Javea is that jewel of the Costa Blanca that never ceases to amaze us. The Montgó Natural Park, the Cabo de San Antonio Nature Reserve, the port, the historical buildings, a wide gastronomic offer and a great climate almost all year round add to the incredible beaches that stretch from Cova Tallada to Cala Granadella. There are still more attractions! Do you want to know all of them? Keep reading and discover what to see in Jávea, its best beaches, where to eat and where to sleep. We bring you the most complete guide for your holiday in Javea.
What to do and what to see during your holiday in Jávea
Stroll through the old town and enjoy its festivities
It doesn’t exist anymore, but you should know that, in the past, a wall protected the area. The old town represents small and narrow medieval streets that lead from one square to another, with the most important being the Plaza de la Iglesia, which hosts the Gothic church of San Bartolomé. This church also fulfilled, in medieval times, the function of defense of the city. Nearby, you can also find the Mercado de Abastos and the Town Hall.
If you go in January, you can experience the festivities in honor of their patron saint, San Sebastián. At the end of April and beginning of May, you will be able to see the crosses of May festival and in June, you will enjoy the well-known ‘’Hogueras de San Juan’’ (Bonfires of San Juan). That is when the ‘’Nit dels Focs’’ (the night of fireworks) is celebrated, which has been declared as a Festival of Tourist Interest.
The Port and the Duanes de la Mar neighborhood
Duanes de la Mar is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the municipality. It is located in the fishing and recreational area surrounding the port and continues its seafaring tradition, which began in the nineteenth century. Here you can practice water activities and have a drink on the numerous terraces facing the sea.
You can also see the modern Church of Our Lady of Loreto, it dates back from 1967 and, the roof, is like the hull of a ship. It is an example of avant-garde religious architecture.
Don’t miss out the moment when the boats arrive and the fish is auctioned in the fish market, it’s an activity that attracts a lot of tourists’ attention. If you are on holiday in Javea by the end of July, the festivities of Moors and Christians are celebrated and there’s no way that you don’t like it.
Take a trip to Montgó
The Natural Park of Macizo del Montgó is located between Denia and Jávea. Its shape is the most characteristic of the Javea’s landscape and even though it’s impressive, climbing to the top is simple than you thought. If you go with children during your holiday in Javea, better if they are older than 8 years, because the final part (with an uneven ground) is difficult for the kids. The easiest route starts at Les Planes. If you go up on a clear day you will see Ibiza, which is 90 km away. The views are beautiful and the effort is worth it.
Look for your perfect accommodation in the Valencian Community
Once there, get to the Cabo de San Antonio Lighthouse
Cabo de San Antonio is part of the Natural Park of Montgó and is the place where you will have the best views. It’s part of the eastern extension of the Mongó massif and is integrated into the sea. Don’t forget to bring your camera on your holiday in Javea. The lighthouse is there since the mid-1800s, with a height of 170 meters, although it’s fenced, so it can only be seen from outside.
Javea Beaches
During your holiday in Javea, all we want to do is diving to cool down from the heat. Therefore, we have compiled a selection of the most beautiful beaches in Javea for you, and they are truly beautiful! ? ‘’Dive’’ in our selection.
Cala Ambolo
It’s probably one of the most underrated beaches in Javea. While you are lying on your towel on the white sand enjoying the steep cliffs behind you, the clear intense blue water in front of you and beautiful nature around you, you will get the feeling that you are on a tropical island. The occupancy rate is low and there are virtually no facilities, giving you the feeling that you are all alone, away from the busy beaches of the city.
The beach is popular with snorkelers and climbers. A little bit away from the coast, there is a rocky island where you can climb to jump off the rocks, but be careful, of course.
The beach is close to the Mirador of Ambolo, a watchtower, but originally it is a defense tower from the 16th century that protected against the attacks of pirates.
It is officially a naturist beach, although you will also see many guests with swimsuits here.
Playa del Arenal
This is one of the few sandy beaches in Jávea, and therefore also the largest of our selection. Located in the middle of the bay of Jávea, this city beach is also one of the most visited beaches. The entrance into the sea doesn’t go deep and therefore this is the perfect place for swimming with children.
This beach isn’t only appropriate for sunbathing. The fine sand also makes it perfect for a sport activity. For example, play volleyball, play football or build a sand castle with the little ones.
Cala la Granadella
This cove between cliffs and lush vegetation is certainly an idyllic place to spend your day surrounded by rugged nature of rocks and Mediterranean forests. The water is crystal clear and it’s a good place for divers and snorkelers. Sometimes, it’s called the most beautiful beach in all of Spain…and rumors can be right!
