INSIDER GUIDE www.javeatravelguide.com
Contents Living in Javea
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How to Get to Javea?
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Where to Stay in Javea
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Best Beaches in Javea
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Montgo Nature Reserve
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Things to do in Javea
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Useful Phone Numbers
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Images by Alexander Gresbek, Brahim Siadi, Javier Roca de Togores Ginestar, Francisco José Soler, Tamsin Henderson, Evan Cornman, John Miller, Yosoo Ha, Luis Fernando Talavera, Matan Ray Vizel and Pexels from Pixabay & Kenji Amorim on Unsplash.
Javea Travel Guide
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© We Love Javea, 2022
Living in Javea Daring modern architecture; amazing regional diversity; sophisticated cities; postcard beaches; fantastic weather; a sleepy countryside festooned with citrus and olive groves; delicious seafood, potato tortilla, tapas, and paella; delectable sangria, this is just some of the reasons why you should move to Javea in Spain. For many, moving to Javea in Spain for a lifetime of siestas and sand is a pipe dream. There’s something exciting about the opportunity to move to a foreign land. Sure, it can be a challenge learning a new language or assimilating into a different culture. But the possibilities for advancement and excitement are endless, especially in Spain. Additionally, travelling within the country is easy: international airports are dotted throughout. Just one hour from Javea you have two international airports, El Altet in Alicante, and Valencia Airport north of Javea, and connections are very frequent; transport is reasonable, and serve destinations all over Europe; trains are fast, though pricey, and also link countries throughout Europe. Getting from Javea to Madrid can take less than four hours. You can even take a ferry to the UK, and Morocco.
Javea Travel Guide
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© We Love Javea, 2022
Cost of Living in Javea Living costs in Javea are fairly low. Leaving aside rent or mortgage payments–and depending on your lifestyle–a couple could easily live on 20,000 euro to 30,000 euro per year and still eat out regularly. Once you know where to go, a meal for two with wine can cost as little as 20,00 euro. For the best value, choose the lunchtime menu del dia (the menu of the day). Although the food is likely to be more filling than fancy, there’s normally a choice of dishes on the three-course lunchtime menu. In most places, the menu del dia usually costs between 7.50 euro and 15 euro. A local beer and a tapa (a little snack that can be anything from a couple of rings of fried squid to a slice of ham topped with an olive) costs around 1.60 euro. Even dining in classier restaurants isn’t overly costly. For a couple, the bill is usually somewhere between 45 and 70 euro – wine included. Obviously, grocery bills are hard to estimate, but the typical spend per person is 70 weekly. You can go to the cinema for 5.40 euro and get a mid-range seat in the shade at Madrid’s bullfighting arena for 3.80 euro (3.50 for a seat high up in the sun).
Javea the Perfect Expat Location If making friends is important to you, Javea could be the best resort town in Spain for you to consider for relocation. With such a large expat community, and plenty of meetups and events arranged all year round, it is very easy to meet a wide range of folk from all walks of life, who are now in a similar situation to yourself. Read more about social life in Javea If you are moving to Spain with young children, and would like them to continue with their education based on the British National Curriculum, you have the choice of two International schools in Javea – the Laude Lady Elizabeth school, or the Xabia International College. With all the top quality bars and restaurants in Jávea serving delicious food and fabulous cocktails, you need to make sure you keep an even balance for your health, and when we say ‘balance’, we’re not talking about having a glass of wine in each hand! Read more about fitness in Javea
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How to Get to Javea? Javea is situated on the most easterly point of mainland Spain about 100 kms from Valencia and 90 kms from Alicante. The most popular Javea airport choice for visitors to Javea is to fly into Alicante and Valencia Airport which has the most flight options with many low-cost carriers offering services. To drive to Javea is about 70 minutes from Alicante Airport and 1 hour and 30 min from Valencia Airport. There is also a third transfer option to Javea which is to fly into Corvera Murcia Airport which is 185 km to the south with a transfer time of 120 minutes.
