Javea, Marina Alta comarca - Alicante province

The municipality of Javea (or Xàbia, in Valenciano) is located on the north coast of Alicante province, in the Marina Alta comarca, and just 90km from Ibiza which can be seen on clear days.

Javea's historic medieval origins are still clearly visible in the 'old town', a network of narrow streets dotted with white façades, arched doorways, Gothic windows and wrought iron grilles, all topped by the area's characteristic 'tosca stone'.

A perfect example of Elizabethan Gothic can be found in the town centre, home to the impressive Church of San Bartolomé which dates back to the 14th-16th century, along with other historic buildings, such as the Palau dels Sapena, built in the 15th century, and the Casa dels Bolufer, built between the 18th and 19th centuries.

A section of the old medieval walls have been reconstructed in Avenida Príncep d'Asturies, from where Parc Montaner and the Riurau dels Català d'Arnauda are located, lasting reminders of the historic sultana trade.

Whilst this neighbourhood has been developed over the years, it hasn't lost its charm, and its streets are awash with all kinds of shops with a long family tradition, as well as local tapas bars and other services.

Today, Javea is split into three main areas: the Arenal area which surrounds the sandy beach of Playa de Arenal, the Old Town and the active working Port area with marina.

Flanked by the popular resorts Moraira, Denia and Jalon Valley, Javea is home to just over 28,000 residents (as of January 2020), of whom around 4,500 are British expats drawn not only by the beautiful coastline, but also its volcanoes, ancient temples, monuments, lakes, beaches, hills, indoor and street markets and tea plantations.

A jewel in Javea's crown is El Montgó Natural Park which, whilst concentrated in a relatively small space where the terrestrial and marina ecosystems coexist, boasts a wealth of landscapes, fauna and flora. In addition, it's home to a network of caves including the famous Cova Tallada, a sea cave in the cliff face of the Cap de Sant Antoni (Cabo de San Antonio), and Cala Grandella (Grandella Cove).

Meanwhile, La Cova del Montgó, also known as Cova Ampla (wide cave, in Castilian), is located about 450 meters above sea level on the southern slope of the mountain. Here, the first archaeological evidence of settlers on the Montgó was discovered, from the Upper Paleolithic around 30,000 years ago.

Over the years, Javea has become a popular destination for active tourism, offering dry or water canyoning, trekking, kayaking, coasteering and climbing.

And throughout the year, different events and festivals are held, such as those dedicated to Jesus Nazareno and the spectacular Bonfires of San Juan in June.

JAVEA (XÀBIA)