Why Jávea?

I moved to Jávea (Xàbia) from London three years ago, and it's been the best decision I've ever made. This small Costa Blanca town — population about 30,000 — has everything I wanted: sunshine, sea, a welcoming community, and a pace of life that actually lets you breathe.

Morning

My day starts early. I walk down to the Arenal beach — a wide, sandy bay with a palm-lined promenade. There's a little café called Café Canis where I get a cortado and a tostada con tomate for about €3.50. By 8am the sun is warm, the sea is calm, and the stress of city life already feels like a distant memory.

If I'm feeling energetic, I'll hike part of the Montgó Natural Park instead. The mountain rises 753m behind the town and offers incredible views across to Ibiza on a clear day.

Afternoon

Lunch in Spain is a serious affair. Most restaurants offer a menú del día — three courses with bread and a drink — for €12-18. My favourite is Séptimo, a small restaurant in the port area that does an incredible arroz a banda (a local rice dish, similar to paella but richer).

After lunch, I'll often head to one of the coves (calas) that dot the coastline. Cala Granadella is my favourite — crystal-clear water surrounded by pine trees. It gets busy in summer, so I go early or in the evening.

Evening

The old town (Pueblo) comes alive in the evening. Narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and a lovely covered market. I'll meet friends for tapas at one of the bars around the Plaza de la Iglesia. A glass of local wine and a few tapas — maybe €15-20 per person.

The Practical Stuff

• Healthcare: I use the private system — €50/month for full cover through Sanitas
• