Special Javea supplement March 2022

A Javea

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March 2022

GEM OF THE COSTA BLANCA Home to the most expensive streets in eastern Spain, Javea’s rugged beauty holds enough hidden jewels to share all round, writes Joshua Parfitt recently named Barraca cove as one of the Mediterranean’s ‘most Instagrammed spots’.

A tarmac road now snakes down dramatic cliff sides to the pebbly beach as it passes award-winning villas like Casa de la Sardinera that was voted to have the ‘best residential pool in Europe’ and sold for €4.9 million back in 2017.

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If just 50 years ago Javea (spelt Xabia in Valenciano) was connected to the rest of Spain by dirt roads, it’s a gem the world has quickly discovered.

Javea’s 29,000 population (half of them foreign-born) swells to over 100,000 in summer attracted by its collection of beaches like Playa Granadella – on the farside of Javea’s

southern Cabo de la Nao headland.

It’s an incredible spot, regularly dubbed ‘Spain’s best’, and has featured in Hollywood films, like the Cold Light of Day, starring Bruce Willis and Sigourney Weaver.

But despite the big seasonal influx, Javea is lucky to have missed the mass development of Benidorm some 40km to the south.

Its town hall has been relatively strict on planning and restrictions prohibit anything higher than a palm tree, while the atmospheric old town has been almost completely untouched Continues on Page 2

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M

ARIA is one of few local residents who can trace her roots directly to the sea.

Her father’s Javea was a place where its now celebrated coves could barely be reached by donkey, down precipitous trails carved out by centuries of fishermen’s feet.

“My family still owns two fishing huts down on Cala Barraca,” Maria tells me. “It’s an incredible privilege to have them, only these days we tend to share our Sunday paella with the world.”

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VIEWPOINT: The Cabo de la Nao headland has legendary vistas

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A Javea ll about

MARCH 2022 From front

JEWEL IN THE CROWN and looks the same as it did 100 years ago.

Wandering Javea’s oldest streets – too tight for cars – you can still feel the protection they provided from unpredictable attacks by Barbary pirates.

Javea’s defensive past is encapsulated in its 14th-century Iglesia-Fortaleza de San Bartolome, one of the only siege-ready churches around.

And don’t forget to slink into Javea’s cool municipal market built in local honey-coloured tosca stone.

Here you’ll find locals sipping a sweet café solo with a coca – a traditional sourdough flatbread topped with either chopped tomatoes and salted tuna or typically, a single anchovy.

You can pick up crimson-red prawns, monkfish and inkyblack sepia brought in fresh from Javea’s waters that same morning.

And if the sun’s over the yardarm – as it usually is in Javea – you can enjoy a Negroni or the local concoction, Agua de Valencia (vodka, cava and fresh orange juice), from the British-run

tapas-and-cocktail bar Puesto 7. And there’s a host of other tapas joints to try next to it.

Most people in Javea think of the town as being divided into three separate parts: the old town, the port below it, and ‘the Arenal’ at the other end of the bay.

It’s easy to think of the old town and port as ‘traditional Javea’ and the newer Arenal area as ‘touristy Javea’ – shabbier Javea, if you will.

Indeed, the natural sandy Arenal beach, lorded over by its historic Parador hotel, fills to capacity in summer as easy access to warm, shallow waters attracts young and old alike.

But you’d be wrong to think the Arenal lacks class.

Among the glass-fronted bar-restaurants and palm-lined Paseo de David Ferrer (Spain’s former world no.3 tennis player and a current resident) hides Tula, one of Javea’s two Michelin-starred restaurants (BonAmb inland being the other).

The Arenal is also home to the Javea-owned La Fontana restaurant, where expats and locals alike come to share a paella de marisco or fideua – paella’s noodle-based sibling that hails Javea’s port to the Punta del Arenal, Javea has from the city of Gandia some 40km north.

3km of coastline, dotted with pop-up chiringuiThe Arenal’s best known patron is the French- tos that serve a fresh Mojito or the Roman-era owned Javea Company, in charge ‘Queen’s Baths’ that serve a selfie of the popular Chabada cafe-bar, to go viral. the restaurants of La Boheme But there are plenty more secret From the milky and Acqua, and the nightclubs beaches worth seeking out. of Achill and Bambula. But the For the more intrepid, a 20-minute blue Playa de Geographic has become a poptowards the San Antonio headla Grava, Javea hike ular joint for a light lunch or to land will take you to Cala Tango – a watch live sports on its dozYouTube hit with a 17 metre-high has 3km of en-plus screens. jumping platform that was empty in coastline The Arenal is surely Javea’s most July when I last went with a cuttlefish international spot, but Javea sandwich, an Estrella Galicia tinny wouldn’t be the hidden gem of and a GoPro. the Costa Blanca if it didn’t have empty beach- On the southern side of the Arenal there’s the Cala es even in its high season.

Blanca, only reachable by walking through a round From the milky-blue Playa de la Grava in hole in the rockface, before you meet the dramatic

MARCH 2022

BUSTLING: Busy Arenal beach in Summer and scenic Javea view

Cabo de la Nao headland with hidden coves you still today can’t reach by foot.

If you worry that sheltered coves like Playa Granadella have already been discovered by the world’s luxury magazines then don’t.

There are plenty of others.

The local buzz currently centres around the ultra-secretive Cala en Calo that’s been grabbing world rankings alongside tropical beaches in Thailand and the Philippines.

If there’s anything I’ve learned from three years of living here - relocating thanks to the Olive Press launching an edition here in 2019 - it’s that Javea never fails to give up more hidden treasures.

Just last summer two snorkelers found 53 gold coins while fooling around off La Cala Barraca, just beneath Portitxol Island.

Local reports said they had a ‘heated discussion’ about whether they should do the right thing and tell the world of their discovery.

Gold

When they did finally notify authorities, local archaeologists reportedly ‘cried’ as one of Europe’s largest finds of Roman-era gold put their little bay in the history books (Portixtol comes from the Latin meaning ‘little port’).

A huge picture of the gold coins is currently draped across Javea’s old town Museo Soler Blasco, and the story of snorkelers Luis Lens and Cesar Jimeno is now legendary.

I also know that my friend Maria has often weighed up a similar dilemma to this pair, worried that in revealing Javea’s secrets to the world she might lose a piece of that good fortune.

I ask her if the tourists bother her.

“Look at Javea, it has no factories, it has no industry – we are lucky to be able to make our living from our nature and our views,” she says.

Lucky for her, and for us who came later, Javea has enough hidden gems to share all round.

To launch its newest perfume in 20 years, French fashion house Dior recently chose Javea.

Called appropriately, Joy, the firm rented award-winning Casa de la Sardinera for a month to hold a series of fashion shoots and soirees by its famous infinity pool.

Mercedez Benz have also shot campaigns at the house, which won its architect Ramon Esteve a ‘best residential swimming pool’ award.

THE SMELL OF BEAUTY

Ibiza of Costa Blanca

THE Times newspaper recently likened Javea to Ibiza.

On the one hand because it is geographically the closest point on the mainland to Ibiza and you can usually see its hills shimmering over the Med. And on the other due to its beauty and rising popularity – and why wealthy readers might want a slice of it.

Its beaches certainly match those with the Balearic gem.

Playa Granadella features on many top 10 lists including National Geographic, Forbes and El Pais and it also won the ‘best beach in Spain’ two years in a row from 60,000 voters on the national Antena 3 channel.

Ibiza’s land prices are famously high but Javea’s are also very high (at an average of €2,438 per m2) and with two of the Valencia Region’s most expensive streets.

Houses on Carrer del Pic Tort have an average property price of €3.1m with prices on Calle Penaguila above the port not far LOCALS: From fishermen to artisans at a roadside stall and the flower shop in the port (above right) off.

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FULL MARKS!

Lady Elizabeth School named one of Spain's top International Schools, 22 years in a row

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AMILIES relocating to Javea are often surprised to learn they have moved to an ideal location that also includes a worldclass international school. Lady Elizabeth School has been ranked as one of the top 30 private international schools in Spain by the prestigious ‘El Mundo’ each year since the rankings were fpublished.

Lady Elizabeth School (LES) is the longest-established international school in the area, founded in 1987.

At present, LES is a community of 1150 learners MARZO MARZO supported by almost 200 professional, credentialed and caring staff. The community is diverse and vibrant with over 50 nationalities represented at the THURSTHURS school.

A Javea ll about

MARCH 2022

Home from home Mayor Jose Chulvi has Javea in his veins and is proud of its multicultural make-up, writes Jon Clarke

H

E couldn’t be more steeped in the history of Javea’s decision-making process.

