As a former resident of Jàvea, I’m thrilled to share my intimate knowledge of the incredible town I grew up in. Welcome to Jàvea (or Xàbia in Valencian), a gorgeous town located on the easternmost tip of the province of Alicante, within the autonomous community of Comunidad Valenciana, Spain.
As you embark on your first visit to this Spanish paradise, let’s explore what makes Jàvea a perfect destination for discerning travellers like yourself.
Where is Jàvea?
It lies approximately halfway between the cities of Valencia and Alicante, roughly 100 kilometres (62 miles) from each. Jàvea is situated on the Mediterranean Sea, in the region known as the Costa Blanca, renowned for its beautiful beaches, rugged coastline, and clear blue waters.
The town is bordered by the Montgó Massif, a prominent mountain shaped like an elephant that offers stunning views and a natural park for hiking and outdoor activities. On the other side of the Montgó mountain, lies the town of Denia.
Jávea is one of the closest mainland towns to the island of Ibiza, giving you a taste of the Ibiza life without leaving the continent.
Jàvea’s climate
Jàvea is known globally for its exceptionally healthy microclimate and its ranked second globally by the World Health Organisation in the 1990s (just after Rio de Janeiro).
Weather in summer
The hottest months in Jávea start from June and end in September. The average temperatures are around 25°C to 30°C.
The weather will skyrocket in summer months, and can occasionally soar to temperatures of 35°C+. Please make sure you’re protected from the sun with high factor sunscreen, which you can buy in any of the local supermarkets and bazaars. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to avoid sunstroke.
Weather in winter
Winters are milder than most places, and warmer than anywhere in the UK. I remember one Christmas day when I wore a summer outfit because it was so hot outside!
On average, you’ll experience much cooler evenings, and feel the elements of the colder weather, with occasional blisteringly sunny days to balance it out.
It rarely rains in Javea, but there can be periods of (extreme) rainfall which the locals coin as ‘gota frias’. These usually happen in Spring or the beginning of Autumn, and they usually last for around 5 days to a week.
Even in January, you can expect average temperatures of 12°C, making it an ideal year-round destination.
The main areas in Jàvea
Jàvea is divided into three main areas, each with its own distinct character: the Old Town, the Port, and the Arenal beach.
The Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Step back in time as you wander through winding alleys lined with tosca stone buildings. The Old Town’s crown jewel is the 18th-century San Bartolomé Church, a stunning example of Elizabethan Gothic architecture.
Don’t miss the lively Plaça de l’Església, perfect for people-watching over a coffee or glass of local wine.
Javea Port (El Puerto)
Jàvea’s bustling fishing port is the heart of the town. Here, you can watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch, which often makes its way directly to the town’s restaurants.
The port area boasts a lovely promenade, ideal for evening strolls, and the pebbly Playa de la Grava beach.
Arenal Beach (Playa del Arenal)
The golden sandy stretch of Playa del Arenal is Jàvea’s main beach and tourist hub.
With its shallow waters and array of beachfront restaurants and bars, it’s perfect for both relaxation and entertainment.
Things to Do
Javea’s beaches
I can’t not mention Javea’s many incredible beaches in this guide – however, read about all the beaches in Javea in this more detailed guide.
There are so many beaches to choose from, and all different in their own way. The main beaches are the Port beach and the Arenal beach, as these are located in the most populated areas of Javea and are very convenient to get to.
Personally, my favourite beach is the Cala Blanca beach. It’s much quieter, much more pretty, and has two whole coves to explore and snorkel around.
For any water sports enthusiasts, there are so many activities to try in the area. There are opportunities to kayak in the sea caves around Granadella beach, paddleboard on the calm waters at the Port beach, or snorkel at the Cala Portixol beach.
Hike the local mountains
Hike the impressive Montgó Mountain for breathtaking views of the whole Javea and Denia landscape.
Experience a local festival
Time your visit to coincide with one of Jàvea’s vibrant festivals, such as the Moros y Cristianos in July, or the Fogueres de Sant Joan in June.
Shopping
Browse boutique shops in the Old Town or visit the Thursday market for local produce and handicrafts.
There’s a shopping centre called La Marina which is home to big clothes brands and homeward stores. La Marina is based in Ondara which is about a 15 minute drive from Javea.
Dining out
Jàvea’s culinary scene is superb, and you can find a delightful mix of traditional Spanish cuisine as well as plenty of international cuisine. There are also various Michelin star restaurants scattered around the area too.
As you’re in the Valencian region, I encourage you to try our Valencian paella at any of the restaurants, or fresh seafood caught from the Port. I promise you won’t regret it.
Nightlife
If you’re looking for a fun night out, I highly recommend visiting the Arenal. The Arenal area comes alive on the weekends – Chabada offers excellent live music and its list of unique cocktails (I recommend the Desastre). Achill is perfect for those looking to dance into the early hours and watch the sun rise over the Arenal beach.
If you want a more lively night out, you may want to visit Benidorm!
Practical Information
Transport
While Jàvea has a local bus service connecting the main areas, it’s not very frequent. I urge you to consider renting a car for more flexibility, especially if you plan to explore beyond the town. You should be fine if you’re staying in one area and don’t intend to travel much.
Taxis are available in each area, but can be expensive if you’re venturing outside of the main Javea area.
Can I get by with speaking English?
Although Spanish is predominant, you’ll find that many locals speak English due to the large expat community, in the bars and restaurants. This is less so in the shops and supermarkets, so you may want to learn a few basic Spanish phrases – the locals will appreciate this!
Where should I stay?
The Old Town and the Port area offer charming boutique hotels. For longer stays or family trips, I recommend villa rentals for cost-effectiveness, your own space, and most importantly, your own pool!
When is the best time to visit Javea?
The summer season is the most popular time to visit, from June to September. It will be much busier, but there is also lots more going on around this time in terms of the area opening up and the activities you can do. You’ll find those months offer the perfect swimming weather!
April-May and October are ideal for sightseeing without the summer crowds, and to experience much milder weather. These months are a lot more relaxing and you’ll avoid the heavy influx of the tourists, which some may prefer.
