Javea is a picturesque coastal town situated in the province of Alicante. Less than a two-hour drive from the capital, it is a beautiful ride along scenic roads that twist between the mountains, traditional Spanish pueblos and some of the best beaches in Valencia.
With cobbled streets and shimmering waters, it’s one of those beachfront towns that are so easy to fall in love with. Its secluded coves with crystal clear water, historic town centre, varied gastronomy, and waterfront port promenade will make you surrender to its charms. Protected by the Montgo Natural Park, you can admire the most beautiful natural scenery in peace.
A little bit of history…
A Roman settlement for 600 years, the Moors took the town in the 9th Century, ruling over the seafaring population until the Christian Empire arrived in the 13th Century. Yet the roots of this city trace back some 30,000 years, and its long history can be felt in its architecture, landscapes, and warm coastal culture
Head to the Queen’s Bath, the remains of a Roman fish-salting enterprise, drop in on the Blasco Soler Museum to admire typical Roman ceramics used to transport the local wine, or visit the town’s oldest olive tree, planted during the Moorish rule.
You will also find many medieval landmarks, such as the 14th-century gothic San Bartolomé Church and the Ermita de San Juan Chapel, which dates back to the 15th Century.
Where to stay and start your journey
While many visitors tend to stay at the many villas that dot the hillside or at flats in the town, there’s a growing choice of charming boutique hotels. Here are some of the best holiday resorts near Valencia’s Javea region.
Set in the port, Nomad Hotel is one of Valencia, Spain's most dazzling beachfront hotels. This Mediterranean-style boutique hotel has 14 rooms with balconies overlooking the sea. All the rooms have been crafted with jute, wicker and wood, natural materials that bring harmony and peace. Enjoy a culinary experience at the Terra Restaurant or savour signature cocktails at the Skybar.
Situated 8km from the natural park of Montgó, this hotel fosters an aura of serenity. Guests will enjoy garden-view rooms with intimate interiors and space to sit and relax. Indulge in the ultimate wellness experience at the spa, or enjoy authentic Valencian cuisine at Restaurant Madre.
Located next to Arenal Beach, this elegant hotel is surrounded by exotic gardens and hosts an outdoor swimming pool with views of the bay. With spacious modern rooms decorated with plants and flowers guaranteeing relaxation, you can sample typical rice-based dishes and fresh fish at the restaurant and then enjoy a twilight stroll through the fragrant gardens.
This unique retreat is surrounded by nature, with tall palm trees flanking the entrance of the hotel. The nine exclusive suites have a distinctly Mediterranean flair with Spanish terracotta tiles contrasting with woody earthen tones and splashes of pinks, blues and greens throughout. With a sparkling pool and Asian fusion cuisine, La Casita is one of the best places to stay in Valencia for beach days and serene evenings.
Where to eat in Javea
If you are looking for a unique culinary experience, this vibrant beach town near Valencia has a fantastic selection to choose from. There's something for everyone, from typical Spanish family restaurants to fine dining experiences and beach bars with spectacular views.
- By the beach
If you love a good sea view while eating, there are many options near the best beaches in Valencia that you can opt for.
This cosy restaurant near the port offers fusion dishes made with local produce that will delight your taste buds. Try the beef filet served on a hot stone, fish straight from the market or the Indonesian beef stew.
Tuck your toes into the sands of Muntanyar Beach and order your favourite dish at this restaurant on the beach. Savour fun cocktails in the evening or have brunch while watching the waves with various breakfast options, including Spanish, Continental and British cuisine.
Right in front of the Cala del Portixol, with views to Ibiza, this is the perfect place to disconnect with a chilled-out atmosphere. You will find a great choice of Spanish seafood tapas and exotic international dishes.
This family-owned restaurant is a pearl of Spanish cuisine. It is located on the seafront promenade of Javea and has a Michelin star for its innovative dishes and service. Its traditional cuisine specialises in rice dishes, fideuás and fresh fish.
- In the old town
If you are looking for a good culinary experience in the Old Town of Javea, then we recommend the following restaurants:
Tucked away in a narrow street in the Old Town, this is a typical Spanish restaurant where you will find authentic tapas crafted from seasonal produce and a selection of local wines. Expect succulent seafood and fresh veg, followed by homemade desserts.
Found right in the historical centre of Javea, the restaurant’s culinary proposal takes traditional recipes from Valencia and Alicante and crafts them with the best seasonal produce. With the influence of European dishes, it borrows tastes from France, Italy and Normandy.
Located near the Javea local market, if you are looking for a typical Valencian culinary experience, this restaurant has fifteen types of rice dishes that are prepared daily. This gourmet pick also offered a fantastic menu del dia, making it the perfect place to refuel before an afternoon of exploration.
Find this snug locale with vintage furniture and stone arches on the main street of the historical centre. Savour sophisticated tapas, grilled charcoal meats, fresh fish and other local dishes, all served up with a tempting Mediterranean twist.
