Javea brings together protected natural areas, coastal routes and architectural history. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether you would rather focus your time on landscapes and outdoor activities or on museums, historic buildings and events. The options range from Montgó Natural Park and the coves of Granadella to the Soler Blasco Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum.
Natural areas and coast
Montgó Natural Park lies between the municipal areas of Dénia and Xàbia. It currently covers 2,117.68 hectares and reaches 753 metres at its highest point. In May 1987, the Valencian government declared the area a natural park. A marine reserve was established around Cap de Sant Antoni in November 1993. Diving in the Cap de Sant Antoni Marine Reserve is restricted and regulated. Check the current permit requirements before diving.
On the southern coast of Xàbia lies Granadella Forest Park, covering nearly 700 hectares. Its flora includes the Iberian-Levantine endemic Centaura and orchids; most orchids are considered rare in the Valencian region. Cala Barraca can be reached by car via the road to Cabo de la Nao, or on foot from the Mirador de la Cruz del Portitxol. Seasonal restrictions may apply, so check before your visit. Cala Barraca is recommended for scuba diving. Portitxol Island lies opposite the cove of the same name and is visited for snorkelling and diving; it is considered to be of natural and archaeological value.
Coastal routes and activities
The Ruta de los Miradores de Xàbia follows the coast past 15 viewpoints. You can drive the route or split it into sections to explore over several days. Several cycling routes pass through scenic areas and lead to attractions such as the viewpoints and Montgó Natural Park. This gives you a choice of ways to get around and how to divide your time, without requiring every route to follow the same daily itinerary.
The hiking route to Castell de la Granadella starts at the Cala Granadella car park. From the cove, the coastal fortification can be reached via the PR CV-354 trail; the stated walking time is 90 minutes. The PR CV-354 runs along the edge of the La Granadella municipal natural area, is 13.6 kilometres long and has two shortcut options. The hiking route and its shortcuts are specific points to consider when planning; check for seasonal changes to trail conditions before setting out. The castle itself is a small, horseshoe-shaped fortification from the 18th century and formed part of the Valencian coast’s defence system.
A guided kayak tour starts at Cala Granadella and includes a stop for snorkelling. It takes you to coves and caves with crystal-clear water. As details about the provider may change, check the latest information before planning. By comparison, the hiking route to the castle focuses on the trail and stated walking time, while the kayak tour offers a guided experience with a snorkelling stop.
Architectural history, collections and events
The Soler Blasco Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum is housed in the palace of Antoni Banyuls. The building was constructed in the first half of the 17th century; its features include a façade made of Tosca stone and upper-floor porxens. The museum’s upper floor is devoted to underwater archaeology and displays an extensive collection of finds from the coastal area of Xàbia. The Casa del Cable also combines architectural history with present-day use: built in 1860 as a telegraph station, it connected the Iberian Peninsula to Ibiza via an undersea cable. After renovation, it became home to exhibition spaces.
The Iglesia Parroquial de San Bartolomé Apóstol is a fortified church in Jávea. Its construction began in the early 16th century on the remains of older medieval buildings. Historically, the Iglesia de San Bartolomé served both the religious needs of the population and as a defence against attacks by Berber corsairs. The Molinos de Viento de la Plana were built to process wheat into flour; the surviving structures date from the 18th century. The Torre del Portitxol, also known as Torre del Cap Prim, is located in Jávea. Its interior cannot be visited because it is within a private home.
Moros y Cristianos takes place in the third week of July in Duanes de la Mar. The festival includes parades of Moorish and Christian groups, as well as dramatic reenactments of historical events. Check the programme for your travel year before your trip. Ajedrez Viviente is a theatrical performance based on a chess game: schoolchildren from Xàbia aged 6 to 14 perform it, and a different story is staged each year. For an addition featuring regional products, the Mercat Municipal de Xàbia offers, among other things, cured fish and other salted products, cheese, honey, mistela, and fresh fish and seafood from the fish market.
Make your choices based on the number of days you actually plan to spend; you can check trail conditions, possible seasonal restrictions and the annual festival programme before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Costa Nova, Alfafara, Muro De Alcoy, Orito, Benejúzar, Castell De Castells, Banyeres De Mariola, Tangel
For the main travel overview: Alicante.
