Sunday, May 23, 2010

Javea - A Coastal Paradise

Xàbia, also known as Jávea, is a coastal town overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Marina Alta, a comarca in Alicante, Spain. The town itself is divided into three parts; the Old Quarter, the port and the village that is almost 3 km inland. Declared one of the healthiest climates in the world by the World Health Organization, Jávea is protected by the cool harsh winds of the winter from the north by the mountain of Montgó. The temperatures stay pleasant enough even during the summer, averaging 32°c in the warmest month of August which is also one of the most active months in Jávea in terms of tourist activity.
Fast becoming a popular tourist resort, the town of Jávea has developed into a hot property market for retirement villas and land in general. The population of around 28,500 swells to over 100,000 when the tourists pour in. For the most part through, the inland groves of Jávea are undisturbed by the tourist activities, they still produce tons of citrus oranges every year and the sight remains awesome when the branches are laden in season.
From a tourist point of view, the town is accessible through roads while the nearest train station at Gata de Gorgos is 10km inland. Connected to Alicante and Valencia through bus service as well, Jávea is at an hours drive from the two airports. In addition, the coach service caters daily to travelers headed to and from Madrid.
Once a town fortified to ward off pirates and marauders, the 'old quarter' of Jávea boasts the 14th Century Church of Sant Bartolomé that is dated a further 300 years back through some evidence. The church was declared a National Historic and Arts Monument for its historical value and is a popular tourist attraction now. While the ruins of the 15th Century Fontana Castle in the Arenal region have been replaced by apartment buildings, the cannons of the British destroyed fortification are still displayed in front of the Church of Sant Bartolomé. The Museo Historico y Etnografico Municipal J.B. Soler Blasco Javea, an etnographical museum, and the Agustinas Descalzas are also located in the old quarter, along with a modern market that, even with the span of time, retains the beauty of the olden days.
The port is an obvious tourist favorite with a gravel beach, marina and a wide variety of restaurants to keep holiday makers adequately entertained. As with most areas in Jávea, there is a historical significance to everything. The port, dating back to the 15th century, played its extraordinary role in raisins export till the trade collapsed by the end of the 19th century. An attraction in the port area is the church of Nuestra Señora del Loreto which shows off the town's fishing culture to the hilt in its build. This area compliments the sandy beach of Arenal which is the party centre for the town. The various sand artists work away as while the tourists pour in, making it into a bustling place with bars, beach parties and long nights of fun and activity.
If all this isn't enough to set Jávea out as a town to visit, the 2,150 hectares of Montgó National Park add another mix of history and modern lifestyle to the area. The archeological remains dating several thousand years back, and the various pagan and Christian and cultural fiestas held in June, July and September make sure the time spent in this beautiful resort town worth your while.

