Javea Spain
Guide to Javea, a town and resort on the Costa Blanca, Spain.
Guide to Javea Costa Blanca
The northern Costa Blanca town of Javea (Xabia) lies about 80 km north of Alicante between Denia and Altea. Located in the Marina Alta district, Javea is situated behind a wide bay and is sheltered by two rocky headlands. A very popular seaside town, the population of Javea swells from its usual 29,000 to over 100,000 during the busy summer months.
Enjoying a temperate Mediterranean climate, Javea is sheltered from cold northerly winds during the winter time by the huge Mount Montgó, keeping temperatures mild throughout colder months. Apart from the shelter it gives, Mount Montgó also provides a dramatic backdrop for the town and these days forms part of the Mount Montgó Natural Park (declared as such in 1987), covering some 21 km2 and containing some interesting archaeological remains.
Artefacts found in caves of Mount Montgó, give evidence of human activity in the area around Javea some 16,000 years ago, during the Upper Palaeolithic Era, further activity is evident from the Neolithic Era and from the Bronze Age. There have been some important finds from the Iberian Culture including pieces in silver and gold, dating from the 3rd to 2nd Centuries BC. The arrival of the Romans after the Second Punic War (219-201 BC) heralded an improvement in organised society and many advances in agricultural activity in the area around Javea. Villas were constructed, particularly in the fertile valley formed by the River Gorgos, and there was a settlement in the area of Playa de Arenal where the fish sauce, ‘garum’ was produced and exported. After the decline of the Roman Empire, the Romans were replaced by the Visigoths, and although little is known of their time in the region, there is some documentation suggesting the appearance of a monastery (San Martin), though there is no firm evidence to support this.
In the 8th Centruy the Moors invaded and conquered the Iberian Peninsular, where they remained until the 13th Century (the Christian re-conquest of Denia is documented in 1224). The Arabs continued with the agricultural improvement of the area, using expert irrigation methods brought from the arid deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. In the centuries following the Christian re-conquest, the town of Javea was walled and fortified to fend off attacks from marauding pirates, and there is still evidence today of these ancient fortifications.
One of the best known locations in Javea today is the impressive Church of San Bartolomé, dating from the 14th Century (possibly earlier) and listed as a Ancient Monument in 1931. Evidence can still be seen of damage suffered by the church during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39).
Probably the most popular spot for modern day tourists to Javea is the old port, retaining much of its original charm, it has not been spoiled by modernisation. It has a good range of bars and restaurants and is a great place to enjoy a delicious local seafood dish. The harbour dates from the 15th Century and it was formerly an important shipping point for the export of raisins until the collapse of the raisin trade in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.
The main beach of Javea is Playa de Arenal, a fine sandy beach with a good range of facilities. The beach is backed by a wide promenade which is lined with shops, bars and restaurants, and is also the location for a lively craft market which is held on warm summer evenings. Javea holds its weekly market on Thursdays and this is a popular place to stock up on fresh locally grown produce. Javea, of course has its share of fiestas and festivals, the main ones being the Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) in July, the Fogueres de San Juan (bonfire festival) in June and the Nuestro Señora de Loreto (with bull-running) in September.
Javea can be reached via the N332 coast road or the AP-7 motorway junctions 62 or 63.
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Nearby Places: Benidorm - Denia - Moraira - Calpe - Gandia - Oliva - Pego - Altea - Albir - Guadalest - Villajoyosa - Teulada - Benissa - Cumbre del Sol - Gata de Gorgos - Els Poblets
Attractions: Gallinera Valley - Penon de Ifach - Algar Waterfalls - Caves of Canelobre - Fuentes de Algar
Golf Courses: Oliva Nova Golf - Ifach Golf Club - Real Faula Golf - Spain Golf
Related Links: Alicante - Murcia - Valencia - Alicante Weather - Alicante Transfers
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