Chola Gastro is a fusion of flavours from different cultures, including typical dishes from Peru, where the chefs are originally from. One of their favourites is the Tuna Causa Limeña or you can opt for a taste of Asia with the Vietnamese nem.
- In the hills
If you prefer to escape the town for a quiet evening in natural surrounds, you can find these restaurants not too far away:
This rustic restaurant is set in a cosy rural house less than a kilometre away from Javea. The menu has an elaborate number of Mediterranean dishes made with the freshest ingredients. The head chef blends the influences of his Belgian father and Moroccan mother to create a remarkable gastronomic proposal.
This Argentine restaurant located on the outskirts of Javea is the ideal place for meat lovers. Indulge in the wood-fired steaks such as the T-bone steak, beef fillet or rib-eye steak. Other specialities include lamb chops, oxtail or beef churrasco.
This charming bar restaurant is just 5km away from the centre, in the tranquil area of Cansalades. Take a seat outside among palm trees, cactuses and olive trees and choose among worldwide flavours, served up with a dash of Mediterranean zest.
The best beaches
Javea is the best beach town near Valencia to discover hidden coves and wide sandy beaches with crystal clear water. Here are our top picks for soaking up the sun:
This spectacular pebbled cove is located just south of Javea, about 4.5km from Arenal Beach. The area is dotted with spectacular villas and offers activities such as kayaks and paddleboard tours of the surrounding caves.
Located in the southeast of Javea, if you are looking for an unspoilt natural area, this is a great choice. Surrounded by cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, Portichol is a delightful cove of crystalline waters and small fisherman houses.
Situated in the centre of Javea Bay, this beach takes its name from the silky sands that stretch down this part of the coast. It is one of the most popular since it is filled with restaurants, cafés and other establishments.
This semi-urban beach is one of the biggest in Javea. Located between the port and Arenal Beach, it is a good place for watersports such as windsurfing or paddle surfing, and you can also find places to rent canoes and kayaks.
This beach is ideally located to the north of the city, beside the picturesque port. It is a shingle beach mixed with sand, flanked by a seafront promenade lined with shops and restaurants.
Situated just beyond Muntanyar Beach, this beautiful white rock cove enjoys a secluded location. It is a tranquil beach where you can sit and unwind, dive under the waters with a snorkel or navigate the coast by kayak.
This secluded virgin cove is located near the Island of Portixol, it is a shingled gem you will need to access by foot. Just follow the Cap Prim route, starting at the Viewpoint of the Creu de Portitxol. The path runs through pristine natural surroundings, ideal for a quiet afternoon.
This is one of the least known coves of Javea, but one of the most beautiful. It is located to the south of Javea, between the Cala Granadella and Cala Portixol, so you will need to find a place to park your car and then walk for approximately 10 minutes. It is a fantastic location to enjoy snorkelling and kayaking adventures.
What else to explore
Besides its gorgeous beaches and a wide selection of restaurants, there are so many things to do in Javea. Here are some top picks that you can add to your itinerary:
If you love hiking, Montgo Mountain is networked with trails of varying difficulty. One of the most accessible trails is the Cabo de San Antonio-Port de Xàbia, where you will find spectacular views of the cliffs, the bay of Javea and the Granadella mountains. The most challenging trail, which takes about seven hours, is the Port de Xàbia-Cima, which starts near the Nautical Club of Javea and ends at the summit of Montgo Mountain.
A charming setting for an evening of romance, to walk through these narrow streets is to step back in history. One of the most known landmarks is the Church of San Bartolomé, built to safeguard the town from pirates during the 14th Century. Visit the 18th-century city hall set upon a medieval cemetery, or find the Historic and Ethnological museum in a 12th-century tower.
Ruta de los Miradores
One of the best things you can do near Javea is to trek the Ruta de los Miradores. This is one of the most well-known trails in the area, and offers incredible views of Javea’s rugged coast. Follow the coastline for some 25 km, discovering 15 incredible viewpoints.
Weekly markets
There are many markets throughout the week in Javea. On Thursdays, there’s an open market in the Plaza de la Constitución, where you can buy fresh produce, or you can find an indoor food market open daily inside the old monastery. Looking for the perfect souvenir? Head to the port area on Sundays to find the arts and crafts market.
Renting a private boat is a fun way to spend the day with friends and family. You will find various companies in Javea that arrange everything for you. Explore the pristine coast, take a dip in the sparkling waters, or take a picnic to a picturesque cove.
Go kayaking
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities in this gorgeous coastal town. There are various beaches where you can book a guided kayak tour, and some of the best coves to kayak in are Cala Tango, Granadella and Portichol.
Found in the seaside neighbourhood of Duane de la Mar, the church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto is a must-see, with its avant-garde architecture, artistic sculptures, and a historical atmosphere.
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