Rent a Car If you need a rental car at Alicante or Valencia Airport, it is easiest to book it for pickup when you arrive at the airport. Then you can easily return it when you travel back to your home country, and you avoid alternative transport to and from the Airport. We always recommend using a car hire company that has a depot at the Airport, but also has a local office in Javea. Because if you have any problems with the car like a puncture or a breakdown, you can get everything arranged locally in Javea, and don’t have to drive all the way to the Airport to change the car. See the Blanca Cars Rent a Car website for more information
Drive in style with Blanca Cars
BlancaCarHire
blanca_cars
CarsBlanca
Javea Office, Avenida Arenal 1, Local C Conditions: All inclusive with full cover, no deposit, no excess., zero surprises. Free door to door delivery anywhere on Costa Blanca North and at Alicante and Valencia Airport.
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Bookings +34 653 221 333 www.BlancaCars.com
Private Airport Transfer A private airport transfer service is much cheaper than in most places in Europe, but there are still major differences between the various transport companies. Most people order airport transfers from Alicante Airport to Javea on internet. It is easy and in most cases cheaper than booking at arrival in Alicante Airport. In addition, the selection is much larger. Read more about airport transfer to Javea
Taxi from the Airport to Javea A private airport transfer service is much cheaper than in most places in Europe, but there are still major differences between the various transport companies. Most people order airport transfers from Alicante and Valencia Airport to Javea on the internet. It is easy and in most cases cheaper than booking at arrival in Alicante and Valencia Airport. In addition, the selection is much larger. Read more about airport transfer to Javea
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© We Love Javea, 2022
Where to Stay in Javea When planning a vacation, aside from transportation, the most important thing to decide is accommodations (“where are we going to stay?”.) Should I rent an apartment or villa, stay at one of the local hotels and hostels, campsites or look to find a property to buy. When evaluating different types of accommodations in Javea, you have to look at things like cost, comfort levels, safety, proximity to attractions and the amount of space. You also have to come to an agreement with your travel companions to ensure everyone is okay with the choice.
Best Hotels Price isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a hotel in Javea. Cleanliness, proximity to your destination, reviews, age of the hotel, whether you want breakfast included or not, etc all factor in. Start by staying close to points of interest and tourist attractions. You will have no problem finding accommodation, here you will find everything from budget to luxury hotels in Javea. The Javea Parador is a luxury hotel overlooking the sea at the northern end of the Costa Blanca in the beautiful town of Javea /Xabia. Surrounded by the waters of the Mediterranean, it is an ideal location for several water sports. The beautiful garden is home to bougainvillaea and other tropical species as well as a magnificent seasonal swimming pool. The regional restaurant of the Parador serves dishes made from locally caught fish and crustaceans and also the farming products of the area. There is also a special menu for those on a gluten free diet. Read more about hotels in Javea
The Javea Parador Hotel
Rent a Holiday Home When you rent your own apartment, vacation house or villa, you have a place all your own where you can feel at home. This is usually more affordable than a hotel. With your partner, your family or with a larger group. You have the option of having one shared swimming pool for all the guests of an apartment complex or your own private pool in the garden of your villa. You are free to do as you please. Have a barbecue, a cosy dinner at home or go out for a bite in town. You simply have your own address while on vacation. Having all these advantages is wonderful. See holiday homes for rent in Javea
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Camping in Javea There are 2 main sites dedicated to camping in Jávea. The first is located approximately 650 m away from the Arenal beachfront and the other is located just under 900 m from the Primer Muntanyar beach. Both allow for the old fashioned pegs and tarp tent setup, campervan for those who are always on the move or bungalows for those who just need something small! Read more about camping in Javea
Buy a Property in Javea The Javea property market on the Costa Blanca North – especially the new-build sector has sprung back into action. The INE have also revealed that 40 percent of foreign buyers in Spain were in the Alicante region (including the Costa Blanca). The prices of property in Javea have been stable for many years. The rental prices are high, and this means that you can get a good extra income by renting out your home to people on holiday, when you’re not using the property yourself. It is important to ask yourself why you are buying a property in Javea. Do you want somewhere for holidays or do you want somewhere as an investment to pass on to the family or do you seek a second or permanent home? Whether you want to buy, rent or sell a property in Javea, a real estate agent can prove to be a very useful investment. A real estate agent will in most cases be able to negotiate a better purchase and selling price than what one could do yourself; in addition, a real estate agent will ensure that the process goes as it should, according to current laws and regulations in Spain. See properties for sale in Javea
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Luxury 4 bedroom Villa with Sea View for sale in Javea This newly built modern Villa with Sea and Mountain Views is for sale in one of the most prestigious locations of Javea. The property was built in the summer in 2019 and has been maintained to the highest standards. This house utilizes solar panels for warm water and underfloor heating. The gas central heating is connected to the mains, as well as having water filters installed throughout the house to keep your boiler and showers calc free and the water drinkable from every tap! The house has electric blinds on the majority of the windows and the preinstallation for a lift.
