A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discovering Jávea: A Mediterranean Paradise in Valencia, Spain

Introduction

Jávea, also known as Xàbia in Valencian, is a hidden gem on the Costa Blanca of the Valencian Community in Spain. This charming coastal town is famous for its warm climate all year round, its stunning natural landscapes, and its rich history and culture. With its mix of golden sandy beaches, rocky coves, and rugged mountains, Jávea offers a variety of activities for all tastes.

Beaches and Coves

The beaches of Jávea are one of its biggest attractions. Arenal Beach is the most popular, with its wide strip of fine sand and crystal clear waters. For those who prefer rocky coves, Granadella Cove and Portitxol Cove are ideal for diving and snorkeling. In addition, these coves are surrounded by pine forests, making them a perfect place for picnics and enjoying nature.

Historical Heritage

Jávea is also rich in history and culture. The old town, known as the "village", is full of narrow, cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and historical monuments. The Church of San Bartolomé stands out, an impressive Gothic fortress dating from the 14th century. It's also worth visiting the Municipal Market, where you can buy fresh local produce.

Nature and Hiking

For nature lovers, Jávea offers a wide variety of hiking routes. The Montgó Natural Park, which majestically rises behind the city, is an ideal place for walking and enjoying the stunning views of the Mediterranean. Another option is the Cliff Route, a coastal trail that passes through some of Jávea's most beautiful coves.

Gastronomy

Jávea's gastronomy is another of its great attractions. The local cuisine is based on seafood and garden products, with typical dishes such as paella, rice a banda, or suquet de peix. In addition, in Jávea you can find numerous restaurants and beach bars where you can enjoy these dishes with sea views.

Festivals and Events

Jávea is also known for its lively festivals and events. The Moors and Christians festivals in July and the Bonfires of San Juan in June are especially popular. In addition, numerous craft markets, concerts, and sporting events are held throughout the year.

Gastronomic Products of Jávea

• Rices

  Jávea is famous for its rice dishes, especially paella. Fresh and local ingredients, such as seafood and vegetables, make each dish unique and delicious. Also popular are arroz a banda, a rice dish cooked in fish broth, and baked rice, which is cooked in the oven with pork ribs, blood sausage, and chickpeas.

• Fish and Seafood

  Given its coastal location, Jávea offers a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood. The most popular dishes include suquet de peix, a fish stew with potatoes and aioli, and the red shrimp from Dénia, a local shrimp species that is especially tasty.

• Nougat

  Although nougat is a typical sweet throughout the Valencian Community, in Jávea you can find a local version called "Jijona nougat". This nougat is made with almonds, honey, sugar, and egg white, and has a soft and sticky texture.

• Mistela

  Mistela is a typical sweet wine from the region that is usually served as an aperitif or after a meal. It is made from muscat grapes and has a sweet and fruity flavor. In Jávea, it is common to serve mistela with a piece of nougat or with pastissets, small cakes filled with almond and sweet potato.

Sports Activities in Jávea, Valencia

Hiking

Jávea offers a large number of hiking trails for all levels. You can explore the Montgó Natural Park, with routes that offer stunning views of the Mediterranean.

Water Sports

Thanks to its location on the Costa Blanca, Jávea is an ideal place for water sports. You can enjoy activities such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle surfing.

Cycling

If you are a cycling enthusiast, Jávea is your destination. With both mountain and road routes, you can enjoy spectacular landscapes while practicing your favorite sport.

Golf

Jávea has several golf courses where you can practice this sport while enjoying the sea views and the Montgó Natural Park.

Places near Jávea

If you are in Jávea and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Denia, a Spanish coastal gem, offers stunning beaches, a historic castle, and a vibrant culinary scene, standing out for its famous arroz a banda and red prawns, which attract food lovers from all over the world.

Calpe, a charming tourist destination on the Costa Blanca of Spain, is famous for its white sandy beaches, its iconic Peñón de Ifach and its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, highlighting fresh seafood and traditional paella.