Javea is a beautiful town on the Costa Blanca situated half way between Valencia and Alicante, in a valley on Spain`s east coast. The town is divided up into three distinct areas which all retain the essence of their historic Mediterranean conception. Slightly south along the bay is the Arenal, the single sandy beach of the area which is home to a high concentration of bars and restaurants all ready to serve those who flock to this popular location. The Arenal is the focal point of night life in the area and the lively island of Ibiza can be reached by ferry from the town of Denia (8km north), although the Arenal itself is not exactly tame during the summer months of July and August.

The port at the north of the bay is the perfect mix of old and new. Built on the raisin trade and fishing, the port`s traditional whitewashed houses and narrow streets are now punctuated with more modern additions, including restaurants, to make the port as accessible as it is appealing. A notable feature of the area is the fisherman`s church, built in the shape of a boat as a tribute to the fishermen of Javea.

2km in from the coast is the old town. This area was once fortified with walls to prevent marauding pirates from attacking the town`s inhabitants. These days, only artefacts of the walls remain, such as the stone crosses which mark where the gates to the town used to be. The history and culture of the old town is the main attraction, with the magnificent centrepiece, The Church of San Bartolomé standing tall amongst the winding, narrow streets. A very short walk from the Church of San Bartolomé is a museum to bring you up to speed with local history.

The landscape of Javea is not confined to the architecture of human history. Further inland, the flow of terrain becomes more relaxed to make way for the vast agricultural lands given life by the river Gorgos. These lands packed with blossoming orange, olive, cherry, grape and almond trees which line the roads of the cherry tree blossom route. The perfect harmony between the blossoming times of each of the plants means that the route is in bloom for far more of the spring, allowing this stunning sight to be shared with all who drive by. Indeed one of the most stunning aspects of Javea is the over-watching Montgo, a 750 metre high mountain rising up from the valley floor. Said to resemble an elephants head, the mountain reaches out to the sea by the port like an elephant`s trunk dipping into the water. A road connecting Denia and Javea allows for access to Montgo and its nature reserve which provides over 5000 acres of untouched local habitat which certainly warrants a days visit.

Other day trips further afield include Mundomar in Benidorm which is a highly recommended animal park full of aquatic creatures such as dolphins and sea lions, as well as monkeys and birds of different varieties. On site is everything that is needed to cater a full day out; from the restaurant to the children`s playground and parking. Very close by is the Aqualandia water park which is perfect for those who are inspired by the magnificent dolphin acrobatic show and fancy a swim.

All in all, there is a diverse range of activities and sights in and around Javea: the history and the culture, the beach and the port and the nature and the excitement. By far the best way to see everything the area has to offer is by car, giving you the freedom you need to see the beautiful blossom, cruise the breathtaking coastline, or explore the mammoth Montgo. Valencia and Alicante both have airports which are just over an hours drive away. Perhaps the better option is to benefit from the cheap car hire Valencia