Discover Jávea: Nature, Coast and Culture
Accommodation in Javea
The Parque Natural del Montgó lies between the municipalities of Dénia and Xàbia. It currently covers 2,117.68 hectares and reaches a height of 753 metres at its highest point. In May 1987, the Valencian Government declared it a nature park. For regional orientation, Costa Nova is also included.
Nature and Coast
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. Another coastal landscape is the Parque forestal de la Granadella on the southern coast of Xàbia, which covers approximately 700 hectares.
The Parque forestal de la Granadella is home to the Iberian-Levantine endemic plant Centaura as well as orchids; most orchids are considered rare in the Valencian region. Opposite the cove of the same name lies Isla del Portitxol. It is visited for snorkelling and diving and is of both natural and archaeological value.
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. It is recommended for scuba diving. A guided kayak route with a stop for snorkelling starts at Cala Granadella and leads to coves and caves with crystal-clear water.
Paths and Viewpoints
The Ruta de los Miradores de Xàbia comprises 15 viewpoints along the coast of Xàbia. The Ruta de los Miradores de Jávea can be travelled by car or divided into sections that can be explored over several days. Several cycling routes through scenic areas lead to attractions such as the viewpoints and the Parque Natural del Montgó.
The PR CV-354 is a 13.6-kilometre trail 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, Castell de la Granadella can be reached via the PR CV-354 hiking trail; the stated walking time is 90 minutes.
Culture and History
Castell de la Granadella is a small 18th-century horseshoe-shaped coastal fortification and was part of the Valencian coast's defence system. The townscape of Jávea also features the Iglesia Parroquial de San Bartolomé Apóstol, a fortified church. Its construction began in the early 16th century on the remains of older medieval buildings. Historically, the Iglesia de San Bartolomé served both religious purposes for the population and a defensive function against attacks by Barbary corsairs.
The Museo Arqueológico y Etnográfico Soler Blasco is located in the palace of Antoni Banyuls. It 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 museum's upper floor is dedicated to underwater archaeology and displays an extensive collection of finds from the coastal area of Xàbia.
Following its renovation, Casa del Cable currently houses exhibition rooms. It was built in 1860 as a telegraph station and connected the Iberian Peninsula with Ibiza via an underwater cable. Another historical complex is the Molinos de Viento de la Plana: they were built to process wheat into flour, and the structures that have survived today date from the 18th century.
Moros y Cristianos takes place in Xàbia during the third week of July in Duanes de la Mar. The festival includes parades of Moorish and Christian groups as well as theatrical representations of historical events. Ajedrez Viviente de Xàbia is a theatrical performance based on a game of chess and performed by schoolchildren from Xàbia aged 6 to 14; a different story is staged each year.
Torre del Portitxol, also known as Torre del Cap Prim, is located in Jávea. Its interior cannot be visited because it is situated within a private residence.
Market and Harbour
At Mercat Municipal de Xàbia, regional products are available, including salted fish and other salt products, cheese, honey and 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 at the Lonja are important visitor attractions.
More Destinations
More places within the same destination:
To the overview of the higher-level destination: Alicante.
