Javea, Costa Blanca, Spain

Jávea (Xàbia) lies in the shadow of Mount Montgó and sits on the coast between the Cabo San Antonio and Cabo San Martin bays. It is divided into three different areas, each with their own special character.

The old town (Jávea Pueblo) is brimming with history and culture, with narrow streets, Gothic architecture and a genuine Spanish atmosphere. Many of the ancient buildings are made from the local Tosca sandstone.

These include the 12th-century church of San Bartolome, the town's historical heart. There's also a big market on Thursdays, held in the Plaza de la Constitucion.

Visit the working port of Javea Puerto to view the many luxury yachts or visit the waterfront cafes and bars

From the waterfront to the beach

The port area (Jávea Puerto) is a working port. Fishing boats sit alongside luxury yachts, which can be seen from the waterfront cafes and bars that line the beautiful walkway. In July, the port hosts the popular 'Moros and Christianos' fiesta.

There's a church (Nuestra Señora de Loreto) here too, but very different to that of the old town. This simple building has an ornate interior and a ceiling that, from the inside, looks like a ship's hull.

However, most tourists head to the sheltered, sandy El Arenal. Stroll along the promenade, relax on the beach itself, or have a go at some water sports; windsurfing and scuba diving are popular.

Or why not take a trip on the glass-bottomed ferry that stops at Jávea on its twice-daily service between Altea and Denia?

Explore the 17th century mansion at Javeas Museo Arqueologico

Explore the region's history

Jávea's Museo Arqueológico is well worth a visit too. This archaeological and ethnological museum, based in a 17th-century mansion, has finds from the Bronze Age, the Montgó cave and a Roman factory.

Just outside Jávea are the Hermitage of Santa Llucia and the ruins of Granadella Castle. The medieval hermitage, which is a short walk from the town, sits on a hill and has lovely views of the mountains and Cabo San Antonio.

The castle, built in 1730, was part of Valencia's coastal defences. The English destroyed its three-foot thick walls during the Napoleonic Wars. It can be reached from the Granadella Cove, via a footpath that has fantastic views of the coast.

Travel to Cabo San Antonio to view the protected marine reserve and lighthouse

Lighthouses and natural wonders

Cabo San Antonio, a protected marine reserve, is north of Jávea and the most easterly point of mainland Spain. This 179m-high headland, which has a lighthouse and the remnants of eleven windmills, separates the Valencia and Alicante gulfs.

Cabo La Nao sits on the opposite side of the valley, and also has a lighthouse with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean.

The Montgó Natural Park is a must for walkers and birdwatchers, who might spot a Bonelli's Eagle, an Eagle Owl or a Peregrine Falcon. The limestone massif is pocketed with caves (such as Cova de l'Aigua or Cova del Camell) and has more than 600 flora species.

Visit Grandella and take a walk along one of the beautiful trails

More ways to fill a day

As well as beautiful walks in Portitxol and Granadella, which are a short drive south along the coast, visitors to Jávea can enjoy trekking and horse riding.

There's plenty to do, with towns such as Gata, Calpe, Dénia, Moraira, Altea, Benissa, Jalon and Gandia nearby. The beautiful city of Valencia, with its museums, architecture and excellent science centre, is only an hour's drive away, as is the equally cultural Alicante.

For the younger members of the family, visit the dolphin park or head south to Benidorm (just 45 minutes away) for the theme parks Terra Mitica, Aqualandia and Terra Natura.