Guide to Javea

Javea is situated in the northern region of Costa Blanca - about an hour's drive north from Alicante (55 miles) and just a little over that due south from Valencia (63 miles). Both airports can be considered equally viable options for anyone travelling to Javea and both are available as a destination using Easyjet. Click on the picture to the left for a larger version of the map and Javea's exact location. Javea life can be delightful. Whether you are just visiting Javea for a holiday or thinking about living in Javea, it's a good idea to get to know the Javea area first.

Tourism is Javea's main source of income but it has retained a great deal of its historic charm - Javea has not been spoiled in any way by the apartments, villas and hotels that have emerged, especially over the last 20 years.

There is so much to do in Javea - sports including sailing, horse riding and swimming are all available across Javea in abundance. There are also many clubs throughout Javea including Javea bridge club, Javea bowls club and Javea tennis club.

Relocation to Javea has become very popular with many people, especially couples and families from the UK. The fantastic climate and friendly local population are huge factors in this - along with the miles of beaches at El Arenal and Javea port and the unspoiled nature of Javea old town and the amazing fiestas and celebrations that take place each year.

One of the further attractions of Javea is the level of protection it receives architecturally - developers cannot build high rise apartments or high rise hotels that would ruin javea, due to regulatory controls aimed at maintaining Javea's uniqueness. Javea also has a long tradition of festivals which form an intrinsic part of its culture and history.

Javea's local population traditionally speaks both Spanish and the local Valencian dialect, but today much of the population also speaks some English and a little German. There are also many other countries represented in Javea, including those from the region of Scandinavia, France and South America.

Many expatriates retire to Javea due to its climate and easy pace of life away from the hussle and bustle of big resorts further down the Spanish coast. The old town in Javea and the beautiful port are excellent attractions to take in on your trip to Javea. The narrow, cobbled streets contain excellent modern shops while retaining the elegance and history of years gone by. Click the picture on the left. The old town is also home to lovely restaurants and pavement side cafes and bars as well as more modern additions such as internet cafes, modern boutiques and gift shops. A trip to the port is not to be missed to take in the beautiful marina and promenade.

Many people who holiday in Javea spend a good deal of time at the excellent sandy beach at El Arenal. El Arenal beach is half a mile of wonderful sand with palm trees for shade and excellent amenities including showers and umbrellas. Click on the photo to the right to enlarge the photo of Javea beach. or click here for a live webcam of El Arenal beach (obviously better by day!).

In the evening the promenade at El Arenal comes alive with market stalls and performers who add atmosphere to the excellent restaurants.

The weather in Javea is also naturally warm and a perfect climate for both a summer or winter break. Check out the 5 day forecast for Javea from the BBC.