Javea, Costa Blanca, Spain
Villa and Apartment Holidays
Javea, in the northern end of Alicante province, lies between Cabo San Antonio to the north and Cabo La Nao to the south. Cabo de Nao is the most easterly point of the Valencian coastline and is the point at which the bays of Valencia and Alicante meet.
Javea lies at the foot of the impressive Montgo mountain, and has a widely varying landscape, from sandy beaches and coves to rugged mountain terrain.
The climate is mild all-year round with temperatures averaging 18 degrees Centigrade. Javea's superb modern facilities combined with the charm of an old Spanish fishing village make the area one of the most appealing holiday destinations on the Costa Blanca.
The Aduanas del Mar, the marine and port area of Javea, has excellent fish restaurants and a lovely promenade with pavement cafes and bars overlooking the sea.
Javea has a very attractive marina, and the modern Yacht Club has 300 berths and is equipped with water sports facilities such as sailing, scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing and fishing. Dominating the fishing port is the modern silhouette of the church of Our Lady of Loreta, built in the shape of a ship's keel.
The Playa del Arenal, the town's most popular beach, is the commercial and tourist centre of the town. The bay is fringed by a pretty promenade with its fascinating shops and boutiques, and a superb selection of bars and restaurants offering national and international cuisine. The beautiful sandy beach has palm trees and play areas for children.
The coastline is about 20 km long, washed by the clean, warm waters of the blue Mediterranean Sea. It stretches from the Cova Talla to the Cala de la Granadella. There is an interesting variety of beaches, from soft and sandy, to intimate coves with shingle and flanked by pine trees. Many of these beaches are popular with scuba divers and and naturists. There are also small coves at Portichol and La Sardinera.
Javea old town is steeped in history. Frequent attacks from pirates forced the inhabitants to settle 2 km from the coast in a walled town - walls which remained until 1877.
The historic town is centred on the church of San Bartolome a fine example of late Gothic defensive architecture - surrounded by whitewashed houses with iron grilles and golden Tosca stone porticos.
Javea's town hall, cultural centre, "Soler Blasco" Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and the Chapel of Santa Ana are within easy walking distance through the narrow streets. And nearby, the indoor market sells household goods, fruit, vegetables, meat and fresh fish delivered daily from the Port.
Inland, the Golf Club, surrounded by pine and orange groves is a pleasant setting for golfers, and there are several other courses within easy access. Local sports clubs and associations offer bridge, bowls, tennis, horse-riding and even shooting. The area is especially beautiful and fragrant in the spring when the orange and lemon trees blossom.
To the north, on the road to the San Antonio cape, is the monastery of Our Lady of the Angels, a group of small hermitages clutching the mountain slopes, and some ancient windmills.
The fiesta occurs during the second two weeks of July and is a great opportunity to join the Spanish in feasting, dancing, parades, music and fireworks. Another spectacle is the famous the Moors and Christians celebrations, held near the end of August. Javea offers great water sports including sailing, scuba diving and wind-surfing. The area is well served for good quality golf courses, including the Golf Club, Club de Golf Ifach, and La Sella Golf Course.
The countryside around Javea offers beautiful scenery dotted with unspoilt villages. And there is plenty to occupy holiday-makers, with the resorts sparkling sandy beach, La Grava beach, the port area and numerous coves and beaches along the coast.
Alicante airport is only 75 minutes away, and within a short drive the excellent motorway provides easy connection to nearby towns and the rest of Spain.
