ABOUT JAVEA
WHERE IS JAVEA?
Javea is a privileged and exclusive resort on the Northern Costa Blanca, located midway between Alicante and Valencia. It has been called “Amanecer de Espana”, {Dawn of Spain}, because it occupies a far point of land looking eastward over the Mediterranean sea, where the rising sun emphasises the three headlands. It is without a doubt one of the prettiest areas on the Mediterranean coast and magnificently dominated by the Montgo Mountain.
A PRIVILEGED PLACE TO BE…..
The coast of Javea is 25 kilometres long, with beaches which stand out because of their natural beauty, transparent waters and Mediterranean forests which surround’s them. The sea and its coasts lined with cliffs, breakwaters, small islands, coves, beaches of sand or pebbles, sea beds with crystal clear waters. From north to south, the capes of Sant Antoni, Sant Marti, Negre and La Nau mark the coastline.
…AND THE WEATHER !
Javea has been voted environmentally near perfect by the World Health Organisation and boasts 320 days of sunshine a year! The climate is clement throughout the year, being mild in the winter {12 degrees on average in January} and pleasantly hot in the summer {30 degrees on average in August}. There are more recorded hours of sunshine in Javea than in any other place in Spain.
JAVEA, A TOWN OF THREE FACES…….
HISTORICAL OLD TOWN
Javea’s old town is one of narrow, shaded alleys, whitewashed walls and gothic architecture. It was once a walled town to protect the inhabitants from maurauding pirates. The church of San Bartolome dominates the centre of town. This building dates back to the 15th century and is listed as a national monument. At the side of the church is a beautiful Neo Gothic building {the indoor market} constructed on the site of the old Augustine convent and the Town Hall.
A STROLL THROUGH THE PORT
The port “Duanes de la Mar”, originally a fishing community, has been transformed over the years into one of the main tourist centres of the town. Amongst the modern buildings you will encounter the ancient quarters of narrow streets with the simple whitewashed fisherman’s houses. From the heart of the port rises the majestic structure of the church of Our Lady of Loreto, with a roof which imitates the hull of a ship. It is a lively, bustling area, an ideal place to sit at one of its many restaurants and bars overlooking the Mediterranean sea. Or take a stroll along the palm fringed promenade to see the arrival of the local fishing fleet bringing in the day’s catch.
SUN, SEA AND SAND AT THE ARENAL
The Arenal beach is set within a shell shaped bay and its shore is lapped by warm, shallow waters. Summer at the Arenal is lively and busy. The promenade is lined in abundance with bars, cafes and restaurants, providing something for everybody. There is live music or discotheques for those who wish to dance until dawn!
WHAT IS THERE TO DO ?
Whether you are looking to relax or take part in sporting activities there is something in Javea for everyone.
SPORTING ENTHUSIASTS !
There are an infinite number of possibilities for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, speed boat hire and fishing. The modern Club Nautico is the centre for many of these activities on offer, which is located in the port. Other sporting interests are also catered for in and around Javea such as tennis, horse-riding, bowls, cycling, hiking and walking. An ideal base for a golfing holiday, Javea offers a 9 hole course, and La Sella, an 18 hole course only 20 minutes drive from the port.
FUN DAYS OUT !
For the non sporty there is a glass bottom boat and a catamaran trip to view the coast line. For speed freaks there is Go-karting located in the Arenal. A great day out for thrill seekers is Benidorm’s Terra Mitica, Natura, Aqualandia and Mundomar theme parks {35 minutes away by car}. A spectacular dinner and dance show at Benidorm Palace for a memorable night out. If its flamenco you want to see, Viva Espana is the place to go for a day or evenings entertainment. For a day of pampering and relaxation the Denia Marriot Spa is recommended.
RETAIL THERAPY-SHOPPING !
Javea has many clothing boutiques and shoe shops. The Javea weekly local market on Thursday is worth a visit for a chance to buy fresh fruit and vegetables or browse and barter at the various stalls. In the summer months at the Arenal, stalls are set up along the promenade selling a variety of handmade crafts. Visit Gata de Gorgos {8km} where shop after shop is filled with local crafts selling palm leaf ,rattan and wickerwork articles.
LIVELY FIESTAS AND CULTURE
Javea offers a wide range of celebrations, rooted in the maritime and Mediterranean traditions of its people. One of the most important reasons that these fiestas exist is their ability to mark the passing of time and provide a wonderful excuse for a party. In June the summer is announced with the fire of the Fogueres de Sant Joan. In July the Moors and Christians parade in the streets followed by a gun battle on the beach. The spectacular fireworks over the sea in the port should not be missed. Within the framework of these festivities appear the famous “els bous”, a celebration based on young people and the most daring running with young bulls through the streets in the old town or into the sea in the port.
WINING AND DINING
Dining out is a popular pastime in Javea where in its numerous restaurants you can enjoy typical dishes of the Mediterranean made up of fish, shellfish and rice, as well as international cuisine. The choice for food will suit everybody from pizzerias to tapas. There is a variety of bars and cafes to be found in all three areas of Javea where you can sit back and enjoy a glass of sangria or a cocktail and watch the world go by.
TO CONCLUDE …
Although tourism is important in Javea it is not of the package holiday style. There are very few hotels with most tourists preferring to stay in villas or apartments. The local Spanish population have extended their warmth and welcome to tourists and to the many people who have taken up permanent residence in this very special location of Javea.