The Costa Blanca holiday resort of Javea (Xabia) is situated about half-way between Alicante and Valencia. The town is dominated by the mountain of Montgo which, according to a local legend, is actually an elephant that has been turned to stone. Although Javea attracts many tourists, especially during July and August, it has managed to avoid the high-rise development seen in other Costa Blanca resorts such as Benidorm. One of the Javea's biggest attractions is its fairly small but lovely beach of golden sand. Tourists are also attracted to the town because of its excellent local diving and natural scenery.

Javea consists of three main parts which are spread out over a large area; the old town (Javea Pueblo), the port (Javea Puerto) and the beach area (Playa de Arenal). Javea Pueblo is an attractive town of narrow streets and whitewashed buildings, making this a lovely area for a relaxing stroll. Attractions in Javea Pueblo include the Gothic-style church of San Bartolome, which dates back to the mid-thirteenth century, and the busy food market selling local produce such as fruit, vegetables and fish. The old town is also home to traditional Spanish bars offering very reasonably-priced tapas.

Javea Puerto is still very much a working port, with the local fishing boats moored alongside luxury yachts. The bars and restaurants which line the marina's promenade attract many visitors, and the views back towards the bay are stunning. Boat trips around the Cabo de San Antonio and to the neighbouring resort of Denia are available from the port during the high season.

Most visitors to Javea head for the Playa de Arenal with its 300-metre long stretch of fine golden sand. Although the beach may be relatively small, it's very well maintained and there are plenty of facilities such as volleyball nets and play areas for children. Overlooking the beach is a wide promenade packed with a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants. Although some of these can be quite expensive, there are cheaper establishments set further back from the beach which are popular with the town's thriving expat community. Playa de Arenal can get very busy at night time during the summer months, especially with younger visitors, yet it remains reasonably quiet the remainder of the year.

Scuba diving is a popular activity in Javea due to the clear sea water, and there are several companies offering lessons and diving excursions. There are also some excellent trekking routes in the area - ask in the local tourist information office for a trekking guide. Javea has more than its fair share of fiestas, including the Moors and Christians festival in mid-July, which is marked by colourful processions through the town. The Fogueres de Sant Joan, in mid-June, culminates in the setting on fire of large papier mache effigies, while the town's most unusual celebration, which takes place in the port during September, involves local youths trying to trick bulls into the sea.

There are buses from Javea to Alicante, Valencia and Denia and regular local services between Arenal beach, Javea Puerto and Javea Pueblo.