The town has been popular since the 1970’s and is a British enclave with about 12,000 ex-pats living here along with other foreign residents such as Germans and Scandanavians. It was extremely popular with affluent North Europeans who were looking for their dream retirement or holiday home in the sun. Javea is well located being an hours drive from either Alicante or Valencia airport.

The tow and surrounding areas can be split into four zones really. The Arenal area comprises a sandy beach with a lively promenade and a number of bars and restaurants. Open till late, the aea caters for the large numbers of tourists with lots of music, entertainment and street performers.

The port area has a modern marina as well as a beach (pebbled not sand) and quite a few restaurants. Historically it has played an important part in the town’s economy when it was an exporter of raisens and more recently as a fishing port and it first came into existence in the 15th century.

The Old Quarter used to be fortified and there is evidence of it’s historic past with a number of fine buildings on show and remains of the fortress walls. There is a great market building here where you can buy local produce, freshly caught fish and meat. There are plenty of restaurants to visit as well where you can sample both local dishes and international cuisine.

Finally outside of the town, you can visit the Montgo National Park. The mountain itself is over 750m high and the views on a clear day, of which there are many, are stunning. Javea is another wonderful Alicante town that has attracted ex-pats and holiday-makers alike due to its great climate, facilities and the fact that is has embraced tourism whilst retaining it’s historic identity.