Discovering the old town of Jávea is to enter the most authentic essence of the Costa Blanca. Although many associate Jávea with its beaches with crystal clear waters, those who visit us soon realize that the real treasure is found in its historic center, where every corner breathes tradition, history and Mediterranean culture.
In this article we want to take you by the hand on a complete tour: what to see in the old town of Jávea, how to get there, what are the best recommended restaurants in the old town of Jávea and finally, why Jávea in general is also an ideal enclave to settle down and find the perfect home.
Visiting the historic centre of Jávea is like travelling back in time. Its cobbled streets, its rough stone houses and its fortified churches tell us about a past linked to the sea and defence against pirate attacks. But, in addition to history, we also find life, color and local atmosphere.
The Church of St. Bartholomew, an imposing Gothic temple built in the 15th century. Its fortified appearance, with thick walls and turrets, reminds us that it was not only a place of worship, but also a refuge from invaders. Today, admiring its rough stone façade is one of the first obligatory stops.
A few metres away we find the Municipal Food Market, a twentieth-century building that mixes tradition and modernity. Strolling through its stalls connects us with local flavours: freshly caught fish, fruit from the garden and typical products such as esgarrat or tomato coca. For those looking for an authentic experience, this is a must-see spot on your list of what to see in Javea Old Town.
The square where the City Hall is located is a perfect point to stop and observe how the hustle and bustle of the residents mixes with the tranquility of the visitors. From here, the narrow streets invite us to get lost and discover small shops, craft workshops and corners where time seems to have stopped.
The Soler Blasco Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum is another key stop. Located in a seventeenth-century manor house, it offers us a journey through the history of Jávea, from Iberian remains to Roman and Muslim pieces. In addition, the many stately homes in the old town remind us of the importance that Jávea had in past centuries as a commercial port.
Accessing the historic center is simple and has several options.
If we travel by car, we can follow the signs to "Jávea Pueblo". The old town is located about 2 kilometres from the coast, so we should not confuse it with the Arenal area or the port. There are several public car parks nearby where you can leave your vehicle and walk through the streets of the centre.
From Alicante (approx. 90 km): Take the AP-7 direction Valencia and exit at exit 62 (Ondara-Dénia-Jávea). Then, we follow the N-332 direction Gata de Gorgos and from there we find the road to Jávea.
From Valencia (approx. 110 km): We also take the AP-7 in the direction of Alicante, we leave at exit 62 and follow the same route as from Alicante.
Jávea does not have a train station, but it does have buses that connect with Valencia, Alicante and Dénia. The bus station is located near the town centre; from there, walking in 10 minutes we are in the historic center of Jávea.
We recommend going to the Plaza de la Constitución Car Park, located a few metres from the historic centre, or to the Portal del Clot car park, which is free and spacious. Both are reached on foot in less than 5 minutes.
The walk through the historic centre of Jávea would not be complete without stopping to taste its varied gastronomy. Here Mediterranean tradition coexists with innovative proposals, which makes it a true gastronomic destination for all tastes.
If what we are looking for is flavour of yesteryear, we find taverns where the arròs al forn, the fideuà or homemade stews are the protagonists. One of the most outstanding is Casa Grau Bistro (Calle Mayor, 16), a family restaurant located in the heart of the old town. Its menu offers typical dishes of the Marina Alta made with local products, all in a cozy and authentic atmosphere.
The old town of Jávea also surprises with creative cuisine proposals, where local chefs reinterpret the Mediterranean tradition with an innovative touch. Our recommendation is Volta i Volta (Calle Santa Teresa, 3). Under the concept of "new traditions", this restaurant combines local ingredients with modern presentations, creating a unique culinary experience in the heart of the historic center.
The terraces that unfold in the squares and streets of the center are perfect for enjoying tapas accompanied by a good wine or a cold beer. Among them are La Rebotica (Calle San Bartolomé, 6), known for its varied range of tapas and its lively atmosphere. Another classic option is the Bar Imperial, also in the old town, an ideal place for a more informal evening with traditional tapas and an authentically local nightlife.
After walking through its streets and discovering what to see in the old town of Jávea, many visitors fall in love with the atmosphere and consider settling in this town. And it's no wonder: Javea offers an exceptional quality of life, both in the historic centre and in other coastal or residential areas.
Residing in the historic centre of Jávea means enjoying its squares, its market and the hospitality of its neighbours every day. It is ideal for those looking for an authentic environment, with character and Mediterranean tradition.
From our experience as a real estate agent, we can say that Jávea offers unique opportunities. In the old town of Jávea we find houses for sale in Jávea charming, but there are also magnificent properties by the beach, in the port or in exclusive urbanisations with sea views.
Touring the old town of Jávea is much more than a tourist excursion: it is an experience that connects us with the essence of the town, with its history and with Mediterranean life in its purest form. Now that you know what to see in the historic center of Jávea, how to get to the old town and where to enjoy the best restaurants, we invite you to take a step further: discover the possibility of making this place full of charm your own.
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