Mayor Jose Chulvi, 52, was born and grew up just 10 metres from its historic town hall, in the heart of the old town.

And he has lived and breathed its myriad of social and culturMARCH al changes first hand since the MARCH 1970s.

“There were just 10,000 people LES provides primary and secondary education based on the living in Javea back then and it Meet our school Get to know our British curriculum frameworks and standards, for students aged was a very different life,” he tells from two to 18. Theschool Primaryyour utiliseshome the International Primary Curfrom home the Olive Press. riculum to drive learning, augmented by a wide range of after “There were many fewer tourists Sign up here: les.edu.es school activities.

In Secondary, the school offers one of the largand foreigners and we used to est range of GCSE and A-Level options in Spain, in addition to spend our days running around extensive sporting, artistic and service activities. the streets playing football, or Sign up here: les.edu.es The school is situated at the top of the Cumbre del Sol, Beniheading off into the mountains info@bsv.edu.es tachell, just a short drive from Javea and Moraira. It features a or down to the sea. modern, state-of-the-art campus with unparalleled facilities and “It was so easy back then.”

School of Vila-real.

Ctra.

Vila-real a Burriana (junto a Hospital La Plana), 12540 Vila-real stunning views over the Mediterranean.

He is lucky that today he still has Tel. 964only 500 155 / info@les.edu.es Lady Elizabeth Schoolarea – Entrada Norte la Cumbre del The school is the one in the Javea with its owndeboardsoSolmany of his old friends still info@bsv.edu.es bsv.edu.es 03726 Benitachell, Alicante, ESPAÑA ing facilities, located in the nearby village of Pedreguer.

Students around, plus a few new ones, inTel. 965 790 of 252 / info@les.edu.es from different nationalities and other parts Spain come to LES cluding expats such as his Scotfor a unique educational experience on the Costa Blanca. of Vila-real. Ctra. Vila-real a Burriana (junto a Hospital La Plana), tish12540 friend Vila-real George Thomas, 80, Families interested in enrolling their children at LES can do so all who he’s known for a quarter of Tel. 964 500 155 / info@les.edu.es year round. The school encourages prospective parents to visit a century. bsv.edu.es the school in person or sign up to an online open day. Taster days And while he doesn’t have chilfor students of any age are also available. dren of his own, he has 28,000 full time residents who he feels responsible for ‘on a day to day For more information contact Mrs Isabel Calatayud, basis’.

Head of Admissions: i.calatayud@les.edu.es “There is nothing better than being able to help your town and

Online Open DayDay Online Open Activities Meet our school from your home

locals who urgently need it,” he continues.

“At the moment we are doing our best to help our Ukraine residents who number about 200.

We have 84 different nationalities making up 54% of our residents. This multicultural mix is key for our town and future.”

But he continues that protecting the environment is also vital to the town.

“It has certainly been very important to protect the town from over-development and to keep its environmental integrity.”

Protected

Now in power for 11 years, he boasts how he has managed to take an impressive 10million square metres of land from being urbanizable to being protected.

It has meant seeing the coastal area cleaned up, on top of his drive to protect the valuable underwater posidonia grasses offshore.

The former sports teacher has also managed to turn around a town hall debt of 45 million euros to a surplus of 30 million in just 12 years.

“It was a desperate situation to be in and I am proud of getting things organised here, bringing

GRILLING: Jose meets Jon on Zoom in more transparency and saving lots of money.”

Talking to him on Zoom from his town hall office, he explained that he was able to do it by stopping investing millions in tourism and better running the town hall.

“And we have still managed to see the rates (IBI) drop by 17% while I have been in charge,” he insists.

Above all, a cultured man, he is proud of the links the town has formed with classical music groups such as the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra, which visited recently, as well as the rapidly-growing connections to artistic maestro Joaquin Sorolla.

Along with a statue of the artist going up in the town, the paseo is also set to be named after

him, while there are also talks to host a major retrospective of his works at some point next year.

“It is 125 years since his first visit to the town and we are very proud that he spent so much time painting his famous works here in Javea,” explains Jose.

“We want to recognise exactly what he did for our town so watch this space,” he adds.

MARZO

MARZO

THURSTHURS MARCH

MARCH

Online Open DayDay Online Open Meet school Get toour know our from your school from home Meet ourhome school Sign up here: les.edu.es from your home

Sign up here: les.edu.es info@bsv.edu.es

tish School of Vila-real. Ctra. Vila-real a Burriana (junto a Hospital La Plana), 12540 Vila-real Tel. 964 500 155 / info@les.edu.es Lady Elizabeth School – Entrada Norte de la Cumbre del Sol info@bsv.edu.es bsv.edu.es 03726 Benitachell, Alicante, ESPAÑA Tel. 965 790 252 / info@les.edu.es

ool of Vila-real. Ctra. Vila-real a Burriana (junto a Hospital La Plana), 12540 Vila-real Tel. 964 500 155 / info@les.edu.es bsv.edu.es

MARCH 2022

5

PRETTY AS A PICTURE

Artist Joaquin Sorolla hoped that his first UK exhibition featuring Javea would make him rich

T

HE year of 1908 marked the first time Londoners set eyes on Javea.

In an age where aeroplanes were still learning how to fly, and photographs

still in development, the meeting inevitably came through the paintbrush.

But the exhibition at Grafton Galleries through May, June and July weren’t just any old paintings of Javea.

The posters put Javea’s name next to that of Joaquin Sorolla, calling him ‘the world’s greatest living painter’ following international success.

Sorolla, born in Valencia in 1863, fell in love with the Costa Blanca fishing town of Javea during a visit in 1896.

“Javea is sublime, immense, the best I know to paint. It surpasses everything,” he wrote in one of more than 2,000 letters kept by his wife, Clotilde.

Sorolla’s obsession with the play of light and water in Javea saw the town make up a large part of the 278 paintings he took to London in search of fortune.

Among these paintings include Cabo de San Antonio, Javea that captured the site of Javea’s iconic headland back in 1896.

There was also Cordelores de Javea, Nadadores de Javea, El puerto de Javea, A child in Javea and countless others

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE: Sorolla’s Cabo de San Antonio painting and (below) the artist at work

referencing the seafaring, sea-loving and golden-coloured moments Sorolla encountered.

One of Sorolla’s most famous paintings known to have sold was Encajonando pasas from 1900, showing hundreds

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A Javea ll about

MARCH 2022

From Page 5

I hate cities, viva Javea While London may have fallen in love with Javea and Sorolla at the exhibition, the opposite never happened.

Sorolla was disappointed with his reception in London.

He complained about the cold air, he complained about being lonely, and he feared the ‘polite’ upper-class English were too cerebral to appreciate his masterpieces of light and fresh air.

Worst of all, Sorolla sold few paintings in London in 1908.

“I feel old, I can’t live alone, I’m emptier than you, for you at least have the chil-

HARD AT WORK: The raisin packaging girls was sold in London while (right) Sorolla on a Javea cove

dren,” he wrote to Clotilde.

“Today is a disgusting day, I’ve only just had my lunch with electric light and it’s already 2pm – I hate big cities, viva Javea.”

England later proved to be Sorolla’s lucky ticket, however, as it was there he met American philanthropist Archer Milton Huntington.

Sorolla soon received an invite to exhibit at The Hispanic Society of America in New York, where he sold 195 paintings.

The society later commissioned Sorolla to paint a huge mural called Vision of Spain, that captured the Spanish nation in a series of works taking six years (1913-1919) to complete.

By the time Sorolla was done, he had earned enough money to buy a house in central Madrid that today houses his works as the Museo Sorolla.

When he died in 1923 Sorolla was already established as one of Spain’s all time greats.

It took another 100 years – until 2019 – for London’s National Gallery to put on a British exhibition of Sorolla (Sorolla: Master of Light).

Except that, this time, Sorolla’s painting of Javea had already become priceless.

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A Javea ll about

MARCH 2022

9

NOWHERE QUITE LIKE HOME Jennifer Cunningham never planned on relocating to Spain…until she fell in love with Javea, writes Fiona Govan

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836 251

IKE many of those who end up living in Spain it was after enjoying a holiday with friends that Jennifer Cunningham took the decision to relocate from London to sunnier climes for a quieter life.

“My late husband was much older than me and, after suffering a cardiac arrest, he wasn’t expected to live long, so we took a snap decision to move over to the Costa Blanca where the climate suited him and in fact he thrived and lived another 12 years,” she tells the Olive Press from her home in Javea where she has lived for more than three decades.