Price: €1,475,000
Ref: BI2201
Blanca International Real Estate, Avenida Arenal 1, Local C, 03730 Javea, Spain. Email: vg@blancainternational.com Javea Travel Guide
www.blancainternational.com
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Call +34 722 595 313
Best Beaches in Javea Javea is famous for its rich culture and stunning natural scenery; its beaches attract tourists looking to spend time relaxing in the sunshine on summer holidays. With so many beaches and a vast array of landscapes, Javea’s coastline is as diverse as it is beautiful.
The blue flag is an international badge that is based on the quality of bathing waters, information and environmental education, environmental management and safety and services and facilities and an environmental quality certification system that is awarded annually. The beaches of Arenal, La Grava and La granadella de Xàbia have achieved the blue flag award. A distinction awarded annually by the European Foundation for Environmental Education to beaches and ports that meet a series of environmental conditions and facilities. The blue flag will fly again, during 2021, in the three beaches that already had this quality mark. ‘La Playa del Arenal’ is a 450m+, golden, sandy beach, known to many as the crowning jewel of Javea. Bestowed with a ‘Blue Flag’ symbolising the environmental quality certificate given by ‘FEE’ guaranteeing optimal water conditions and being the only sandy beach in the area, the Arenal becomes a tourist hotspot in the summer months, acting as the central hub of the municipality. With a vast array of bars, restaurants and clubs, the Arenal supplies everything you could possibly need for the perfect beach day and beyond!
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© We Love Javea, 2022
Playa del Arenal is awarded annually with the blue flag, which symbolises the environmental quality certificate developed by FEE since 1987 and which guarantees the optimal conditions of its waters Read more about Javea Arenal Beach La Cala Granadella or Granadella Beach is a stunning, naturally formed cove, considered by many to be one of the most enchanting settings in Spain let alone Javea! Granadella boasts 150+ metres of pebbled beach abreast the crystal clear waters of the Med. A sight to behold! There are multiple local tour companies that offer guided kayak and paddle board experiences of the surrounding caves and beaches, using Granadella as the starting point ( SiestaAdvisor and Kayak Javea to name a couple! ). From personal experience, these are an amazing way to explore the parts of Javea you would never normally get a chance to see. There is also a hiking trail starting from the parking, that leads all the way up to ‘El Castell de la Granadella or The Castle of Granadella’, the remains of an old historic coastal defence post. We think it’s definitely worth a visit! Read more about Granadella beach ‘La Platja de la Grava’ or ‘The Gravel Beach’, is a 300m long, mostly pebble and gravel beach, located at the forefront of the Javea Port. ‘La Grava Beach’ is popular amongst locals for an early morning swim and general relaxation, presumably due to its close proximity to all the necessary amenities required to make for a perfect day at the beach! What isn’t there to do… La Grava Beach has it all! Sunbed and umbrella rental is available at this beach, as well as the opportunity to rent watersports equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards to make the most of your time on the water. There is also a scuba centre located no more than 30m from the end of the beach, that offers guided excursions of the best scuba spots in the area. Read more about La Platja de la Grava
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Montgo Nature Reserve The 2100+ hectare reserve is located 9km to the North of the Arenal beach, situated between Xabia and Denia. Parc Natural del Montgó or Montgó Nature Reserve was declared as such in 1987, due to it being home to a vast variety of wildlife and important archeological discoveries such as cave painting and the remains of Iberian settlements. It is also, however, more notably home to Mt Montgó or ‘Montgó Massif’! An iconic, 753 meter high mountain, debatable the most recognizable feature of this beautiful municipality due to its unique shape.
