The Javea Port (also known as Xàbia Port or Puerto de Xàbia) shows a slice of authentic Spanish life and seaside relaxation that many tourists miss. I’ve spent years getting to know every corner of this area, and I’m excited to share what makes it so worth visiting.
The port area is perfect for anyone seeking fresh seafood, authentic Spanish atmosphere, and a more relaxed pace away from the busier tourist spots. You’ll find genuine local life here alongside beautiful sea views and some of the best restaurants in Javea. I’ve also offered some of my personal recommendations of my favourite places around the port throughout the guide.
Where is the Javea port?
Javea Port sits perfectly between the Javea old town (2.5km away) and the Arenal beach area (3km distance). If you want a central base with easy access to all the main areas of Javea, I’d really recommend looking for accommodation around this area.
The port is really easy to reach from anywhere in Javea. From the Old Town, it’s a pleasant 2.5km walk (about 25-30 minutes) along mostly flat paths. From Arenal beach, you’re looking at about 3km, which takes roughly 35 minutes on foot.
If you’re not up for walking, Javea taxis are readily available and inexpensive for these short distances. There’s also a local bus service that connects all three main areas of Javea, though I find walking is often quicker and more enjoyable!
Javea Port Centre
The port centre is where Javea really comes alive. You’ll find this area gets particularly lively during Javea festivals, when colourful parades fill the streets throughout the year.
I love wandering through the narrow streets here – they’re perfect for a leisurely stroll. Down most of these streets, you’ll discover shops and boutiques selling everything from handmade crafts to designer clothing.
Throughout the port, there are many narrow streets which are perfect for a leisurely explore. Down most of the streets, you can find a variety of shops or boutiques selling everything from handmade crafts to designer clothing.
One area I always recommend visiting is the Plaza Adolfo Suarez. It’s a lovely square lined with tapas bars and restaurants with outdoor seating available all year round, open from morning until late at night.
Popular among both locals and tourists, there are excellent places to sample traditional Spanish tapas and fresh seafood. Or you can even take a break next to the fountain which is surrounded by benches to sit on.
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 detailed below.
Javea Port Beach (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 isn’t nearly as popular as Arenal beach due to the pebbles, so it’s perfect if you want a bit more peace and quiet. The beach does get busier in summer with tourist numbers, so keep that in mind.
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 find the small beach called Playa del Pope or Playa del Tangó. Back in the day, more adventurous locals visited Tango beach as it was known as a rock jumping spot before being officially closed in 2014 due to safety concerns and injuries.
Although the beach itself is no longer accessible, Bar Tango still exists and offers scenic views 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.
You can visit inside during the daytime.
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 buy fish at the Posit de Xabia.
You can also buy a ticket to visit Denia by ferry (buy ticket from Get your Guide), which is an absolute must-do and a brilliant day out. You’ll get to see the Cape De San Antonio which is stunning. You can collect tickets in person at the booth in the marina.
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’ll appreciate the excellent restaurants in this area that locally source their fish from the marina. Here are a few lovely places to dine.
Restaurant Sotavent
Restaurante Sotavent is a charming restaurant with a large, outdoor terrace, right next to the Javea cinema.
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.
Restaurant Pòsit
I love Restaurant 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 restaurant & bar 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. With each beer or wine you buy, it’ll come with a homemade, delicious tapa from their menu.
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 a mean cocktail fishbowl! Be warned – if you’re visiting from the UK or US, you’ll likely be overwhelmed by Spanish alcoholic spirit measures, so do pace yourself.
Javea Port Market
Don’t miss the weekly Artisan Market at Javea Port, held every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 until 14:00.
Javea cinema
The port is home to the main Javea cinema called Cine Jayan which shows blockbuster movies in English (with Spanish subtitles) on certain nights of the week. Tickets are cheap and start from 6 euros per person.
Cine Jayan is located near near Plaza Adolfo Suarez, on Ctra Santísimo Cristo del Mar.
Javea Port Fiestas
Javea Port is home to various Javea fiestas and festivals throughout the year, including the spectacular Moors and Christians parade in July, the Saint Mare de Deu de Loreto celebrations, and the Javea International festival.
Practical Information
When to visit
The port area is lovely year-round, but I’d say the best times to visit are late spring through early autumn. Summer gets quite busy, particularly July and August, so if you prefer a quieter experience, try visiting in May, June, or September.
For the calmest experience, I recommend visiting during weekday mornings. The promenade is especially peaceful then, and you’ll often see the fishing boats heading out or returning with their catch.
Opening hours and costs
Most restaurants and bars open around 9am for breakfast and stay open until late (often past midnight in summer). Shops typically open around 10am and close for siesta between 2-5pm, then reopen from 7pm onwards.
For meals, expect to pay around €15-25 per person for a good lunch with wine at the restaurants I’ve mentioned. Coffee and tostada for breakfast is usually around €3-5.
Most places accept cards these days, but it’s worth carrying some cash, particularly for the market and smaller tapas bars.
Tourist Information Centre
There is a Tourist Information Center located on Pl. Adolfo Suarez just in front of the beach, offering guidance in English on where to go, brochures and maps.
Parking in Javea Port
Parking in the Javea port centre can be a bit of a challenge during summer months when visitor numbers are at their peak. But don’t let that put you off! There are several free parking areas around the port that I always use, and once you know where they are, you’ll be sorted.
