Javea, Costa Blanca, Spain
The charming town of Javea (or Xabia in Valenciano) lies between the Capes of San Antonio and La Nao, on the northern section of the Costa Blanca, Spain.
Bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, and sheltered from the continental winds by Mount Montgo, it is no wonder that the World Health Organization once selected Javea as having a near-perfect climate for longevity! With it's mild year-round temperatures, varying landscapes - from sandy coastlines to rugged mountain areas - and extensive tourist facilities, it has still managed to preserve all the charm of an ancient fishing village, and is truly the jewel in the crown of Spain's coastal communities.
Javea, Costa Blanca - The Town
Medieval sounds echo through the historic town centre that has largely been preserved over the centuries. White house fronts adorned with wrought-iron grilles and Gothic-style windows provide a noble touch to the labyrinth of streets and diminutive plazas. The Gothic fortified church of San Bartolome dates from the 15th century and is listed as a national artistic monument. Its massive bulk - half-religious, half-military - surges above the web-like pattern of streets. In the fascinating Archeological and Ethnographic Museum - occupying a nearby Gothic Palace - you can view some of the material evidence of the town´s long past.

The importance of the town's maritime activities can be seen in the picturesque port zone, known as Aduanas de Mar (or "sea customs"). Dominating the fishing port is the modern silhouette of the Church of Nuestra Senora de Loreto, with it's awe-inspiring roof imitating a ship's hull.

Outside the town, following the road to Cabo San Antonio, the architectural sites include the Monastery of Nuestra Senora de los Angeles, a series of small hermitages clinging to the mountain slopes, and some ancient windmills.
Sports & Clubs
Javea is surely one of the Mediterranean's most attractive ports - not only because of it's great beauty and location - but also because of the wonderful facilities. The modern Yacht Club in the marina has 300 berths, and sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, water-skiing and fishing are all available.Golf

The town boasts two top-quality Golf Courses: Javea Golf Club and La Sella Golf Club (course designed by José María Olazábal) (see "Golf Courses" section for more details). Computers

Incredibly, Javea has the largest Computer Club in Europe! With over 500 members and it's own Clubhouse, this thriving club makes visitors, who can't exist without their computers for two weeks, very welcome!Bridge

There are two Bridge Clubs for those holidaymakers who fancy a few hours relaxation meeting new friends. Tennis, horse riding, bowling, mountain climbing, fell walking, clay pigeon shooting...

The list really is endless!
Javea - The Sandy Beach

Scenery

From north to south, the capes of San Antonio, San Martin, Negre and La Nao crown the coastline, creating a series of coves blanketed with white, sun-bleached sand or shingle. You can choose between the busy beach of El Arenal in the centre of the bay, or the quiet cove of Granadella, ideal for scuba diving or snorkelling. Commune with the elements on the nudist beach of Ambolo, or discover the secrets of Barraca, Falsía, Pope o Tango and Caleta coves...

The gentle waves separate the coast from the picturesque islands of Portichol and Descubridor, and sculpt the fabulous caves of Orguens and Tallada. Perched on the mountain tops are the remains of ancient watchtowers reminding us how attractive this region was for the Berber pirates in times gone by.

Farther inland, the huertas and vineyards cover the countryside around Javea, speckled here and there with farmhouses showing their typical riu-rau silhouettes with characteristic arched porches, used for drying grapes to produce the region's famous raisins.
To the north, the natural park of Montgo rises up to 753 metres above sea level, nurturing one of the most valuable botanical reserves in the Valencian Region. A journey up the slopes shows a wealth of different vegetation, and provides extraordinary panoramic views from the top.
Cuisine

In addition to the extensive international choices, you'll find a selection of the best local cuisine at any of the numerous restaurants in Javea. Rice dishes come in a wide variety of styles: arroz al horno (oven baked rice), arroz con costra (topped with a "crust" of omelette), arros amb fesols i naps (with beans and turnips), and the famous local arròs a la marinera (fishermans' rice), as well as the internationally famous paella.

Freshly caught fish are used in succulent dishes such as cruet de peix ( a fresh fish and prawn stew) and suc de roig, or just crisply fried in a fritura. Locals also salt or dry their catch to make salazones of anchovy, tuna, bonito or the savoury borreta de melva - excellent as appetizers. Pizza-like coques de pebrera i tomata and traditional sausage preparations complete the typical local offerings, not to mention pumpkin and almond pastries (bunuelos de calabaza, pastissets d'ametla) for the sweet-toothed.
Javea - Fiestas

A benign climate, a fertile land and a beautiful sea seem to have worked wonders on local characters. People in Javea are easy going, open hearted and hospitable, and locals seem to have time enough for work without forsaking their leisure and festivities. Their motives for creating a stir are manifold: a long history, a feel for the religious and a penchant for pageantry.

From April 28th to May 3rd, Jesus the Nazarene must be honoured, and from September 1st to 8th the patroness Our Lady of Loreto is the object of devotion. On midsummer night the entire town is bathed in fireworks and colour to welcome the summer with the Fogueres de Sant Joan, and the second fortnight of July is another occasion for feasting, dancing and parading to the strains of gunpowder and music with the fiesta of the Moors and Christians. During the rest of the year there are lesser occasions for merrymaking, celebrations and sports competitions to keep the Mediterranean spirit alive!