Javea / Xabia
Javea, known as Xabia in Valencian, is a pretty holiday resort town which has something for everyone. It is situated in a wide bay between the rocky headlands of the Cap de San Antonio and Cap de La Nao, both of which have their very own lighthouses. The bright blue Mediterranean Sea boarders Javea to the east and provides an abundance of rocky and sandy beaches as well as steep cliffs with spectacular viewpoints. Since the 1970's the cliffs of the two 'Caps' have become packed with villas, some of which have been built on unimaginable inclines. It has become a popular place for affluent northern European expatriates to purchase retirement villas and the town has an active expatriate flavour .
The historic centre is situated a few kilometres inland as its original inhabitants feared attacks from marauding pirates. The Church of Sant Bartomeu which dates back to the late 14th century is the centre piece of Javea's historic quarter and the narrow streets with their wrought iron balconies, large wooden front doors and stone porticoes add to its charm.
Places of interest and ideas of things to do in Javea / Xabia
- Old Town: characterful streets to explore, includes tourist office, town hall, museum and 14th century church, a variety of art galleries, night clubs and abundance of restaurants .
- Viewpoints: two impressive headlands with lighthouses and marked cliff top walking paths.
- Marina: picturesque marina and fishing port.
- Beaches: there are a number to choose from some are sandy whilst others are pebbly.
- Market: large Thursday morning.
Ideas of places to twin Javea / Xabia with day or night
- Spend the day in Javea. Start with a drive to the Cap de San Antoni for some stunning views out over Javea. Then drive down to the seafront and explore the marina and beaches stopping wherever you want for a menu del dia. Head to the historic quarter and get to know the quaint narrow streets of the original Javea.
- Enjoy the large market on Thursday morning in the historical centre on Javea, purchase some fresh local produce for a picnic, and drive to the viewpoint at the Cap de la Nau for the ultimate panoramic picnic location!
- Take a stop at any of the inland villages like Gata de Gorgos, famous for its locally produced wicker goods, or Ondara, with its impressive bullring, then head down to the beaches at Javea for a walk in the winter or a dip in the sea during the summer!
Places of Interest
Javea Beach Central Platja de L'Arenal
N38o46.261 E0o11.494Parking: is in the car park or anywhere there is a space on either side of the road in the marked parking places and is free.
From here: the sandy beach, long promenade and a great selection of cafes, bars and restaurants.
Top tip: there is a small market here during the summer evenings.
Javea Beach North End Platja de Benissero
N38o47.434 E0o10.898Parking: is on the actual shingle beach wherever there is space and is free.
From here: the beach is in front of you, enjoy!
Javea Beach South End Cala Blanca
N38o45.795 E0o12.282Parking: is in the small car park which is a dead end, or in any of the spaces on either side of the road before the car park and is free.
From here: the rocky beach is beside the car park, there is also a lovely small promenade along the cliff face.
Javea Marina
N38o47.859 E0o11.045Parking: is on the side of the road or in the smal car park area beside the marina and is free.
From here: the marina and fishing port are right here, walk along the walls, take a look at the boats and relax in the cafes.
Javea Market Large Thursday Morning
N38o47.371 E0o09.652Parking: is in the underground pay car at the Plaza de la Constitucion.
From here: the market is held above the car park on the Plaza de la Constitucion and the surrounding streets.
Javea Old Town
N38o47.371 E0o09.652Parking: is in the underground pay car at the Plaza de la Constitucion.
From here: exit the car park and cross the road, turn left and walk along Calle Buen Aire into the historic quarter for the tourist office, town hall, museum, 14th century church and quaint narrow streets.
Javea Viewpoint Cap de la Nau
N38o43.981 E0o13.719Parking: is in the car park area and is free.
From here: explore the headland and its viewpoints, lighthouse, marked walking paths and restaurants.
Javea Viewpoint Cap de San Antoni
N38o48.228 E0o11.570Parking: is in the gravelled car park and is free.
From here: explore the headland and its viewpoints, lighthouse and marked walking paths.
