coming in every day. The port is located close to Cap de Sant Antoni. At the beginning of the long pier, you can start a walk towards the lighthouses of Jávea, Far del Cap de Sant Antoni.

The districts

• Aduanas del Mar: this district is located on the coast and has a beautiful harbor with a promenade where you can walk along the boats and enjoy the view of the sea;

• Playa del Arenal: the large bay Playa del Arenal is the most popular beach where you can swim and enjoy the sun. This place has several nice restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the delicious Spanish cuisine and a drink;

• Tosalet: an exclusive residential area with beautiful villas and lush gardens. It is close to El Arenal beach and has beautiful views of the sea;

• Montgó: this district is located at the foot of the Montgó mountain and is surrounded by nature. There are many hiking trails and cycling routes in the area;

• Pueblo: the historic center of Jávea with narrow streets and white-painted houses. There are many cozy squares, shops and restaurants;

• Portichol: this district is located on the coast and has a small beach and a beautiful view of the sea. It is a quiet and relaxing place;

• La Guardia: a district located on the north side of Jávea with a panoramic view of the sea. There are many luxurious villas and it is an exclusive residential area;

• Cap de la Nau: this district is located in the east of Jávea and has a beautiful cliff coast with spectacular views of the sea and the coastline. There are some restaurants and bars along the coast;

• Balcon al Mar: also located on a cliff with beautiful views of the sea. There are many villas and it is a quiet and peaceful neighborhood;

• Costa Nova: this district is located in the west of Jávea and has beautiful views of both the mountains and the sea. It is a quiet and pleasant place to live.

The history in brief

The history of Jávea goes back to prehistoric times, when there were already human settlements in the area. Later the area was inhabited by the Iberians, and eventually it became a Roman colony called “Amanuntia”. In the Middle Ages, Javea was conquered by the Moors and given the name “Xàbia“.

In the 19th century, Javea became an important center for the raisin trade, which was known far beyond Spain. Raisin cultivation was the most important source of income for the city for a long time and contributed to the development of the local economy.

Today, Javea is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches, beautiful weather and rich history and culture. Many of the old buildings and monuments have been preserved and give the city an authentic atmosphere.

The name ‘Jávea’

The origin of the name ‘Jávea’ is not entirely certain, but there are several theories about it. One theory is that the name is derived from the Arabic word ‘Xábia’, which means ‘shelter’.

Another theory is that it comes from the word ‘Gebiar’, which means ‘coast’ in Iberian. Finally, there is also a theory that the name comes from the Latin word ‘Lacobriga’, which means “port city.”

The nature around Jávea

Jávea is a true oasis for nature lovers. The combination of the Mediterranean Sea, green mountains and rock formations creates a breathtaking landscape.

The Montgó massif is a must-see mountain range on the Costa Blanca. This area is a paradise for nature lovers. With its impressive height, unique flora and fauna and countless hiking trails, this mountain attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Montgó massif is 753 meters higha prominent appearance. It dominates the skyline of both Dénia and Jávea. The steep cliffs and deep ravines offer breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding villages.

The Montgó is one of the most important nature reserves in Spain and is known for its great biodiversity. Thanks to the varied climate and unique geological composition, numerous plant and animal species occur here that you will not find anywhere else.

• Flora: the Montgó is home to a wide variety of Mediterranean plants, including pine trees, holm oaks, juniper bushes and various types of orchids;

• Fauna: numerous bird species live in the nature park, such as the peregrine falcon and the great spotted woodpecker. In addition, there are various reptiles and mammals, such as lizards, snakes and wild cats.

A Mediterranean climate

Jávea enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average temperatures range from 16°C in winter to 30-31°C in summer.

Spring and autumn are pleasant seasons with average temperatures between 18°C and 28°C. Rainfall in these seasons is moderate, with 4 to 6 rainy days per month. Overall, Jávea is a sunny destination with pleasant temperatures throughout the year, ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation.

The weather, the average temperature

Below is a table showing the average temperatures in Jávea per month:

2. Experience Jávea, what to see & do

To the beach in Jávea

Below is an overview of the beaches of Jávea. Unfortunately, it does not have any beaches with a blue flag. The beaches are named in order from north to south:

• Playa de La Grava: a pebble beach in the eastern part of Jávea;

• Playa Primer Montaner/Benissero: a pebble beach in the extension of Playa de La Grava;

• Playa L’Arenal: the most touristy beach, located on the boulevard with many restaurants;

• Playa del Portitxol: completely surrounded by rocks with a view of Ilsa del Portitxol;

• Cala Blanca.

Things to do & to see

Jávea offers a mix of a historic center and a versatile coastline. The old center is located around the central church, where you will also find the covered market and various local shops.

