All About Javea

Javea (Xàbia) is a beautiful historic town on the Costa Blanca. With no high-rise buildings, it retains its authentic Spanish charm. The clean, warm Mediterranean Sea laps its beaches and coves, making it a perfect destination.

Location

Javea is located between the San Antonio and La Nao headlands, protected by the impressive Mount Montgó. It’s about a 50-minute drive north-east from Benidorm.

Javea Old Town – History & Culture

Javea’s old town is steeped in history. Its architecture features Tosca stone porticoes, gothic bay windows, and wrought iron balconies.

San Bartolomé Church

• Style: Late Gothic, built from 1304

• Features: Defensive bell tower (30m high), large nave with chapels, ogival arches (pointed apex)

• Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 10:30–12:30 & afternoons; Sat, Sun, holidays 30 mins before Mass

• Mass Times:

  • Sept–June: Weekdays 08:00, Tue–Fri 19:30; holidays 10:00, 12:00, 19:00

  • July–Aug: Weekdays 08:00; Tue–Fri 20:00; holidays 10:00, 12:00, 19:00

Soler Blasco Archaeological Museum

Located nearby, it offers fascinating insights into Iberian history.

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Javea Port & Marina

The port area (Aduanas de Mar) has:

• A lovely promenade with excellent fish restaurants

• A fishing harbour next to a marina with interesting yachts

• Daily fish auction (watch from outside)

Church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto

• Built: 1967

• Design: Avant-garde, roof shaped like a ship’s hull, 12 pillars representing the apostles

• Opening: 09:00–20:00 (till 21:00 summer)

• Address: Calle Pío X, 9, Jávea

Shopping in Javea

Javea has excellent shops and boutiques, plus an indoor market selling fresh local produce:

• Location: Plaza Celestino Pons

• Opening: Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00 & 17:00–21:00; Sat 08:00–14:00

• Weekly Market: Thursdays, Plaza de la Constitución

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Cuisine

Javea’s cuisine combines Mediterranean seafood with inland specialities, influenced by Celts, Iberians, Greeks, Romans, and Muslims. Try:

• Jijona ice cream (nougat ice cream made with local almonds)

• Homemade pastries and desserts

Javea Beaches

Smoke-Free Beaches

As of May 2022, smoking is banned on all Javea beaches to protect the environment.  

Top Beaches in Javea

• Arenal Beach: Sandy bay with palm trees, children’s play areas, and a promenade lined with restaurants.

• Granadella Beach: Stunning cove popular with divers. Arrive early for parking.

• Playa del Montañar: Next to the harbour, used mostly by locals.

• Bahia de Javea (La Grava Beach): Pebble beach by the port, great for watersports.

• Cala Blanca (La Caleta): Small pebble beach with crystal clear water, ideal for snorkelling.

• Portitxol Beach (Cala de la Barraca): Pebble beach with views of Isla del Portitxol.

• La Cala Sardinera (Sardine Bay): Quiet bay popular with boats.

• Cala del Ministre: Rocky beach near Hotel Parador.

• Primer Muntanyar Beach: Rough stone beach, under 2km, popular for surfing and paddleboarding.

• Segon Muntanyar Beach: Rough stone beach, over 1.5km, great for snorkelling.

Sports

Javea offers:

• Sailing, fishing, scuba diving, water skiing, and windsurfing

• Nearly 300 berths at its modern yacht club marina

Local Fiestas - dates may vary.

• Jan 19–21: San Sebastian & bull running

• Feb: Carnaval

• Easter: Semana Santa

• Apr 28 – May 3: Jesus the Nazarene

• Jul 14–22: Moors & Christians parades

• Sep 1–8: Our Lady of Loreto celebrations

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Places to Visit Nearby

Ermita del Pòpul

• Location: Road to Jesús Pobre (CV-735), 3km from Javea

• Features: Gothic church, remodelled in the 16th century

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Cape of San Antonio

• Nature reserve with 15 viewpoints, lighthouse (since 1855), and cliffs 175m high. Views of Ibiza on clear days.

Molinos de la Plana

• Location: CV-7362 near Cap de Sant Antoni

• Features: 11 ancient windmills, some from the 14th century

Cova Tallada

• Sea cave used as a quarry by Muslims, accessible via PR-CV 355 trail.

• Wear non-slip shoes and bring a torch for deeper parts.  

• Note: Reservation required June 15 – Sept 30 via Montgó Natural Park - Reservations which can be made online on the website of the Montgó Natural Park. or telephone 96 6467155 / 679196461, if visiting before 09:00 in the morning reservation is necessary.  From 09:00 in the morning until 19:00 appointments are available every two hours. This is at 9'00, 11'00, 13'00, 15'00, 17'00, 19'00.

Getting to Javea

From Benidorm

• By car: AP-7  approx. 45 mins (57.3km) or N332 coast road, approx. 1hr 10 mins (46km)

• By taxi: €55–70

• By bus (ALSA): 3 times daily, approx. 1hr 30mins, €12

Public Transport

No direct tram. Nearest stops: Denia or Gata da Gorgos, then bus or taxi to Javea.

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Have you discovered Javea? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you.