Javea Holidays - Real Spain And Holiday Resort In One Place

Spain is a popular holiday destination for UK tourists. Some of the resorts are very well-known such as Benidorm, but there are others that are equally good for a holiday. A few miles north of Benidorm lies the Costa Blanca holiday resort of Javea. The town lies in a large bay between the peninsulas of "La Nao" and "San Antoni" and is split into three areas, each with their own character and facilities.
The most popular area with holiday makers is the "Arenal" which is a beach set in a small bay within Javea bay. There are a couple of volleyball courts, palm trees, and enough shops, bars, and restaurants to ensure that you never need to leave the Arenal during your entire holiday in Javea if you don't want to.
If you need something to eat or drink there is always something open around this beach. All through the day various bars and restaurants are open ranging from small coffee shops offering drinks, sandwiches and tapas (Spanish appetisers), to large restaurants offering full three-course meals, lunches, and cakes. The prices also vary offering something for every budget. A three course meal in Javea can cost anything from 7.99 Euros (£5.50 approx.) to 40 Euros (£28 approx.)
When evening falls the late bars and nightclubs begin to open, along with Javea's famous craft stalls. The stalls attract people from all around the Northern Costa Blanca. Many of the items for sale are hand-made and not available in any of the local gift shops including, jewellery, clothing, ornaments, and accessories. Some of the stalls offer services such as hair-styling and personal caricatures.
This part of Javea is also where most of the holiday villas are with views over either the sea or the mountains and valleys around the town.
A short drive along the sea-front brings you to Javea Port. The road itself is only a few metres from the sea, and runs along the beach itself. There are a string of wooden beach bars spread along this road all the way to the port.
Javea port is the quiet holiday resort contrasting with the Arenal. The rocky sea-front is lined with bars, restaurants, and small intimate hotels. The port is overlooked by the cliffs of "San Antoni" and numerous luxury villas.
The port plays host to the Javea International Festival each year. This is usually a three day event and aims to bring together in one place people from all countries. During each evening there is music performed on the large outdoor stage. Each act represents each country taking part in the festival and ensures that the audience is treated to a night of constantly changing music and dancing.
For holiday makers that want to see what the real Spain is like, and not the Spain from the holiday brochures, a trip to the Old Town or "Pueblo" is a good idea. The old church and indoor market stand next to each other and are worth a visit, as well as exploring the narrow streets that criss-cross the town. Javea's old town is also where the weekly market is held where you are sure to pick up a bargain or two.
If you enjoy beach holidays, but also want to experience some of the real Spain, then Javea can offer you the best of both worlds.

Javea - What You Can Find in This Forgotten Haven

Somewhere northeast of the beautiful city of Alicante, about eighty kilometers away lies a must-see place called Javea. Flights to this place are via the Alicante airport, which caters to different flights world-wide.
Geographically speaking, Javea is seated between two magnificent bays called the Cabo San Martin and another equally lovely bay is called Cabo San Antonio. It is also between the villages of Altea and Denia. Aside from the many famous spots that scatter strategically at Javea, it boosts of a good weather all year round. Because of this fine weather that is usually at forty degrees Celsius during summer, it can be noted that weather at Javea does not go completely ice-cold as well. In fact, at winter, it maintains a minimum of ten degrees Celsius during winter season.
Where to Stay in Javea
Local accommodations at Javea can be acquired by the help of a travel agent. A visiting party can also refer directly to the owner of the property for rent. This can either be villas or apartments that are ready for occupancy. The best thing about these accommodations is that these are located along nice beach areas. Javea has become a famous spot for tourists who long for a relaxing vacation during summer because it is where the lovely beaches are. Since the hotels along the beach are very accessible, there is no need to worry about basking in the sun's glory all day.
Places to visit in Javea
The prime places worth staying at in Javea can be summarized into three areas. There is the very much clean beach area, the port and the homey village. Tourists who want some action can take a look and a get a feel of the many recreation areas like the bars, and restaurants that surround the harbor area. Apart from these, the quaint shops are all around the village area. Tourists do not come home to their native places without checking out these stores for souvenirs and great bargains. This only proves that there are a lot to do and see at Javea.
Other must-see places in Javea include the old churches from which the place is also known for. A tourist visit is not entirely complete without visiting the Inglesia de San Bartolome, an old church that was historically constructed during the twelfth century. After visiting the church, a tourist can proceed to another tourist attraction which is the Soler Blasco Museum. The museum showcases the jewels and treasures that represent and are home to Javea.If you want more, there is the nature park of Montgo that houses lovely flora and fauna. Meanwhile, for golf-lovers, golf courses with complete amenities also surround the area. The amenities are variety and includes the best luxuries one can afford such as spas, tennis courts, swimming pools and restaurants.
For a good sight-seeing experience, Cabo de Nao is worth a visit. To get a good view of this picturesque place, the tourists can start a walking tour on a path emanating from the harbor area. Otherwise, the place can be reached by transporting via a car. Cabo de Nao is very breathtaking to look at because the hill is being lit by a tall lighthouse. Overall, the look is very spectacular.