Living in Javea Spain: The Definitive Guide

Javea Spain

Have you ever been to Javea Spain?

Think about this:

Hiking through idyllic landscapes…

Relaxing in unique sandy beaches…

Authentic Spanish traditions and food..

Scuba diving in the Mediterranean Sea?

Do you like adventure and sports but are also keen on going for a peaceful walk, trying a delicious Spanish paella or tasty seafood together with a wonderful cup of wine?

The small historic town of Javea is free of high rise buildings that offers a relaxing atmosphere amid the friendly local population with beaches and coves lapped by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Javea is waiting for you!

Come and visit one of the nicest fishermen’s neighbourhoods in the Costa Banca, you won’t regret it :-)

linea

Before we start… Yours Free

Spain 101 is a free ebook full of unique tips that will save you thousands of Euros when moving to / living in Spain.

Would you like to get it now?

Please click / tap on the image below:

linea

Where is Javea?

Javea is located on the coastline of the Costa Blanca in the south east of Spain and approximately 90 minutes driving time from the international airport at Alicante.

It has good connections to the resorts of Altea, and just a few minutes away, the another well-known resort: Calpe.

Javea Spain map

(Javea Spain – Google Maps)

To the south, there are other well-known areas on the coast, such as: Torrevieja and Guardamar. Everybody loves their beaches :-)

linea

What is the History of Javea Spain?

In the year 1244, King Jaime founded the town.

During the 14th century King Jaime II built a fortress along with town walls and an increase in the towns population began in the 15th century.

Further fortresses and churches were then built including the Iglesia de Sant Bertomeu (the church of San Bartolome).

The plague arrived in the 16th century and a hospital was built, all that remains of that structure is the Capella de Santa Anna.

A harbour was built in the 18th century allowing for the export of fruit, in particular raisins, grapes, olives, together with bread and wheat.

Els Molins Javea Spain

(Els Molins – Javea Spain)

linea

General Information about Javea

Javea, (which incidentally is also known as Xàbia), has a large permanent population of expats, particularly English and German.

It is a location where you can feel at home as there are so many reminders of home to be found here including British and German supermarkets, as well as clubs and societies organised and frequented by expats.

The well-know city of Benidorm is only 40 minutes away from Javea Spain.

The city of Elche is around one hour and fifteen minutes away driving south from Javea.

The surrounding landscape of rugged mountains inland and sandy beaches and coves leads to a climate that is suited to comfort throughout the year.

Careful planning through its policies and tourism has developed Javea into a jewel on the Costa Blanca that combines the natural beauty of Mount Montgo with the charm of this popular former fishing village.

If you are thinking about moving to Spain from the UK, many British citizens love Javea Spain, so you it could be a great city to start a new Spanish life :-)

Javea cave Spain

(Javea Cave)

UK citizens have to apply for a visa to live in Spain long-term (more than 90 days), you may want to explore the non-lucrative visa Spain.

linea

What is the Weather like in Javea?

Javea has what can only be described as a typical climate of the Mediterranean, as many other towns near Alicante.

It offers cool summer breezes and comfortable winter weather protected by the surrounding mountains from the harsh northerly winds that affect this area of Spain during the winter.

Combined, the weather here is an annual average of around 20C and around 3,000 hours of sunshine recorded each year.

linea

What Architecture can be seen in Javea?

Within the old town of Javea Spain you can see the fortified Gothic church of San Bartolome and the museum of Etnografico ‘Soler Blasco’ which displays the history of this coastline through its different ages from the earliest known times of occupation here during the Palaeolithic period.

Architecture is evident here in the Old Town with buildings displaying porticoes of Tosca stone, Gothic bay windows as well as ancient railings of wrought iron.

The unusual roof of the church of Nuestra Senora de Loreto is shaped like a ships hull, and leaving the town there is evidence more architecture among the monastery of Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles.

linea

Gastronomy

Javea’s local cuisine is typical of that of this region of Spain in that its delicacies are from both the sea and land and are reflected in the civilisations that have lived in this area over the preceding centuries.

It is essentially a healthy diet, full of vegetables, fish, rice, fruit and olive oil, all produced  or caught locally.

linea

How much does it cost to rent or buy property in Javea?

Buying property in Javea starts from around 189,000 Euros with one bedroomed apartments.

There are several 3 and 4 bedroomed villas available in this area from 330,000 Euros, while I noticed one 4 bed villa listed at 750,000, while a 7 bed villa was available at just a little more of 795,000.

So, there are some great variations in the prices. There are several properties available  in this area in excess of 1 million Euros.

Two bedroomed apartments generally cost from 580 up to 800 Euros per month for long term rentals, with very little difference in the price for several 3 bedroomed properties.

There are numerous properties available for rental of all sizes that will cost in excess of 1000 Euros per month.

linea

What are the most Interesting Attractions I should visit in Javea?

Visit the Old Town of Javea

Javea is split into three areas, the Old Town is known as the Xabia Pueblo, and is full of ancient narrow streets, built of local Tosca sandstone to enhance the towns medieval history.

At the centre of this area, we can find the Church of San Bartolome, which dates from the 15th century.

Beside the church is an indoor market housed inside a beautiful building where fresh produce is available every day.

Historic Javea Spain

(Old Town Javea Spain)

The Port of Javea

The port area of the town is known as Xabia Puerto, and for many, this is their favourite area of Javea, full of fascinating charm in its whitewashed houses that surround the bay.

The area is full of small shops, bars and cafes where you can watch as the fishermen unload their daily catch, or as boats come and go from the marina.

The main feature of this area is the church of Our Lady of Loreto, with its distinctive roof shaped like a ships hull.

The Beach of Javea

The third area of Javea, is the beach, known locally as Playa el Arenal, it is a sandy blue flag beach surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants.

It is also a great place to visit in the evening for a walk along the promenade when stalls selling a variety of crafts are open.

The beach is popular with families as it is both large and wide together with shallow, calm water in the sheltered bay.

If you prefer a beach with a little more seclusion, then Javia has the answer. The rugged coastline is full of secluded coves with sandy beaches.

These coves were once used by smugglers and pirates during the Medieval era, nowadays, the only visitors are people wishing to sunbathe or swim in the waters of the Mediterranean.

cabo de la nao javea spain

(Cabo de la Nao – Javea Spain)

The Miradors of Javea

There are 14 strategic viewpoints that have been designated as the best places from which to find the best and most spectacular views of Javea and its surrounding area.

Each viewpoint has been carefully selected and is clearly signposted so finding them is not a challenge.

The first one is located to the north of Javea at Cap San Antonio, close to the lighthouse.

Each of the miradors are then located at intervals along the coast until you find the 14th one located to the south of Javea close to the Granadella beach.

Visiting the miradors is free and this is a great way spend a day visiting each one, especially for families with children that enjoy an adventure such as this.

Faro del Puerto Javea Spain

(Faro del puerto – Javea Spain)

Golf

For those that wish to play golf, then just outside Javea there is a small 9 hole golf course with two putting greens and a twenty bay driving range.

Other, more challenging golf courses are available within one hours driving time of Javea.

Fiestas

The town fiesta held in Javea, occurs annually during the second fortnight of July and is a time when people can be seen feasting, dancing, enjoying parades, music and fireworks.

We are sure you will enjoy the local fiestas of Javea :-)

Credit image: Oswaldo R., Karen B.

linea

Yours Free

Spain 101 is a free ebook full of unique tips that will save you thousands of Euros when moving to / living in Spain.

Would you like to get your copy now?

Please click / tap on the image below:

linea

If you would like to read about other important points for living / moving to Spain, here are other useful articles we wrote: