The coastal town of Javea or (Xábia in the local language) is located at the most easterly part of Spain between Denia and Moraira and part of Javea is sheltered by the Montgó Mountain and the National Park. Rising some 753 meters above sea level, the shape of the mountain resembles an elephant´s head and trunk.
Javea is known for its unique micro climate, and is divided into three distinct areas which are the old town or pueblo, the port and the Arenal where the main beaches are to be found.
The pueblo has undergone a great deal of renovation over the last few years, but has maintained much of the original old world charm. The hub of the pueblo is the ancient fortified church of San Bartholome, which is officially listed as a National Treasure of Spain. The church stands in the centre of the main plaza, surrounded by cafes and bars, next to the historical fish market. The tower, constucted from stone mined from the sea bed locally, is the oldest building in Javea, dating back to the 13th century, where it also served as a look-out to warn of coastal invaders.
Narrow cobbled streets leading off from the main square are usually bustling with activity, especially during the San Juan Fiestas in June. This is a time when the townspeople work together to paint and decorate the streets with flowers and flags in a competition to win the coveted Best Street award.
Javea market day is on a Thursday and is centred around the Plaza de Consitution, but also extends to Ronda Sur and connecting avenues. Here street vendors compete to sell everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to fashion goods.
The majority of property in the Javea pueblo is in the form of traditional style town houses or apartments. It is still possible to pick up a bargain, especially if you have an eye for restoration. Many of the houses within the town walls date back to more troubled times. The wrought iron balconies were purely defensive but have now become an essential feature. Balconies with rose symbols tend to be the oldest.
With the many and varied tapas bars, charming palm shaded squares and Montgó backdrop, Javea has become a popular place to live with both Spaniards and ex-pats alike.
The port area of Javea is watched over by a line of ancient ruined windmills that sit on top of the Cabo San Antonio headland. Dating back to medieval times, they were used to mill the wheat grown in the Javea Valls (valley) before shipping off to some of the nearby Mediterranean towns such as Calpe, Moraira and Denia.
The most exclusive property for sale in Javea can be found in area known as The Balcon de Javea. This location is elevated and enjoys sea views accross the Port and towards the Arenal. The main urbanization is La Corona (crown) and villa prices tend to be at the upper end of the scale, even for some of the older properties. Also high up and built into the mountainside is the new urbanization known as Nueva Xabia. This also has views towards the Port and to the Ermita church with its distinct blue glazed tiled dome. Plots and new property are arguably better value here and in some cases it is possible to build free of any developer's obligation. The land is very steep and this does have the effect of increasing building cost, although the panoramic views for many people, more than compensate for this.
The Port area has a pretty beach (Playa de Grava), palm lined boulevards and many cafes and shops. It remains a working fishing port and there are a number of exclusive fish restaurants. The headland is also the location of the famous and still manned Cabo San Antonio lighthouse.
Most of the property in the Port tends to be made up of apartments ranging from simple holiday accommodation to luxury duplexes and penthouses. There are also a few town houses in the older part.
The third area of Javea is the Arenal (Spanish for sandy). The gently sloping beach is safe for children and popular in July and August. The bars that line the beachfront remain popular with local residents even outside of the tourist season. Property in this area is almost exclusively made up of apartments, built to a high standard and most with community swimming pools and underground parking.
The wooded hillside of the Cabo de la Nao form the furthest side of the Javea valley. There are a number of pretty coves dotted around the headland including the Playa Granadella and Playa La Barraca beaches. Cliffs rise above the turquoise Mediterranean sea and look out towards the tiny island of Portichol. This is also a popular area for home buyers with most of the accommodation being made up of villas with private pools. The main urbanizations are Tossalet and Balcon Al Mar. Prices are variable, but right now there are many villas offering substantial value in the area.
A short distance from the coast is the Javea Valls. This is mainly an agricultural area given over to vineyards, orange, almond and olive production. Properties for sale in the Valls generally are built on larger plots and enjoy mountain views, whilst remaining close to the sea.
