Javea, also known as Xabia, is an attractive place on the South East Mediterranean Coast of Spain in the area known as the Costa Blanca, dominated and protected by the wonderful El Montgo mountain. Javea is in the Valencian county, free from heavy industrial pollution, enjoying clean air and a temperate climate rarely affected by extremes. Although there can be periods of heavy rain and flooding during autumn months.

Javea is located equidistant between Valencia and Alicante, with easy access from the free AP7 motorway at either Denia or Benissa.

Taxis and private hire available from Alicante and Valencia airports. Additionally private bus companies operate service to and from Alicante airport.

Javea's location is also convenient for sailings from Alicante and Valencia cruise ports .

Javea is a sprawling, diverse place of some 60+ square kilometres with a long 20+ kilometres coastline. From the lighthouse at Cabo San Antonio in the North, along and past the lighthouse at Cabo La Nao (on a clear day the island of Ibiza can be seen) right along to most southerly point Granadella. Granadella is a particularly lovely and interesting bay for snorkelling and sailing, and has featured in a number of films, although parking is limited.

There are three distinct main areas to Javea - the Old Town, the Port and the Arenal beach area. It is in these areas where the supermarkets, banks, schools and services are located. As well as doctors, clinics, chemists, dentists, lawyers, vets, beauty salons etc

Whilst most supermarkets are open all day until early evening, the independent shops normally close during afternoon siesta time and reopen early evening. Monday to Saturday. During summer months many open on Sundays too.

Banks open Monday to Friday, in the mornings.

(The nearest shopping mall is Portal de la Marina in Ondara - a short drive away)

There is only a very limited public transport service operating between the beach, the port and the old town.

There is no railway station in Javea but there is a bus station in the old town offering regular bus services to many parts of Spain.

JAVEA OLD TOWN

The Old Town is where the town hall and most administrative offices are located as well as historic buildings, an indoor market and a weekly outdoor market. There is a health centre, including an emergency service manned 24/7. The local police station is also in the old town.

JAVEA PORT - also referred to as ADUANAS DEL MAR

Javea port, as well as yachting and recreational sea-faring activities for young and old, has a busy fishing port (with a fish auction) and an interesting church. The popular pebbly beach is fronted by shops, bars and restaurants. During summer months Red Cross Lifeguards are on duty at certain times. The long stretch of Tosca stone coast from the port to the Parador Hotel has been maintained as a natural area free from promenade and touristic attractions, providing a lovely route for walkers or cyclists with uninterrupted sea views. Only half the road is in use by slow moving traffic between the port and the Parador Hotel. There is a medical health centre and the GUARDIA CIVIL office is also in the port.

JAVEA ARENAL

Beyond the Parador is the Arenal beach area, full of shops, restaurants and tourist facilities galore.

During summer months there is a Red Cross first aid centre and Red Cross Lifeguards positioned along the golden sandy beach. There are play areas and beach volleyball facilities as well as the usual pedal boats, sun beds, umbrellas etc. The long promenade offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shops of all descriptions. Parking can sometimes be a problem and it can involve having to park streets away.

Further round there are many beaches and coves to investigate, some of which can only be reached on foot and where parking is limited. One bay in particular, Cala Barraca (or Portichol), is famous for its old fishing cottages with brilliant blue doors - well known throughout Spain and attracting many visitors from all over Spain - many of whom pose for photos for social media.

It is usual that annually at least one of Javea's beaches is awarded a Blue Flag of excellence

Following the coast south and inland, in all directions, is where residential areas are located.

Javea is home to a great many different nationalities who have chosen to settle there for the wonderful life it offers. There are several English speaking International Schools as well as infant, junior and senior public schools. Some schools offer a bus service from specific points.

Whether young with or without a family, or retired, Javea has something to offer everyone.

LANGUAGE

Valenciano is spoken in Javea and is the main language of the area, not Spanish. It is used for all official notifications and notices throughout the Valencian Community and is used in all public schools. There are a number of language schools and the Town Hall also offers language classes.