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Town and municipality in Valencian Community, Spain
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Xàbia (Spanish: Jávea) is in the Costa Blanca region in Alicante, Spain. The town has three main areas, namely Xàbia old town, Xàbia port, and the beach area. The old town has not changed much and is a maze of narrow winding streets with homes that have wrought iron balconies and windows in Gothic style, and a number of ancient churches and other structures. The harbour and fishing port have numerous restaurants and bars overlooking the sea. The Arenal beach area is the main commercial and recreation centre of the town.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Iglesia de San Bartolomé / Church of St. Bartholomew
The fortified Valencian-Gothic church was built between the 14th and early 16th centuries, and has a single nave with chapels between the buttresses. It was the town's main defensive structure besides the medieval walls, and exterior features include battlements, arrow slits, and parapets.
Museu de Xàbia / Museo Soler Blasco / Soler Blasco Museum
An ethnographic and archaeological museum dedicated to finds from the local area, housed in a 16th-century building. The first floor has a permanent exhibit of paintings by local artist JB Segarra Llamas, and the uppermost floor concentrates on underwater archaeology, with pieces recovered off the coast of Xàbia.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Loreto / Church of Our Lady of Loreto
Also known as 'the fisherman's church', this radically avant-garde church was completed in 1967.
Cabo de San Antonio / Cape San Antonio
Topped by a 17-metre-tall lighthouse.
Molinos de la Plana / La Plana Windmills
Eleven windmills for grinding wheat, one of which dates from the 14th century and ten of which were built in the 18th century. Today they are abandoned, without blades. You can have a great view from the top.
Punta del Castell
A Roman-era canal dug out of the sandstone bedrock, used to channel seawater to an inland area used for salt ponds.
A small rocky basin once used as a fish trap for tuna.
The crucifix is across the bay from the tiny Illa de Portitxol ('Portitxol Island'), and tops steep cliffs. At the base numerous Roman amphoras and other archaeological artifacts from the 3rd and 4th centuries CE have been discovered. This area is a favourite diving spot.
Cabo Negro
A rocky headland covered with pine trees.
Cabo de la Nao
Another steep, rocky headland, with a lighthouse. During clear conditions it is possible to see as far as Ibiza, 85 km distant. At the base is a large cave (Valencian: Cova dels Orgues / Spanish: Cueva de los Órganos) accessible by sea only.
Castillo de Granadella / Granadella Castle
Built in 1739 as part of a coastal defensive system against Barbary pirates, it was largely destroyed during the Peninsular War in the early 19th century. Today just a few walls, a portion of the tower, and a well-preserved cistern remain, but it is worth visiting for the great views.
Montgó Nature Reserve
The Montgó (753 m) is a nature reserve, and has some interesting caves as well as great hiking and mountain bike trails. The park can be accessed from Xàbia to the south or from Dénia to the north, and is crossed by the highway CV-736 with some amazing views. A brochure with route maps and descriptions (in Spanish) can be downloaded here.
Playa del Arenal / Arenal Beach
The main city beach is a Blue Flag beach, with a long promenade, disabled access, toilets and first aid stations, and plenty of restaurants. Jet-skis are available for rent.
Playa de la Grava / Grava Beach
Another Blue Flag urban beach, smaller than Platja de l'Arenal, and good for snorkeling. Facilities here include a promenade, lifeguard station, restaurants, and a taxi stand.
Cala Granadella / Granadella Beach
Granadella Cove and the attached beach of Granadella are one of those hidden little pieces of paradise. The cove is attached to Xàbia but hidden away behind the buzz of the main Arenal beach, and is a spot well worth visiting for its natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere and historic castle ruins. The cove is enclosed by mountains, features a Blue Flag beach, excellent diving facilities and plenty of pure natural beauty. Facilities include toilets and lifeguard station, and jet-skis and canoes are available for rent.
A classic Spanish fisherman's bar. Fresh seafood and good values. Menu on wall only. Overlooking sea near fishing docks.
Excellent bread, pastries and croissants – favorite place for breakfast.
Super fish and chips, and chicken. Order a paella or fideuà ahead of time. Great mixed fish plate.
One of the better restaurants in this part of town. French owned, fine tapas. Consistently good reports.
Very good Valencian cuisine with popular menu; great wood fired lamb, oxen and duck. Eat in or outside under huge carob trees. Reservations recommended. Local Jalón wine by pitchers.
Lovely terrace overlooking valley.
Great value, quantity, and quality, and well-presented. Excellent fish and chips. Great view of the mountain.
Classic Spanish with a great view of the bay; can accommodate vegetarians. Reservations by email must be made by 12:00 for lunch the same day, and before 18:30 for dinner the same day.
Excellent and imaginative tapas. Book or but worth the wait.
One of the better restaurants in this part of town.
Operated by chef Alberto Ferruz, it was awarded a Michelin star in 2014, just two years after opening. The restaurant is known for innovative cuisine featuring mostly locally-sourced produce.
Restaurante Cap de la Nau
Fantastic views and good food.
Swiss-owned with very good foods and wines. Try the salt encrusted sea bass. Reservations can be made online.
Has one- and two-bedroom apartments, all with kitchenettes. Also has three outdoor pools, fitness centre, onsite restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. Pets permitted on request, parking €6/day.
Has nonsmoking rooms and an onsite bar-restaurant. Offers shuttle service to Valencia and Alicante airports, the bus station, and train stations, from €80. Pets permitted on request for no extra charge, free Wi-Fi, private parking €5/day.
Has a pool, garden, onsite restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
Facilities include nonsmoking rooms, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, and free Wi-Fi; all rooms have a balcony. Has a respected onsite restaurant which can accommodate special diets on request. Parking €10/day.
4-star hotel with services such as two restaurants operated by Nazario Cano, a spa (for extra cost), and sport facilities. Free Wi-Fi and parking, pets permitted on request.
The municipal market is a good place for local produce, fish, and meat, and has two onsite bars and a bakery.
street market
A weekly street market for local produce and other goods.
Buys and sells used books.
Taxi services
Car and bicycle rental
The tourist office maintains an online list of local agencies which hire out cars, motorbikes, and bicycles.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Alicante · International · ALC
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