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Javea, the Jewel of Spain

Most people have done the Spanish summer holiday break with the family and experienced the baked beaches of the Southern Costas. There are parts of the Costa Blanca, however, that still have a wisp of old world charm and are still relatively unspoiled.

Javea is such a jewel. Perched on the East coast of Spain, midway between Alicante and

Valencia, Javea enjoys the privilege of being the ‘Dawn of Spain’ and the point where the

sun casts it’s first rays each morning. The climate here has provided the area with an abundance of orange groves and vineyards and at certain times of year the color and perfume of wild flowers growing everywhere provides a heady atmosphere.

A typical Spanish town with a passion for parties, Javea has something to offer most of the year round but really rocks in the summer. Families have a great time, mostly because there is something wonderful for each age group. Most youngsters make a bee line for the Arenal sandy beach. The sand is pale and powdery, there are sand toys set up for little ones to play with and the sand is within easy sight of parents lounging outside the bars and restaurants that populate the seafront.

Sand sculptors create masterpieces with sand and water in the area directly lining the sea wall, there are umbrellas and sun beds available for those who prefer a little shade and in general the atmosphere is one of laid back relaxation and fun in the sun. When you get a little peckish, many of the restaurants will pack lunch for you to take onto the beach or you may stroll into any of the cafes for specialty seafood, paella, or traditional English grub. Most European cuisines are catered for in this tiny paradise, also there are Indian, Thai and Chinese restaurants in abundance if you have a liking for something spicy.

Best of all, the water is bright turquoise blue and shallow, making swimming safe for younger children and the elderly. There are disabled facilities on the beach to make sea swimming accessible for wheelchair bound folk and the seafront is relatively level to the carpark.

At night the Arenal area bursts with activity. There are hundreds of little stalls which open in the evening to sell souvenirs and crafts, and the clubs and restaurants play music well into the early hours. A teenage heaven, the Arenal is ultra popular with younger holiday makers.

All water sports are on offer and most water craft may be hired locally. You may hire a bicycle for as little as 20 Euros per week and explore the surrounding countryside, rich with orange groves.

The Javea Port is a little more sedate and the haven of those who like a quieter atmosphere. It is featured by a pebble beach, sand free and the home of the little fishing fleet which produces some of the best seafood on local menus. The Church of Santa Maria de Loreto dominates the Port and is worth visiting to see the interior, the ceiling fashioned from the upturned hull of a fishing boat. Street cafes sell fragrant Spanish coffee and croissants, and you may sit in the sunshine watching the boats drift in and out of harbour.

The old town of Javea is set slightly back from the beach and port area, and here you will find the narrow streets and traditional Spanish houses typical of the area. It is fun to wander through the town and discover the tiny Spanish bars serving tapas and rioja through warm lunch hours, some of these little bars have recently undergone extensive renovation and now boast all the modern chic you will find in Paris or Rome. On Thursdays the streets heave with people shopping at the local market where you will find clothes, shoes, local produce and local handicrafts jostling for position alongside stalls selling sweets, leather handbags and beachwear.

The best way to see Javea is to base yourself at any one of the fine, privately owned villas or apartments with private pools, available to rent via www.selectholidayvillas.com. Staying in these luxury homes is not as expensive as you might imagine and they are definitely better value for money than hotels.

A diverse collection of activities on offer make this Spanish seaside town highly popular with all age groups and family groups tend to return year after year.

About the Author

Jan Gamm is a serial traveler and writes with skill and style from personal experience or extensive research. She manages an article base for www.selectholidayvillas.com.

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