Javea Travel Guide – Rejuvenating in Javea
Every now and then, a holiday becomes a necessity as you just need to get away from it all and recharge your batteries. It’s amazing how refreshing it can be to wake up in a new place, explore unfamiliar streets, try new food and meet new people.
An ideal spot for a rejuvenating break is the town of Javea, in the northern Costa Blanca in Spain. It is one of the most attractive destinations in the region and has some of the finest golden sandy beaches in Spain.
Wandering Through the City
The city of Javea can be split into three parts, the Old Town (Javea Pueblo), the bustling area around the port (Javea Puerto) and the main beach area (Playa de Arenal). The old town and the port are within a short walk from each other and the beach lies approximately 3 kilometres down from the Port.
As you wander through the labyrinth of narrow winding streets in the old town you will find that it has not changed much in centuries and many of the homes are constructed in the Gothic style, with wrought iron balconies and ornate windows. Unlike some of the other areas along the Costa Blanca, the old town of Javea has been mostly left unchanged by the tourist invasion which has been growing over the last 30 years.
What to Do in Javea
Stroll through the narrow streets and stop at the local tapas bars. Keep your eyes out for a place that looks like it is full of locals, as these will likely have the best and most authentic food at the cheapest prices.
The port area is newer than the historical centre and it is more geared toward tourism, but it is still a lovely place to spend the day. Be sure to check out the unusual church of Nuestra Senora de Lorento, which was built in the shape of a ship. This beautiful building, with its ornate interior, was constructed after a group of local fisherman were trapped out a sea during a terrible storm. Their loved ones in the village prayed for their safety and they miraculously returned unharmed.
Of course, you can’t miss out on the beach. Arenal Beach has been certified by the World Health Organisation as a “clean beach” which means that you can swim and play in the water without worry. It also has a very gentle slope into the sea, which makes it child friendly as the water does not become very deep suddenly.
For those who find solace in a quiet walk in the countryside, there are plenty of great trails to be found at Granadella and Portitxol if you follow the coastal road down from Arenal Beach.
Going on holiday in Javea and breaking from your ordinary routine gives you a chance to take a breather, get some much needed rest and rejuvenate yourself so that you come back energised and ready to take on the world again. Of course, the brilliant sunshine certainly has a reviving effect as well!
Considering relocating to Spain?
Check out this article about Javea Spain as a relocation destination.
Jávea Fun Facts
We know that people lived in Javea an amazing 30,000 years ago! These first humans were nomadic people, which means they travelled around. They would have liked Javea because they hunted and gathered their food (hunter-gatherers) and the area because of its lovely weather, had plenty to offer to them.
Today when you visit Javea, if your family has the energy, you can do a four hour climb to visit the Montgo caves, where there are old cave paintings done around 5000 years ago.
The Romans also liked Javea. They occupied the town in the 2nd century BC – before Christ. The Romans used the port of Javea, which means it is the oldest place in this area of Spain, to have been a port used for business as well as fishing.
Of course, Javea was also popular with pirates. For centuries they tried to attack Javea, so the people had to build a big wall to protect themselves and the town. Even Javea’s fishermen made their homes within these strong city gates.
Later during the 18th and 19th centuries, some people from Javea made lots of money. You’ll never guess how? By selling and exporting raisins to other countries.
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