The following comments and information are provided as a guide only and more specific information should be requested from establishments concerned.

Jávea or Xŕbia

General information about Javea.
Tourist information & relocation information.

Javea is the Spanish (or Castilian name) whereas Xŕbia is the Valencian name.

The lure of sunshine, beautiful scenery and beaches and lack of industrial pollution are just some of the reasons that ex-patriots of all nationalities have chosen Javea as their holiday base or, indeed, permanent home.

There is a very large British community, as can be seen from the numerous British businesses, shops, bars, restaurants, societies and clubs, as well as schools offering an English education. Whatever your interests or hobbies you are sure to find an English-speaking club or society to suit.

Javea's Location:

Javea is located on the Costa Blanca, in the Valencian Community, just about equidistance between Valencia and Alicante, something like 100 kilometres either way.

It is mainland Spain's most easterly point and for this reason is often referred to as "amanecer de espańa" or "the dawn of Spain", being where the sun first rises.

On a clear day, the Balearic island of Ibiza can be seen quite clearly.

Javea has three distinct areas, although the massive programme of construction undertaken in recent years has meant that the areas are now hardly separated, as one area of development runs into another.
The three urban areas are:

The numerous & ever increasing housing estates fan out in all directions from this now merged urban area, forming quite a widespread sprawling town.

Javea old town:

Javea Old Town, although growing in size, maintains its Spanish feel with new buildings and modernisation being controlled to ensure they fit in aesthetically with the existing architecture. It is here that you will still find the narrow streets and lovely wrought iron balconies. Village houses are much sought after and have increased dramatically in price. Here in the heart of the old town you will find many places of interest, such as a very old fortified church and an archeological museum displaying many artefacts uncovered during excavations in the area.

Javea's main fiestas and religious processions take place in the old town.

There is an indoor market of mainly food stalls which opens each day, morning and evening.

On Thursday there is an outdoor market offering everything from fruit to souvenirs. Normally open from about 8.30 to around 1 o'clock.

Javea Port Area

As well as the Yacht Club and marina, you will find a busy fishing port where you can attend the fish auctions held each afternoon as the boats unload their catches. The general public can buy freshly caught fish and shellfish from the fish stall.

It is a bustling shopping area, with many bars and restaurants as well as hotels and beaches.

The fishermen's church, as it is known, is barely recognisable as a church from the outside, looking like some kind of concrete crown. Inside, the wooden ceiling is in the shape of the hull of a boat.

Apartment blocks abound in and around the port area.

There are several beaches (many with the coveted "blue flag" of approval):

• at the far end, past the Yacht Club, there is a small, picturesque beach of sand and shingle, popular with divers
• there is a pebble beach right in the heart of the port which then extends along to what is still pebbles and where can be found several beach bars, jet skis, a windsurfing area etc.
• the coast extends right along, past all the old Tosca stone excavations to the promontory dividing it from the sandy Arenal beach.

A Tourist Office & Local Police Station, as well as the Guardia Civil, can also be found in the port.

Javea Arenal Beach Area:

This is one of the main tourist areas. This is where you will find the sandy beach with pedal boats, beach games etc and lots of shops, bars & restaurants to suit all tastes. Everything you normally associate with a busy holiday area.

The road follows the coastline round, past sea front properties situated all along a rocky front, ending in a cul-de-sac beside a very pretty cove, popular with small boat owners who drop anchor there.

Javea's Beaches:

There are numerous beaches, including a nudist beach, all along Jávea's extensive and picturesque coastline; from the most northerly beach below San Antonio lighthouse right round to the Granadella beach, which is a favourite with divers. Some beaches can only be reached by clambering down rocky paths or by approaching from the sea.

Much of the sea around the coast is a conservation area and regular patrols protect the marine environment.

Lighthouses:

From the San Antonio lighthouse, above the port, you have a magnificent view over Jávea, whilst from Cabo La Nao, beyond Cost Nova and Balcon al Mar, breathtaking sea and coastal views can be enjoyed.