The area is characterized by a large natural park with a mountain with a mountain, which offers opportunities for hiking trails. From the capes along the coast there are several viewpoints over the sea.

The coastal area is divided into three zones: a wide sandy beach with a boulevard full of restaurants, the authentic fishing port with its own promenade, and a quieter pebble beach.

Thanks to its central location, Jávea is a good base for exploring other coastal towns or the villages in the interior.

Sports opportunities

Sports opportunities Jávea is ideal for outdoor sports, with the Montgó Natural Park at its center. This area, along with the routes along the capes such as Cape Sant Antoni, offers many hiking trails. The roads in the area are also very popular with cyclists; there are several companies where you can rent (racing) bikes.

The sea offers a varied range. At the yacht club, Club Naútico de Jávea, you can go for sailing and rowing, among other things. Along the coastline and at the beaches there are many opportunities for kayaking, diving and paddle surfing (SUP).

Jávea also has its own golf course. The Club de Golf Jávea, located just outside the town, has a 9-hole course. Furthermore, the town has several tennis clubs, including the Club de Tenis Jávea, where you can rent courts for both tennis and padel.

Restaurants & bars in Jávea

Jávea has many restaurants. Most restaurants in Jávea are located on the long beach Playa de la Grava and in the bay Playa de Arenal. In this bay you can easily leave the beach for lunch or dinner.

To the market in Jávea

The flea market

The Mercat Municipal de Xàbia is a market on the edge of the center of Jávea, right next to Parc de Montaner on the Plaza de la Constitución. The market consists of approximately 130 stalls with a varied range; from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothing and local products. You can park here in the underground parking lot Parking Plaza de la Constitución.

• Frequency: weekly on Thursdays;
• Time slot: from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The local covered market

Mercat Municipal de Xàbia is an indoor market right next to the Parròquia de Sant Bertomeu. Here you will find various stalls selling fresh products such as fish, meat, vegetables and cheese, in addition to several eateries where one can enjoy tapas, fresh local food, coffee or a drink.

• Frequency: daily except on Sundays;
• Hours: from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (until 5:00 PM on Saturdays).

Summer market in Jávea

The Feria de Artesanía de Autor is an annual summer market on the beach and promenade of Jávea. From late June through early September, you can go here daily from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. The rest of the year, a smaller version of the market is set up on Saturdays and/or Sundays. It will then be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Supermarkets & shops

Unfortunately, you will not find any Dutch supermarkets in Jávea. Although Jávea is a popular destination for Dutch tourists, the supermarkets there are adapted to the Spanish market. You will mainly find Spanish brands and products there.

Jávea has approximately 15 supermarkets, 3 of which are located relatively close to the harbor, 4 around Playa de Arenal, and the rest parallel to the beach towards and in the center of Jávea.

Furthermore, Javea has no noteworthy shops. Do you still want to shop? Then you can go to Portal de la Marina, a shopping center approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Jávea. Here you will find, among others, a Bershka, C&A, Guess, H&M, IKEA, Jack & Jones, Jysk, Levi’s, Nespresso, Skechers, Springfield, Yves Rocher and a Zara (Home).

Parking

Finding a parking space in Jávea can sometimes be a challenge, especially during the busier months. Below you will find an overview of the best parking options in Jávea:

Free parking:

• Outside the center: most free parking spaces can be found outside the center of Jávea, often along the edge of the city or near beaches. Pay attention to the signs, as there may be restrictions on the parking duration;

• Parking in the street: In some side streets of the center you may be lucky and find a free parking space. However, this often requires some patience and driving around.

Paid Parking:

• Parking garages: in Jávea there are a number of parking garages, for example near Arenal beach and in the center. These are generally covered and offer a safe place for your car;

• Parking meters: in many places in the center and along the coast there are parking meters. The rates and maximum parking time may vary per location.

Art & culture

Jávea has a rich history and culture that dates back to prehistoric times. This heritage is still visible in the architecture, festivals and art scene of the city. These are some highlights of art and culture in Jávea:

Historic center:

• Church of San Bartolomé: this 16th-century church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and dominates the historic center;

• Town Hall: a historic building with a beautiful facade and interesting architectural details;

• Market halls: a lively place where you can find local products and crafts, and taste the atmosphere of daily life in Jávea;

• Narrow streets and squares: stroll through the charming streets with whitewashed houses, typical of Mediterranean villages, and discover hidden corners and squares.

Museums:

• Archaeological and Ethnological Museum: learn about the history of Jávea, from prehistoric times to the modern era, with archaeological finds and exhibitions about local traditions;

• Soler Blasco Museum: This museum houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by local and international artists.

