00 34 96 646 3076
00 34 96 646 3076
Javeá / Xabia
Nestling between the capes of San Antonio and La Nao, the town of Javea, or Xabia, lies on the northern section of the Costa Blanca, bathed by the Mediterranean and protected from the continental winds by the Montgo mountain barrier. With its variety of landscape, ranging from sandy coastlines to rugged mountain areas, its mild year-round climate, its careful planning and zoning policies and extensive tourist facilities, Javea is a jewel on the Costa Blanca which has preserved all the charm of an ancient fishing village.
Scenery
From north to south, the capes of San Antonio, San Martin, Negre and La Nao crown the coastline, creating a series of secluded coves blanketed with white, sun-bleached gravel. You can choose between the busy beach of El Arenal, in the center of the bay, or the quiet Granadella cove, ideal for scuba diving or snorkeling; commune with the elements on the nudist beach of Ambolo, or discover the secrets of the Pope o Tango, Barraca, Falsia and Caleta coves...
The gentle waves separate the coast from the picturesque islands of Portichol and Descubridor out to sea, and sculpt the fabulous caves of Orguens and Tallada. Perched on mountain tops are the remains of ancient watchtowers, reminding us today how attractive this region was for Berber pirates of old.
Farther inland, the huertas and vineyards cover the country around Javea, speckled here and there with farmhouses showing their typical riu-rau silhouettes, with characteristic arched porches used for drying grapes to make the region's famous raisins.
To the north, the natural park of Montgo rises up to 753m above sea level, nurturing one of the most valuable botanical reserves in the Land of Valencia. A journey up the slopes shows a wealth of different vegetation and provides extraordinary panoramic views from the top.
The Town
Medieval echoes resound throughout the ancient town center, which has been largely conserved down through the centuries. White house fronts adorned with wrought iron grilles and Gothic style windows provide a noble touch to the labyrinth of streets and diminutive plazas. The Gothic fortified church of San Bartolome dates from the 15th century and is listed as a national artistic monument. Its massive bulk, half religious, half military, surges up above the web-like pattern of streets. In the Archeological and Ethnographic Museum, occupying a nearby Gothic palace, you can see some of the materia1 remains of Javea's history.
The importance of the town's maritime activities can be seen in the picturesque port zone, known as Aduauas de Mar, or the sea customs". Dominating the fishing port is the modern silhouette of the church of Nuestra Senora de Loreto; with a roof imitating a ship's 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 clutching the slopes of the mountain and some ancient windmills.
Sports
Javea has one of the most attractive seaports along the Mediterranean, due both to its location and to its unsurpassed fishing and sports installations. The modern Nautical Club at the sports marina has 297 berths and facilities for all water sports. Sailing, fishing, nautical supplies, scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, etc. And only six kilometers from town, surrounded by pines and orange groves, is the Javea Golf Club, offering a pleasant setting for golfers. A number of sports clubs and associations in the area promote tennis, horse riding, mountain climbing, cycling, shooting and even pigeon racing.
Fiestas
A benign climate, a fertile land and a beautiful sea seem to have worked wonders on local characters. People in Javea are easy-going, openhearted and hospitable, and locals seem to have time enough for work without forsaking their leisure and festivities. Their motives for creating a stir are manifold: a long history, a feel for the religious and a penchant for pageantry. From April 28th to May 3rd, Jesus the Nazarene must be honoured, and from September 1st to 8th the patroness Our Lady of Loreto is the object of devotion. On Midsummer Night, the entire town is bathed in fireworks and colour to welcome the summer with the Foqueres de Sant Joan, and the Second fortnight of July is another occasion for feasting, dancing and parading to the strains of gunpowder and music with the feast of the Moors and Christians. During the rest of the year, there are other lesser occasions for merrymaking, celebrations and sports competitions to keep the Mediterranean spirit on the move.
Cuisine
In addition to the extensive international choices, you'll find a selection of the best local cuisine at any of the numerous restaurants in Javea. Rice dishes, serving as the basis for midday meals, come in a wide variety of styles: arroz al horno (oven-baked rice), arroz coucostra (topped with a "crust" of omelette), arros amb fesols I naps (with beans and turnips), and the famous local arros a la marinera (fisherman's rice).
Freshly caught fish are used in succulent dishes such as cruet de peix (a fresh fish and prawn stew) and suc de roig, or crisply fried in a fritura. Locals also salt or dry their catch to make salazones of anchovy, tunny, bonito or thesavoury borreta de melva - excellent as appetizers. Pizza-like coques de pebrera I tomato and traditional sausage preparations complete the typical offerings, which include pumpkin and almond pastries (buñuelos de calabaza, pastissets d'ametla) for the sweet-toothed.
What to do
Where to go
Practical tips Links
The international airports of L'Altet (Alicante), at 90km, and Manises (Valencia) at 105km provide links to major European capitals. The A-7 Motorway runs north-south a few kilometers from the coast, with junctions 62 and 63 connecting to Javea. The N-332 from Valencia to Alicante passes through Gata de Gorgos, from which the A- 134 branches off to Javea. A daily bus services provides connections to Valencia and Alicante.
Javea & Moraira Holiday Villas