The coastal resort town of Javea (Xabia in the native Catalan language) lies on Spain’s South-East coast, amongst the sublime golden sands and sun-drenched sea of the Costa Blanca region. In the heart of the Mediterranean, under the shadow of Mount Montgo, Javea has been enticing holidaymakers from the cooler climes of Northern Europe for decades, and it’s not difficult to see why.

The coastal resort town of Javea (Xabia in the native Catalan language) lies on Spain’s South-East coast, amongst the sublime golden sands and sun-drenched sea of the Costa Blanca region. In the heart of the Mediterranean, under the shadow of Mount Montgo, Javea has been enticing holidaymakers from the cooler climes of Northern Europe for decades, and it’s not difficult to see why.

Javea Port Promenade

With a more relaxed atmosphere than larger nearby resorts, the town retains its distinctive Spanish character better than those more influenced by the tourism industry and rowdy ‘party-hard’ holidaymakers. As an idyllic retreat in which to soak up some rays and experience the tranquil relaxation of the Costa Blanca, Javea is exemplary, but it is also a great place to experience the richness and diversity of Spanish history. During Roman times, the area surrounding Javea was an important part of the empire’s salt industry, and evidence of this can be found at the well-preserved archaeological site of La Punta de Arenal, including an array of pools in which salt was fermented with fish entrails to produce popular culinary sauces which were then distributed far and wide. Other sites, including a cemetery dating from around the fourth century AD, reveal further insight into life under the Romans.

After the demise of the Roman empire, Javea, and indeed most of Spain, fell under the control of the invading moors from Northern Africa, and numerous archaeological sites signal this Islamic influence which dominated until the times of the Christian conquest in the 13th century. A great place to immerse yourself in the history of Javea can be found in the Old Town, where exhibits covering pre-historic, Roman, Islamic and Christian periods are housed within the Archaeological and Ethnographic museum. Remains of Neolithic settlements can also be seen at the Cuevo del Montgo site.

Javea Old Town

The town was first established as a permanent settlement in the 14th century AD, at a time when the conquering Christians were keen to repopulate the area, and was, until 1396, merely a hamlet of nearby Denia. Throughout the middle ages, ownership of Javea regularly passed between royalty and nobility, and there were many confrontations between the town and Denia, owing to territorial boundaries and political allegiances. By the turn of the 20th century, Javea was a bustling fishing town with over six thousand residents.

Today, the town has a population of approximately 30,000, over a third of which are British expatriates and others from northern Europe. During the summer months tourism bolsters this figure by almost three times, and Javea is immensely popular with both Spanish and international tourists.

The municipality can be divided into three areas: old town (Javea Pueblo), the port area (Javea Puerto) and the main beach area (Playa de arenal). The old town is resplendent with gleaming white buildings and gothic architecture, with welcoming narrow streets that twist and turn through the historical centre. Here you will find, amongst other sights, a traditional market selling local produce, and, nearby, the much-visited fifteenth century gothic church of San Bartolome. When you are done sightseeing, sit in the sun outside one of the areas many fine cafes and bars, or sample the local cuisine at very reasonable prices.

Javea Port Sunset

Moving into the port area, you will find a wealth of entertainments and activities, amongst the hustle and bustle of a working fishing port. Both fishing vessels and luxury yachts ebb on the warm Mediterranean waters, and the serene atmosphere is perfect for long strolls along the promenade, followed by a bite at one of the many traditional seafront restaurants and tapas bars where fresh seafood is a specialty. Tantalising panoramic coastal views abound, and the port area is lined with plenty of shops to while away the afternoon.

The Playa de Arenal is home to over three hundred metres of golden sandy beach, ideal for unwinding and highly suitable for family outings, beach sports or just getting a tan. The more adventurous can hire out jet-skis and small boats, while the calm waters offer great bathing opportunities.

Javea Arenal

In addition to these opportunities for sightseeing, relaxation and sun worshipping, Javea offers an array of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, horse riding, trekking and scuba diving, with equipment available for hire at a range of locations. The Montgo national park also provides magnificent and wonderfully photogenic views, particularly to those willing to climb the 2500 ft to the mountain summit.

If you fancy branching out a little and exploring the rest of the Costa Blanca, Javea has bus connections to the nearby cities of Alicante and Valencia, and a daily service to the Spanish capital Madrid.

As a relaxing yet lively town on the Mediterranean coast, Javea has a great deal to offer, away from the overcrowded resorts further down the coast, and can provide a tranquil haven to residents and holidaymakers alike.