The beach has received a Blue Flag because of the quality of the water and the picturesque horseshoe shape of the beach. In the summer months, it can get very busy, so we advise you to arrive as earlier as possible. The beach is only 150 meters long.
You can also rent a kayak here and explore the coast as well as the many caves. The view of the giant cliffs is definitely worth it!
Cala Sardinera
This virgin beach of pebbles is for those who want peace and tranquility, the only thing that could disturb you here are the fishing boats that pass by. This also explains the name of the beach: this was the best place to fish sardines, and the nets are collected here twice a day in the traditional way, once at sunrise and once at sunset.
The beach is quiet and offers the perfect opportunity to snorkel or swim with children.
Cala Blanca
This small beach is literally a hidden paradise. This cove with crystal clear pebble waters is the perfect place to relax for a day while enjoying nature and the view of Montgó. The second option is to go snorkeling as the water is perfect for this!
The beach isn’t crowded. Here, you have the feeling that you are far away from the noise of the city. It can be only reached on foot via a long staircase from various points of the neighboring cliffs.
Cova Tallada
Even though it’s not really a beach, we would like to list it to make your experience even more amazing during your holiday in Javea. This cave is great to discover with the little ones! This wonder is located in the Cape of San Antonio Natural Park. Wherever in Javea you are, you shouldn’t skip this!
This cave lies directly on the sea, so that water also flows into the cave. This cave isn’t formed by nature, it probably dates back to the Muslim era or the time of the Romans, when Arabians and Romans wanted to use the stone for the building of several important constructions such as the church of San Bartolomé in Jávea. ?
There are different ways to reach the cave, but it will be an adventure anyway! You can reach this cave, by walking from Jávea or Denia, even though we advise you not to do this on a hot day, the route is quite steep. The walk from Denia is a lot shorter and easier. If you travel with children during your holiday in Javea, it’s recommended choosing this option. During the hike, you will be able to enjoy great views of the Mediterranean Sea and the cliffs.
Or you can also reach the cave from the sea, both with a kayak and paddle surfing. Ok Adventures offer excursions to discover the cave in this way. During the excursion, you will see the coast from a different perspective and you can admire the views of the coastline and the Montgó.
Where to eat during your holiday in Javea?
After an intensive day of sightseeing or a long day on the beach, you are probably starving. Even if that’s not the case, eating in Javea is truly an experience. Follow us on our gourmet journey through Javea and discover the Mediterranean tastes!
Volta I Volta
This innovative restaurant in the heart of Javea is combining new and old traditions. You will be amazed by the delicious food and good service and there’s a reason for that. The staff has various experiences working abroad that reflect into the dishes of Volta I Volta. In addition, the team works with a big passion so that it can deliver the best possible for its customers. Volta I Volta adds a contemporary touch and a pinch of love in all the Mediterranean traditional recipes. They always choose local ingredients that are available of the season and that the Spanish land has produced. Moreover, everything that is in your plate is 100% homemade by Volta I Volta.
Their main focus is the gastronomy of Valencia and Alicante, but they mix it with more exotic flavours. Therefore, Volta I Volta is a safe bet for an excellent dining experience. Guests shouldn’t miss the paella of course, and the sea dishes such as the red snapper with a bean stew. This dining experience will cost you around 25-30 € per person but it’s totally worth it.
? Calle Santa Teresa, 3, 03730 Jávea, España
☎: +34 635 67 85 66; +44 965042823
Opening times: From Thursday to Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. AND from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Wednesday – closed
Restaurant Cabo la Nao – for couples
When on your holiday in Javea, don’t miss this place with 60 years of history that has managed to preserve the Mediterranean cuisine by using only high-quality products. Their menu is very abundant and your taste palates will be over the moon when trying the dishes from Cabo La Nao.
They give special attention to the rice plates that are capable to satisfy even the most capricious palates.
And all that, combined with the incredible location of the restaurant. Enjoy a sunny afternoon on the terrace situated in about 120 meters of height. Your partner and you can enjoy romantic views of the lighthouse, and you can observe the horizon as far as your eye can see. The dishes cost between €8 and €22 on average so that is adapted to everyone.
? Carretera Cabo la Nao,154, 03738 Jávea, España
☎: +34 965 77 18 35
Opening times wine lounge: from 10 am to 10 pm
Opening times restaurant: from 1pm to 4pm AND from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Wednesday – closed!
Restaurant Masena Javea – the gourmet choice
If you are on holiday in Javea on your own, with your family, friends or with your partner, then Masena is the place to be! Located in a house with rustic charm that has seats to sit inside but also an air-conditioned terrace, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a lunch or dinner. Now, the only thing left to do is to immerse in the various flavours. Their menu is abundant and it offers international cuisine as well as the Mediterranean and French specialties.
