Discover Jávea: Coast, Nature and Culture

Jávea is a destination for you if you would like to combine coastal landscapes, nature experiences and Valencian culture. Protected natural areas, viewpoints, coves and historic buildings come together to create a varied programme that can be explored by car, on foot or by bicycle, depending on the type of trip.

Natural area between Montgó and Granadella

The Parque Natural del Montgó lies between the municipal areas of Dénia and Xàbia, currently covers 2,117.68 hectares and reaches an altitude of 753 metres at its highest point. In May 1987, the Valencian government declared it a natural park. On the southern coast of Xàbia lies the Parque forestal de la Granadella, covering nearly 700 hectares. The area is home to the Iberian-Levantine endemic plant Centaura as well as orchids; most orchids are considered rare in the Valencian region.

The landscape can be experienced in a variety of ways. The PR CV-354 runs for 13.6 kilometres along the edge of the La Granadella municipal natural area and has two shortcut options. The hiking route to Castell de la Granadella starts at the Cala Granadella car park. From the cove, the small coastal fortification can be reached via the PR CV-354; the stated walking time is 90 minutes. The castell dates from the 18th century, has a horseshoe-shaped design and formed part of the defence system of the Valencian coast.

Coastal paths, coves and the sea

For views along the coast, the Ruta de los Miradores de Xàbia, with its 15 viewpoints, is ideal. The Ruta de los Miradores de Jávea can be travelled by car or divided into sections that can be explored over several days. Cala Barraca can be reached by car via the road to Cabo de la Nao or on foot from the Mirador de la Cruz del Portitxol.

A marine reserve was established around Cap de Sant Antoni in November 1993. Diving in the Reserva Marina del Cap de Sant Antoni is restricted and regulated. Cala Barraca is recommended for scuba diving, while Isla del Portitxol, located opposite the cove of the same name, is visited for snorkelling and diving and is of natural and archaeological value. A guided kayaking route with a stop for snorkelling starts at Cala Granadella and leads to coves and caves with crystal-clear water.

History and culture in Xàbia

The Museo Arqueológico y Etnográfico Soler Blasco is located in the palace of Antoni Banyuls. The palace was built in the first half of the 17th century and has a Tosca stone façade as well as porxens on the upper floor. The upper floor of the museum is dedicated to underwater archaeology and displays an extensive collection of finds from the coastal area of Xàbia. Casa del Cable was built in 1860 as a telegraph station connecting the Iberian Peninsula to Ibiza via an undersea cable; following its renovation, it currently houses exhibition spaces.

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Bartolomé Apóstol is a fortified church in Jávea. Its construction began in the early 16th century on the remains of older medieval buildings. Historically, it served both religious purposes for the population and a defensive function against attacks by Berber corsairs. Cultural events include Moros y Cristianos, held in the third week of July in Duanes de la Mar, with processions of Moorish and Christian groups as well as theatrical depictions of historical events.

Regional impressions and suitable planning

The Mercat Municipal de Xàbia offers regional products such as salted fish and other salted products, cheese, honey, mistela, as well as fresh fish and fresh seafood from the fish market. In the port of Xàbia, the arrival of the fishing boats and the fish auction in the Lonja are important visitor attractions. Several cycling routes pass through scenic areas to sights such as the viewpoints and the Parque Natural del Montgó.

When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore take your planned routes and interests into account: coastal routes and coves, nature trails, historic buildings or regional cuisine each place different emphasis. For further research into locations, you can also open Costa Nova.

For the broader travel overview: Alicante.

More about the destination

Relevant information for your travel planning:

Javea - Alicante.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Confrides, Benifato, Benimantell, San Miguel De Salinas, Tormos, Trencall.