The area
The Costa Blanca
With excellent travel links by air into either Valencia or Alicante, the Costa Blanca represents superb value for money for the tourist seeking a holiday in the sun. For those of us who are lucky to live here the area continues to delight and surprise.
- JÁVEA - The Pearl of the Costa Blanca
- MORAIRA & EL PORTET – Charm, sophistication and style
- DENIA – A great place to be
So you’re thinking about visiting the Costa Blanca?
Good choice! We have delightful coastal towns in our part of the Costa Blanca, such as the chic resort of Moraira, with its trendy avenues of shops and restaurants and its fine paseo maritimo, the paved walkway by the sea. Then there is the stylish port and picturesque old town of Jávea (or Xàbia in the Valenciano language), with its golden sandy beach – the Playa del Arenal, popular with holidaymakers because of its beauty, cleanliness and safety. Further along the coast beyond the impressive and much loved Montgó mountain lies Denia’s bustling town with marina, extensive beaches and tree lined avenues that are great for shopping or for just simply soaking up the atmosphere at one of the many street cafes or restaurants.
Each one of these resorts happily combines traditional Spanish culture, wonderful scenery and all the essential amenities that make our tourists come back year after year. Another reason to visit this region - or to live here permanently - is that the area boasts a temperate climate that is considered by the World Health Organisation as extremely beneficial to good health and long life. For healthy living you need to visit our wonderful markets which are filled with colourful displays of fresh locally produced fruit and vegetables, an incredible variety of fish and shellfish caught in local waters, and delicious wines to satisfy the most discerning palate.
The heady aroma of orange and almond blossom that drifts lazily across the valleys in Spring brings with it the anticipation of yet another fabulous summer. When a warm breeze lifts a scattering of blossom into the air like confetti our thoughts immediately turn to the joy filled days of summer afternoons when we are at last able to dip sun kissed toes into the clear blue Mediterranean sea and watch as white sails drift in the crystal clear sunlight for which the area is renowned. Away from the coast the people that we meet in the quiet streets and alleyways of the sleepy villages in the mountains welcome the stranger with a friendly Hola, a welcome as warm as the heat that has been stored in the ancient stone walls for centuries. We may come as strangers but we leave as friends.
JÁVEA - The Pearl of the Costa Blanca back to top
A warm welcome awaits you in Jávea.
Approach the town by sea and you will find over sixteen miles of beaches, coves and cliffs all washed by a clear and pleasant Mediterranean sea. Sixteenth Century pirates came this way and the fortress church of San Bartomé in the historic heart of the old town is a lasting legacy of those far off days. Today you can discover restaurants, bars and cafes hiding in a maze of narrow streets that will delight the most discerning gourmet.
Jávea lies 92 km north of Alicante and 105 km south of Valencia, nestling in a beautiful bay between the twin peaks of Cap de San Antonio and Cap de la Nao. Many major airlines fly into Alicante and Valencia and offer discounted fares throughout the year, making Jávea not only a great summer destination but also an attractive winter resort due to it excellent position. Jávea is where the sun rises on Spain and the World Health Organisation has declared that the area benefits from a year long temperate climate that is very beneficial to health, especially in the winter. The Arenal beach has fine golden sand and a wide range of restaurants serving international cuisine or traditional Spanish tapas and paellas. There are also many secluded inlets and coves to discover, a wonderful covered market in the old town, and a fish market every evening in the harbour. The area is well served by a wide range of sporting activities: Club Nautico, diving school, windsurfing, fishing, golf courses, and riding. Our festivals delight everyone throughout the year, especially the fiesta of San Juan at the end of June and the Moors and Christian festival in July.
Irresistible Jávea… where the people welcome you with a friendly Hola!, the beauty of the Mediterranean beckons the sailor, and the beaches entice those who simply wish to laze and dream.
JÁVEA Beaches and Coves back to top
El Arenal – This beautiful curved sandy beach is safe and clean – perfect for young families. A range of cafes and restaurants line the promenade as well as a full range of amenities.
Montañar – This pebbly beach is situated between the Parador Hotel and the Port and is where you can windsurf and jet ski. Summer beach bars called chiringuitos are erected here and you can enjoy a refreshing drink as you take in the beauty of the perfect bay and the deep blue sea.
Ambolo – You can find this naturalist beach on the Portichol road. Park at the top and take the path down. It’s worth the effort as it is great for sunbathing.
Portichol – From this beach you can see the island of Portichol and dine on wonderful local dishes in a typical Spanish restaurant.
Granadella – This popular beach nestles in a natural bay surrounded by pine clad mountains which can be viewed from two very good restaurants specialising in fish and paellas dishes. Yachts moor off the pebbly beach which is full of character at any time of the year.
JÁVEA LANDMARKS back to top
El Montgó
El Parque Natural de Montgó covers an area of 2,150 hectares and boasts more than 600 species of plants, making this an enchanting spot that is much loved by residents and visitors alike. Several walking routes can be followed, varying in difficulty, height and seasons of the year. The peak of the Montgó is 753 meters above sea level and the intrepid climber will be rewarded with spectacular views along the coast of the Gulf of Valencia taking in the Peñón de Ifach at Calpe, inland to the Sierra de Bernia mountain range and on a clear day even across to the island of Ibiza.
Still visible in the caves of the Montgo is evidence of Neolithic habitation. More artefacts can now be found in Jàvea´s Museo de Solar Blasco. Soldiers of the VIIth Gemini Legion also left inscriptions when they occupied this important strategic vantage point.
