Javea sits on the northern edge of the Costa Blanca, between the headlands of San Antonio and La Nao. The geography keeps the town compact. Three main zones sit within a short drive of each other, but each has its own feel. The Old Town gives history and year round life. The Port gives sea views without the tourist pressure. The Arenal gives beach, light and warmth in winter. People move here for different reasons, but the same comment comes up again and again. Daily life feels easy.
See our main Javea area hub for more details about the layout of Javea.
You notice that the town grew from older habits rather than modern plans. Fishing, farming and the natural shelter of the bay shaped where people built. Montgó stands behind everything. It shifts the weather, shields the valley and sets the light in winter. When you live here a while, you notice how much that mountain influences the town.
Most residents move between the Old Town, the Port and the Arenal without thinking. It feels like one place, even though each part has its own character. That is why Javea works well for families, retirees and long term residents. Nothing feels too far away.
To understand how all these facets of town life – from beaches to inland neighbourhoods fit together, it helps to view them in the context of Javea overview.
The resort is overlooked by the impressive mountain Montgo Massif. Standing at over 750 metres high, Montgo dominates the scenery of not only Javea but also the nearby resorts of Denia and Moraira.
The population of Javea is officially 33,000 and just half of this number is actually Spanish. Its amazing scenery and an average of nearly 320 days sunshine per year makes Javea not only a popular holiday destination but also a great place to live. Javea is split into three main areas, the Arenal, the Port and the Old Town. The Arenal area of Javea surrounds the glorious sandy beach of the Playa de Arenal. The entire beach front of the Arenal is lined with numerous bars and restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine.
There are also a number of shops and a wide promenade which, during the summer months, has stalls selling jewellery, leather goods and clothing. A particular feature of the Arenal is the absence of high rise buildings which dominate the skylines of other nearby resorts. Behind the beach are a number of apartment blocks, many of which offer fantastic views of the bay.
The Old Town area of Javea is set back from the sea and is a real reminder of the town’s historic past. At its centre is the ancient church of Sant Bartomeu and the covered market which still offers fresh local produce on a daily basis. Surrounding the church square is a maze of narrow streets with gothic architecture featuring the local Tosca stone.
These streets are home to both residents and a variety of small shops and traditional Spanish tapas bars.
The Port area of Javea is situated a short drive from the Play de Arenal, past the half dozen or so beach bars (chiringutos) that line the rocky beach which connects the Arenal and the Port. It is still a very active working port and you can watch the catches being landed off the boats each evening. The port also has a marina which is home to some fantastic yachts and motorboats.
There are plenty of shops, restaurants and tapas bars as well as the pebbled La Grava beach. The port has a thriving community and is a favourite area for expats of all nationalities as it is less busy than the Arenal in the summer months. Above the port are some spectacular cliff side villas which enjoy fabulous views across the bay towards Calpe and on a clear day, Ibiza. Behind the port are numerous apartment blocks which are popular with holiday makers and residents alike.
Surrounding the main town of Javea are various sub districts and urbanisations which are home to villas, apartments with sea views and even fincas. These include Tosalet, Toscal, Pinosol, Adsubia, Cala Blanca, Cumbre del Sol, Rafalet and La Lluca.
As well as the three main areas of Javea you’ll also find further areas of interest as you head inland. The villages of Benitachell, Benissa, Gata de Gorgos, Teulada, Jesus Pobre and Monte Pedreguer are all worthy of further inspection and offer fantastic scenery and wonderful properties and have the added value of feeling much more local and Spanish.
The bay of Javea is flanked by three other resorts, Denia, Moraira and Jalon Valley and these are just as popular as Javea and all are worthy of a visit.
Denia
Denia is slightly larger than Javea and lies several miles to the north. The town is steeped in history and is home to a 12th century castle which overlooks the town’s marina and its vast beaches.
The town has a thriving port and a daily ferry service to Ibiza and the other Balearic Islands. Denia is famous for its fiestas, the main ones being in March and July. In March, the Bonfire Festival is celebrated by lighting vast paper mache statues (known as fallas) in the town. In July there is the Bous a la Mar festival which literally means Bulls at the Sea. The festival culminates in the bulls being run into the sea by those brave enough to fight them in the ring.
Denia is very popular with tourists and is home to some wonderful seafood restaurants and has a rich and varied nightlife.
Moraira
Moraira is a few miles south of Javea and was originally a small fishing village. However, with its 8km of coastline and its backdrop of mountains and vineyards, the area soon became an established tourist destination.
There is still an active fishing industry in the town and its fish market is one of the most renowned in the Costa Blanca. As with neighbouring Javea, strict planning laws have ensured that no high rise buildings exist and it still retains much of its charm. The areas of San Jaime and El Portet are favoured areas for villas and apartments.
Jalon Valley
If it’s views and scenery you’re looking for then head inland from Javea to the Jalon Valley where you’ll find some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of Spain. The area is famous for its vast landscape of mountains, almond and orange groves and the seemingly remote villages of Jalon, Alcalali and Lliber.
If you’re lucky enough to visit the area in February then you’ll be treated to a spectacular display of almond blossom which truly has to be seen to be believed. The area maintains its very local Spanish feel but there are many villas and apartments in the area, both for sale and to rent. So, if you’re looking to live or holiday in somewhere that has a more tranquil feel to it, it’s worth looking at properties in Jalon Valley.
