Things to do in Javea

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.

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

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

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

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.

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