“I was suffering from diabetes so the move gave us both a new lease of life, swimming every day in the sea and the Mediterranean diet really helped me,” she continues.

“The Spanish way of living, taking time to enjoy family and friends, also really gave me a new way of looking at life.”

But Jennifer wasn’t ready to retire. Instead she started up what has become one of the most successful expat businesses in Spain.

It began with one small office in Javea and has now grown to seven branches across the Costa Blanca and one in Lanzarote.

“I never tire of Javea. I can sit on a terrace and gaze at the sea day after day. It’s wonderful at sunrise and sunset, spectacular, but it’s when the bay twinkles in the moonlight that Javea

is at its most beautiful,” reveals Jennifer.

“Sitting with a coffee or a glass of wine and watching the world go by is one of my pleasures in life.

Even in early March you can enjoy the warm sunshine on your face, look out over at Montgo, and see waterskiers in the bay.”

Javea occupies a special corner of Spain with its own microclimate that makes it a firm favourite with expats and Spaniards alike.

“It’s a wonderful place to live and while it has changed a lot since I arrived, it still has the old town with a marvellous market that still retains the feeling of the fishing village it once was.”

The seaside town has become one of the most fashionable destinations during the summer months with crowds of Madrileños descending from the capital to holiday homes during July and August.

“Those of us who live here year round breathe a sigh of relief when September 1 comes and the multitudes go home. But in truth, the tourists are needed to keep the local businesses, the shops and restaurants alive,” explains Jennifer.

The pandemic was particularly hard on local businesses with many pulling down the shutters forever.

“Unfortunately, a lot of restaurants were forced to close with Covid but thankfully not as many as feared. Some of our favourite places managed to survive and things are picking up again.”

In fact, Javea is thriving. “There are new apart- first encountered on a holiday in the 1980s conments going up everywhere,” says Jennifer. “Little tinues. teeny patches of scrubland suddenly get snapped She recalls the snap decision she made to move up and then there’s an apartment block. to Javea all those years ago.

“This isn’t a good thing. Parking “Here I was on holiday having a is a huge problem in Javea even lovely time and I did everything you outside the summer months but shouldn’t really do when making I was ruled by in peak tourist season, it’s imposimportant life decisions. Just like sible.” that I saw a property I loved and my heart and She believes the town should introput down a deposit, then went back not by my head duce a ‘park and ride’ type system and sold up in the UK,” she laughs. so visitors can leave their cars out- - not something “I was ruled by my heart and not my side the town and catch a bus in. head and that isn’t something that I normally do “It’s hard seeing the town I know I would normally do. change so much and I wish there “But if you asked me if I would do was more thought going into its deit all again I’d say yes, I absolutely velopment,” she admits. love Javea and feel very safe here. I wouldn’t want But on the whole the love affair with the town she to live anywhere else.”

For more information please visit www.jennifercunningham.net or www.paulcunninghamnurses.com

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Their experience, spanning over 30 years, has allowed them to source and bring to Spain quality products which match the tastes of their predominantly-expat client base, at competitive prices.

Harris Furnishings, as an independent store - unlike some larger chains - has a more flexible relationship with their manufacturers, unrestricted by minimum orders or limited fabric options.

Each piece of furniture is hand-made to order, and the store offers literally hundreds of fabrics from which to choose, as well as a beautiful range of Italian leathers.

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A Javea ll about

MARCH 2022

The outdoor life The Javea area is a joy for sports lovers, writes George Mathias

J

AVEA’S rugged coastline was once a hotspot of piracy and smuggling.

Today, its beaches are frequented by sunbathers, snorkelers and scuba divers, while the whole area is a joy for sports enthusiasts.

Apart from fantastic hiking options, it boasts one of the coast’s oldest tennis clubs, a couple of excellent golf courses and one of the best bowling clubs on the Costa Blanca.

CROWNING GLORY

J

AVEA Bowling Club boasts the best bowls club facilities in the Costa Blanca, with plush greens welcoming all ages and abilities.

You will get a warm welcome from a community-based club which has over 100 members. The club caters for competitive bowlers, social bowlers and all levels in between and even has its own club coach who offers bespoke training to help you progress.

Their members range from 25 to 95, so whoever you are, you can be sure you will feel right at home.

There are nine rinks in total, seven club rinks and two practice rinks on the upper terrace, making it the largest club in the area.

If you are worried that you will struggle to pick up a new skill just look at club captain Keith Hamilton who only started playing in his mid 50s and is now competing in competitive tournaments.

The club is not just a sports venue, but also a social hub, many of the members have made friends for life just through a shared love of playing bowls.

Get in touch by email at info@javeagreenbowlsclub.com or visit www.javeagreenbowlsclub.com

Captain of Javea Bowling Club, Keith Hamilton insists that costing just a euro a day, a full membership is ‘much cheaper than golf’.

And he jukes the image that it is not an active sport, revealing that the average game clocks up 5,000 steps.

Just 10 minutes drive from Javea it has over 100 members and welcomes both novices and experienced players alike.

If racket sports are more your thing, then look no further than the Club de Tenis Javea which last year celebrated its 50th birthday.

A non-for-profit club, it has six clay courts and two hard courts as well as a squash court, gym and swimming pool.

It has seen a number of professionals play here, most notably David Ferrer, once number four in the world, and with his own court named after him!

Golf lovers meanwhile should take a ride over to the Club de Golf Javea, which was designed by architect Francisco Moreno and opened in 1981.

The course has nine

GOING STRONG: For 50 years gently sloping holes with fairways flanked by palm and orange trees. A further nine holes are in the pipeline.

Despite the course's idyllic appearance, the holes represent a true challenge for even the most experienced golfer, with 34 bunkers dotted round the greens.

Javea is also renowned for its sailing, and, for those in the know, Club Nautico de Javea offers rowing, fishing, sailing, wind-surfing, as well as loads of kids activities.

The club also hosts an annual sailing regatta with the 48th edition due to take place in August.

The event attracts more than 200 participants, with races for Optimist class dinghies, as well as other boats.

For a town of under 30,000 inhabitants, Javea certainly punches above its weight for outdoor sports.

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MARCH 2022

HASTA LA VISTA

11

The Mirador challenge may be gruelling at 30kms long, but the views more than make up for it, writes Joshua Parfitt

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ISTAS are places for dreamers as well as the adventurous, looking for something different.

They are also perfect places to show off on Instagram and Facebook - and to get in your minimum 10,000 steps a day.

The Mirador Challenge helps you with those… and a lot, lot more.

First created by British expats Mike and Fay Smith over a decade ago, it traces 15 viewpoints (miradores) along the dramatic limestone coastline cradling Javea.

The route covers 29km and promises some of the best scenery in Spain.

You can of course do parts of it, or the whole lot in one day if you get your skates on early.

Here, we pick out our favourite sections.

Cabo de la Nau

La Granadella

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HE challenge starts in the 700ha Granadella Forest Park, a scrubland still recovering from a forest fire in 2016 that decimated the area.

The most challenging partthe route, this walk through scrubland can be steep and rocky, though the lack of trees

offers sublime views all the way down to Javea’s amazing Playa de la Granadella. (above).

After a short scramble up the hill from the beach the Mediterranean arrives like a balm for sore bodies out from Castell de la Granadella viewpoint.

Ambolo

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HE third viewpoint looks out over the Isla del Descubridor (Discoverer’s Island), allegedly named after a Javean sailor who accompanied Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to the Americas.

A more shocking discovery for anyone who decides to take a pair of binoculars, however, would be the nudist beach at the foot of this cliff.

The real crown jewels is the dramatic coastline stretching east of the Ambolo viewpoint, locked in a perpetual battle with the sea that happily produces the shingled beaches enjoyed by the fully-clothed and nudist alike.

FINISH

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ABO de la Nau is the name given to this whole headland south of Javea.

The protruding cliffs here mark the closest point on the Costa Blanca to Ibiza, which can be seen on a clear day across the shimmering blue.

But Cabo de la Nau also refers to a high, rocky outcrop boasting two restaurants, Cabo de la Nau and Mirador de Javea, with unbeaten views over the Med. The viewpoint itself, the fifth on the chal-

lenge, is bejewelled with purple clumps of toothed lavender—a rare, endemic species that is separate to the more common English lavender seen in ornamental gardens.

La Falzia

START

CHALLENGE: The route takes in 15 viewpoints as it winds along the coast

T

HE woods around La Falzia viewpoint are the only forested area on this otherwise highly-developed coastline.

But with sunrise views over Porticholl island, who can blame residents for choosing such an inspiring vista early in the day.

