What to see in the historic center of Jávea?

When visiting a place like Jávea, one might think that it is beach and little else. Logically, this is one of its main attractions, but this coastal town also treasures a great cultural heritage in its interior. Its essence can be breathed in its cobbled streets, which take you back centuries in time. So you can combine days of sun and relaxation with moments of cultural tourism, soaking up the history of the Mediterranean coast.

In the historic centre of Jávea, you will discover authentic architectural treasures that contain vestiges of the history of this town. With the aim of enriching your stay, we are going to make a series of recommendations for you to visit some of the most beautiful spots. Join us on this tour to discover the main points of interest and the hidden gems in the heart of Jávea.

The Church of San Bartolomé

This is undoubtedly the best place to start our historical tour of Jávea. The Church of San Bartolomé, in Elizabethan Gothic style, has been one of the flagships of the town for centuries.

Built back in the 16th century on a part begun in the 14th century, this building has a sober and robust style that responds to the objective of converting it into a fortress with which to defend the town from attacks from the sea, generally from pirates.

The points of greatest artistic interest are the doorways, with pointed arches, and the bells. Although its Gothic style does not encourage ornamentation, it is beautifully built and generally in a good state of preservation. In order to keep it in this state, some restoration work is being carried out, so it is possible that you will not be able to see it in its entirety during your visit.

The municipal market

Very close to where the church is located you will find the Mercado Municipal de Abastos. It is the ideal place to taste and buy the typical foods of the Mediterranean diet: fish, seafood, meat, fruit and vegetables, pickles… Establishments with zero-kilometre goods so that you can take home the best of the area.

In addition to its functional importance, the building was constructed on the site of an old convent, that of the Discalced Augustinian Nuns, maintaining the style with a single nave, rectangular floor plan and large arches. Although it dates from the mid-20th century, an attempt was made to replicate the original style.

Obviously, it is smaller in size than other markets, but that does not prevent you from finding first class food for your daily needs, with the closeness that is generated in this type of place and that allows you to connect with the pure essence of Jávea.

The old walls and gates

The nerve centres of the Mediterranean coastline have always been highly coveted, and so over the centuries they have been the target of pirate attacks. To fight against them, it was traditional to build walls or gates to serve as protection and a checkpoint.

As is logical, over the centuries these elements have lost their main function, but they serve as a reminder of what Jávea once was and the customs that governed society in those times.

These walls protected the town from the 14th century, when the town centre was smaller, until 1874, when it was decided to demolish the defensive walls. Remains of the limestone masonry used are still preserved, and conservation and protection work is currently being carried out so as not to lose one of the town’s distinguishing features.

Archaeological and ethnographic museum

Another of the points of connection with the history of Jávea is the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, which displays exhibitions and pieces belonging to different periods. Here you can learn more about the culture and society of this town over the centuries.

Called the Soler Blasco Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Jávea, it is located in one of the most representative buildings: the Casa Palacio de Antonio Bañuls. There is a permanent exhibition showing items from the Neolithic to modern times.

As is obvious, the Mediterranean has a fundamental relevance in Jávea and for this reason there are also numerous pieces of underwater archaeology, so here you have the opportunity to get to know the bottom of the sea better but from dry land.

Charming squares and corners

Sometimes you don’t need to have a set plan to find gems in Jávea. Just wandering through the streets you will come across squares and corners with a special charm. After a day at the beach, whether relaxing in the sun or enjoying exciting water sports, you can take a leisurely stroll and stop for a rest.

The comings and goings of the inhabitants of Jávea show the daily life of this coastal town that keeps its Mediterranean essence alive. In fact, if you are outgoing and like to meet new people, you can strike up conversations with the locals to learn more about the history and traditions of Jávea.

This is one of the advantages of choosing this destination over a more touristy place. Not all points of interest are overcrowded and you can let the town surprise you at the least expected time and place.

Stately homes and traditional architecture

Throughout its history, Jávea has had the capacity to accommodate people with high purchasing power who had stately homes built, not only to have a spacious place to live, but also as a way of ostentation. Many of these properties have survived over time and are a testimony to the customs of yesteryear. The Mediterranean was for a long time one of the key points of Europe and, by extension, of the whole world, so that a lot of money moved in Jávea. Remnants of traditional architecture are still very much in evidence, mainly in the old town centre. Stroll through the centre and you can admire the classic buildings of the period, with different motifs and details that reflect the prosperity and status of its former inhabitants.

Local gastronomy

It goes without saying that one of the great advantages of travelling to a place like Jávea is that good food is guaranteed. There is a long culinary tradition that has become one of the benchmarks of Spanish cuisine. Here you can eat luxury food at affordable prices, although you can also opt for exclusive experiences in first class restaurants.

The combination of sea and mountain is a classic of Mediterranean gastronomy, and this leads to a wide variety of recipes with numerous elaborations. So, no matter how long you are staying in Jávea, you will always have options to try something new.

In addition, the wide variety of restaurants offers a wide range of possibilities, with stunning sea views or surrounded by native nature if you decide to go inland.

Events and festivities

One of the characteristics of Jávea is that it does not turn its back on its history, and that is why its traditions and customs are kept alive. There is no doubt that preserving culture is one of the hallmarks of this town.

The Night of San Juan, for example, is one of the most magical nights of the year. The summer solstice is celebrated with bonfires and music on the beaches, in a popular atmosphere for all tastes. A quieter plan would be the Xàbia Jazz Festival, which brings together top level musicians and where music is fused with an incomparable setting.

As if this were not enough, the proximity to Valencia allows you to get close to the Fallas, an internationally known event that delights lovers of fire and gunpowder.

Restoration and conservation projects

One of the keys to the fact that Jávea has been a reference point on the Costa Blanca for decades is that the authorities have been able to appreciate the importance of preserving and revitalising the historical and cultural heritage.

For example, restoration work is being carried out on the walls and the Church of San Bartolomé, with the aim of not disconnecting from history and preserving the legacy that has endured over the centuries and which encapsulates what Jávea was like in the past.Likewise, a great effort is also made to maintain the natural environment in a perfect state of conservation, such as the beaches and coves, the hiking routes, etc.In short, we are actively working to make Jávea a place that looks to the future while maintaining all its identity and essence of the past.