Location Guide: Is Javea The Best Place to Live in Spain?

I must have driven past Javea at least twenty times on my way to the airport, oblivious to the fact that this little gem existed.
Unlike many parts of the Costa Blanca where you can actually see a lot of the coast from the highway, including the names of the places, Javea is about 12km off the AP-7 highway. Due to its more secluded location, many have never had the pleasure of discovering it, and I have a sneaky feeling (actually not so sneaky because they often say it out aloud) that the residents prefer it like this.
The majority of people who live or holiday in the area were most likely introduced by friends or family.

The municipality is actually divided into three main areas: The Village (Javea pueblo), The Port, and the Arenal. Each of these areas offers its own unique lifestyle and a bounty of fiestas and celebrations.

The village, located 2km inland, is the heart of the area and also a fountain of culture and tradition. Built with the honey-coloured Tosca sandstone that was excavated and transported hundreds of years ago from the beachfront, the village’s historical centre exudes charm and intrigue from its narrow streets and large squares. As most of the historical centre is closed to traffic it’s a joy to explore and sample the many unique shops, cafes, restaurants, and watering points. And if you are lucky enough to arrive during one of the many celebrated holidays then it’s pointless resisting, just resign to being swept along with the joyous and unfettered celebrations.

Javea port is nestled at the foot of Cap Sant Antoni and, while it has a strong permanent population of Spanish residents and expats, it has a more resort-like feel than the pueblo. It’s a convenient lifestyle with a good selection of shops, banks, restaurants, and bars close at hand. The seafront paseo (Cami Casetes) boasts a beautiful walk from the Esquina cafe to the port and is where most of the excitement happens. Not to be outdone by the pueblo, the port hosts its fair share of fiestas and community gatherings. The fireworks display (fiesta of the bonfires) held towards the end of June each year is perhaps the most astounding and features several pontoons floating in the bay loaded with fireworks which are lit in precise patterns.

Life in the Arenal centres around the semi-circular sheltered bay which hosts most of the daytime and night-time activities and entertainment of the area. The scenery from the bay is stunning and the area boasts a beautiful boating inlet, gorgeous blue waters of the shallow bay, and a backdrop of palm trees, attractive restaurants, tapas bars, lounges, and cocktail bars. The expansive sandy beach is 70m wide at some points and dotted with palm trees, children’s play areas, and volleyball nets. You will find some people enjoying the water, while others sharing a picnic while taking advantage of the shade of the palm trees.

Because there are three distinct urban centres, Javea offers an excellent variety of commerce, dining, entertainment, and activities. Due to the numerous International schools, the area is also very popular with foreign families. Activities in the area centre around the two golf courses, the Montgo’s hiking and biking trails, the equestrian centre of Cumbre del Sol, the bowling club, and the Marinas of the port and Arenal. Because of this wealth of hobbies, there are numerous communities that you can join, and which offer a convenient way to make friends and acquaintances, especially if you are new to the area.

There are several nearby villages to explore, each with its own unique culture, architecture, and calendar of fiestas (Benitachell, Jesus Pobre, La Sella, Benissa, Pedreguer, Teulada, Moraira, Gata de Gorgos), and there is also one of the largest commercial and industrial areas in the Costa Blanca stretching from Gata de Gorgos to Ondara, and also enveloping Pedreguer.
This is very convenient as there is a wide offering of products, from economy to luxury, of home and garden furnishing, DIY, construction, automation, and decoration.
For work and travel, there are two nearby International airports in Alicante and Valencia and many businesses near these airports offer short and long-term car storage, with most offering airport delivery and pickup, and car valeting.

The rental market in Javea is extremely robust, and clean modern units can demand a premium for both short and long-term rentals. There is in fact a shortage of good rental properties in the area (there are plenty of discussions to this effect on the various Facebook platforms) and the most in-demand properties are townhouses, 2-bedroom apartments, and freestanding villas with a private swimming pool.

In Javea’s historic centre, old townhouses offer a slice of heritage and are full of character and charm. They are usually quite spacious and the thick stone walls offer excellent soundproofing for a good night’s rest. The pueblo also offers convenience, especially for those who would like to do without a car, as most services and amenities are within easy walking distance.

The port area offers a desirable lifestyle right by the sea complemented with a bevy of charming establishments. If you have to walk more than 200m to do your shopping, stop by your Internet service provider, or visit your favourite watering hole then you will most likely have gotten distracted along the way, which is easy to do, considering the area’s beauty. The port area is extremely convenient and most categories of businesses are represented. The majority of the real estate on offer tends to be apartments built in the 80s, and are usually quite spacious. As with the Pueblo, there is a strong demand for property in what can be considered a low-supply market.

The residential area of Balcon Al Mar, on the slopes of the hill above the port, offers breathtaking views over Javea port and bay, and it’s where you will find the largest offering of luxury real estate in Javea. Due to the prime central location, most sea-view homes in the area can ask for a premium. Many of the older homes are being renovated and modernized to achieve optimal rentability, rental income, and resale value.

There is a strong demand by families looking for freestanding homes in the area, especially near schools and amenities. (It’s interesting to note that in order to cater to the high demand in the area the Lady Elizabeth International School also moved their premises from Jalon to Cumbre del Sol a few years ago). Therefore residential areas like Pinosol, Tossalet, Cap Marti, and Pinomar which are near International schools offer sound investment opportunities.

The areas around La Sella, in addition to being close to the acclaimed 27-hole golf course and resort, offer convenience in the sense that they are a lot closer to the main transport routes in the nearby Ondara. It should also be noted that the area is very popular for both golf and cycling holidays where the most in-demand seasons are Autumn stretching into Winter, and all of Spring. Holiday homes in the area enjoy excellent occupancy, while modern properties can demand a premium for long-term rentals.

Not enough parks and green open areas. In recent years many of the large building plots throughout Javea have been covered with apartment complexes. It seems there has been a little lack of planning with regards to setting aside open areas for recreation, relaxation, and playing with pets.
The Pueblo, Port, and Arenal experience parking problems in Summer, and many of the empty building plots that were used as temporary parking lots a few years ago have now been developed.

No high-rise developments are allowed. The spectacular beachfront areas are free of tall buildings, and the openness of the area allows one to feel calm and rejuvenated. The low-rise buildings also permit more houses and apartments in the area to benefit from open countryside views and sea views.

Javea is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and nature escapes. The Montgo nature reserve offers hiking and biking trails with stunning scenery. The secluded playa Granadella is often voted as one of Spain’s Top 5 beaches. The stretch of coastline between Cala Blanca and Playa Granadella includes some of the most spectacular coves, cliffs, and caves in all of Europe, and it’s an absolute pleasure to discover these by canoe, boat, or padel board in Summer.

The entire bay area offers an exceptional quality of life. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere make it an attractive place to live for families, retirees, and expatriates. The healthcare system is excellent, and there are plenty of recreational and cultural activities available.

The residents come from a variety of countries, including the UK, US, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. This multicultural environment creates a diverse and welcoming atmosphere and offers opportunities to make connections with people from different backgrounds, each with their own interesting tales.

Jávea is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Besides the beaches, the area offers opportunities for water sports like sailing, scuba diving, and paddleboarding, and the surrounding mountains and countryside are ideal for exploring nature.

The area boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. The old town and port area offer cultural events, festivals, and markets throughout the year, providing opportunities to make new friends and to immerse oneself in the local culture.