Javea (also known as Xàbia) is a gem of a town situated on the Northern Costa Blanca.
It’s rugged coastline is indented with secluded coves and sandy beaches. These hidden caves and bays were once used by pirates and smugglers in the Middle Ages but are now used by sunbathers, snorklers and scuba divers.
Javea is situated on the most easterly point of mainland Spain about 100 kms from Valencia and 90 kms from Alicante. Options to getting to Javea are covered on our airport transfers page.
Javea has been voted environmentally near perfect by the World Health Organisation and boasts 320 days of sunshine a year.
New building developments in Javea are subject to height restrictions which mean there are no high-rise buildings unlike in other Costa Blanca towns such as Calpe or Benidorm.
The locals are proud to speak not the most common type of Spanish (Castellano) but Valencian (Valenciano) which is very similar but not the same as Catalan and this is spoken not just in Javea but in the whole Valencian region. This is why you see the local word for Javea which is Xàbia.
Many would argue Javea is the finest place on the whole Costa Blanca. We wouldn’t argue too strongly with this.
Javea, or Xabia as the locals call it, is split into three distinct areas.
Javea Old Town (Xabia Pueblo)
There is the Old Town of Javea where you can wander down ancient narrow streets and visit the local market on a Thursday. Built with original Tosca sandstone it’s rich in medieval history.
The Gothic fortified church of San Bartolome dominates the centre of Javea’s town. This building dates back to the 15th century. At the side of the church is a beautiful building which houses the indoor market where you can buy local fresh produce daily.
The Port of Javea (Xabia Puerto)
Many people’s favourite area of Javea this has a fascinating charm factor hard to define. Whitewashed houses surround the bay. Watch the fishermen bring in their fresh catches or watch the sailing boats set off from the marina. Eat at the fantastic seafood restaurants.
There are also many good shops, bars and cafes – it’s bustling with activity. The Port area of Javea has a real Spanish feel, this is an area where locals live and work in harmony with the tourist elements. It is a lively bustling area with many shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
The landmark of the Port area is the church of Our Lady of Loreto with a roof which imitates the hull of a ship.
The Beach of Javea (Playa El Arenal)
The bustling Arenal area is basically the sandy blue flag beach which is surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants such as the renowned Los Remos or La Boheme.
During the evening in the summer there are various stalls here selling a variety of handmade crafts. Many of the bars have live music and there are several discotheques.
Try the Platino bar for entertainment such as Adam King singing live on most Saturdays.
The most popular bar is known as Champagne which has been renamed Jalousie.
Set off the beach is the popular Irish Bar An Shebeen.
The Arenal beach area is the place to enjoy the nightlife which although relatively quiet and limited does have it’s lively spots such as the nightclub Achill.
The Arenal is very good for families. The beach is large and very wide. The water is very shallow and calm as it is in a sheltered bay. You can easily sit in a cafe or bar and be able to see your children. Generally Spain is very family-orientated and you can feel much more relaxed about your kids safety than you would anywhere else.
This is the place where you can eat tapas, paella but also fish and chips and English breakfast. The great thing about Javea is the choice of the three very different parts. It’s almost like visiting a theme park and entering different worlds!
In the centre of these three areas are plenty of apartment blocks of which many are for rental. Surrounding Javea are beautiful green hills peppered with very expensive villas. These can make a great choice for a holiday if there are a few people. They can work out very cheap per person but you can spoil yourself as many of them are the definition of luxury – palm trees, swimming pools, entrance gates, jacuzzis etc.
Javea History
The streets in the old town of Javea are worth exploring with the fortified Gothic church (San Bartolome) and a very good museum (Museo Etnografico ‘Soler Blasco’) which explains the history of the coast from Palaeolithic times through Iberian, Roman and Medieval times.
In 1244, King Jamie claimed Javea back from the Moors. In the 14th century, King Jamie II built a further fortress and the town’s walls along the streets of Maria Gallard, Primicies, Major and Roques.
In the 15th century an economic recovery with an increase in population began. This improvement of wealth is reflected in building habits with many new streets built and the city gates constructed.
Javea’s population significantly increased and drew the attention of the Barbarians. As a consequence, fortresses and churches were built, including the church Eglesia de Sant Bertomeu (San Bartolome).
During the early 1500’s plague was prevalent in Javea and the town’s hospital was built. All that is now left of this hospital is the Capella de Santa Anna.