The water is so crystal clear you can almost see the fish, and you probably would quite rapidly if it wasn’t for wooden barriers keeping you from the sheer cliff-edge.

A great place for walking, La Falzia is only a stone’s throw from the Playa de la Barraca, which offers a secluded bay for swimming in the summer months.

From this, the seventh viewpoint, you drop down to Javea and along the coast to the port.

Cabo San Antonio

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ROM the port you have the final climb up the winding footpath to the top of Cabo San Antonio which offers perhaps the most stunning, near-360 degree views on the Javea coastline.

From Ibiza to the east, the whole of Javea beneath you, and the Montgo mountain to the west, this is a true dreamer's paradise.

From here, you can see how the citrus groves just outside the old town of Javea find sanctuary in this valley from the hard limestones cliffs that confront the sea like a rampaging Spanish bull.

And as you gaze longingly over the town, it won’t be long before you’re enticed back into one of its bars to remind your battered body why beer is best served ice-cold.

12

A Javea ll about

MARCH 2022

Strolling through history

Old town walk takes you through Javea’s past

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AVEA’S old town is a perfectly preserved relic of the past, exuding a rustic charm that is all too rare in today’s world.

Dating back to medieval times, its buildings are a patchwork of historic architecture spanning seven cen-

turies.

Today’s old town is distinguished by its narrow lanes adorned with white façades and gothic windows alongside its distinctive tosca sandstone.

The beating heart of the town was once dedicated to

the raisin trade, and its ornate raisin drying facilities still remain in the form of sandstone partitions and galleries with large ulls, which would shelter the grapes on thatched mats to dry.

Indeed, to walk through the old town is to dip one’s toe into a rich mercantile history.

In the 13th century, Javea was but a small enclosure sealed in by city walls but the 16th and 17th centuries gave rise to the construction of Javea’s most inspired architecture, with gothic buildings such as the Palau dels Sapena and the Casa dels Bolufer.

There is a nice range of small shops and restaurants to stop at, including the excellent Irish-Romanian-run place, La Sucreria, right by the main church.

Also look out for the recently opened Carniceria tapas bar, on the outskirts of the centre.

Make sure to look out for its

PICTURESQUE: An old town street (far left) and ancient market are just some of the spots to see charming architectural details, while (right) townsfolk old and new and the impressive church

ancient market, now converted into a gourmet hall, perfect for lunch or supper.

Needless to say Javea’s old town retains an allure that has wowed visitors for centuries and long may it continue.

Moreras del Saladar Bloque 1, Local 2 Avda. del Pla, Javea, 03730, Alicante javeablinds@telefonica.net Established in Javea since 2007

BLI N D S

AW NINGS

CURTAIN S

S O F T F U R N IS H IN G S

Add style and sophistication to your windows.

Make the most of your outdoor space.

Bespoke solutions for all your windows.

With an enviable reputation for stylish designs and excellent quality at affordable prices, Javea Blinds are the No.1 choice for interior blinds.

Whether enjoying lunch al fresco with your friends, or simply relaxing away from the sun, an awning from Javea Blinds will transform your terrace into a comfortable outdoor room.

Transform your house into a luxurious home with made to measure curtains.

Be inspired by our stunning collection of quality fabrics and complimentary poles and accessories, embracing both traditional and modern styles.

From the simplest of soft furnishings, to something more creative and unique.

tel: 966 46 38 45

WWW.JAVEABLINDS.COM

MARCH 2022

13

TOP OF THE CLASS Xabia International College, featured in La Razón’s Top Schools in Spain

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ABIA International College is excited to have been featured as one of the top schools in Spain by La Razón, in an education special edition including 18 schools in Spain.

"Our efforts to offer our families top quality education combined with small classes and strong family culture are ongoing, and we are extremely proud of the achievements of our students and the College as a whole."

Xabia International College is the only international school in Jávea for students from two to 18 years old. The school was founded in 1994 to provide a quality education based on the English National Curriculum combined with the Spanish Educational System, within an international environment. The school comprises Foundation, Primary and Secondary sections, situated across three sites in Javea, offering continuity of education from Nursery to University.

With a staff to student ratio of one to six, the number of students per class will never exceed 20 and this is reduced as the student progresses. In Sixth Form, classes can be as small as four students, which is an excellent opportunity for students who are a little older and have more pressure.

The philosophy of the school is to build and nurture strong relationships at all stages of education. Trust and understanding are fundamental to our community. It means that the child trusts that the teacher will provide them with the tools, information and support they need to meet their requirements as a student. The teacher must cultivate that trust with the child and those relationships are key.

“The future is very exciting at XIC! We are in a situation where we are never standing still, our focus is on innovation and how to be better every day,” said a spokesperson.

“Admissions for September are now open. We would love you to come and visit us, see what we do and ask any questions you may have!”

joinus@xabiainternationalcollege.com Max 20 students per class | Individual attention | Family focu www.xic.college +34 966 47 21 21

Admissions for September 2022 are no Book a visit & meet us! www.xic.college

TOP CENTRO E D TUOCPA CTEINVTOR O EDUCATIVO

2022

2022

Max 20 students per class | Individual attention | Family focus | Whole child philosophy

Admissions for September 2022 are now open.

Book a visit & meet us! www.xic.college

96 647 17 85

Get your beauty sleep!

14

A Javea ll about

MARCH 2022

F

COAST WITH THE MOST

OR a coastal destination like Javea it’s strange that a mountain means so much.

The honey-coloured Montgo A GREAT day starts with a good night's sleep”, is the motto of quality bedding and furniture stockist, The massif is only 753m tall.

Bed Shop.

But that’s enough to make With stores in the picturesque Costa Blanca towns of it a photogenic backdrop as Javea and well as giving Javea one of Alfaz del Pi, the best microclimates in this family the world. tel: 965 64 12 01 thebedshopjavea@gmail.com run business According to one of the www.thebedshopjavea.com prides itself world’s first major microclion offering mate studies conducted in Javea is one of Europe’s best places to locate in thanks to its clients a prothe 1990s, Javea shot to fessional and personalised service, combined with the THIS IS WHERE DREAMS areRioreally MADEand mountain backdrop, writes Joshua Parfitt number two behind de climate best in customer care.

Janeiro, also backed by its With more than 10 years of expertise in the industry, the We at The Shop are atofamily run businessmountain. who pride ourselves in offering a large 23C range to 27C. famous between well-to-do from Valencia and foreigners in Spain. staff at The Bed Shop stores will give you theBed best advice of beds, accessories at great Theand Montgo blocks icy, prices. arc- This geographical stroke of Madrid flock down to enjoy “With a reputation for stunfit your specific requirements, enabling you to choose the mattresses ning beaches and great food Our aim is to give our clientstic a personal the best customer winds service from with ruining winluckcare. has turned Javea into their well-earned holidays. perfect bed, for the perfect night’s slumber. terto advise (20C on days in solution January topindividual retirement destination For them, Javea has become it’s no surprise that Javea With over 10 years experience we are able the best to suitayour needs.

They stock a wide range of beds, furniture, and brands to common) while cool forliving expats something of a status sym- has one of the highest expat suit all specifications and budgets, froma large furnishing your We stock range of products toare suit every budget, from rentals to luxury and the offerworld over. rental property affordably, to luxury bedding andfast, furniture sea breezes keep scorching bol thanks to the entrancing populations, with 54% comfree local delivery and free disposal of your old bed.And Javea understandably designed to give life a softer, extra- luxurious touch. summer temperatures to swells in summer as the paintings of Joaquin Sorolla, ing from abroad,” says Sigve They have a wide selection of spring mattresses, foam matas well as being Kommedal. tresses, bed bases, storage bases, guest/trundle beds, the birthplace “In Valencia province, this is bunk beds, electric beds, toppers, headboards and bedand home of only beaten by Calpe, Altea, room furniture all at competitive prices. Customers benefit Spain’s former Teulada-Moraira and Rojafrom fast and free local delivery, as well as free disposal of world no.3 ten- les,” says Kommedal. your old bed. nis player David Have you ever wondered how often you should replace Expensive Ferrer. your mattress? Human beings spend more than one third Javea also But this popularity comes of their lives in bed, so naturally, our beds and mattresses Sealy Hybrid Essence shares a bounty at a price, with few places sustain daily wear and tear. Experts recommend that we of fresh gam- on Spain’s coastline having invest in a new mattress every six to eight years on average bas rojas (red such high house prices. to ensure that you get the correct back support and allimThe Bed Shop Calle Venecia 28, Cami De La Mar 37, WE ARE THE COMPANY THAT REALLY DO CARE prawns) with With average prices in Javea portant quality sleep. Jávea/Alfaz As a company, we are committed to off-setting our impact on 03738 Jávea Alfaz Del Pi, its neighbour of at €2,438 per m2, it is the the environment and reducing our carbon footprint.

