Javea / Xabia
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Javea Golf
Map of Javea
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Javea Shops Bars Services
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Javea Tourist Information
Xàbia, also known as Jávea, is a coastal town overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Marina Alta, a comarca in Alicante, Spain. The town itself is divided into three parts; the Old Quarter, the port and the village that is almost 3 km inland.
The northern Costa Blanca town of Javea (Xabia) lies about 80 km north of Alicante between Denia and Altea. Javea is located on the Costa Blanca, in the Valencian Community, just about equidistance between Valencia and Alicante, something like 100 kilometres
either way. Located in the Marina Alta district, Javea is situated behind a wide bay and is sheltered by two rocky headlands. A very popular seaside town, the population of Javea swells from its usual 29,000 to over 100,000 during the busy summer months.
It is mainland Spains most easterly point and for this reason is often referred to as "amanecer de españa" or "the dawn of Spain", being where the sun first rises.
On a clear day, the Balearic island of Ibiza can be seen quite clearly.
Dominating the skyline and standing guard over Jávea is Montgó, affectionately known locally as "Elephant Mountain" and which is now a protected area. There are several routes to the top of the mountain and at certain times there are organised walking excursions. The more adventurous can explore the cave, which forms the eye of the "elephant".
Enjoying a temperate Mediterranean climate, Javea is sheltered from cold northerly winds during the winter time by the huge Mount Montgó, keeping temperatures mild throughout colder months. Apart from the shelter it gives, Mount Montgó also provides a dramatic backdrop for the town and these days forms part of the Mount Montgó Natural Park (declared as such in 1987), covering some 21 km2 and containing some interesting archaeological remains.
The History of Javea
Artefacts found in caves of Mount Montgó, give evidence of human activity in the area around Javea some 16,000 years ago, during the Upper Palaeolithic Era, further activity is evident from the Neolithic Era and from the Bronze Age. There have been some important finds from the Iberian Culture including pieces in silver and gold, dating from the
3rd to 2nd Centuries BC. The arrival of the Romans after the Second Punic War (219-201 BC) heralded an improvement in organised society and many advances in agricultural activity in the area around Javea. Villas were constructed, particularly in the fertile valley formed by the River Gorgos, and there was a settlement in the area of Playa de Arenal
where the fish sauce, ‘garum’ was produced and exported. After the decline of the Roman Empire, the Romans were replaced by the Visigoths, and although little is known of their time in the region, there is some documentation suggesting the appearance of a monastery (San Martin), though there is no firm evidence to support this.
In the 8th Centruy the Moors invaded and conquered the Iberian Peninsular, where they remained until the 13th Century (the Christian re-conquest of Denia is documented in 1224). The Arabs continued with the agricultural improvement of the area, using expert irrigation
methods brought from the arid deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. In the centuries following the Christian re-conquest, the town of Javea was walled and fortified to fend off attacks from marauding pirates, and there is still evidence today of these ancient fortifications.
Probably the most popular spot for modern day tourists to Javea is the old port, retaining much of its original charm, it has not been spoiled by modernisation. It has a good range of bars and restaurants and is a
great place to enjoy a delicious local seafood dish. The harbour dates from the 15th Century and it was formerly an important shipping point for the export of raisins until the collapse of the raisin trade in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.
The main beach of Javea is Playa de Arenal, a fine sandy beach with a good range of facilities. The beach is backed by a wide promenade which is lined with shops, bars and restaurants, and is also the location for a lively craft market which is held on warm summer evenings.
Javea holds its weekly market on Thursdays and this is a popular place to stock up on fresh locally grown produce.
Javea Fishmarket
Javeas Fishmarket supplies many of the areas restaurants and fishmongers and also sells to the public in a little shop just outside the main auction house on the quay side. As the boats unload their catches they are are sold at auction to the various restaurant owners and fishmongers. A selection of the catch is also sold at the shop on the side of the auction house. It opens around 6:00 pm most evenings.
Some fish are line caught but you will also find other specialities here such as octopus (pulpa), squid and big red Denia prawns (gamba de Dénia) which are reputed to be the best in the world!