In the 18th century Javea participated in the succession war on the side of the Bourbon and gained a number of privileges. In addition to numerous honorary titles, Javea received permission to build a harbour from which it was able to export fruit to other countries. A trade which began with raisins and then extended to wheat, grapes, bread and olives.
From the second half of the 19th century onwards, the manufacturing process and export of raisins became the major industry.
What are the Miradors of Javea?
The miradors of Javea are 14 designated, strategic viewpoints that show spectacular views of Javea. The miradors of Javea are clearly signposted and each one has been carefully selected due to it’s amazing views. The concept is that each one represents an imaginary window through which you see the most fantastic views.
Javea’s miradors are all along the coastline of Javea and the first mirador is to the north of Javea at Cap San Antonio where the lighthouse is.
The miradors continue along the coastline to the 14th mirador to the south of Javea which is just around the corner from Javea’s Granadella beach.
There is no cost to view each mirador. The views from each mirador are easily amongst some of the very best views the Costa Blanca has to offer. You can have a great day’s adventure trying to find each one.
Below we have a photo of the mirador map at La Granadella.
Below we have a video showing La Granadella beach.
Population of Javea
Javea has a huge expat population, mainly English but also a substantial German contingent. Javea is a very cosmopolitan and a great place to move to or invest in and the expat population means there is a good opportunity to find a job in this part of Spain.
It is very much a place where you can feel you are in Spain but where you can feel reminders of home. There are many English and German supermarkets, lots of clubs and societies and people who speak your language.
Javea Golf
Ctra. Benitachell 4
03739 Xabia / Javea
Telephone: +34 965 792 584
Just outside of Javea and Benitachell. A relatively small 9 hole golf course. The two additional putting greens and the twenty bay driving range offer enough room to practice your golf swing.
Javea (Xabia) Tourist Information Office (Oficina de Turismo)
Javea Tourist Office (Centre)
Address: Plaza de la Iglesia 4, 03730, Xábia-Jávea. (Alicante – Alacant).
Telephone: + 34 965794356
Email: xabiacentre@touristinfo.net
Website: https://www.xabia.org
Opening Hours: Winter: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 13:30 and 16:00 to 19:30. Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:30 h. Summer: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:30 h. and from 16:30 to 20:00 h. Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:30 h.
Javea Tourist Office
Address: Paseo Amanecer, S/N (Junto Cruz Roja), 03730, Xàbia/Jávea.
Telephone: +34 669859587
Opening Hours: After the months of July, August and September every day from 10, 00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 21:00 h.
Javea Tourist Office (Arenal)
Address: Carretera Cabo de la Nao-Pla, 136. Residencial La Plaza. 03730. Jávea-Xàbia.
Telephone: +34 966460605
Email: xabiaarenal@touristinfo.net
Opening Hours: Winter: Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 13:30 h. Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:30 h. Sundays and holidays closed.
Javea Tourist Office (Port)
Address: Plaza Almirante Bastarreche 11. 03730. Jávea-Xàbia. Alicante – Alacant.
Telephone: + 34 965790736 Email: xabia@touristinfo.net
Opening Times: Winter, from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 13:30 h. and 16:00 to 19:30. Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:30 h. and 16:00 to 19:30. Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 13:30 h. Summer, from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 13:30 h. and from 16:30 to 20:00 h. Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:30 h. and from 16:30 to 20:00 h. Sundays from 10:00 to 13:30 h.
Important Javea Phone Numbers
Town Hall: 96 579 05 00
Local Police: 96 579 00 81
Guardia Civil: 96 579 10 85
Iberdrola: 96 579 11 84
Fire Brigade: 96 578 00 80
Health Center: 96 579 25 00
Post Office: 96 579 00 53
Moving to Javea – Living in Javea
If you have found this guide on Javea because you are thinking moving to the Javea area you may also find our moving to Spain section with expat interviews and accounts of how they found their move to Javea Spain, useful and informative.
Javea Tourist Information – Page Summary – If you are visiting Javea on holiday or if you live in Javea or are thinking of moving to Javea we hope this page on Javea tourist information has been useful.
