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
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Style: Late Gothic, built from 1304
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Features: Defensive bell tower (30m high), large nave with chapels, ogival arches (pointed apex)
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Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 10:30–12:30 & afternoons; Sat, Sun, holidays 30 mins before Mass
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Mass Times:
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Sept–June: Weekdays 08:00, Tue–Fri 19:30; holidays 10:00, 12:00, 19:00
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July–Aug: Weekdays 08:00; Tue–Fri 20:00; holidays 10:00, 12:00, 19:00
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Soler Blasco Archaeological Museum
Located nearby, it offers fascinating insights into Iberian history.
Javea Tourist Train
Explore the port, old town, and Playa Arenal by tourist train:
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Runs: Daily 10:00–14:00 & 17:00–23:00
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Duration: Full round trip approx. 1 hour
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Price: Adults €4, Children €2.50
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Stops include: Avenida Jaime I (port), Avenida de Alicante (historic centre), Playa del Arenal
Javea Port & Marina
The port area (Aduanas de Mar) has:
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A lovely promenade with excellent fish restaurants
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A fishing harbour next to a marina with interesting yachts
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Daily fish auction (watch from outside)
Church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto
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Built: 1967
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Design: Avant-garde, roof shaped like a ship’s hull, 12 pillars representing the apostles
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Opening: 09:00–20:00 (till 21:00 summer)
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Address: Calle Pío X, 9, Jávea
Shopping in Javea
Javea has excellent shops and boutiques, plus an indoor market selling fresh local produce:
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Location: Plaza Celestino Pons
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Opening: Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00 & 17:00–21:00; Sat 08:00–14:00
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Weekly Market: Thursdays, Plaza de la Constitución
Cuisine
Javea’s cuisine combines Mediterranean seafood with inland specialities, influenced by Celts, Iberians, Greeks, Romans, and Muslims. Try:
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Jijona ice cream (nougat ice cream made with local almonds)
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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
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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.
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Playa del Montañar: Next to the harbour, used mostly by locals.
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Bahia de Javea (La Grava Beach): Pebble beach by the port, great for watersports.
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Cala Blanca (La Caleta): Small pebble beach with crystal clear water, ideal for snorkelling.
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Portitxol Beach (Cala de la Barraca): Pebble beach with views of Isla del Portitxol.
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La Cala Sardinera (Sardine Bay): Quiet bay popular with boats.
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Cala del Ministre: Rocky beach near Hotel Parador.
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Primer Muntanyar Beach: Rough stone beach, under 2km, popular for surfing and paddleboarding.
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Segon Muntanyar Beach: Rough stone beach, over 1.5km, great for snorkelling.
Sports
Javea offers:
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Sailing, fishing, scuba diving, water skiing, and windsurfing
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Nearly 300 berths at its modern yacht club marina
Local Fiestas - dates may vary.
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Jan 19–21: San Sebastian & bull running
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Feb: Carnaval
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Easter: Semana Santa
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Apr 28 – May 3: Jesus the Nazarene
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Jul 14–22: Moors & Christians parades
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Sep 1–8: Our Lady of Loreto celebrations
Places to Visit Nearby
Ermita del Pòpul
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Location: Road to Jesús Pobre (CV-735), 3km from Javea
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Features: Gothic church, remodelled in the 16th century
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Cape of San Antonio
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Nature reserve with 15 viewpoints, lighthouse (since 1855), and cliffs 175m high. Views of Ibiza on clear days.
Molinos de la Plana
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Location: CV-7362 near Cap de Sant Antoni
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Features: 11 ancient windmills, some from the 14th century
Cova Tallada
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Sea cave used as a quarry by Muslims, accessible via PR-CV 355 trail.
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Wear non-slip shoes and bring a torch for deeper parts.
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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
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By car: AP-7 approx. 45 mins (57.3km) or N332 coast road, approx. 1hr 10 mins (46km)
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By taxi: €55–70
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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.