Things to Do in Jávea
Jávea (Xàbia) | between Montgó and the Mediterranean
At the foot of the impressive Montgó mountain and directly on the Mediterranean lies Jávea, officially known as Xàbia in Valencian. Just a short drive from Moraira, Jávea is one of our favourite places for a day out on the northern Costa Blanca. The town combines a historic old centre, a traditional fishing port, sandy beaches and some of the most beautiful coves in the area.
Whether you want to wander through old streets, spend the day beside the sea, go hiking or explore the coastline by kayak, there is plenty to see and do in Jávea.
A little history of Jávea
Jávea has a long history, with traces of settlement dating back to Roman times and earlier. The historic centre developed inland at the foot of Montgó, safely away from the exposed coastline. At its heart stands the Iglesia de San Bartolomé, an impressive Gothic fortress church that served both a religious and defensive purpose.
Walking through the old town, you will still see narrow streets, traditional houses and façades built with the characteristic golden-coloured Tosca stone found throughout Jávea. It feels very different from the beach areas just a few kilometres away.
What to do in Jávea
Explore the historic Old Town
Jávea’s Centro Histórico is well worth leaving the beach for. Wander through the narrow streets surrounding the Iglesia de San Bartolomé and discover small shops, cafés, traditional architecture and the covered municipal market. This is the part of Jávea where you get the strongest sense of the town’s history. Our advice is not to rush it. Have a coffee, walk through the streets and simply see where you end up.
Visit the port of Jávea
The Puerto de Jávea has retained much of its traditional fishing character while developing into a pleasant area for restaurants and waterfront walks. Fishing boats still operate from the harbour and the promenade is a lovely place for lunch or an evening stroll.
Also look out for the unusual Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Loreto. Its distinctive modern design is inspired by maritime shapes and makes it very different from the traditional churches found elsewhere in the region.
Spend a day at El Arenal
Playa del Arenal is Jávea’s best-known sandy beach. The broad bay has a promenade lined with restaurants, cafés and bars, making it particularly convenient if you want to combine a beach day with lunch or dinner. It is one of the livelier parts of Jávea, especially during summer evenings. For families, Arenal is generally one of the easiest beaches to visit because everything you need is close by.
Discover Cabo de San Antonio and Montgó
For a completely different side of Jávea, head towards Cabo de San Antonio and the Montgó Natural Park. The Montgó massif dominates the landscape between Jávea and Dénia and offers a variety of walking routes for different levels of experience. Cabo de San Antonio sits high above the Mediterranean and offers impressive views over Jávea and the coastline. On exceptionally clear days, it is even possible to see towards Ibiza. If you enjoy walking and nature, this part of Jávea should definitely be on your list.
Explore Cala Granadella and Cala Portitxol
Jávea is famous for its coves. Two of the best known are Cala Granadella and Cala Portitxol, also known as Cala Barraca. Granadella is surrounded by steep green hills and is particularly popular for snorkelling, diving and kayaking. Portitxol is instantly recognisable from photographs thanks to its white fishermen’s houses with blue doors overlooking the bay. Both are beautiful, but also very popular during the summer. If you visit in July or August, go early and check current access and parking arrangements before leaving.
Play golf at Club de Golf Jávea
Golfers can also combine a visit to Jávea with a round at Club de Golf Jávea, located between Jávea and Benitachell. It is technically a 9-hole course, although alternative tee positions allow golfers to play an 18-hole round. The course is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and pine trees and is suitable for a wide range of golfers.
Visitors are welcome, although current booking conditions and handicap requirements should always be checked with the golf club before playing.
Why visit Jávea?
Jávea is interesting because it does not feel like one single resort. The old town, port and Arenal each have a completely different atmosphere, while the coastline and Montgó add beaches, coves and nature to the mix. That means you can easily spend an entire day here without doing the same thing twice. For a first visit, we would combine: Old Town · Port · lunch · El Arenal or one of the coves
If you prefer a more active day, replace the beach with Cabo de San Antonio or a walk in the Montgó Natural Park.
Jávea as a day trip from Moraira
Jávea is close enough to Moraira to make it an easy day trip. That is one of the things we like about staying in Moraira: you can enjoy its smaller scale and relaxed atmosphere while places such as Jávea, Calpe, Dénia and Altea are all within easy reach. You certainly do not have to choose between Moraira and Jávea during your holiday. Stay in Moraira and simply discover both.
👉🏻 Things to do in Moraira
More places to discover on the Costa Blanca
If you enjoy exploring the area, there are plenty of other places worth visiting from Moraira:
- Things to Do in Calpe
- Things to Do in Dénia
- Things to Do in Altea
- Things to Do in Guadalest
- Things to Do in Alicante
- Things to Do in Valencia
Staying in Moraira?
Moraira Holiday Homes has specialised in holiday accommodation in Moraira and nearby Benissa Costa since 2004. Our collection includes private villas with swimming pools and sea views, as well as apartments and penthouses close to Moraira town centre.
Because we live locally and know the area personally, we are also happy to share our favourite places, restaurants and day trips along the Costa Blanca.
👉🏻 Explore our holiday homes in Moraira
Frequently asked questions about Jávea
Where is Jávea?
Jávea, or Xàbia, is located on the northern Costa Blanca between Moraira and Dénia, at the foot of the Montgó massif. It is an easy day trip from Moraira by car.
Is Jávea worth visiting?
Yes. Jávea combines a historic old town, traditional port, sandy beach, dramatic coastline and beautiful coves, making it one of the most varied places to visit near Moraira.
What are the best things to do in Jávea?
Highlights include exploring the historic old town, visiting the port, relaxing at El Arenal, seeing Cabo de San Antonio, walking in Montgó Natural Park and visiting Cala Granadella or Cala Portitxol.
Which are the best beaches in Jávea?
El Arenal is the best-known sandy beach and is particularly convenient for families. Cala Granadella and Cala Portitxol are popular choices for scenery, swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.
Does Jávea have an Old Town?
Yes. Jávea’s historic centre lies inland and is centred around the Gothic fortress church of San Bartolomé. It is characterised by narrow streets and traditional Tosca-stone architecture.
Is Jávea good for families?
Yes. El Arenal is particularly popular with families thanks to its sandy beach and nearby restaurants. Boat trips, kayaking and snorkelling are also popular activities, depending on age and sea conditions.
Can you go hiking in Jávea?
Yes. Montgó Natural Park and Cabo de San Antonio offer some of the best-known walking and nature areas around Jávea. Routes vary considerably in difficulty.
Can you play golf in Jávea?
Yes. Club de Golf Jávea is a 9-hole golf course between Jávea and Benitachell. Alternative tees also allow golfers to play an 18-hole round.
Is Jávea better than Moraira?
They offer different experiences. Jávea is larger and more spread out, with distinct old-town, port and beach areas. Moraira is smaller and more compact. We recommend visiting Jávea as a day trip while staying in Moraira.
Can I visit Jávea from Moraira?
Absolutely. Jávea is close to Moraira and makes an easy day trip. You can comfortably combine the old town, port and one of the beaches or coves in a single day.
