Javea Port (Puerto de Xàbia)
Javea Port, also known as Xàbia Port or Puerto de Xàbia is one of the three main areas of Javea.
I’ve listed multiple things you can do at the port, must-visit restaurants and bars, upcoming fiestas (events) and sights you can see.
I’ve also offered some of my personal recommendations of my favourite places around the port.
Javea Port Promenade
Javea Port offers a relaxed and inviting promenade lined with lovely palm trees. Here, you’ll find many shops, restaurants, and tapas bars with views of the sea. It’s a lovely path to stroll along and have some of the prettiest views of the Mediterranean coast.
There are many restaurants and bars which line the promenade. I recommend looking out for a spot that grabs your attention while you walk.
Javea Port Beaches
The Javea port is home to a few of the Javea beaches, which I’ve listed below.
La Grava Beach
The Javea Port is home to Playa de La Grava, also known as Jávea Port Beach. It is a pebble beach, so make sure to bring some protective footwear and opt for a deckchair over a towel!
It’s a calm beach with a low tide throughout the year. The beach is nowhere near as popular as the Arenal beach due to the pebbles, so it is a preferred location for those who want a bit more quiet time. The beach is more popular in the summertime with the influx of tourists visiting the area, so do take note.
It is swimmable all year around, depending on the weather and how brave you are to swim in the cold! During the summer months (June to August), the water temperature typically ranges from 22°C to 26°C (71.6°F to 78.8°F). All the way up to late September and early October, I’d say you could still swim comfortably on a sunny day.
It’s generally not a hub for water sports, paddle surfing is a popular activity here.
Playa Del Tango
Beyond the port harbour, at the base of Cape San Antonio, you’ll discover the small beach named Playa del Pope or otherwise know as Playa del Tangó. Back in the day, the more adventurous locals visit the Tango beach as it was known as a rock jumping spot before being officially closed off in 2014. The closure was due to safety concerns and injuries.
Although the beach itself is no longer accessible, Bar Tango still exists and offers a scenic view of the surrounding area.
Church Iglesia de Nuestra Virgen de Loreto
The landmark of the Port area is the church ‘Iglesia de Nuestra Virgen de Loreto’, with a roof that imitates the hull of a ship. Legend has it that the church was founded by Christian Visigoth monks who discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary on the shores of Javea. This event led to the establishment of the church.
Javea Marina
Located at the north end of the promenade, Javea’s marina functions as a fishing port. The fishing fleet arrives back in port at least once a day. There’s a market which opens to sell the fresh produce caught by the local fishermen.
The marina is well worth the visit to buy some fresh fish, and also to see the local fisherman boats docked at the moor as well as yachts and boats.
You can also buy a ticket to visit Denia by boat, which is an absolute must-do. You’ll get to see the Cape De San Antonio which is stunning.
You can also rent a boat for the day to visit some of the hidden spots of Javea.
Javea Port Restaurants
If you love fresh seafood as much as I do, you will appreciate the excellent restaurants in the area which locally source their fish from the marina. There are lovely places to dine, which I’ve listed a few below.
Restaurant Sotavent
Restaurante Sotavent is a charming restaurant with a large, outdoor terrace. I recommend visiting with friends and ordering a number of small plates to sample all of the amazing food.
My favourites include their ham croquettes, Padron peppers, fried calamari, and Galician-style octopus. If you like traditional Spanish food, Sotavent should be high on your list to visit
Restaurant Pòsit
I love Pòsit, as its located right next to the Playa De La Grava and offers the most beautiful views while eating locally sourced fish from the local marina and drinking wine. There’s nothing quite like it!
Posit offers some of the freshest seafood dishes in the area, such as salted sea bass, bacalao, and mussels.
Personally, I’m a fan of their fish paellas as it’s perfect for a large group such as family or a group of friends.
Personal recommendations to visit in the Port
If you’re curious about the other places to eat, I’ve written up a guide to restaurants in Javea. If you’re looking for something even more special, there are some well-rated Michelin restaurants in Javea I’ve also written up about.
One of my favourite spots to have a morning coffee and tostada is Cala Bandida. It’s got the most rustic, aesthetic interiors of all the restaurants in the port (in my opinion) which creates a lovely atmosphere. There are tables overlooking the beautiful Playa De La Grava, and the boats leaving the marina. In the mornings, it’s relatively quiet. A truly lovely place to bring a friend and have some breakfast.
Bar Tal Cual is another one of my favourite spots which I visit often with my friends to have drinks in the late afternoon. Tal Cual offer drinks that each come with homemade, delicious tapas. They’ll ask you which tapa you prefer from their selection, and you can try a new one with each drink you order. They also do some mean cocktail fishbowls!
Be warned, if you’re visiting from the UK or the US, you’ll likely be overwhelmed by Spanish alcoholic spirit measures, so do pace yourself.
Javea Port Fiestas
Javea Port hosts various fiestas and festivals, including the spectacular Moors and Christians parade in July and the Saint Mare de Deu de Loreto celebrations.
Upcoming Port fiestas include:
Semana Santa (Easter)
Date: Easter 2024
Javea celebrates Holy Week with solemn processions that depict “The Passion of the Christ.”
The streets are adorned with religious icons, and locals participate in these moving ceremonies.
Jesús Nazareno Fiesta
Date: April-May 2024 (Third Sunday of Lent)
This traditional fiesta honors Jesús Nazareno. Highlights include bull running (Bous Al Carrer) in Placa del Convent, a giant paella feast, flower crosses contest, fireworks, and a candlelight procession. There are also musical and theatrical performances.
Xabia Folk Festival
Date: April/May 2024
The Xabia Folk Festival (Xabia being another name for Javea) celebrates traditional folk music.
All concerts are free, making it accessible to everyone.
Montgorock Xàbia Festival
Date: June 2024
Rock enthusiasts rejoice! The Montgorock Xàbia Festival returns. Located near the Javea Port, near La Grava beach, this rock festival features national artists and great music.
Moors & Christians Festival
Date: July 2024
The Moors & Christians Fiesta is an unmissable summer treat in Javea. It commemorates the historical battles between the Moors (Muslims) and the Christians.
The program includes grand processions, elaborate costumes, and reenactments of key events.
The harbor area comes alive with music
check the official Javea Fiesta Calendar for specific dates and detailed schedules.
Activities during various fiestas take place around the Port and adjacent Aduanas del Mar area, including the controversial Bous al Mar (bull running into the sea).
Tourist Information Center
There is a Tourist Information Center in Javea Port, offering guidance on where to go, brochures and maps.
Javea Port Market
Don’t miss the weekly Artisan Market at Javea Port, held every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 until 14:00.
