A DAY IN JAVEA
A picturesque old town and fantastic little beachesWhile Moraira has long been a destination for “people in the know”, Javea’s popularity goes back decades and has attracted national & international celebrities. Javea is also a “younger” destination with a vibrant nightlife and many shops/boutiques. Javea is actually made of three distinct areas :
- El Arenal, a busy beach sand with restaurants and clubs
- The Marina area with a mix of new and old buildings as well as some lovely restaurants
- The Old town, a beautiful maze of narrow alleys on the hill
HOW FAR is IT?
15 min by car from Moraira
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
The Old town, Cabo San Antonio, El Portitxol
BUDGET
€ €
BEST TIME to VISIT
May, June, September
WHAT TO DO – A DAY in JAVEA?
Discover Javea’s most instagrammable beach
It’s not difficult to see why Cala Portitxol has become Javea’s most popular beaches with photographers and bloggers. The shell-shaped cove has beautiful crystal clear water, a lovely view over the bay and traditional fishermen’s houses with bright cerulean doors and windows. Unfortunately, this new popularity means that you will have to fight for a spot so if you are visiting during the summer make sure to get there early.
Explore Javea’s picturesque Old Town
As most towns on the Marina Alta, Javea is made of two different areas : the more recent Beach side and the Old Town on the hill. Javea’s Old town is one of the most picturesque on the coast : a maze of narrow alleys, whitewashed traditional houses, hidden patios and impressive wooden gates. Get a drink on the Church’s square and watch the village come back to life after siesta.
Climb Cabo San Antonio and enjoy the view
Cabo San Antonio is of the most beautiful viewpoints of the area. On good days you can see the whole bay and even Ibiza in the distance. There are plenty of walking trails ( see this post) from town that lead to the lighthouse but you can also drive up and park. Go to the end of the path and you’ll walk past a beautiful monastery and old windmills from the XVII century.
Enjoy a cold drink at one of the chiringuitos
For me, there’s nothing better than spending a lazy afternoon at a beach bar with a cold drink and some friends. Javea has some of the best chiringuitos of the area, with stunning views and delicious cocktails.
Some of our favorites ?
- Cala Clemence
- La Siesta
- Saona
- Cala Bandida
WHERE TO EAT in JAVEA?
If you’re spending a day in Javea, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to great restaurants.
Javea has something to offer for everyone, no matter their budget, from cheap tapas to Michelin star restaurants. These are five places that we love to visit…but there are plenty of fantastic restaurants in Javea.
La Sucreria
My mouth starts watering just thinking about this place…hmmm. La Sucreria is a fantastic little hidden gem behind the Church and we’ve never had a bad meal there. The owners have a real passion for truly homemade food and their menu changes often. Everything is made there, from the sausages and smoked meats to desserts etc. They also have many vegetarian and vegan options and their Smokey Sunday platters are out of this world.
+34.609.709.107
Plaça de l’Església, 1
Casa Grau
We’ve already featured Casa Grau in our post about tapas in the area but that’s how much we like it.
The food is a celebration of local ingredients and traditions but with a modern twist. This is the perfect place if you’re looking for something special without being too “stuffy” and formal.
Service is always attentive and they have a great selection of wines and craft beers.
+34.965.792.756
Carrer Major, 16
Sur
Restaurante Sur has been around for more than50 years, serving food in la Granadella ( which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Javea). The owners are part of Javea’s history and even helped build the first road to the beach!
The menu is traditionally Spanish with fantastic paellas, fresh fish and healthy salads. If you are visiting in the summer make sure to book ahead as the terrace seats are the most coveted ones.
Av. del Tio Catala, 35
+34.965.771.612
Volta i Volta
You might walk past Volta i Volta without noticing it as it is hidden in the Old town but this place definitely deserves a visit. The owners renovated a traditional house and turned it into a place which truly celebrates the best of our local produce while still being modern and exciting. Try their lunch menu (20€) which changes every week. There aren’t very many dishes to choose from as they work with local farmers and fishermen but everything is delicious.
+34.965.042.823
Calle Sta. Teresa, 3
La Siesta
With a picture-perfect Ibizan boho decoration, a young hip crowd and a fantastic location right on the Grava beach, La Siesta is THE place to be in Javea. You don’t really go there for the food, although it is good and reasonably priced. You go for the location, the ambience and the crowd. Cocktails are delicious and service is efficient and friendly. A great spot to finish off your day in Javea: put on that boho dress you bought at the market, let your hair down and watch the sunset on one of their white sofas.
Av. del Mediterráneo, 27
+34.966.462.300
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR DAY IN JAVEA
1- Parking can be tricky in Javea. In popular areas such as El Arenal, Granadella or Portitxol, parking is limited so make sure to get there early to secure a spot. There is a large underground carpark on the Market square in the Old Town.
2- It is possible to walk from the Old Town to the Marina/ Beach but it is quite a stretch and it’s up the hill. We recommend using your car to save time !
3 – The large stretch that goes from the Marina towards El Arenal is a one way road (and a great bike lane). Keep that in mind if you are coming from El Arenal.
4- Some little creeks have issues with stones falling of cliffs and can be dangerous. If the access is closed, please respect it as you could put yourself and others at risk.