Javea / Xabia
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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 Spain's 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.
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.
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. 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.
Fast becoming a popular tourist resort, the town of Jávea has developed
into a hot property market for retirement villas and land in general.
The population of around 28,500 swells to over 100,000 when the tourists
pour in. For the most part through, the inland groves of Jávea are
undisturbed by the tourist activities, they still produce tons of citrus
oranges every year and the sight remains awesome when the branches are
laden in season.
From a tourist point of view, the town is accessible through roads while
the nearest train station at Gata de Gorgos is 10km inland. Connected to
Alicante and Valencia through bus service as well, Jávea is at an hours
drive from the two airports. In addition, the coach service caters daily
to travelers headed to and from Madrid.
Once a town fortified to ward off pirates and marauders, the ‘old
quarter’ of Jávea boasts the 14th Century Church of Sant Bartolomé that
is dated a further 300 years back through some evidence. The church was
declared a National Historic and Arts Monument for its historical value
and is a popular tourist attraction now. While the ruins of the 15th
Century Fontana Castle in the Arenal region have been replaced by
apartment buildings, the cannons of the British destroyed fortification
are still displayed in front of the Church of Sant Bartolomé. The Museo
Historico y Etnografico Municipal J.B. Soler Blasco Javea, an
etnographical museum, and the Agustinas Descalzas are also located in
the old quarter, along with a modern market that, even with the span of
time, retains the beauty of the olden days.
The port is an obvious tourist favourite with a gravel beach, marina and
a wide variety of restaurants to keep holiday makers adequately
entertained. As with most areas in Jávea, there is a historical
significance to everything. The port, dating back to the 15th century,
played its extraordinary role in raisins export till the trade collapsed
by the end of the 19th century. An attraction in the port area is the
church of Nuestra Señora del Loreto which shows off the town’s fishing
culture to the hilt in its build. This area compliments the sandy beach
of Arenal which is the party centre for the town. The various sand
artists work away as while the tourists pour in, making it into a
bustling place with bars, beach parties and long nights of fun and
activity.
If all this isn’t enough to set Jávea out as a town to visit, the 2,150
hectares of Montgó National Park add another mix of history and modern
lifestyle to the area. Whether you stay in the village or the beach
area, there is plenty to do and see while in Javea. The Cabo de Nao San
Martin is a small hill with a lighthouse which can be reached by either
car or by a path near the harbor area. The view from Cabo de Nao san
Martin is breathtaking and something anyone visiting Javea should
experience. There are also quite a few old churches in the area which
are also popular attractions. The Inglesia de San Bartolome, for
example, was built in the twelfth century originally erected to defend
against pirates. The Soler Blasco Museum is another popular attraction
and offers its visitor much history on the area. The treasure of Javea
is held in the museum, consisting of jewelry from many centuries ago.
The Montgo Natural Park is also a spectacular sight to see, especially
Elephant Mountain from which you can take experience another one of the
area’s beautiful views. The park is also home to many beautiful flowers,
vegetation and rare birds. The archaeological remains dating several
thousand years back, and the various pagan and Christian and cultural
fiestas held in June, July and September make sure the time spent in
this beautiful resort town worth your while.
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, of course has its share of
fiestas and festivals, the main ones being the Moros y Cristianos (Moors
and Christians) in July, the Fogueres de San Juan (bonfire festival) in
June and the Nuestro Señora de Loreto (with bull-running) in September.
Javea Fishmarket
You can't get fish much fresher than Javea's Fishmarket which as well as
supplying many of the areas restaurants and fishmongers also sell 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'll 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!
Don't worry too much if you miss the fish market as you'll also find
fresh fish counters in the Mercandona supermarket and staff there are
happy to clean, fillet and de-scale the fish for you (you'll have to
scrub your own mussels though but they are delicious and very reasonable
per kilo).
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.
Javea can be reached via the N332 coast road or the AP-7 motorway
junctions 62 or 63.
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.
Rail:
Javea does not have a railway station.
Excellent intercity services are available from Valencia and Alicante to all
parts of Spain.
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.
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.
Markets:
Indoor - Javea Old Town - open every day during normal shop hours.
Weekly - Thursday morning, Javea Old Town, car park opposite Local Police
Station, (When a bank holiday falls on a Thursday, there is often a limited
version of the market the day before.(PLEASE NOTE: During extensive
roadwork's and the building of an underground carpark on the market site -the
Thursday Market will, until further notice, be held on the newly created
car park on the main road into Javea before Mercadona and Lidl.)
Beaches in Javea
Arenal
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.
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.
Nearby is the Tourist information centre, along with Hotels and hostels.
Buses can be caught in the Port, one stop is opposite the Hairdressers
Charlie Group, on the main road, and the bus travels along to Arenal beach,
and to the Old Town in the other direction.
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.
Other facilities include, showers, sun loungers, toilets and lifeguards.
Along from here heading toward Arenal, you come to Ministre, and here you
can see where they used to excavate the Toscan Stone. It is no longer
allowed to be mined as it was a common building material.
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
A 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
Life 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
In the Old Town a traditional Nativity scene is displayed, and a Christmas
craft fair has stalls along the streets.
The Fiesta starts in the morning with the procession walking up to the “Ermita”.
After Mass, a selection of chocolates and pastries are handed around.