Related Javea Pages…
- Airport Transfers to Javea
- Directions from Alicante to Javea
- Gota Fria in Javea
- Javea Car Hire
- Javea Estate Agents
- Javea Hotels
- Javea Nightlife
- Javea Restaurant Reviews
- Javea Villa Rental
- Javea Weather
- Javea Webcams
- La Granadella Beach
- Long Term Lets/Rentals in Javea
- Map of Javea
- Where To Buy Property in Javea
Towns & Resorts Near to Javea…
Darren sharpe says
I first went to javea in 1985 when my parents brought an apartment next to the tennis club. I continued going there for holidays for around 5 years and loved the un spoilt Spanish vibe the are had. My wife and I visited javea 5 years ago and we both absolutely loved the place even though it had trebled in size compared to the late 80s. In 2015 we brought our own 3 bed Casa 10 minutes walk from the Arenal, we spend most of our time in the port which has a real Spanish community feel about it. The restaurant are excellent with a great choice including Piri Piri on the front which is fantastic: we try to go at least 5 times a year and never get board or lost for things to do.
Derek says
I lived in Jávea between October 1972 and February 1978; when my horrible father kicked me out of the so – called family home. In those days, they only had two discotheques, El Caracol, ( shaped like a snail ); and El Moli Blanc. Or as I refer to it, The White Windmill. The name of the second night club comes from the local dialect, Valenciano, spoken all across the Costa Blanca. As a young boy, growing up down there, this made it very difficult for me to fully comprehend what the locals were saying, even if they spoke in front of me in pure Spanish, ( Castellano ). It was only because of the lack of the dialect in the school there, that I was able to learn the language properly, and, despite having forgotten a few words, I can still hold a decent conversation in Spanish. Bars, restaurants, etc on the sea front were non existent in my day. There were a few, along with the local shops, underneath the apartment complex, Apartamentos L’Ancora. Most of the eateries those days, were in the old part of town. One big local tourist attraction nearby, runs from Denia to Benidorm, and is the Limón express train service. It is a con! They tell you that Champaign is served, when it is actually, just fizzy wine. Probably wine diluted with fizzy water. Javea’s best known export? David Ferrer. He learnt his trade on the local tennis courts there. The club is open to all, at a reasonable price, from what I can recall. Other attractions nearby? A go kart track, and on the premises, is a crazy golf course, a quad bike track, and a remote control boat pond. The more secluded areas of Jávea, are Adsubia and Cabo de San Martin. CM116 is the villa that I lived in for a while, with two dragons. One was Ted Evans, the control freak , the other was my so called step mother, Margaret Romaine. From early 1973 until the middle of 1975; I attended the local school there. I was then posted off to the nearest boarding school, Lope de Vega, in Benidorm. In February of 1978, not even 15 at the time, the dragon and her husband, Ted Evans, decided to ship me back to England. So there you have it folks! A little bit about the town of Jávea, and a little bit about me, the author of this article. One other point of beauty, is if you go past the right hand turning that becomes Cabo de San Martin, you come to Cabo de San Antonio. Jávea also has a marina, and is well renowned for fishing for mussels, to put in the paellas. It also has a church that looks a bit like Noah’s Ark, after it landed there, and turned to stone 2000 years later. From the ledge on the side of Mount Montgo, is where they set off fireworks on Epiphany night, while on three separate trawlers, the wise men come into Jávea, from where they go to the old part of town, and give out the presents to the children. The downside of that ? They have to return to school the next day!
Zilma Adriana Osle says
Hi,
My parents and I recently moved to Javea/Xabia. Currently, I’m looking for Pet Sitting Jobs. I have over 20 years experience taking care of dogs that are under 45 kg’s. I can feed the dogs, take them on about a 4 kilometer walk, bath the dogs, and keep them entertained. I’m used to taking care of no more than 2 dogs at a time. The pet owners that I’ve worked with always had a list of feeding times, medications that the dogs had to take/what time, all the vaccines that the dogs have, the dogs have been microchipped, the pets have their tags (rabies tag, microchip tag, a tag with the dogs name/address/and an emergency phone number), and all the pets have gone through behavioral training. Plus, all the pets have had their monthly flea and tick medication. The pet owners have usually given me about 15 euros an hour every time I came to take care of their pets. I also take care of cats and hamsters. Please send an e mail to Zilmita@hotmail.com to get in touch with me for pet sitting.
Bob says
Johann,
English Grammar: “it’s lively spots” = its lively spots
😉
lynne walton says
Darren gets board and you pick up on something trivial?
Johann Schmidt says
The Arenal beach area is the place to enjoy the nightlife which although relatively quiet and limited does have it’s lively spots such as the nightclub Achill.
It’s a great place to walk along the promenade in the evening. It’s very touristy obviously and is the least Spanish part of Javea but nevertheless it is a crucial part.
English Grammar : its = belonging to it; it’s = it is .