Town of Javea

Javea is a small, historic town, free of high rise buildings offering a relaxing holiday atmosphere. The local people are friendly and affable. The clean, warm, blue Mediterranean Sea laps the beautiful beaches and coves that Javea has to offer.

With its variety of landscape, ranging from sandy coastlines to rugged mountain areas, its mild year-round climate, its careful planning policies and extensive tourist facilities, Javea is a jewel on the Costa Blanca, combining beauty and modern facilities with the charm of an ancient fishing village.

Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Alicante towards the north-eastern tip of the Costa Blanca.

History & Culture

Javea old town is steeped in history and it's evident in the architecture, with its Tosca stone porticoes, gothic bay windows, wrought iron window bars and balcony railings. The church of San Bartolemé in the town centre is an example of late gothic architecture with a defensive character. ?The "Soler Blasco" Archaeological Museum is close by in the narrow streets and offers a wealth of information about Iberian history.

Dominating the fishing port is the modern silhouette of the church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto, with its roof depicting a ships hull. Outside the town, following the road to the San Antonio cape, the architectural sites include the monastery of Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, a series of small hermitages clutch the slopes of the mountain and ancient windmills dominate the landscape.

Market

In the centre of town the covered indoor market sells all sorts of fabulous fresh local produce: fruit, vegetables, meat and fresh fish are brought up from the port daily.

Port & Marinas

The importance of the town's maritime activities is apparent in the port area; known as Aduanas de Mar, it boasts a lovely promenade and some excellent fish restaurants where you can enjoy the 'catch of the day'.

The fishing harbour is situated next to a attractive marina full of interesting yachts, a lovely area for a morning or evening stroll.

Eating out

Pavement cafés and bars overlooking the Mediterranean invite you to sit and have a drink and just enjoy the ambience of the port.

Beaches

The Arenal area offers a beautiful sandy bay with palm trees and play areas for children. The bay is framed by the promenade with its wonderful choice of bars and restaurants offering national and international specialities.

Shopping

Javea is a great place to shop with an excellent choice of shops and boutiques.

Sports

Javea has an excellent choice of sea sport and fishing facilities. The modern yacht club at the sports marina has nearly 300 berths and offers all types of water sports: sailing, fishing, scuba diving, water skiing, and windsurfing.

There are a number of sports clubs and associations in the area where you can enjoy a game of tennis, horse-riding ?and even shooting.

Golf

Just outside the town, surrounded by pines and orange groves, the Javea Golf Club offers a pleasant setting for golfers. There are several other golf courses within easy access of Javea.

Fiestas

The Javea town fiesta is held during the second fortnight of July and is an occasion for feasting, dancing, parades, music and fireworks, as are the Moors & Christians parades at the end of August.

From 28 April – 3 May Javea pays homage to Jesus the Nazarene and from 1 –8 September, the town celebrates their patroness Our Lady of Loreto.

Cuisine

The local cuisine of Javea is typically that of the Costa Blanca, which combines delicacies from both land and the Mediterranean Sea. Many civilizations have lived in this area (Celts, Iberians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims), all of which have all left their mark on the gastronomy.

The diet in Denia is a healthy Mediterranean one; the Costa Blanca is rich in fish, vegetables, olive-oil, rice and fruit and the ingredients which are all used to prepare delicious, healthy dishes, such as Paella Valenciana, Arroz Negro (black rice), Arroz al horno (Oven baked rice), Arroz a banda (fish and rice stew), Arroz del Señoret (Princes rice).
Aside from seafood, typical dishes include succulent lamb chops, rabbit in garlic, roast leg of lamb with garlic and fresh rosemary, and home made sausages and black puddings.

If you have a sweet tooth then you will enjoy the local homemade pastries and deserts that the whole region is famous for. Or Jijona ice-cream (Nougat), which is made with the almonds of the region.

Whilst in Javea we recommend you try the local wine selection on offer, especially Jalon wine a which is of high quality with a lovely bouquet.

There are many international restaurants in the town offering a wide choice of different cuisines from around the world.

Climate

Javea enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with cool sea breezes in summer and protection by surrounding mountains against the cold North winds in winter. The area averages nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and the average temperature easily exceeds 20 degrees.

In 1986 the World Health Organisation recommended the climate of the area as one of the most equitable in the world - neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter. On average it can boast 325 sunny days each year making it an ideal all year round destination.