What is so special about Jávea?

The original and Valencian name of this very special, eclectic coastal town is Xábia. A predominantly flat, fertile plain with the majestic Montgó mountain for a backdrop, the agriculture is mainly citrus and olive trees. The coastline of Xàbia consists of four capes or cabos; Cabo de San Antonio, Cap de la Nou, Cap Negre and Cap Martí. This makes this part of the Costa Blanca coastline, uniquely dramatic. For the visitor the capes are a must. The miradors (viewing points) give us breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea in all of it´s glory. The waters are crystalline and stunning shades of turquoise and navy are a joy to photograph. The beaches are mostly stoney. Do NOT let that put you off, a pair of stone shoes from the chinese bazaar will set you back 5 or 6 euros, and as soon as you get a glimpse of the wonder that is Cala Granadella, you will agree they are worth every penny.

...Five things to love about Jávea

1) History.

 If it is history you are interested in, Javea has it all. Starting in the caves of the Montgó mountain with the fascinating paleolithic cave drawings. 4,500 years old, these drawings have been given World Heritage status.

The Iberian and Roman architectural excavations in Javea, are some of the best preserved in Spain.  The Soler Blasco Archaeological and Ethnological Museum is home to a treasure trove of pottery, ceramics, coins and jewelry which have been excavated from the digs and the shoreline. The Roman ruins, all along the coastline and in the old town, are an interesting insight into the everyday lives of the Roman settlers. The Roman baths and the salt and fish farms are evident even after centuries of erosion from the sea. The Baños de la Reina (Queens baths), close to the Arenal is quite fascinating. 

The arrival of the Islamic Moors in the 9th century was the beginning of hundreds of years of bloody battles with the Christians, culminating in the expulsion of the Moors in 1244. The town commemorates the takeover every July with processions and a re-enactment of the battle and landing from the sea. The fiesta of the Moors and Christians is a fantastic spectacle, with hundreds of the townfolk dressing up in costumes from the era, music and dancing.

The invasions by the Barbary pirates, 14th-16th centuries, helped to shape the town. The walls that were built to safeguard the town have long since been demolished but they have been part-reconstructed on the main street and the watchtowers, used to watch for approaching danger from the sea, are still in evidence. The population was forced to retreat 2kms inland, as a result of these frequent and violent invasions.

2) The Old Town.

 The Old Town of Javea has a distinctly Medieval feel. The streets are lined with stunning buildings with distinctive, gothic, arched doorways, windows and ironwork, all built with locally quarried, Tosca sandstone. The Plaza de la Iglesia, which is the principal plaza of the town, is home to the gothic church of San Bartolome. Built in the 14 century with expansion completed in the 16th century. The expansion was primarily to accomodate the growing population and to double as a fort during the frequent and violent attacks from the Barbary pirates.

These days the Old Town is a unique mix of old and new. If you stroll around the cobbled streets first thing in the morning you could be back in the middle ages. However, there are many gorgeous, specialist shops and boutiques as well as a plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from. It is testament to the stringent regulation and planning laws, that all of these commercial establishments look in keeping with the stunning, historic streets and buildings. 

3) The Port.

 In the middle ages, the Romans occupied the town and turned it, from a quiet, native settlement into a prosperous port, predominantly exporting raisins, wheat and olives. Nowadays the port is an elegant harbour with excellent seafood restaurants and cafes, mostly Spanish, serving traditional seafood paellas and fish dishes.

4) The Arenal.

 The Arenal area of Javea is in the centre of the bay of Xabia and it is the only sandy beach on this part of the coast.The beach is 280ms and is awarded the blue flag every year. It is a family friendly beach with clear, shallow waters, water sports and childrens recreation areas. It is also closely watched by lifeguards and there is an emergency, red cross centre. The promenade is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes and, in the summer, there is an evening market selling jewelry and accessories, beach wear and souvenirs. The Arenal is the place to go if you want buzzing, holiday vibes, a vast choice of eateries and nightlife.

5) The Montgó Natural Park.

 The majestic Montgó mountain rises 753m above sea level. It sits in between Denia and Javea and is famously called the "elephant mountain" due to its resemblance, from certain angles, to a sleeping elephant. It protects the Bay of Xabía from the cold North winds and gives it it´s own micro-climate.

 The height of the mountain, proximity to salt water and the flat plains surrounding it, have produced a unique evolution of ecosystems, flora and fauna. There are at least 650 species of flora and a diverse range of animal life. Ornithologists in particular, are in for a treat. There are at least 8 species of birds of prey, including 4 types of owl, goshawk, peregrine falcon, kestrel and sparrowhawk. 

There are stunning walking trails, with the walk to the summit a strenuous 4 hour trek. The views of the Marina Alta and across to Ibiza  would make it worthwhile.

 

Javea is a very unique part of the Marina Alta with; proximity to the sea, a sandy beach with a busy promenade, dramatic rocky coves, a natural park for walking and wildlife, a place to moor a boat, hundreds of bars and restaurants... the coastal town of Xàbia, literally, has it all! A mere 25 minute drive from our office based in Jalón, it is one of our favourite day trip destinations, something new to see every time we visit!

If you are looking for your dream home in Spain, and Javea appeals to you, we will work closely with you and our colleagues at the coast to help you find a forever home in this absolutely idyllic location.

Call us for more information and let us help you in your search.