Costa Blanca · Spain
The good life starts in Jávea
Restaurants, beaches, shops and walks. Everything in this guide has been checked with people who have actually been there, so you can rely on it completely.
Explore the guideWelcome
Jávea, or Xàbia in Valencian, sits exactly where the Montgó slides into the sea. The town has three faces: the old centre around the church of San Bartolomé, the port where fishing boats still go out for real, and the Arenal with its long promenade. At Cap de la Nau you are standing on the point of mainland Spain closest to Ibiza. On clear days you can simply see the island sitting there.
Pick your moment
From a long lunch in the old town to a swim in a quiet cala. This is Jávea the way we show it to our own friends.
Beaches & calas
Nine spots on the water, with honest advice on parking and crowds.
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Stay & live
From a wellness resort to a beachfront parador, plus how to rent a villa wisely.
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Tips & essentials
Getting there, the seasons and practical tips to help you plan your visit well.
See the tips →Calendar
Fiestas you will not want to miss
Jávea celebrates all year round. These are the four moments when the town truly turns itself upside down.
Mid December
Festa de Santa Llúcia
One of the town's most cherished traditions. On the eve, residents bring flowers to the saint's statue, accompanied by dulzaina and tambourine, pumpkin fritters and mistela. On 13 December, much of Xàbia climbs in procession to the hermitage on the hill, where a mass and hot chocolate await at the top.
December to early January
Nadal and the Cabalgata de Reis
A good month of Christmas cheer, with markets, concerts and lights across the old centre, the port and the Arenal. The high point comes on 5 January, when the Three Kings sail into the port by boat and parade through town in a grand procession.
Mid January
Sant Antoni and the Cremà del Pi
A traditional Valencian fire festival around 17 January, the name day of Sant Antoni. The highlight is the Cremà del Pi, usually on a Saturday close to the feast day: in the evening a large decorated pine tree goes up in flames, while nuts and mistela are shared around. A blessing of animals and horses in the streets belong to the festival in the same days.
Late January
Sant Sebastià
The feast of Xàbia's patron saint, celebrated in the old centre around the church of San Bartolomé. On 20 January, the main day, a procession carries the saint's image past the small shrines set into the facades, accompanied by a mass, dulzaina and pasacalles. The days around it bring vaquillas, activities for children and coca maria shared around with mistela.
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