MORAIRA & EL PORTET – Charm, sophistication and style back to top
Moraira has recently seen sympathetic development from its noble origins as a small fishing village to become a chic resort complete with a superb marina, wide avenues with fountains and an excellent range of boutiques and restaurants. The rich earth still gives up its vines but now it shares its space with luxury villas, stylish apartments and superb golf courses. The town beach is linked to the centre of Moraira by an attractive tiled walkway that takes you directly to the cafes and bars. The sea still gives up its fish. You can still see the fishing boats arrive with their catch early in the morning and you may even wish to bid for a selection of fish for your evening barbeque. A few hours can be spent relaxing at the Club Nautica at Moraira Port or you may wish to sample a plate of succulent sardines at any of the small restaurants situated right on the beach at El Portet, a delightful secluded bay nestling in a low range hills and only a short drive from the port.
MORAIRA BEACHES AND COVES back to top
Platja de l´Ampolla – This sandy beach is adjacent to the town and close to a full range of amenities and restaurants. A beautiful location at the foot of the town castle and with views along the coast to the Peñon de Ifach at Calpe.
Platja del Portet – A stylish little beach with a couple of good fish restaurants nestling below the Cap d´Or. Very safe shallow waters.
MORAIRA LANDMARKS back to top
The Torre Del Cap d’Or - The Torre stands at a height of 11 meters above the peak of the Cap d'Or. The solid tower has no doorway and the access was by a rope ladder that was let down from above. Two cannons were situated on the tower in order to provide extra defence for the port of Moraira against attacks from Berber pirates. A short distance to the southeast of the tower stands a rectangular well, which would have been used to supply water to the soldiers on lookout duty.
MORAIRA MARKET back to top
A colourful weekly market takes place in the main car park behind the town every Friday. On offer is a wide variety of delicious fresh fruit and vegetables as well as clothing and household items.
MORAIRA CHURCHES & BUILDINGS OF INTEREST back to top
The Castillo de Moraira – This 18th Century fortress was completely restored in the early 1980´s and is situated next to the Platja de l´Ampolla. Over the entrance hangs the royal coat of arms of the Bourbons which shows the date of 1742 and probably indicates the year of completion of the construction work. The Castillo was built to protect the town against attacks by Berber pirates and is constructed in an ox hoof shape - commonly known as a pezuña de buey (ox hoof). Lookout posts in the form of small slits in the walls give a wide view over the bay, and gun ports were located a various points, on which cannons were mounted. Today the castle has a more peaceful existence hosting art exhibitions and as a wonderful backdrop to local fiestas such as the Moors and Christians.
Parish Church of the "Mare de Déu dels Desemparats" – The parish church of Moraira was built between 1875 and 1878, and is situated in the centre of the town. The main body was extended in 1981 with 4 arches each with decorative crystal windows and constructed in the form of traditional "riu raus". A new rectangular bell tower houses two bells which can be heard throughout the day and especially at the time of fiestas.
Although the inside of the church is quite plain and simple there is a portrait of the church's namesake, the Virgen de los Desamparados, and two mosaics, one of which decorates the main altar and the second which depicts the crucifixion of Christ, both the work of the artist Ros Martí.
SPORTS back to top
There is a wide range of leisure activities on offer in the area. You can try one of the excellent scuba-diving excursions, windsurfing, horse riding, squash, football, tennis, basketball etc.
FIESTAS back to top
You must also try to visit during one of the wonderful festivals in the region held throughout the year; the San Vicente Ferrer festival and the Moors and Christians festival are, among others, the most spectacular.
DENIA – A great place to be back to top
With over twenty kilometres of coastline, rocky coves and large expanses of clean fine sand, the bustling town of Dénia can cater for all tastes and activities, from solitary beaches or beaches with numerous sporting activities, sailing and golf, to a great range of shops and restaurants as well as local fiestas that explode in colour and light throughout the year. Coupled with its wonderful climate and stunning scenery – the nature reserve of el Montgó is a particular attraction - Dénia makes a wonderful holiday destination and a perfect place to live.
The town has a busy port (including a fishing area, yacht club and marina) which divides the Dénia coastline into two completely different sections known locally as Marines and Rotes. In addition to a regular ferry service to Ibiza, the port has dinghy, sailing and diving class facilities, plus boat rental. Travelling along the coast to the south of the port where the Montgó nature reserve sweeps down to the sea, you will find this stretch characterised by cliffs and rocky inlets with clear waters that stretch as far as the San Antonio cape natural marine reserve. Diving enthusiasts will find this an ideal setting.
DENIA Beaches and Coves back to top
The most popular stretch of beach continues north for more than twenty kilometres and is ideal for all kinds of water sports. The winds here are suitable for all levels of windsurfers and boards can be hired and lesson taken. Some beaches of note are Las Marinas, Les Bovetes, Les Deveses, La Marineta Casiana and Almadraba.
DENIA LANDMARKS back to top
Dénia's castle – El Castell - sits proudly above the town affording magnificent panoramic views of the local area. Essentially an Arabic structure from the Islamic period of the 11th and 12th centuries, it is mixed with a number of later styles and former Roman vestiges. The Torre de Galliner is in the oriental part of the Castle and there are recognisable remains of structures from Roman times. Visitors can explore parts of the castle and numerous cultural events are held here throughout the year. The Archaeological Museum of the Dénia is also situated here.
From Denia, the Montgo Massif takes on a completely different appearance compared to the view from Jávea. From midday, the slopes are cool and bathed in a soft light that enhance the greens and blues.
DENIA CHURCHES & Buildings of Interest back to top
Denia’s culture is superbly expressed through its architecture. The 18th Century Iglesia de la Asunción is of a baroque style and was constructed on the site of the older San Roc chapel.
