JAVEA COSTA BLANCA

Javea, today known mainly as a friendly family resort, had a long and respectable history before its spread down the hill towards the beautiful and protected beaches. Believed to be the sunniest place on the coast, the town lies on a bay embraced by the promontories of Cabo de San Antonio, to the north and pine studded Cabo de la Nao , to the south. The narrow streets of the old town are lined with handsome houses, ornamented with delicate stonework and wrought iron relics and balconies. Fine buildings cluster around the Plaza de la Iglesia, with its fortified Gothic church of San Bartolome and dignified town hall.

Just down the street the local archaeological, historical and ethnographic museum is housed in a Gothic palace; it traces Javea's history from Iberian and Roman times to the emergence of the Christian kingdoms, and gives pride of place to replicas of exquisite Iberian gold jewelers found nearby. The port area, called the Aduanas de Mar, has a busy working harbor. Here you'll find the fish market and fishing boats, the modern church of Nuestra Senora de Loreto with its roof like a ship's hull, long stretches of safe beach and shops, bars and restaurants. Javea, with its good facilities, friendly atmosphere, and easy access to the unspoiled country of Montgo is a popular base for holidaymakers of all ages.