Languages:

Valenciano is the first language of the local people, although, of course, Castilian (Spanish) is also spoken.

Official documents are usually printed in both languages, but often with Valenciano taking priority.

In some state schools, Valenciano is taught only as a subject, but in other schools it predominates, with everything being taught in Valenciano with Castilian only as a subject.

Unless you speak Spanish, it is probably a good idea to have an interpreter with you when dealing with the Town Hall, schools and/or other public offices, as there may not always be someone available who speaks your language.

There are ex-patriots who choose not to learn Spanish, arguing that it's not necessary in Jávea as there are so many English-speaking people. However, you can get so much more out of living in Spain by learning the language that it's well worth the effort.

Transport:

Airports:

Alicante and Valencia airports are each approximately 100 kilometres away from Javea. Alicante to the south and Valencia to the north. Both can be reached via the A7 toll motorway. Alicante is a very busy airport which offers a mixture of charter and scheduled flights by a number of operators to various destinations, whilst Valencia is for scheduled flights.

Rail:

Javea does not have a railway station.

Excellent intercity services are available from Valencia and Alicante to all parts of Spain.

To get to Valencia by train it is necessary to go from Gandia, a town to the north of Jávea. Or, alternatively, drive to Xeraco, taking the next motorway exit after Gandia, leave the car there in the large free car park and catch the local train to Valencia. This is a good option if you want to have a day shopping in Valencia.

A local tourist train can be boarded at nearby Gata. This train runs from Denia to Alicante, along the coast. There is a useful train service to Terra Mítica theme park and to the shopping centre near Benidorm.

Bus:

Bus services operate between Jávea and Alicante, Valencia (some taking the motorway, others a longer route - stopping off in towns en route). The buses start and end their journeys in Jávea old town.

Long distance coaches operate from nearby towns to all parts of Spain.

At certain times of the day there is a local bus to Denia.

The only bus route in Jávea is the regular bus service which runs between Jávea Old Town, The Port and the Arenal area.

Jávea is "eco-conscious",
with containers strategically placed throughout the town for the disposal of various types of waste or refuse. Large household items will be collected and disposed of, free of charge, by the town hall (call 96 579 6161)

A desalination plant was built to resolve the water shortage problem experienced during the dry summer months.