The Montgó, which shelters Xàbia, is the highest summit of the region at over 750m tall. From the Xàbia side, it is said to resemble an elephant. The Natural Park of Montgo was declared in 1987 and it stretches across the area of La Plana to the Cape of Saint Antoni. The view of Javea from the top is breath-taking.

As you climb the tiny coastal road that heads towards Denia you will find Els Molins. These are the remains of several windmills dating from the 14th century. They were built to grind wheat, using the fresh sea wind as power. There were originally 10 of them here.

Since as far back as the 1970's Javea has been a popular place for British ex-pats to buy property and make it their home. Many new housing estates have been built to satisfy the demand.

Javea is probably best known for its port and marina. It is one of the finest on the coast.

The port still has a working fishing fleet that bring in fresh fish daily. Auctions are held in the fish market on the port.

Based around the marina are several fine restaurants where fish is top of the menu.

The Balcon del Puerto Restaurant has a balcony overlooking the sea with stunning views and all day sunshine. Idealspain reviewed the restaurant in January 2011. The menu of the day is excellent value, starting at just 6.95€ and the fish is first class. (Reservations 965 791 064).

There's also a scuba diving centre at the port.

The port of Javea offers a wide range of berths for pleasure vessels.

On the coastal road to Denia, high above Javea is another important church. The Church of Calvario makes a nice stop. It has a plain but impressive interior. The gardens around the church have views over Javea and the sea.

The narrow road to the church has the stations of the cross, strategically placed along it.

In the unlikely event of the church being locked, call at the house next door for the key.

Inside the church you will appreciate the effects of the domed ceiling. The walls are adorned with statues.

Fiestas in Javea

When it comes to fiestas, Javea has one of the most unusual in Spain. In the first week of September, the port comes alive with people taunting bulls until the people are forced to jump into the sea to avoid the angry bulls.

The main carnivals are in March (6th) and the Baixada is held on March 27th. This includes a procession from the Ermita del Calvario. San Juan is in June and the Virgen del Rocio is honoured in July, along with Carmen celebrations. Moors and Christians is held in July and the Virgen de los Angeles is honoured in August. September has a major celebration for the Virgen de Loreto with parades, fireworks and displays. December 12th marks the Santa Llucia Festival with a pilgrimage and chocolate gifts.

Tourist services in Javea

	There are two tourist offices in Javea. One is near the port, the other at L'Arenal.   Both have English speaking staff and are very helpful.   They have a great supply of local information and information about the Valencian region.

Markets and shopping in Javea

Javea town centre has an excellent range of shops and there is no shortage of supermarkets. Many small shops are owned by British and German residents. As well as the large Spanish supermarkets, there's an Iceland in Javea which is popular with the British residents.

The climate in Javea

Javea has a warm and temperate climate with an average annual temperature of around 20° centigrade. Temperatures generally range from a low of around 5° C in the winter to a high of around 40° C in the summer months. You can expect to see over 300 days of sunshine each year. The beautiful Javea weather is one reason why it has become such a popular place for North Europeans buying a holiday home or even a new home in the sun.

Average monthly temperatures (approx.)
January	13º C
February	14º C
March	17º C
April	17º C
May	21º C
June	25º C
July	25,5º C
August	28º C
September	24,5º C
October	22º C
November	17º C
December	13º C

The beaches in Javea

	Javea has two main beaches and several smaller beaches. The first and closest to the port is predominantly pebbles. There are amazing remnants of the Roman saltings there too. The views are superb. Despite the pebbles, the beach is very clean and there's lots of free parking alongside.
A little further along the seafront you come to the sandy beach of L'Arenal. The golden sand is clean and has lots of facilities.

The sandy beach area is an arc of wide white sand lines with a promenade of shops, bars and fine restaurants. The 'Punta del Arenal' behind the Parador Nacional Hotel was once an important Roman settlement where the fish sauce garum was produced. On the other end of the small bay once stood the Fontana Castle, built in 1424 and destroyed by the English during the Peninsular War in the early 19th century; the ruins of the castle now lie under modern apartment buildings but some of the castle's surviving cannons can be found outside the Church of Sant Bartolomé in the old town.

At the end of the main beach, among the many restaurants, you will find one of the best value restaurants that Idealspain havew ever come across. 'Scallops' is a large restaurant, facing the sea. Menu of the day is around €8.95 and each person gets a free bottle of wine. And, to top that, all meals come with a vouchers for a free fried breakfast, to be used within 4 days. Excellent food and service at a bargain price. (Only fault for me: the Vindaloo was far too hot for me).

The river runs at L'Arenal end of Javea and there's a small area set aside for boat moorings.

Sports and activities in Javea

The karting centre in Javea is located on C/Cannes, telephone 622 886 876. Open 10.30am till 1am in the morning. At just 500m from the beach, the karting centre offers lots of different karts, swimming pools and restaurant. There's a tennis club in Javea at Ave Paris, 24. Tel 966 462 494. On the same site is a mini-golf.

Scuba Diving in Javea

The area around Javea is rich in underwater life and as such, it's a great place to dive on the Costa Blanca. There are several good diving centres:

Centro Escuela de Buceo, C/Burdeos, 9. Tel 965 792 919 (www.scubaxabia.com)

PDA Training Centre, C/Levante 32, Calpe. Tel 626 753 849

Radio stations in Javea

Vibe FM - 90.8 & 91.1 FM - Tel 966 260 888, Studio 660 234 768

Coast FM Live - 96.3 & 105.7 FM

Onda Cero Radio - 91.3FM

Cool FM - 97.4FM - www.coolfm974.com

Bay Radio 89.2FM (Denia-Valencia), 98.5FM - www.bayradio.fm

Exite FM Radio - 89.2 and 93.1FM - www.exitefm.com

Spectrum FM Radio - 89.8FM - www.spectrumfm.net

Sunshine FM Radio - 102.8 and 104.4FM - www.sunshine-fm.com

Side-steps from Javea

You could visit the Cabo de Gata National Park

Denia is a wonderful town

The Caves of Benidoleig are a short drive away and are an excellent visit

Distances from Javea

Alicante - 86km

Valencia - 96km

Benidorm - 54km

Gandia - 40km

Madrid - 448km

Barcelona - 445km

Nearest Airport is Alicante - 966 919 000

Nearest train station is Gata de Gorgos (10km inland)

Taxis Javea Port - 965 791 015

Taxis Javea Town - 965 791 060

Radio Taxi Javea - 902 199 777

Autobus Alsa Javea - 902 422 242

Autobus Carrio Javea - 965 581 036

Cycle hire is available in Javea from Xabia Bike Centre, Av. Lepanto, 21.

Tel 966 461 150

Low cost car hire in this part of Spain - Instant quotes, online booking and guaranteed reservations. Access to all the top car hire companies in Spain

Museo Etnologico Soler Blasco

965 791 098

Restaurant la Brioche

Ctra Cabo la Nao

Urb Toscamar

Javea

Tel: 966 447 054

Restaurante l'Echalote

Ctra La Guardia, 146

Javea

Tel: 966 473 364

Presto Presto

Ctra Cabo la Nao

la Guardia Park

Javea

Tel: 966 114 746

La Perla de Javea

Avda Libertad 21

Javea

Tel: 966 470 772

The Great Indian

Avda Colomer

Javea

Tel: 966 463 768

El Fogon Caribeno

Avda La Libertad, 29

Javea

Tel: 671 237 517

Trencall Restaurante

Ctra Cabo la Nao 1

Javea

Tel: 965 770 942

Indian Palace

Av del Pla, no 126

Javea

Tel: 966 463 072