The Costa Blanca is all package holidays, high-rise hotels, neon lights and lively resorts right? Wrong! That’s just one side of this popular sun-drenched stretch of coastline in south-east Spain. Don’t let places like Benidorm and Torrevieja define your perception of this beautiful part of the country. Yes they provide an obvious home from home appeal, but scratch the “White Coast’s” surface and you will discover its quintessentially Spanish side.

Take Jávea – AKA “the pearl of the Costa Blanca” – for example. Nestled in the shadow of Montgó Mountain – centrepiece of the eponymous national park – with the Mediterranean lapping its shores, this quaint coastal town is divided into three main parts: Jávea Pueblo (the old town), Jávea Puerto (the port) and Playa de Arenal (the beach).

Old Town

Take a stroll through Jávea Pueblo’s traditional squares and narrow lanes for your fix of traditional Spain. You’ll be captivated by its charm as you pass whitewashed buildings and the Gothic San Bartolome church. Plan your viewing trip to coincide with the bustling Thursday market, held in the Plaza de la Constitución. You’ll be left salivating as you contemplate the region’s fresh produce that will fill your kitchen when you finally make the move here.

Port

Retaining its authentic charm is what Jávea Puerto does best, leaving trendy marinas with designer shopping outlets to other destinations further along the coast. There’s not a mega yacht in sight. Instead you’ll find a functioning fishing port, where locals both live and work. Enjoy views across the bay as you stroll along the palm-lined promenade, or relax at the bars and restaurants that line it.

Javea Xabia aerial skyline with port bay and village in Alicante Spain

View of Jávea from atop Montgó Mountain.

Beach

If there’s one thing the Costa Blanca does with aplomb from its southern edge to its northern tip is pristine beaches. Jávea’s very own Playa de Arenal is one of the few sandy beaches in the area, and at 480 metres by 140 metres one of the largest. Best of all is its central location, with convenient access to cafes, bars and restaurants. Spend your days relaxing on its soft sand as you marvel at the spectacular view of Montgó Mountain, before taking a refreshing dip in the Med.

Big budget buyers

While affordable property is in plentiful supply, Jávea is popular with big budget buyers who come to find a luxury property in a luxury setting. If you’re in the market for a high-end villa in the Spanish sun, Jávea should be top of your viewing trip list. And you won’t be the only person with cash to splash around here; Hollywood A-listers like Matt Damon are regularly spotted in Jávea’s bars and restaurants fitting some much needed R&R into their busy schedule.

Getting there

You won’t have any trouble getting to your pad in Jávea, with year-round budget flights to Valencia Airport and Alicante Airport from across the UK. Once you’ve landed it’s just an 80 minute drive from Valencia and 75 minute drive from Alicante.

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