Javea (pronounced Haveea), the jewel of the Costa Blanca, is situated midway between Valencia, Spain's third city, to the north and Alicante to the south, on Spain's east coast. Transfer from either airport takes just over an hour.

Javea is the ideal destination for Brits and Spaniards alike, offering crystal clear waters, rocky outcrops, sand and pebble beaches and its own mountain, Montgo. Local planning laws prohibit tall buildings and the area is dotted with privately owned villas.

The central beach area, the Arenal (pronounced Araynal), comprises a pretty lagoon and promenade featuring many restaurants and bars. The old town is adjacent to the port which provides further shopping and both feature many restaurants. Supermarkets abound.

The area offers swimming and volleyball at the Arenal, sailing, speedboats, wind surfing, golf, tennis, walking, mountain climbing and horse riding, as well as Moorish settlements, local crafts and a number of theme parks and wineries.

"Xabia (Javea) possesses all I could wish and more, and if you could see what I have in front of my house, you would not find the words to exalt it, I become dumb by the emotion that still fills me. Imagine that my house was situated in Monaco or Montecarlo, this is a complete madness, a dream . . .; what a shame you did not come, you would be so happy . . ., you would gain so much, it is the place I have always dreamed of, sea and mountain, and what a sea! Even we who stay in Valencia (region) for many months, cannot comprehend this magnificent nature . . ."
Letter of Joaquin Sorolla to his wife (8th October 1896)