The mountain itself is said by many to resemble the head of an elephant, with a large cave near the peak acting as the eye and Cap de Sant Antoni as the trunk stretching out into the sea. Weather permitting, climbing Montgó is a must when visiting Javea, as the feeling of achievement when you reach the summit and are free to gaze upon the unparalleled views of the surrounding areas is truly breathtaking. This isn’t the only way to explore the reserve however, as there are a variety of walking trails available to the public, all with varying difficulties.
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© We Love Javea, 2022
Things to do in Javea Javea is considered one of the great jewels of the Costa Blanca in Spain, and there are countless things to see. It is a place full of crystal clear coves, incredible expanses of natural scenery and acclaimed gastronomy. Jávea is the perfect place to escape to and enjoy its excellent climate all year round. .
1. The historic Centre The cosy old centre of Javea is worth a walk for a few hours in the morning. Just walking around and admiring the whitewashed Gothicstyle buildings is an experience in itself. Have a look at the gothic church of San Bartolome, and visit the busy food market with its stalls full of fresh fish and fruit and vegetables from the region. The old town of Javea is still very Spanish. One good advice is to follow the Spaniards and try the tapas on the many local squats. Around the cathedral of the late Middle Ages, the historic quarters of the city cluster together, with house façades drawn with flowers in colourful pottery pots. People live their daily lives in the narrow streets, hardly feasible for anything but mopeds.
2. The Port Today, most ports in the tourist areas have become trendy marinas with exclusive shopping shops, but not the marina in Javea. It still works as a fishing port with boats moored nearby. If you take a trip to the harbour you will be attracted to the beautiful promenade, restaurants and cosy local bars. The view of the bay is spectacular. During the first week of September, one of Spain’s more unusual fiestas will be arranged when the bulls are released.
3. Visit the Local Market Javea has a bustling weekly market on a Thursday in the Plaza de la Constitución in the old town, selling amazing fresh fruit and veg, fish and meat, as well as household goods, leatherwork, clothes, and the usual tourist accessories. In the Plaza Celestino Pons you’ll find the daily indoor food market, located in an attractive former monastery. In the summer evenings there’s a night market along the promenade, selling knick-knacks and souvenirs. There’s also a weekly arts and crafts market at Javea Port on Sundays in the high season, where everything is handmade by the person running the stall – knitted goods, pottery, jewellery and more. Read more about markets in Javea
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© We Love Javea, 2022
4. Best Viewpoints in Javea One of the essential tourist activities of Jávea is at the Ruta de los Miradores which you will not find elsewhere. Throughout its 25 km of coastline are 15 magnificent viewpoints from which to contemplate the beauty of the natural environment, hidden coves and wild cliffs lapped by intense blue waters and is strategically located. The route is well signposted and viewpoints have indicators which will give you information about the area. Read more about the best viewpoints in Javea
5. Water Sports With so many beaches surrounding the perimeter of Jávea, it’s completely understandable that water sports is a hugely popular activity amongst locals and tourists alike. Jávea offers a wide range of watersports to choose from, whether it is your first time and you’re just doing it for fun or you’re an experienced water-sportsman and are pursuing your passion. Some activities are more energy-intensive than others and therefore could be better suited to you depending on your current well being, this should be taken into consideration before partaking in the activities. Read more about water sports in Javea
6. Eat Local Food at Sea View Restaurants Traditional cuisine from Javea consists largely of rice dishes, seafood and Spanish tapas and can advertise with an impressive selection of great restaurants from all continents. In addition to countless tapas bars and traditional Spanish restaurants, there are a number of exclusive restaurants that keep a very high level. For many who are on holiday in Javea, it can be difficult to distinguish between the restaurants that only serve the usual tourist food, and the restaurants where you really want a very special dining experience. Nuts of all varieties are grown in the countryside, including tiger nuts, which are the main ingredient in the tasty and refreshing soft drink, horchata. And when you order tapas, you’ll often get a side aioli for dipping: This delicious garlic sauce goes with pretty much anything.
