Location
Reflecting the tranquil ambience of Valencia coupled
with the sun and fun atmosphere of Spain's popular Costa Blanca
holiday coast, Javea (or Xàbia as it is spelt in Valencian) is a
pretty holiday resort town set between the capes of San
Antonio and La Nao, about 80km north-east of Alicante in the north
of the province, with the Mediterranean Sea found on the
entire east of its coast. Flat agricultural land stretches for
miles inland, cut by small streams and used primarily for growing
citrus & olive trees. 90 km to the east is the island
of Ibiza, which can be seen on a clear day. Javea is the
largest place geographically in the Cap de la Nau, the
headland that encompasses Javea, Cap Negre and Cap
Martí.
The Montgó, which shelters Javea, is the highest summit of
the region at just over 750m. From the Javea side, it is said to
resemble an elephant. The Natural Park of Montgó was declared
in 1987, and stretches across the area of La Plana to the cape of
Sant Antoni.
The old town is situated a mile or so inland because its
inhabitants feared the incursions of pirates in days of yore. The
waterfront of Javea centres around the working fishing port of
Aduanas de Mar, and the adjacent busy marina. A promenade is lined
with good seafood restaurants, boutiques and pavement cafes. The
most popular beach, Arenal, is a long, sandy stretch with safe
bathing, just one of the many sandy bays and coves to be enjoyed
along the coastline.
Javea is serviced by two international airports, Alicante
(recently refurbished and upgraded) 111km to the south and Valencia
airport, 123km to the north. Valencia also has the added advantage
of being on the Renfe high speed train network with easy access to
Madrid, Barcelona and other key Spanish cities.