All about Javea

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.

Javea old town

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

Javea Saint Bartholomew's Church

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:

  • Runs: Daily 10:00–14:00 & 17:00–23:00

  • Duration: Full round trip approx. 1 hour

  • Price: Adults €4, Children €2.50

  • Stops include: Avenida Jaime I (port), Avenida de Alicante (historic centre), Playa del Arenal

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)

Javea, Daily catch

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

Javea, Iglesia de la Virgen de Loreto

Shopping in Javea

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

 Javea Municipal Market

  • 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

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

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

.

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.

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