03580 Alicante For every purchase over 500€ we plant a tree.

Denia, one of third most expensive muFor more information, and to view their the gastrono- nicipality in the Valencian my hotspots of Community, after Alboraya great range of quality products, go to: www.

Spain. in Valencia and neighbourthebedshopjavea.com. Visit their showrooms According to ing Teulada-Moraira. in Javea or Alfaz del Pi. For enquiries and popular local On a par with Estepona and to speak to one of the friendly team, call agency Blanca Nerja on the Costa del Sol, them in Javea on: +34 965 641 201 and in I n t e r n a t i o n a l , it is considerably cheapAlfaz del Pi on: +34 966 580 628. Email: Javea has one of er however, than Marbelthebedshopjavea@gmail.com the largest con- la which averages out at centrations of €3,108 per m2.

The Bed Shop is the one stop shop for quality bedding and furniture

“

®

tel: 965 64 12 01 thebedshopjavea@gmail.com www.thebedshopjavea.com

THIS IS WHERE DREAMS are really MADE We at The Bed Shop are a family run business who pride ourselves in offering a large range of beds, mattresses and accessories at great prices.

Our aim is to give our clients a personal service with the best customer care.

With over 10 years experience we are able to advise on the best solution to suit your individual needs.

We stock a large range of products to suit every budget, from rentals to luxury living and offer fast, free local delivery and free disposal of your old bed.

Sealy® Hybrid Essence

The Bed Shop Jávea/Alfaz

Calle Venecia 28, 03738 Jávea

Cami De La Mar 37, Alfaz Del Pi, 03580 Alicante

WE ARE THE COMPANY THAT REALLY DO CARE

As a company, we are committed to off-setting our impact on the environment and reducing our carbon footprint.

For every purchase over 500€ we plant a tree.

MARCH 2022

15

CLIMATE RIDDLE

Most expensive street While it is pipped by nearby Moraira for average price, Javea however has the Valencia region’s most expensive street to buy in.

According to Idealista, property prices in Calle Penaguila averaged out at nearly €2.7 million in 2020.

And that’s no surprise with the amazing road snaking up from the edge of the port into the nearby hills with incredible views.

They say location is everything and this street is hard to beat with less than 100 houses, most

of them large - but not outsized with decent gardens and in easy reach of both countryside walks and the heart of Javea old town and the port, with its cinema and restaurants.

Currently the most expensive home for sale in Calle Penaguila is at €4.5m, a four bed- r o o m property with an infinity pool, while you can pick up a five bedroom further down the hill for €1.2m.

“The climate in Javea is considered the second-best microclimate in the world,” claims the town hall website.

But is it actually true?

Many websites promoting Javea parrot the claim, some saying it was from a study in the 1990s or from the World Health Organisation and that it was second to Rio de Janeiro.

Being a health organisation, however, means the WHO has a little more than zero information on microclimates.

The World Meteorological Organisation might be a more likely source – and it doees have a weather monitor in Javea – but again, there’s nothing saying Javea is a world benchmark.

So what do we know about Javea’s climate?

According to the Atlas Nacional de España (ANE) Javea is one of few areas in Spain enjoying a median annual temperature between 20-22.5°C. This makes Javea one of the northernmost points in Spain enjoying such high average temperatures.

But it’s a different map from the ANE which shows Javea’s unique climate within the region.

Whereas other parts of southern Spain and Valencia can see scorching temperatures above 45°C, Javea’s maximum temperatures never go above the high 30s.

This is wholly thanks to the majestic Montgo mountain. This 753m massif protects Javea from cold Arctic winds from the north in winter, and makes Javea jut out into the Mediterranean enough to get cooling breezes in the summer.

We have clients waiting to buy properties using rent to buy option

+34 695 805 356

HOTSPOT JAVEA Rent to buy means saving on a minimum 20% deposit, explains Mike Tullett of Sunset

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OUSE prices in the UK are nearly double the price of Spain. And it’s not dissimilar in Norway or Holland.

But despite eye-watering prices, it’s hard to argue that the Essex Riviera or rainy Bergen beats views over the crystal blue Med. Prices in Spain are up 2.1% on last year – but foreign buyers in hotspots like Javea have pushed prices up 9% on last year.

Foreign homeowners have created a thriving expat community, and this means you’ll need a bigger deposit to get close to the action.

In Spain, mortgage providers require at least 20% (and up to 40%) of the house price paid up front – and this rises to at least 30% for non-residents.

So why not rent to buy?

5 benefits of rent to buy Mike Tullett of Sunset Estate Agency in Javea says his Rent to Buy service has been getting more attention and interest than standard house sales and rentals. And here is why: 1. You can move into a rent to buy home with a 3% deposit of the price (maximum 10%) 2. The rent paid is deducted from the property price, and these payments often get you over the 20% threshold to directly access a mortgage 3. Rent to buy contracts go from 12 to 36 months, and at any moment you can buy it at a pre-agreed price regardless of market fluctuations 4. If you have a property to sell elsewhere or if you have inheritance coming in, you can buy now and benefit from the Spanish lifestyle immediately rather than waiting 5. For non-Eurozone buyers, you can wait until exchange rates are in your favour before purchasing the property How to find a rent to buy property in Spain The team at Sunset Rent to Buy Spain are dedicated to such options.

Based in Javea since 2018, Mike and his team have partnerships with notaries, mortgage brokers and currency exchange teams o help you make the biggest savings.

Visit www.renttobuyspain.com for listings, case studies and testimonials or call +34 865 681 845

16

A Javea ll about

MARCH 2022

Connecting the world Established in 2003, Telitec provides the highest quality Internet and Communication options to its clients

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ELITEC aims to move with the times so that our customers can have the best of what is available in their area.

In 2018 we started our own deployment of Fiber Internet. This has required a large investment, not only in money but time and effort by the Telitec team. We chose to do areas where the main providers had no plans to deploy and worked with communities in those urbanisations around Benitachell, Javea, Moraira, Teulada, Benissa and Calpe. Now thousands of residents across these urbanisations are enjoying super-fast fibre speeds of up to 1000Mb and in times of increasing prices in electricity, gas and petrol our clients are secure that their prices remain stable for this amazing fibre service.

Our Telitec sales team will offer advice and the best solution on internet, mobile and TV, full and part-time, residencial or business. Telitec has the solution. We have an open-door policy, where clients can come in and speak with us face to face or simply call or email using the number and website details below.

With multilingual staff we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and technical support. Many of the team have been with Telitec for over 10 years and consider it as their second family (including the tens of thousands of Telitec clients).

We believe we have covered most bases, and with the products and services backed up by the biggest customer service and technical teams in an independent telecoms provider in Spain today, you just want to be part of the Telitec experience.

Call us today to find out what’s available in your area 965 743 473, visit our website: www.telitec.net or email: sales@telitec.net or WhatsApp mesage on 634 334 336

PRE

DIVINE INSPIRATION The modern church that brings a new grace to the town’s architecture

LOVED Ladies and gents preloved Designer Clothes 1000s of Items in Stock and lots of different brands and sizes at superb prices, located 2 doors up from Lancashire Bruja.

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T could well be the most quirky-looking church in Spain.

Sculptural Nuestra Señora de Loreto rears up over its nearby buildings like an angry spider or a spaceage creature from HG Wells’ War of the Worlds.

It was built on the site of an old fishermen’s church by the port in 1967, designed by four architects.

An important example of avant-garde religious architecture, it stands out for its bold lines and its use of space.

On the outside, its 12 slender pillars represent an allegory of the 12 apostles.

Inside, its cement and red pine wood interior is said to represent a fishing boat, with the light penetrating through the skylights in the form of jets, sliding down the pillars and giving the building its boat keel shape.

It is a must visit from 9am to 8pm all year round.

a

ve 03730, Ja , 2 2 l a c lo s 9, C/Burdeo - Fri 10-18 Tue onday Closed M t a S 6 1 10

We buy your designer clothing!

Gucci, Lacoste, Prada, Hugo Boss, Valentino, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Karen Millen, Louis Vuitton, Dolce Gabbana and many more brands MODERNIST: Sculptural Nuestra Señora de Loreto brings a touch of the avant-garde

MARCH 2022

BE READY TO SELL

17

Five tips to sell your Costa Blanca home easily with VillaMia Spain

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OU want to sell your property on the Costa Blanca but panic is setting in.