We recommend: the suckling pig confit cooked at low temperature with apple sauce.
If you still have room left, you must try the hot apple tartlet made at the time. If we still haven’t convinced you, we must say that they also have excellent collections of wine.
It’s a little bit fancy place as the average price of the dishes ranges between €33 and €45.
? Ctra. Benitachell, 71 – Javea, Alicante 03730 España
☎ +34 965793764
Opening times:
Monday- Wednesday-Thursday-Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm; from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Saturday-Sunday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm; and from 7:30 pm to 11 pm
Tuesday – closed!
Amanecer Restaurant – where friends & family meet
Located in a privileged environment, in the natural park of Montgó, you can enjoy a typical Mediterranean cuisine in a chill-out terrace with swimming pool or if the weather isn’t on your side, there are two large rooms with the capacity for 180 people.
Meanwhile, you are enjoying your dinner, there’s also a kid’s area where children can play. Amanecer restaurant has taken care of everything so that you can completely relax during your holiday in Javea.
Now, speaking of food, perhaps your mouth is watering. Let’s continue with the chef’s specialties. The focus is on the traditional Valencian cuisine, therefore, rice dishes and paellas are top notch! Moreover, the menu offers fresh meat and fish as well as vegetables. Dish prices vary starting from €9 to up to €30. There are also menus for about €18 per person as well as a kid’s menu for €7 and they can choose from hamburger, pizza, chicken fingers or lasagne. Let’s go to our favourite part, the desserts.
Tip: order the cheesecake or if you are all about the chocolate, then the chocolate cake is your right choice!
? Carretera Cabo San Antonio, 101 03730 JÁVEA (Alicante)
☎ +34 965 790 765
Opening times: from 10 am to 11 pm every day.
Where to stay in Javea
Our choice of accommodation during our holiday in Javea can greatly affect the quality of our stay. We want to feel at home, to have a little break and disconnect for a few days. That’s why we have selected our favorite holiday homes in Javea, whether you go with family, friends or a couple.
???? In Family
When you go on a holiday in Javea with your family, we are looking for a nice place to share moments together, spend evenings at the table laughing, playing cards and bonding with the people who we care about the most. There’s a pool where kids can play around and because it’s an apartment in a shared residence, your children can make friends with the other family’s kids.
This 104m2 apartment has 2 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 6 people. There are air conditioning and a beautiful terrace where you can start the day with a delicious breakfast: the family reunion that everyone dreams about. In addition to having a pool, the complex is close to the shops, bars and restaurants and it’s situated just 100m from the sandy beach of Arenal! The kitchen is fully equipped (dishwasher included), and you will have an internet connection, a TV and a garage. How awesome is that!
❤ In couple
Are you planning a romantic getaway? We have selected an adorable cottage on two floors in the middle of nature. It’s a real little ‘’cocoon’’ where to share special moments with your partner. You can enjoy relaxing moments together by lying on the loungers, get tanned and then if you are too hot, hop into the swimming pool. From the terrace, you can admire the breathtaking view of the mountains.
This little paradise is located 6km away from the beach bars and restaurants, and 3km from the old town of Javea.
? With friends
Are you planning a vacation with friends? This beautiful and very modern villa, has 4 bedrooms, and can accommodate up to 9 people. You will enjoy a superb swimming pool, and a large and cozy terrace with a large comfortable and cozy sofa, ideal to chill-out in the evenings. The terrace overlooks the garden which is perfectly maintained. There is also a barbecue that awaits you which is the perfect compliment for memorable evenings with your loved ones. At the same time, you and your friends will have incredible views of the city and the sea.
The villa has also an ideal location. It’s just a 7-minute drive from the beautiful sandy beach of Arenal, as well as the restaurants and shops. For golf enthusiasts, there is a golf club which is 4 km away.
☀? Very close to the beach
This very bright apartment is our favorite. It can accommodate up to 4 people. It has two bedrooms, a spectacular view of the sea and a large sunny balcony. The location is also great: just less than 300 meters from the sea! It’s the ideal accommodation for your holiday in Javea. It has air conditioning (and heating for the winter), as well as a beautiful American kitchen with all the utensils you need for the preparation of a delicious meal.
This was our travel guide for your holiday in Javea! Did you like it? For an amazing holiday with the family, friends, partner or on your own, you shouldn’t miss the best things to do in Javea, the incredible beaches as well as the fabulous gastronomy and cozy accommodations. Safe travels and GO Explore!
