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If you’re planning a trip to the Costa Blanca and want somewhere that combines jaw-dropping natural beauty with authentic Spanish charm, Javea is your answer. This stunning town offers everything from secluded coves and dramatic cliffs to fantastic hiking trails and some of the best seafood restaurants on the coast.
I’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your time in Javea. You’ll find activities that suit every type of traveller, from beach lovers and hikers to foodies and families looking for their perfect Spanish getaway.
Visit the iconic Montgo natural park
The Montgo massif dominates Javea’s skyline, and hiking here gives you some of the most spectacular views on the entire Costa Blanca. The main trail to the summit takes about 4-5 hours return, but trust me, those views over the Mediterranean are absolutely worth every step.
If you’re not up for the full summit hike, there are plenty of shorter trails through the park. The Cova Tallada route is particularly beautiful – it takes you through pine forests and along clifftops to a stunning sea cave.
Make sure to bring plenty of water and start early in summer as it can get seriously hot!
Relax on Javea’s stunning beaches and coves
Javea’s beaches are absolutely incredible, and there’s something for every type of beach lover here. My top tip? Visit the beaches in early evening as the sun starts to set. The temperature is much nicer for swimming, and watching the sunset with a cold drink is absolutely magical – it’ll be one of your favourite memories of Javea!
Arenal Beach
The Arenal beach is a huge sandy beach right in the heart of Javea with shallow waters perfect for families. You’ll find volleyball nets, play areas for children, and plenty of bars and restaurants along the promenade. During summer evenings, there’s often live music and entertainment here, creating a lovely atmosphere as the sun sets.
Granadella Beach
Granadella is consistently voted one of Spain’s best beaches. The drive down the winding road is an adventure in itself, and the beach at the bottom is simply stunning with turquoise waters and dramatic cliff backdrop. It’s fantastic for snorkelling too.
Cala Blanca
For something quieter, Cala Blanca is perfect for groups of friends. While it’s rocky rather than sandy, the views are amazing and the snorkelling here is some of the best around Javea.
Take a sea cave kayaking adventure
One of the most incredible things you can do in Javea is joining a sea cave kayaking tour along the magnificent coastline. The crystal-clear waters and hidden caves make for an absolutely unforgettable experience.
There are several kayak excursions in Javea to choose from:
Cala Granadella Cave Tour – Book here from €50pp
Snorkel in turquoise waters and visit the secret underwater cave at Cala en Caló.
Portixol Cave Tour – Book here from €50pp
Experience thrilling cliff jumping and swim through enchanting caves.
Cala Tango and Cape San Antonio Tour – Book here from €50pp
Snorkel in a protected marine reserve and discover the exclusive “Turquoise Cave”.
Take a boat trip to discover the coastline
Seeing Javea from the water gives you a completely different perspective on this beautiful coastline. You can book Javea boat trips from the port that will take you along the dramatic cliffs and into hidden caves that you can’t reach from land.
Many trips include stops for swimming and snorkelling in secluded bays. The water here is incredibly clear, and you’ll often see fish swimming right beneath you.
Watch the sunset from a catamaran with cava
If you want a truly magical evening in Javea, this sunset cruise is absolutely worth every penny. There’s something incredibly special about watching the sun go down over the Mediterranean with a glass of bubbly in hand.
Book your sunset catamaran cruise from €22pp here
This 90-minute catamaran trip departs from Javea port just before sunset, perfectly timed to catch the sky turning shades of orange, pink and purple as you sail along the coast. You’ll get spectacular views of Javea from the water and the most romantic atmosphere – perfect for couples!
Wander through Javea old town
The historic centre of Javea (the Javea old town) is a world away from the beachfront developments. Here you’ll find narrow cobbled streets, traditional Spanish architecture, and the beautiful 14th-century church of San Bartolomé.
The Thursday market in the old town is brilliant – you’ll find everything from fresh local produce to handmade crafts. I always pick up some local almonds and oranges here as they’re absolutely delicious and much better value than the supermarkets.
Browse local markets for fresh produce
You’ll find several brilliant markets throughout Javea that give you a real taste of local life.
Thursday Market – The main Javea market in Plaza de la Constitución in the Old Town. You’ll find fresh food, clothes, and local goods. I always pick up local almonds and oranges here – they’re absolutely delicious and much better value than supermarkets.
Municipal Market – Located at Plaza Celestino Pons, this indoor food market opens daily with fresh food stalls and local specialities.
Market Del Riurau – Every Sunday in nearby Jesús Pobre (15 minutes by car), this lovely farmers’ market has fantastic local produce and a great atmosphere.
Sample fresh seafood at the port
Javea’s fishing port is still very much a working harbour, and the restaurants here serve some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere on the coast.
I’d recommend trying the local speciality – red prawns from Denia. They’re caught fresh daily and have an incredibly sweet flavour that’s completely different from regular prawns.
Take a scenic ferry trip to Denia
One of my favourite day trips from Javea is taking the ferry to Denia. The ride takes about an hour with amazing views of Cape San Antonio’s cliffs while you soak up the sun.
Denia sits on the other side of Montgo mountain and has plenty to offer – from the Marina el Portet to Denia Castle, plus excellent bars and restaurants. I highly recommend visiting Plaza San Antonio for happy hour cocktails!
Book a return Javea to Denia ferry here from €12pp (€18pp return)
Hike to Cabo de la Nao lighthouse
This scenic walk takes you to the easternmost point of Javea, where you’ll find the historic lighthouse perched on dramatic cliffs. The path winds through Mediterranean vegetation and offers stunning views along the way.
The lighthouse itself dates back to 1928, and the views from here across the sea towards Ibiza are absolutely incredible on a clear day.
There’s a small visitor centre here where you can learn about the area’s maritime history, and plenty of spots perfect for a picnic lunch.
Go wine tasting in the local vineyards
Javea may not be widely known for wine, but it’s home to some fantastic wineries producing incredible Muscatel, vermouth and more from grapes grown in local vineyards. The wine tasting experiences here are brilliant, especially with a group of 6 or more.
The area around Javea produces some excellent wines, and several local vineyards offer tastings and tours. The climate here is perfect for growing grapes, and you’ll taste wines that you probably won’t find anywhere else.
Many of the vineyards are family-run operations that have been producing wine for generations. The tours are usually quite intimate and personal, and the owners are passionate about sharing their knowledge.
Try rock climbing at Montgo
If you’re into climbing, Montgo offers some fantastic routes suitable for different skill levels. The limestone cliffs provide excellent grip, and the views while you’re climbing are simply spectacular.
There are several local climbing schools that offer guided climbs and equipment rental if you don’t want to bring your own gear.
Even if you’re a beginner, there are easier routes that will give you a taste of what Spanish rock climbing is all about.
Visit during the local festivals
If you can time your visit with one of Javea’s traditional festivals, you’re in for a real experience. The Moors and Christians festival in July is particularly spectacular, with elaborate costumes, parades, and mock battles.
The Bonfires of San Juan in June is another highlight – locals build huge bonfires on the beach and celebrate until dawn. It’s a magical atmosphere and gives you a real taste of Spanish tradition.
Practical tips for your visit
The best time to visit Javea is late spring through early autumn when the weather is perfect for both beach activities and hiking. Summer can get quite busy, so if you prefer quieter beaches, consider visiting in May, June, September, or October.
Renting a car gives you much more freedom to discover the hidden coves and inland attractions, though the main beach area is easily walkable.
Most restaurants and shops have English-speaking staff, but learning a few basic Spanish phrases will always be appreciated by the locals.
Book restaurants in advance during peak season, particularly if you want to dine at the port – the best seafood places fill up quickly!