Maybe you don’t know the legal process of selling in Spain. Or you haven’t a clue where to find potential buyers.

You’ve seen sold signs on so many properties – except your own!

Don’t waste your time and money stressing about selling your property. The team at VillaMia estate agent says property sales in Jávea are better than ever and they’ve put together these five top tips to help you sell your home on the Costa Blanca.

Make sure the price is right Before putting your property on the market, check what other similar properties in the area have sold for. Over-pricing could mean your property is on the market for longer. Many estate agents offer a no-obligation valuation service to tell you what your property is worth.

Get paperwork ready before you sell Estate agents can help with any legal requirements such as getting an energy certificate (EPC). Also, if you find out there are any infractions or embargos, it is always better to sort this out at the start.

Create a good first impression • Make your property looks appealing with: • fresh paintwork • clean walls, tiles, floors and windows • a tidy garden • no rubbish or clutter, so potential buyers can picture themselves living there Promoting your property A sales board outside can help attract buyers and passing trade. Professional photography should also be arranged and is free for owners listing properties at VillaMia and a 3-d matterport video where possible.

Make sure your home is accessible Make it as easy as possible for estate agents to make appointments with house-hunters by keeping your schedule as open as possible. Remember that if your home isn't shown, it will be harder to sell and the agent will have alternative properties to show potential buyers. If the agent can have a key, this will help.

THE COMPLETE PROPERTY SERVICE ... IN JÁVEA If you haveVillaMia, a established over 15 years ago, the complete property service. property tooffers rent or sell, or are We have a multilingual, hard-working and With an office in Jávea, we cover sales, friendly team. term rentals, winter lets,VillaMia, and VíllaMía goes that one step further to looking forlong one, contact part of Mia Costa property management in the coastal No one is more passionate about the use our knowledge, experience, and towns of Jávea, Moraira, Denia and the service and results we are proud to dedication to find you your perfect home Blanca SL, surrounding on sales@villamia.net, pop Jávea or areas. provide. into the office on the withArenal the best servicein in the area! call 96 579 4139

THE COMPLETE PROPERTY SERVICE ... IN JÁVEA VillaMia, established over 15 years ago, offers the complete property service.

With an office in Jávea, we cover sales, long term rentals, winter lets, and property management in the coastal towns of Jávea, Moraira, Denia and the surrounding areas.

JAVEA | Central 3-BED APARTMENT A lovely 3 bed south facing apartment on the first floor with lift, walking distance to the Arenal, the Port and the Old Town.

VM2388 285.000€

Mía Costa Blanca SL CIF: B42636027 Avenida Libertad 9H (Arenal) Jávea 03730

JAVEA | Central 3-BED APARTMENT A lovely 3 bed south facing apartment on the first floor with lift, walking distance to the Arenal, the Port and the Old Town.

VM2388 285.000€

Mía Costa Blanca SL CIF: B42636027 Avenida Libertad 9H (Arenal) Jávea 03730

We have a multilingual, hard-working and friendly team.

No one is more passionate about the service and results we are proud to provide.

JAVEA | Rafalet 3-BED VILLA A well presented 3 bed villa in Rafalet with private pool and stunning views over Benitachell and the Montgo.

Perfect family home or investment property.

VM2480 369.950€

JAVEA | Rafalet 3-BED VILLA A well presented 3 bed villa in Rafalet with private pool and stunning views over Benitachell and the Montgo.

Perfect family home or investment property.

VM2480 369.950€

JAVEA | Old Town LARGE TOWN HOUSE Unique possibility to buy a huge townhouse in the centre of Javea’s Old town which used to be a bakery. It offers 225m2 over three levels.

VM2312 200.000€

Tel: 965 794 139 info@villamia.net www.villamia.net

VíllaMía goes that one step further to use our knowledge, experience, and dedication to find you your perfect home with the best service in the area!

JAVEA | Old Town LARGE TOWN HOUSE Unique possibility to buy a huge townhouse in the centre of Javea’s Old town which used to be a bakery. It offers 225m2 over three levels.

VM2312 200.000€

Tel: 965 794 139 info@villamia.net www.villamia.net

18

Literary paradise

A Javea ll about

MARCH 2022

WHERE TO EAT

GOURMET TOUR

Polly’s Bookshops can help with editing and proof-reading too

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O you like nothing better than curling up with a good book? Whether catching up on the latest Jack Reacher adventure from Lee Child or looking for hints and tips on the best way to grow a garden on the Costa Blanca, Polly's Bookshops in Javea have the perfect book

for you.

Polly's Bookshops was established in 1985 and has an ambience of olde world charm, being located in one of Javea's oldest buildings.

The store has thousands of quality used books in many languages reflecting the local community, with more arriving daily. Most of the books in the 10,000-plus collection are priced at €3. can also get a credit towards your next purchase if you bring in any books in good condition. It’s absolute heaven for any prolific readers and if you want a specific title, then Polly's offers a book finding and ordering service.

Polly's is also proud to support local writers and artists - of which there are a good number in the area. Not only do they back writers with special promotions, they can help even novices in their first steps to becoming an author.

They have a professional editing and proof-reading service by a copy editor with over 10 years’ experience.

It’s ideal for businesses building their website or posting on social media; for writers self-publishing; or for students completing their studies in English as an additional language. And if you are hunting out a rare gift, their second store in Moraira sells hard-to-get antique and collectable books.

Polly’s Bookshop in Javea is on Calle Santismo Cristo del Mar, 15. Call: 665 314 404 The Moraira store is at Ctra Moraira a Calpe, 237. Call: 711 010 439

S

ANDWICHED between the mountains and the sea, Javea has the best of both worlds when it comes to ingredients.

A small slice of paradise, if you’ll excuse the pun, there are literally dozens of great places to eat around the resort.

Split between its three distinct areas, you have everything from fish restaurants to tapas joints and Michelin-starred marvels to simple chiringuitos.

You just need to know where to look.

Easily my favourite place to eat is at BonAmb (www.bonamb.com), a stunning architectural masterpiece, created around sculpted grounds on the main Carrer Benitachell out of town.

Creative, inspiring and never standing still, this is a must-visit for anyone who considers themselves a foodie on the Costa Blanca.

Javea is one of the true culinary capitals of the Costa Blanca, writes Jon Clarke Well deserving of its two Michelin stars, its head chef Alberto does the region proud with as much local KM0 slow food as he can get away with.

This means loads of local fish, plenty of local fruit and veg and flavours that, quite frankly, have a stamp of their own.

Why it hasn’t got three stars yet is anyone’s guess (see review overleaf).

Another joint easily worthy of accolades, but fiercely against receiving them, is El Campo (www.bar-restaurant-elcampo. com), another charming garden restaurant on the way out of town towards Moraira.

This Dutch-run place was set up just before the pandemic and has finally come

of age, thanks to its recent acquisition of experienced local chef Amanda Trenco, 39, from nearby Benissa.

As well as having trained for five years at Denia’s cooking school, she is steeped in the restaurant trade, with both her mother having worked as a cook in Paris and her father as one in Switzerland.

“My mother is a classic-style chef, while dad was more vanguard,” she explains.

“I like to think I combine a bit of both of them, with my own touches, particularly from Thai food.”

So ultimately, this means a lovely mix of everything here with Asiatic twists and a solid a la carte menu, with such joys as shrimp gyozas with spinach, green

POLLY’S International Bookshop

Quality Used Books since 1985 As the Costa Blanca’s largest stockists of quality used books we are bound to have a book for you in your preferred language.

Fiction, reference, collectables and antiques, your local Polly’s in either Javea or Moraira is here to meet your bookish needs.

Javea Port, Calle Santisimo Cristo del Mar 03730 tel: 665 314 404 Moraira-Teulada, 237 Moraira Calpe Road 03724 tel: 711 010 439

MARCH 2022

19

Family friendly local bar under new owners Stephen and Christina as of 2019 English Fry-Up, Sandwiches, Wraps, Burgers, Salads, Pies, Fish & Chips Weekly Changing Specials Daily Baked Croissants & Sausage Rolls DELIGHTFUL: Thalassa is right on the beach, while (right) El Campo’s ambience matches its stellar food

curry and coconut milk and roast ter and better, particularly as suckling pig with apple and red manager Bram is enthusiastic berries. and attentive, while the owners I was most interested in trying Brenda and Hans used to run no Amanda’s regularly changing less than 15 restaurants back in menu del dia Holland and have which was exa great eye for tremely good detail.

