Javea, a coastal town on the Costa Blanca known for its crystal-clear waters and historic charm, is being bypassed by many holidaymakers who head instead to better-known hubs such as Benidorm, Altea, and Calpe.
Located about a 45-minute drive from Benidorm, or a two-hour trip via public transport, Javea is increasingly described as a "secret paradise" on the Costa Blanca. The town, also known as Xabia in Valencian, was recently featured in a video tour by the local YouTuber 'Benidorm by Ana', who said she was left "surprised and impressed" by the area's shoreline.
Using a drone to capture aerial footage of the "breathtaking" bay, Ana noted that the town is a haven for expats. More than half of Javea's residents are foreigners, with British nationals making up roughly 26% of that population.
A Sunny Escape With Year-Round Appeal
The region enjoys more than 320 days of sunshine each year, which Ana said makes it an ideal autumn or winter escape when the weather in the UK begins to deteriorate. "It's easy to see why so many people choose Javea to live here all year long," she observed.
For food lovers, the town offers an "incredible variety" of venues, from cheap and cheerful tapas bars to "authentic fancy restaurants with gorgeous views of the sea or in the middle of the forest," according to the YouTuber.
Local dishes include Cruet de Peix, a traditional fish stew with fresh Mediterranean flavours, alongside cocas, savoury flatbreads typically topped with roasted peppers and salted fish. Visitors can also try fideuà, a regional take on paella that uses short pasta instead of rice.
Top Things to Do in Javea
Visitors can soak up local culture and culinary traditions or relax on the beach with a cocktail. As Ana put it: "It's a place where I would say tradition blends seamlessly with a modern touch."
Those who swap the busier tourist spots for Javea can explore the Old Town, which Ana praised for its "historic charm", featuring narrow, winding streets, traditional squares, and distinctive stone buildings.
The main sandy stretch of Playa del Arenal suits a lazy day of sunbathing, while the surrounding coastline is filled with hidden, rocky coves ideal for snorkelling. Weekly markets and cultural fairs near the seafront offer authentic local goods and fresh produce, and coastal walks and forest trails provide sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea.
