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.
(Chris Farrow has lived on the Costa Blanca in Spain for 6 years and works on behalf of the property management and rental companies http://www.totalcarespain.com and http://www.totalcarerentals.com)