A friendly, value at just 19 And to top it euros. all, the place family-run It included a medcouldn’t be more ley of wonderful charming with its place it has vegetarian startrustic backdrop real charm and and feel, all set ers; cauliflower fritters with black excellent wines around half a dozgarlic mayonen ancient milennaise, couscous io olive trees. salad with goats Heading into cheese and mint and a delicious Javea port you have a number beetroot gazpacho with blueber- of great options to choose from. ries and cottage cheese.

Skipping the obvious, look out Then you have a choice of mains, for popular tapas bar Andares which included a skillfully han- Ibericos, opposite the cinema dled duck breast with sweet po- that specialises in excellent ham tato mash and cep mushrooms and cheeses and great light in a chive and teriyaki sauce. The bites. strawberry pudding with yoghurt A friendly, family-run place it has and almond crumble was light real charm and an excellent seand fruity. lection of wines by the glass.

This place will keep getting bet- Another amazing place to enjoy wine is at the Bonapata, which describes itself as a ‘boutique bar of grapes and acorns’ just up the road, also in the port.

This is definitely THE place to drink vino with no less than 70 different wines by the glass, not to mention an amazing selection of pates, cheeses and, best of all, the best Jamon Iberico, from the Val de Pedroches, in Cordoba.

The lovely Spanish couple that run it have travelled the world, lived in Newquay in the UK, and owned restaurants in other parts of Spain.

They have run this place for a few years now and

regularly hold wine tastings and pairings with food. They are also soon to open a new place up on the busy tourist drag, the Arenal.

Arenal is the next part of the Javea dining jigsaw, a seafront paseo full of restaurants near the historic Parador hotel.

There is quite a bit of variety, but I particularly like English-owned Salt, which has the best views of the bay, often full of surfers when the tide is right.

Another great spot, always busy, and an excellent spot for burgers and light snacks is Geographic, which always has all sporting events on a huge range of televisions.

Nearby in the busy Cabo de la Nau Pla area you will find plenty of places to eat, including the recently-opened Sharpey’s Bar, run by former Manchester United striker Lee Sharpe and his wife Lucy.

And make sure you drop into the excellent Lancashire Bruja, just opposite the tennis club, where well established local expats Stephen and Christina serve up all your British favourites including sausage rolls, fish and chips and the classic English fry up, of course.

Up in the old town of Javea, apart from all its charm, there is a decent range of nice restaurants, including my favourite, La Sucreria, right by the main church.

Also look out for the recently opened Carniceria tapas bar, on the outskirts of the centre.

And finally down on the beach look out for popular chiringuito La Siesta that really gets going in the late spring and summer when it is THE place to hang out and be seen.

And, last but not least, a brand new place just open and well worth seeking out is Thalassa, which sits halfway along the road from Arenal to Caleta de Dins.

Named after the Greek word for ‘sea’ it is exactly that, dominated by the ocean, and with a seafood LOCALS: Former footballer Lee Sharpe (top) and Bonapata, which offers 70 different wines style menu to

Fun Quiz Nights Every Tuesday & Thursday evening Sunday Roasts twice a week!

Park your broom and sit for a spell Check our Facebook page for more info

match.

Come and have a splendid lunch or just a few beers and tapas at sunset.

tel: +34 965 79 69 10 WhatsApp: +34 686 64 01 23 lancashirebrujajavea@hotmail.com Carretera Cabo La Nao-Pla, 123 Urb Moreras del Saladar, local 24 03730 Jávea

boutique – bar

Tapas gourmet, bodega Quesos y salazones Servicio de corte de Javea’s best jamón para eventos

wine bar

T. 966 27 22 06 70 wines M. 665 949 754 by the glass!

alhambramayordomo@hotmail.com Av. Lepanto, 2 , Jávea 03530 www.bonapata.com

20

A Javea ll about

MARCH 2022

Tour of duty

WHERE TO STAY

Former war reporterturned sommelier takes Jon Clarke on an adventure through the Costa Blanca’s best seafood at BonAmb

T

HEIR ladders were carefully pinned to the vertical cliff walls of the Marina Alta area or hung down using ropes.

An ancient, thousand-year-old fishing method, the locals clambered down risking their lives particularly on days when it was too rough to go out on boats.

Then when close to the water they shone an acetylene gas lamp towards the sea, bringing fish up to the surface and easy to catch.

Called the ‘encesa’ method, this is the inspiration for this years new menu at Javea’s most famous restaurant, BonAmb. Created by Alberto Ferruz with his sommelier and Maitre Pablo Catala, it proves beyond doubt that the very best fine dining is as much about theatre, concepts and textures as it is the food.

“We wanted to pay tribute to the brave men who caught the fish in this way and the menu is today 90% local fish and vegetables from the nearby huertas,” explains 37-year-old Alberto from Zaragoza.

“We try to be as seasonal as possible and use mostly local ingredients, but above all it is about the intensity of flavours,” adds

CREATIONS: Dozens of exciting dishes with black truffle being Charlie’s favourite the chef, who started working at the age Our guide for the night was co-owner Pablo, of 16 and picked up lots of experience in who once worked as an army press officer Paris and San Sebastian, as well as nearby and cameraman in war zones, including Denia, with Quique Dacosta.

Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia.

Hot on the heels of his mentor Dacosta And this tour of duty - the amazing ‘Cany(who is a close friend), Alberto is very much is’ set menu of around 18 courses by my deserving of his two Michelin stars and count - was not far off being as complicatdefinitely heading towards three. ed.

BonAmb is an experience that Take the gazpachuelo soup, with sea baany true gourmet will need con, cured monkfish liver and Mediterrato try out. nean curry, this was not your average seaAside from the stunning food fare. Nor was foie in ‘duke’s gunpowlocation, architecture der’, a Mediaeval sauce, or eel juice and and grounds, the kitch- pickled mushrooms or ‘flickering custard’, en guarantees a journey with dill and salt. through the senses, like He had his work cut out just explaining the nothing else on the Costa dishes (and quite frankly none of his team Blanca. were able to do it properly in English) and This was my third visit, the second how best to enjoy them. with my commercial manager Charles Matching up the menu with wines was a Bamber, to celebrate our three-year an- battle in itself, the countless fish flavours niversary since launching an Olive Press wreaking havoc with most wines. His sugedition here. gestion of a Godello called 12 Casas was We had last dined here on our launch in a masterstroke.

2019 and on this showing it keeps getting There were certainly plenty of highlights, better. in particular the starter of celeriac crepe,

with red mullet sauce and salted Chantilly cream. Its rich aftertaste still lingering now.

The cauliflower roasted in a Roman-style with black truffle on top was delightful as was the marine tartlet, with delicate flowers on top.

A real feast, out came white prawns from Santa Pola, an oyster in a rich creamy sauce, a sausage made out of tuna, a sea urchin and a smoked clam with caviar.

So much was eaten with the hands and everything was part of the overall ‘encesa’ story.

By the time we had finished up some threeand-a-half hours later, it felt like a night out at the opera or a front row seat at Hamilton.

Entertaining in the extreme.

Forget the price of 135 euros a head, it would cost you that in the stalls at Covent Garden and you’d be paying a lot more for a glass of bubbly and a snack at the interval. Oh and there is a 95 euro menu if you’re on a budget.

Visit www.bonamb.com

boutique hotel

Open 7 days a week – serving fusion foods

Boutique Hotel La Casita Calle Henry Matisse 4, 03730 Javéa Alicante

Bar Restaurant El Campo Travessera de les Cansalades 134 03730 Javéa Alicante

www.boutique-hotel-lacasita.com

www.bar-restaurant-elcampo.com

Instagram: lacasitajavea Facebook: @boutiquehotel.lacasita

Instagram: bar_restaurant_elcampo Facebook: @barrestaurantelcampo

MARCH 2022

21

SLEEP-EASY When you know where to look, Javea has some dream places to lay down your head

F

VISTAS: Ritual de Terra is incredibly well appointed

OR a town that has had a Parador for five decades Javea has a surprisingly small amount of good places to stay.

It was back in 1969 that Javea built its celebrated state-run parador, something of a badge for any self-respecting special place to take a holiday in Spain.

But it was not until much more recently that it really started to create any really stylish or hip places to stay.

Easily one of the best is La Casita (www.boutique-hotel-lacasita.com), a boutique hotel that sits in the leafy hills overlooking Arenal beach.

One of the most privileged areas of Javea, this wonderful Dutch-run place is the perfect spot to kick back and luxuriate.

The 10 suites and apartments are beautifully furnished and each have their own kitchens and comfortable outside spaces.

This is all thanks to the creative eye of Brenda and husband Hans, who bought the place from an elderly German couple in 2019 and completely revamped it.