We Love Javea Travel Guide
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7. Javea Tourist Train The Xàbia tourist train is a great way to move around the town and experience the main areas of Javea: historic centre, Arenal Beach and the port area. The tourist train has a total of six stops scheduled along the 8-kilometre route. The round trip has a total duration of 1 hour (30 minutes for the outward journey). The train runs every day of the week. Its hours are from 10 am to 14 pm and from 17 pm to 23 pm. The start of this service is from Avenida Jaume I, in the port of Xàbia. Read more about the Javea Tourist Train
8. Play Paintball with Friends and Family For all the adrenaline junkies out there, or perhaps for those who just need to relieve some anger! Elite Paintball Javea is an outdoor paintballing field, suitable for most ages and all skill levels. The playing field is located approximately 1km away from the Arenal Beach by road, with high performance paintballing equipment, friendly staff and good facilities. Read more about paintball in Javea
9. Need for Speed For all the speedsters out there, Karting Javea is an outdoor Go-Karting circuit offering both day and night karting for all ages and levels. The track is located approximately 700m away from the Arenal Beach with great facilities and high performance karts, a perfect activity to separate the men from the boys! Read more about Go-Karting in Javea
10. Mini Golf Whether you need to improve your putting or perhaps you’ve just watched Billy Madison and are feeling inspired, Kawana restaurant and bar is the place to go! The course is located approximately 700m away from the Arenal Beach with good facilities and even better food! The 18 hole mini golf course is a fantastic activity for the family, as long as there are no sore losers! It costs only €4 per person, however in the summer months. Read more about mini golf in Javea
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11. Horse Riding The Montgo Vall Equestrian Centre in Jávea, founded in 1994 by Pepe and Nina Olmedo is an official and approved equestrian centre, offering a wide variety of equestrian activities that are carried out by a team of qualified and highly experienced teachers. Thanks to the pair’s efforts and dedication over the course of 25 years, multiple generations of children and adults have been able to discover their love for the sport or just riding in general. In 2019 the equestrian centre was passed into the capable hands of Diana Vassallo & Robert Zedlitz who continue to offer activities to the public, such as their Pony-Club, focussed on introducing children to ride, to their advanced level training for competitions; all undertaken in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Read more about horse riding in Javea
12. Pinosol Park Pinosol Park is just a few minutes’ drive from El Arenal in Javea. When you are tired of beach life, this place is a great outdoor area that offers various activities. The park Pinosol in Javea is an eldorado for both children and adults. In addition to a beautiful playground and a cosy eatery, Kiosko Pinosol, the park contains 20 sculptures carved into tree trunks of burnt pine trees. The tree trunks remained after the violent fire that ravaged Javea and Benitachell in early September 2016. This is a great place to take the children, there are 2 play areas, one for smaller children with a wooden climbing frame and slide, the other is for older children which has monkey bars and a table tennis table. It can be quite hot in the summer as one play area is not shaded, but there is a BBQ area with lots of seating under the trees so there are some shady areas. It’s also a good place to have your little one’s birthday party. Read more about Pinosol Park
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Useful Phone Numbers Guardia Civil Emergency
+34 96 579 1085 112
Police
+34 96 579 0081
Iberdrola – Electricity
+34 96 579 1295
Amjasa – Water
+34 965 790 162
Fire
+34 96 578 0080
Red Cross
+34 96 579 1961
Emergency locksmith
+34 659 85 36 45
Health Centre
+34 96 596 2500
Post Office
+34 96 579 0053
Tourist Information
+34 96 579 0736
Denia Hospital Marina Salud
+34 966 429 000
Town Hall
+34 965 790 500
Radio Taxi
+34 96 579 3224
Rent a Car
+ 34 653 221 333
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