The charming historic town of Javea (Xabia) lies 60 miles north of Alicante and is just over an hour from Alicante and Valencia Airports. Regular coaches are available direct to Javea.

Javea has it’s own micro-climate and so the World Health Organisation has named Javea as one of the healthiest places in the world. More hours of sun is said to shine on Javea than anywhere else in spain.

There are three main areas to Javea, The Port, Historic Old Town and Arenal Beach.

The Port has a thriving fishing community where the fishermen bring back there catch which can be enjoyed in many of the local Bars and Restaurants. The Marina lies close to the fishing boats where numerous yachts are moored.

There are many Bars and Restaurants along the beautiful promenade looking out towards the lovely clear sea and where you can enjoy the views. The beach at the Port is called” La Grava” made up of pebbles it is popular with sunbathers who don’t like sand! It also holds Blue Flag status. The clear sea is great for Snorkeling, Diving, Swimming, Canoeing and other water sports.

There are plenty of shops with a real Spanish feel to browse. Some of the streets are narrow and cooler ideal to getaway from the hot midday sun.

The Port is also host to many Fiestas including the Moors and Christians in June, which lasts for four days, ending in a spectacular procession where the Moors and Christians march in long lines to the rousing beat of drums. There outfits are absolutely wonderful, at midnight there is the spectacle of the Fireworks to end the festivities. Along La Grava beach you will pass numerous chiringuitos (beach bars) in the summer months, such as Baja Bay and Veletta, where you can sit and enjoy a lovely mojito or two!

Also of interest on the way to the Arenal beach is where a Roman fish factory used to be, now by the Parador Hotel, this is just one of Javea’s rich historical sites.

The Arenal beach is a Blue Flag sandy beach with the sea being a gentle shallow slope, so you can still stand up 100 metres out in places, the crystal clear water is ideal for Swimming, Snorkeling, Paddling for the young and old alike. Jet skiing and scuba diving is also very popular.

In the summer evenings stalls set up along the promenade of The Arenal selling their wares usually handmade jewellery and crafts. There are numerous bars and restaurants all along the sea front. The Arenal is pedestrianised making it safer for the young ones. Here you can enjoy a drink, tapas or a lovely meal in stunning surroundings, including Champagne Bar, Geographic, Carnaval, Attalaya and Acqua which all have wonderful views. The children will have lots of fun on the climbing frames and play areas on the clean sand, it is a lot safer than most other towns as the beach isn’t next to the road so is safer for children running from the bars to the beach.

The Old Town (Pueblo). This is a historic area with the imposing church of Sant. Bertomeu which dates from the late 14th century, it shows damage on the outer walls from the Spanish Civil War. Inside is a wonder to the eye.

The Museum Solar Blasco is close by and displays artifacts from the Romans, Moors, and even prehistoric ones. Just a stroll away is the Municipal Market with its lovely facade, inside you will find fresh fish, meat and vegetables, it has a real Spanish atmosphere.

A walk through narrow streets with typical Spanish tall town houses some dating back to the 15th century is a nice way to keep out of the hot summer sun, there are many tapas bars and restaurants to enjoy, the choice of shops is impressive and there are many hidden away in the narrow streets.

The Montgo Massif is a 753 metre high mountain and natural park and is said to resemble an elephant from the Javea side, there have been cave dwellers living 30,000 years ago on Montgo and some artifacts can be seen in the museum Soler Blasco situated in the old town along with other exhibits, this is a great place to visit and now has English translation.

If its scenic views (Miradors) you want then Javea is the place, with Ambolo, a naturist cove with clear waters and tall cliffs, Granadella is a beautiful cove and ideal for all the family to enjoy and Bruce Willis filmed here for a recent film of his. The views from the Lighthouse (El Faro) are spectacular and on a clear day Ibiza can be seen. Els Molins of La Plana are Windmills, now without sails where once used for milling wheat.

Cala Blanca is also worth a visit, this is a shingle beach which is very peaceful and parking is available. There are many other coves and beaches to visit here in wonderful Javea.

Finally, a interesting note about Javea, where as a lot of other bars/restaurants close in other sea side towns for winter months, Javea has numerous bars/ restaurants still open and has a great atmosphere all year round.