North Costa Blanca

Jávea

Three bays, one of Spain's healthiest places to live

Population

≈ 28,000 (≈ 50% foreign residents)

Climate

Mediterranean · WHO 'ideal climate' designation

Nearest airport

Alicante (ALC) 100 km / Valencia 110 km

Known for

Three towns in one, Montgó, Granadella beach, expat life

Welcome to Jávea

Jávea (Xàbia) is a three-part town: a historic walled old town, a working fishing port and a long arc of beach (the Arenal). Backed by the dramatic Montgó massif and bookended by the Cabo de San Antonio and Cabo de la Nao capes, it is regularly rated by the WHO as one of the world's healthiest places to live.

Who it's ideal for

Active families and outdoorsy retirees
International-school families
Watersports and hiking enthusiasts
Buyers wanting villas with sea views

At a glance

Region: North Costa Blanca
Area: 68.6 km²
Population: ≈ 28,000 (≈ 50% foreign residents)
Languages: Spanish, Valencian, English, German, Dutch

History & heritage

Iberian and Roman roots; the fortified Gothic church of San Bartolomé (16th c.) was built to double as a refuge from pirate raids.

Lifestyle

Outdoorsy, international, family-friendly. Hiking, sailing, paddleboarding, golf at Jávea Golf and access to Sella and Oliva courses.

Best beaches

Playa del Arenal

Main sandy Blue Flag beach with a long restaurant-lined promenade.

Cala Granadella

Voted Spain's best beach multiple times — turquoise pebble cove surrounded by pines.

Cala Portitxol (La Barraca)

Stunning pebble cove with the iconic Isla del Descubridor offshore.

Top things to do in Jávea

1.Hike or drive to the Cap de la Nao lighthouse
2.Snorkel and dive in the Cabo de San Antonio marine reserve
3.Walk the old town and Thursday market
4.Boat trip around the capes
5.Climb the Montgó (753 m) for panoramic views

Where to eat & drink

Strong seafood culture, plus modern Mediterranean and a thriving brunch and craft beer scene led by the international community.

Signature dishes

Arròs a bandaCruet de peixCoca de llandaMistela

Where to stay

Mainly boutique hotels (Parador de Jávea, El Rodat) and a vast villa-rental inventory.

Living in Jávea

Healthcare

Public Hospital Marina Salud (Dénia), private HLA San Carlos, plus several local clinics.

Schools & education

Excellent international schools: Xabia International College, Lady Elizabeth, plus Spanish/Valencian public schools.

Transport

No train — bus links to TRAM at Dénia or Calpe; AP-7 access. Alicante airport 1 hour, Valencia 1h15.

Safety

Very safe, low crime.

Shopping

Old-town boutiques, Thursday market, Arenal commercial strip, large supermarkets and easy access to Dénia retail.

Expat community

Around 50% of residents are foreign — a famously international town with British, German, Dutch, Belgian, French and Scandinavian communities.

Property & investment

Market overview

Old-town townhouses, Arenal apartments, hillside villas in Costa Nova, Balcón al Mar, La Granadella and Tossal Gros.

Price range

Apartments €200–600k; townhouses €300–700k; villas €500k–8M+.

Rental market

Strong premium villa rental market, especially July–September.

Business opportunities

Tourism, hospitality, real estate, international services, remote work and a growing wellness sector.

Browse property Moving to Jávea

Events & festivals

July

Moros y Cristianos

Three days of historical re-enactments and parades.

23 June

Fogueres de Sant Joan

Bonfires of Saint John on the Arenal beach.

September

Festes de Loreto

Patron festival of the fishing port.

Nearby towns

Continue exploring the North Costa Blanca.

Dénia Moraira Benissa Calpe Gata de Gorgos