Javea

An hour’s drive from the airport at Valencia, down lovely N. 332 Highway, hugging the famed Costa Blanca and scented with the orange blossoms from the area’s renowned groves, lies Jávea (or Xabia in Valenciano). The city is sited on the triangular landmass jutting into the Mediterranean, halfway down the coast. This is the place the sun first rises in Spain, giving Jávea the name “Amanacer de Espana” or Dawn of Spain.

Jávea offers three distinct experiences rolled into one. Of course, there are the beaches, the most popular of which is Playa del Arenal. The sandy beach, with its gentle slope and lapping waves, make this an ideal spot for families. Snorkel in deep and pristine La Barraca Beach with its underwater formations of tunnels, arches, and corridors. Jetskiers and waterskiers head to Montañar, while scuba divers travel farther off shore where the Mediterranean’s abundant sealife, such as giant clams, sea urchins, and octopus, are on view. 

Somewhat off the beaten path is Old Town, the original Jávea, set back from the coast when it was founded centuries ago to protect it from pirate attacks. The charming and narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings with wrought-iron grills lend a decidedly Old World feel. Follow the locals (they won’t mind) to the best tapas bars for traditional food at good prices. The Church of San Bartolomé dates back to 1244 when King Jaime the Conqueror defeated the Moors. The Thursday Market at Plaza de la Constitución encourages vigorous bartering.

Jávea’s port, still chockfull of working fishing vessels, is a celebration of the town’s enduring seafaring traditions (although these days, you will see more than a few luxury yachts in the docks). An infusion of shops and seafront cafés has enhanced this area as a tourist destination. Visit the lighthouses at Cabo San Antonio and Cabo de la Nao for a memorable snapshot of the city. 

No discussion of Jávea is complete without “the Montgo” as locals call the mountain that is the city’s distinctive backdrop. Lore states that it is an elephant turned to stone, with its trunk dipping into the sea. As the sun sets, the elephant’s eye closes. Jávea also has its share of festivals, including June’s “Hogueres de San Juan" (the bonfire festival); “July’s “Moros y Cristianos” (Moors and Christians); and September’s “Nuestra Señora de Loreto,” which includes bull-running.

How Many People Live in Javea?

Population: 30,000

What Languages Are Spoken in Javea?

Language: Spanish, but English widely spoken.

What is the Currency in Javea?

Currency: Euro.

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