How to get to Javea
By car
Javea can be reached via the N332 coast road or the AP-7 motorway junctions 62 or 63.
By air
Alicante and Valencia airports are each approximately 100 kilometres away from Javea. Alicante to the south and Valencia to the north. Both can be reached via the A7 toll motorway. Alicante is a very busy airport which offers a mixture of charter and scheduled flights by a number of operators to various destinations, whilst Valencia is for scheduled flights.
By train
As Javea does not have a railway station the nearest train station to Javea at Gata de Gorgos is 10km inland.
To get to Valencia by train it is necessary to go from Gandia, a town to the north of Jávea. Or, alternatively, drive to Xeraco, taking the next motorway exit after Gandia, leave the car there in the large free car park and catch the local train to Valencia. This is a good option if you want to have a day shopping in Valencia.
A local tourist train can be boarded at nearby Gata. This train runs from Denia to Alicante, along the coast. There is a useful train service to Terra Mítica theme park and to the shopping centre near Benidorm.
By bus
Bus services operate between Jávea and Alicante, Valencia (some taking the motorway, others a longer route - stopping off in towns en route). The buses start and end their journeys in Jávea old town. Long distance coaches operate from nearby towns to all parts of Spain. At certain times of the day there is a local bus to Denia. The only bus route in Jávea is the regular bus service which runs between Jávea Old Town, The Port and the Arenal area.
Javea Markets
Indoor - Javea Old Town - open every day during normal shop hours.
Weekly - Thursday morning, Javea Old Town, car park opposite Local Police Station
Beaches in Javea
The Arenal beach
The Arenal offers sun, sea and sand and is one of the most popular beaches in the area. It is an artificial beach (480m) created with sand, proving popular with bathers and families. Many of the other beaches are pebble and rugged rock, so over the years Arenal has become increasingly busy.
The wide promenade covers the length of the beach, at the northern end is the Punta de L’Arenal, where the Parador Hotel is situated. In the summer you can stroll along the front and enjoy the stalls selling a variety of hand made crafts. The summer months are busy and Arenal is a favourite meeting place to go out and enjoy the bars.
Arenal Beach Facilities
The beach has a good range of facilities including; ramps down onto the beach, foot showers and fountains, lifeguards, first aid point, and the rental of sun loungers. There´s also play areas and a moored raft out at sea for children.
Nearby, there are public telephones, toilets and taxi and bus stops. A wide range of Bars and Restaurants are situated along Arenal, with many offering a great variety of affordable food.
Cala Pope
This tiny bay (120m) is found at the end of the Port area, tucked in behind the Tango Marina. There is a restaurant perched on the edge of the pebble beach, where you can enjoy the fantastic views. This is the first bay from the Cap De San Antoni end.
La Grava
This is the next bay to be fond along the coastline from Cap De San Antoni, its 290m and is the Javea Port Beach. Its shingle and Pebbles, making it very popular with sunbathers. The promenade is a lovely walking place and is lined with bars and restaurants.
El Benissero
This long stretch of coast (2000m) is found between the Port and Arenal. A mixture shingle and rock make the water crystal clear. It’s a popular place for canoeing and windsurfing, with water sports huts situated along the area.
Segon Muntanyar
A rough and rocky area of land that is popular for walking. It is not a beach like Arenal with amenities.
Cala Blanca
small beach, only 80m in size, surrounded by white cliffs and some rock pools. The beach can only be reached on foot, but the parking is close so you don’t have far to go. The promenade is another way to enjoy the stunning scenery from the view point.
Cala Sardinera
After Cap Prim, you find this cove of 200m, it’s a shingle and pebble beach, with view points. From the shore you can see the rest of Javea nestling under Montgo.
Portitxol
A large pebble cove looking out to the Isle of portitxol. Its 900m and has the the advantage of a shallow bay, the water gradually slopes making it ideal for paddling or shallow snorkelling. A selection of restaurants can be found behind the beach, and facilities include toilets, life guards, flags warning of the state of the sea and a rustic cove.
