What to see in Javea?: essential places 

Javea is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa Blanca, in Alicante. Situated in the region of Marina Alta, Xàbia (as it is called in Valencian) lies on the shores of a bay bordered by cape San Antonio and Cape Nao. It has numerous attractions, from its historic centre to its coves of crystal clear waters, and its gastronomy.

Javea boasts one of Alicante’s most stunning coastlines, with a rocky coastal strip, which is a little rugged, with plenty of cliffs. In just half a day you can get to know the most iconic parts of the area, although it is also the perfect starting place for trips to other nearby towns.  In any case, knowing what to sea in Javea is essential in order to make the most of the experience and not miss out on anything on the way, let's get started!

What to visit in Javea?

Among the most representative places to visit in Javea, the old town stands out above all else. With cobbled alleyways surrounded by houses and palaces with white façades that are reminiscent of other civilisations, you can lose yourself among them until you reach the Plaza de la Iglesia, the nerve centre of this area. Some of the most charming streets include Carrer Estret, Carrer de Sant Pere Mártir, Carrer Major and Carrer de la Verge del Pilar.

In Plaza de la Iglesia itself, as its name suggests, you will find the church of San Bartolomé, considered an Asset of Cultural Interest and one of the main monuments Javea has to offer. This fortified religious building dates back to the 14th century and was used as a church, but also as a fortress to protect the population from pirate attacks. Its façade is robust and it has a simple interior, formed by a nave with chapels at the sides and ribbed vaults.

Without leaving this square, you can find the town hall, another iconic building here. It still preserves its original Neoclassical façade and its glass floor gives you a glimpse of some ancient tombs. By the way, inside you will find the Tourist Information Office.

Other places you can visit in Javea are the municipal Food market, where you can admire its architecture and discover local products; El Arenal beach, a half-moon shaped urban beach and the only sand beach in the bay; Cape San Antonio, with its lighthouse and impressive panoramic views; Montgó Natural Park and the Molinos de la Plana windmills (the largest set of flour mills in the Community of Valencia).

What to eat in Javea?

Its varied gastronomy makes eating in Javea a real pleasure. Fish, seafood and rice, in this sense, share the limelight.

Esgarrat, made with aubergine, pepper and onion roasted in the oven, is one of the most popular starters in Javea. It can be accompanied with bread or salted fish like mojama (salt-cured tuna). ‘Coca’ Spanish pizzas made with wheat flour dough and topped with vegetable or salted fish are also addictive. Other things you simply must try are dried octopus, fish stews, rice dishes and red shrimps.

When it comes to restaurants, you can head to Volta i Volta, Cajita Azul or Portixol, although if you want to eat with a sea view, you can opt for the restaurants on the seafront promenade of El Arenal beach, such as La Fontana, Bohemians and Posidonia.

The best coves in Javea

Portitxol, Granadella and El Moraig are some of the best coves in Javea. The first, also known as Barraca cove, stands out for its fishermen's houses with their white façades and its blue sunsets (bound to be a hit for your social media). Situated opposite the island of Portitxol, it is considered one of the area's most beautiful and most popular coves. It can be reached by road, but you can also walk along a simple trail.

Anyone that lays eyes on Granadella cove falls in love with it thanks to its viewpoints and its half-moon shape. Situated in the heart of a small semicircular bay, it is sheltered from the waves by Morro del Castell. This is a cove with a pebble beach and all the services you need (lifeguard, restaurants, water activities...), in an idyllic natural setting and with small hills covered in lush vegetation.

Moraig cove, on the other hand, is a breathtaking beach with turquoise waters surrounded by the imposing cliffs of Benitatxell. On one side is the photogenic Cova dels Arcs.

Ambolo cove, one of the most beautiful along the coast of Javea, can no longer be accessed by land due to a risk of rockfalls, but you can discover it by kayak.  Other coves you can visit include Sardinera cove, ideal for days when there is a south/south-easterly wind since it is sheltered; Blanca cove, in a horseshoe shape and surrounded by small cliffs, and En Caló, a small cove whose entrance is sheltered by a huge rock and can only be accessed by sea.

Although it isn't a cove as such, Cova Tallada is an essential on your list of places to visit, an impressive sea cave located in the cliffs of the Cape San Antonio Marine Reserve, also in the municipality of Javea.

Discover the best trips from Javea

Trips from Javea? You have lots of options available: Denia, located 2o minutes away by car, famous for its charming fishing neighbourhood and castle; Morarira, also 20 minutes away and perfect for a day trip; Calpe, 30 minutes away, with its popular peñón de Ifach (rock), its beaches and extensive leisure offer; and Altea, one of Spain's most beautiful towns, scattered with white houses in its old town.