Art:

• Art galleries: there are several art galleries in Jávea that exhibit works by local artists, from paintings and sculptures to ceramics and photography;

• Cultural center: the cultural center regularly organizes exhibitions, concerts, theater performances and other cultural events.

Special holidays

Jávea has several major festivals, spread throughout the year:

• April/May: Fiestas en honor de Jesús Nazareno: an important religious celebration with processions, the making of flower crosses and traditional bull runs (Bous al Carrer);

• June: Fogueres de Sant Joan: these are the biggest festivals of Jávea, in honor of the summer solstice. It includes bonfires, parades, fireworks and the magical Nit dels Focs. Bull runs also take place during this festival;

• July: Moros y Cristianos: a colorful festival, mainly in the harbor (Duanes de la Mar), which depicts the history of the Reconquista with impressive parades and reenacted battles;

• August/September: Fiestas de la Virgen de Loreto: these are the festivals of the harbor district, in honor of their patron saint. Characteristic are the processions, concerts and the well-known Bous a la Mar (bulls in the sea) in a special arena in the harbor.

Events

• April: during Easter there is an craft market (Feria de Artesanía) in the historic center;

• June/July: the International Festival offers a celebration of cultural diversity, where different countries present their traditional dishes and music;

• July: on the last Saturday of the month, Living Chess (Ajedrez Viviente) is organized in the harbor, an event that has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest;

• August: the Club Nautico de Jávea organizes the recurring Sailing Week (Semana de la Vela) every year, a major maritime event with competitions for various classes;

• August: the Jávea Jazz Festival brings national and international artists to the Plaza de la Constitución for several evenings.

3. Visiting Jávea, flight & stay

By plane to Jávea

Do you want to go on holiday to Jávea? Then you have two excellent options. The nearest airport is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC). From this airport it is approximately 100 kilometers to Jávea, which is approximately a 1 hour and 10 minute drive.

A good alternative is the airport of Valencia (VLC), approximately 115 kilometers away. The travel time by car from here is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

From the Netherlands and Belgium, companies such as Transavia, KLM, Vueling, Ryanair and TUI fly directly to both airports, making the destination easily accessible.

On holiday to Jávea

Jávea is a versatile destination known for its beautiful nature and the clear separation between the three centers (the Old Town, the Port and the Arenal beach). It offers a unique mix for various types of holidays:

• Beach holidays: the coastline varies from the wide sandy beach (Playa del Arenal) with its boulevard to picturesque bays with pebble beaches and clear water, ideal for snorkeling and swimming;

• Active holidays: the area is dominated by the Montgó Natural Park, perfect for hikers. In addition, the coast is ideal for water sports such as kayaking, diving and paddle surfing, and the region is popular with cyclists;

• Atmospheric holidays: the historic center with its narrow streets and the authentic fishing port offer plenty of atmosphere, culture and good restaurants, apart from the busier beach area;

• Wintering: thanks to the mild microclimate, Jávea, like other places on the Costa Blanca, is a very popular place for winter visitors looking for a pleasant environment.

You can opt for a package tour from a tour operator or arrange your flight and accommodation separately.

Holiday stay in Jávea

Hotels: Jávea offers various hotels, including the Parador by the sea, boutique hotels in the old center and hotels near the harbor and Arenal beach;

Apartments: a popular choice for more flexibility. You will find a large selection of apartment complexes (often with a swimming pool) near Arenal beach and the harbor;

Holiday homes and villas: for maximum space and privacy, there are countless holiday homes and luxury villas for rent in the surrounding hills and urbanizations, almost always with a private swimming pool and often with a beautiful view over the bay.

Because the three zones of Jávea (Arenal, Port and Old Town) are relatively far apart, a (rental) car is recommended to easily explore the different areas and the surrounding bays.

Everything at hand with the free Jávea app

Do you want to be sure that you don’t miss anything from your favorite place on the Costa Blanca? Then download the free app and turn your phone into the ultimate travel guide for the entire region:

• All ‘website’ content is available: all travel guides, blogs and other tips for restaurants, activities and sights, but also accommodations;

• Simple navigation: all available information is clearly presented (per location) and you can easily navigate back and forth;

• Interactive map: explore the Costa Blanca and easily plan your routes to the most beautiful places;

• Smart location recognition: when you approach a place on the Costa Blanca, you automatically receive a notification that allows you to directly open the travel guide for that place;

• Your favorites: you can save your favorite locations, such as restaurants, and easily find them again;

The CostaBlanca.nl app is completely free to download and use. Start planning your perfect trip today!

Question & answer (FAQ)

Handy links

• Visit Jávea (Tourist information)
• Jávea Wikipedia (General information)
• Spain.info Jávea (Tourist information)

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