Keeping as many of the old building materials as they could, they added vanguard touches with an emphasis on space and style.

Best of all is the garden, which is almost tropical and creates a true sense of grandeur, its waving palms

framing the evocative Cap de Sant Antoni headland and rolling sea in the distance.

Your hosts couldn’t be more helpful and knowledgeable and they can help sort anything, including a big breakfast, if needed.

Nearby, you must check out the hip new Ritual de Terra hotel (www.ritualdeterra.com), a resort and spa that is set to become one of THE places to visit this year.

A hotel to cleanse your mind and unwind, this cleverly designed hideout maximises the views of the sea and faraway headland and Montgo hill from every turn.

With a distinct swagger about it, the beds are super kingsize and the linen second to none. All the rooms have a separate lounge area, while most have private balconies.

As well as a wonderful central pool area, there are a series of tennis and padel courts, plus a main spa area to luxuriate in, with a steam room, sauna and pool.

A whole range of face and body treatments are available, which will leave you feeling pampered and relaxed.

Meanwhile its new Mediterranean-style restaurant MADRE is to open shortly and will feature a great range of local dishes, seafood, paella and grilled vegetables.

Looking for an excellent budget op-

BLISS: Hip hotels, like La Casita, have sprung up in Javea, while (below) the most reliable Hotel Javea

tion but equally right in the heart of it all, Javea Hotel (www.hotel-javea. com) is unbeatable.

Right next to the port, beside the stunning Nuestra Señora de Loreto church, this is pole position in more ways than one.

Not only is it just 100m from the beach, it is near the cinema and dozens of restaurants and counts free WIFI connection and parking, as well as air-conditioning in every room.

Many of the rooms have nice views, while on the top floor, where you take breakfast, you can also have lunch and dinner admiring some of the best views from any restaurant in the entire town.

a paradise on the Costa Blanca of Alicante Calle Pío X, nº 5, XABIA / JAVEA 03730, Alicante Tel. +34 965 795 461 / +34 965 796 457 email: info@hotel-javea.com www.hotel-javea.com

22

A Javea ll about

MARCH 2022

FREE REVIEW OF YOUR INVESTMENTS Read on for how Chorus Financial’s award-winning advisers can help you crisis-ready your investments, writes Tracy Storer

I

F you’d invested $100,000 in January 2018 in funds tracking a global equity index, should you have sold up by now?

The data shows that if you panic-sold as the COVID-19 pandemic struck (February 2020) you’d have $107,000.

But if you held on until today, you’d have $150,000.

(This is based on the MSCI ACWI Index, which represents the performance of stock in 23 developed and 24 emerging markets.)

The year-to-date gains in 2022 make it seem we’re in a crisis yet again.

The S&P 500 is down 9.15%, the Nasdaq100 is down 15.4% and the MSCI World Index is down 17.2% In times like this the words of financial columnist Morgan Housel are interesting.

“Every past market crash looks like an opportunity, but every future market crash looks like a risk,” he said.

Chorus Financial will give a free review of your arrangements History has proven that markets always rebound.

The Dow Jones, for example, has grown an average of 2.6% above pre-crisis levels within 18 weeks, according to the last major 50 events since the turn of the 20th century.

But of course, a rising index doesn’t mean that all stocks within it have grown.

For you to take advantage, you’ll need a wise investment plan in well diversified funds.

Chorus Financial is a Costa Blanca based firm of award-winning financial advisers.

We declare 100% of all fees and commissions and offer solutions without tie-ins.

As part of our ethical approach, we can review your existing investment arrangements for free – without pressure or obligation.

Our top financial advisers can clearly demonstrate how we might improve the performance of your investments, all fees accounted for.

Meet the team Our financial advisers are fully licensed, qualified and regulated to provide financial advice in Spain and across the EU. You can find a Chorus office in Javea, right next to the Arenal.

We’ve also just opened an office in Benijofar on the Costa Blanca south.

I’m Tracy Storer, with 10 years’ experience specifically dealing with expat clients on the Costa Blanca.

Along with Sam Kelly, our managing partner, and Chris Ward, our partner and financial planner, we would love to help you ready your investments for 2022.

www.chorusfinancial.es info@chorusfinancial.es 965 64 11 63

An honour to do business with MBE Mark Petrie has been running his insurance business for nearly five decades

H

E moved to Spain when he was just 11-yearsold and opened his first business here in 1977.

Today he counts on hundreds of loyal clients from all over Spain… and has rightfully been recognised in the UK with an MBE for his services to expats.

So it’s no surprise to discover that Mark Petrie is also Denia's Honorary British Consul, a safe pair of hands to turn to in a time of crisis.

His company, Mark Petrie Insurance Brokers, today brings over 50 years of experience offering clients the best-available policies tailored to their individual needs.

With offices in Javea and Denia, his experienced team offers a wide range of insurance services from car, home,

health and pet insurance to legal assistance policies.

Because the brokerage is not affiliated to any one company, it can offer the most appropriate policies on the market to suit individual needs at the most competitive prices.

His team of five works with all the leading agents such as Liberty Seguros, Allianz, Plus Ultra, DKV, Salus and many more to offer a personalised service from day one.

“Each policy is tailored to what the customer needs and wants and we are very expat-orientated,” explains Mark, from his office on the paseo in CORREDURIA DE SEGUROS • INSURANCE BROKERS Javea port.

Mark Petrie

C

ACCIDENTS | CAR OR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE / MOTORCYCLES AND MOPEDS CIVIL LIABILITY | COMMUNITIES | DEATHS | DECENNIAL AND CONSTRUCTION / OFFICES

“While we have many clients here, we have others from as far away as Galicia, Madrid, Sevilla, and Malaga,” he adds.

“By reducing response times and with an insurance programme run by professionals, our clients get the most out of any policy that they take out.”

Visit www.mark-petrie.com, call 965 793 712 or e-mail: brokers@mark-petrie.com

Chorus Financial

HORUS

INSURANCE FOR DOMESTIC DOGS AND CATS | LEGAL ASSISTANCE / TRAVEL ASSISTANCE

LIFE / HEA LTH / HO ME | MA CHINERY BREA KDO W N | REC REAT IO N AL BO AT S | SH O PS

FINANCIAL

AN AWARD WINNING FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY P E N S I O N S • I N V E S T M E N T S • TA X P L A N N I N G

Fully licensed, qualified and regulated advice in Spain and across the EU

DÉNIA – Avda. Marquesado 22, 03700 DÉNIA (ALICANTE) – 965 781 815 – 965 780 757 – 658 919 777 JÁVEA – Avda. Marina Española, 24, 03730 JÁVEA (ALICANTE) – 965 793 712

965 64 11 63 www.chorusfinancial.es info@chorusfinancial.es

brokers@mark-petrie.com www.mark-petrie.com

122 Avinguda del Pla, 03730, Jávea, Spain

Javea

Benijófar Office- Local 2-6, Calle Torrevieja 92,03178, Benijófar, Alicante, Spain

Chorus Financial is an award-winning, privately owned company based in Spain. Our advisers have over 50 years combined experience advising British families living overseas on their pensions, savings, investments & tax planning. Tracy Storer provides regulated financial advice as a member of the OpesFidelio network.

Aisa International, s.r.o. trading as OpesFidelio is regulated by the Czech National Bank to act as an independent securities trader (MiFID) and also as an intermediary for Insurance within the EEA, and holds licences for Supplementary Pensions Savings and Consumer Credit | The company’s Identification number is 282 24 981 and can be found in the web app at www.cnb.cz Tracy Storer is a member of OpesFidelio network and further information is available upon request | OpesFidelio and its Trademark are certification marks owned by Aisa Ltd who permit the use of this Trademark in the EU.

Alicante

Benijofar

Mark Petrie

CORREDURIA DE SEGUROS • INSURANCE BROKERS

ACCIDENTS | CAR OR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE / MOTORCYCLES AND MOPEDS CIVIL LIABILITY | COMMUNITIES | DEATHS | DECENNIAL AND CONSTRUCTION / OFFICES INSURANCE FOR DOMESTIC DOGS AND CATS | LEGAL ASSISTANCE / TRAVEL ASSISTANCE L I FE / H EALTH / H OME | MACHINERY B R EAKDOWN | R ECREAT I O N A L BO AT S | S H O P S

DÉNIA – Avda. Marquesado 22, 03700 DÉNIA (ALICANTE) – 965 781 815 – 965 780 757 – 658 919 777 JÁVEA – Avda. Marina Española, 24, 03730 JÁVEA (ALICANTE) – 965 793 712

brokers@mark-petrie.com www.mark-petrie.com