Tiny Spanish town you won’t have heard of – but has white-sand beaches and ‘pirate bays’
IN the heart of Spain’s Costa Blanca IS a quaint seaside town that you probably haven’t heard of.
Called Javea (or Xàbia in Valencian dialect), this hidden gem is known as one of the most beautiful spots on Alicante’s Mediterranean coastline.
Nestled between the capes of San Antonio and La Nao, the beach town boasts over 20 kilometres of diverse coastline. And the best bit? There are hardly any tourists.
While it might not be as well known as its bustling neighbour Benidorm, Javea is considered by visitors as a slice of paradise – boasting white-sand beaches and idyllic ‘pirate bays’.
As well as serene beaches and coves, it’s also home to Montgó Natural Park, Santi Antoni Marine Reserve, a 15th-century fishing port and lots of tasty local dishes.
What makes Javea a particular draw for beach lovers is the town’s secluded coves and vast stretches of pristine sand.
Its crown jewel is Arenal Beach, a small cove with fine white sand and crystal-clear waters, complete with a promenade lined with vibrant cafes and shops.
For those with a taste for adventure and history, the town’s even has it’s own ‘pirate bays’.
These rocky coves, once the haunt of seafaring bandits, now offer tranquil spots for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts to explore underwater life.
This is something you can enjoy even during winter time as the town boasts a mild Mediterranean climate year-round.
While the coldest daytime temperatures typically occur during the winter months of January and February, they commonly hover between 12C to 16C and rarely drop below 10C.
In the summer, you can expect temperatures to soar to an average of 30°C and above.
Javea isn’t just about the coast – the historic old town is a maze of narrow streets and gothic buildings that are a window to its rich past.
The fortified church of San Bartolomé stands as a testament to the town’s history of defending itself against pirate attacks.
And then for those who like to be more active, there’s a hiking trail to Montgó Mountain, which provides panoramic views of the town and its neighbouring villages below.
Foodies are also in for a treat as the town is known for its local restaurants that serve up traditional Valencian dishes, with seafood paella being a staple.
Want to sample the town like a local? A weekly market called Mercadillo Jávea Semanal buzzes with activity every Thursday, offering everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
As night falls, Javea’s beachside bars come alive, promising relaxed Mediterranean nightlife that combines the charm of old Spain with beachside living – an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle.
To get there from the UK is pretty easy, too.
You can fly directly from many major airports in the UK to Alicante, which takes around two and a half hours.
You can then hop on an ALSA bus heading from Alicante airport to Javea, which takes around three hours and costs about £14.
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