Ambolo
A pebble cove which is just after the Cap de la Nau, A quiet and picturesque bay, relatively small, 300m, and used by naturists.
La Granadella
A delightful shingle and pebble beach, small in size, (160m) but full of character. Facilities include Lifeguards, foot showers, toilets, sun loungers and restaurants overlooking the beach. There´s a moored raft out at sea to swim too, and with the water in this bay being so clear, its ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. Parking is nearby, allowing easy access to the beach.
Calendar of Fiestas in Javea
January
05/01 Procession of the Three Kings
Live nativity scene at the Plaçeta del Convent
13/01 to 29/01 Amusement Fair
Amusement fair in “Portal del Clot”, parking in the Old Town.
15/01: San Antonio Abad Fiesta
Blessing of the animals and sacred bread is handed out at the Plaza de la Constitución.
17/01: Fiesta of Antonio Abad
20/01: Fiesta of San Sebastian
Patron of the town.
February
25/02: Carnival
Fancy dress street procession with prizes for the best dressed. Later on the night there is dancing to orchestra music and there will be a mobile disco.
March
04/03: Funeral of the Sardine
19/03: Procession
In the afternoon, evening a procession with the image of “Jesus Of Nazareth”will lead from the “Ermita del Calvario” to the church “San Bartolome” in the town.
April
14/04 to 17/04: Artisan Craft Fair
A craft fair in the town, where a variety of stalls and objects.
24/04 to 03/05: Fiestas of Jesus Nazareno
This is an important Religious celebration, festivities include street dancing, bangers, and bull running in the “Plaza del Convento”. Some of the bulls have flaming horns! The statue of Jesus is taken to the San Bartolome Church in the Old Town,on the third Sunday of Lent.
May
03/05: Fiesta Santa Cruz
In various streets crosses are displayed, made out of natural flowers they are beautifully crafted. There is competition for originality and beauty. A procession leads from the church of “San Bartolome” up to the “Ermita Del Calvario”.
June
10/06: Proclamation of the Queens
Held at the Plaza de la Constitucion Town Square).
13/06 to 15/06: International Festival
2006 will be the XI International of Javea. Music and dancing takes place at the outdoor market square.
15/06 to 24/06: Fiestas of Sant Joan
Float processions and dancing in the streets, completed with a fantastic firework display. Bull running and (toro embolado) bulls with flaming horns are a traditional event.The famous flower offering procession takes place followed by burning of the “foguera”,which are the papier mache statues. The burning is in the magical belief of purifying body and soul before the summer solstice.
July
30/06 to 02/07: Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage in honour of “Virgen del Rocio”.
16/07: Fiesta of the Sailors
In the morning, the fishing boats in the Port sail out to sea in procession, carrying an image of the Virgin, where an offering of flowers takes place in the bay.
21/07 to 23/07:The Moors and Christians
The famous procession takes place in the Port area, representing the entrance of the Moors, the traditional costumes are part of the re-enactment. Dancing and battles take place.
29/07 to 30/07: Tuna Contest
The Port area of Javea.
August
30/07 to 02/08: Virgen De Los Angeles
Outside dancing and music, Mass and sharing of the wine of honour.
September
26/08 to 08/09: Virgen De Loreto
A festival in honour of the “Virgen de Loreto”, patron of the “Duanes de la Mar” The celebrations in the Port include bull running, float processions and music events. Late at night is the spectacular firework display.
10/09: Fiesta of “Ermita Del popul”
Mass followed by pastries given out.
October
09/10: Comunitat Valenciana
Valencia Community Day.
December
13/12: Fiesta of Santa Lucia
Map of Javea
Weather forcast for Javea
Declared one of the healthiest climates in the world by the World Health Organization, Jávea is protected by the cool harsh winds of the winter from the north by the mountain of Montgó. The temperatures stay pleasant enough even during the summer, averaging 32°c in the warmest month of August which is also one of the most active months in Jávea in terms of tourist activity.
For reception of UK Satellite TV in Javea, Sky TV in Javea and Freesat TV in Javea see "The Sat and PC Guy - Satellite TV Installations".
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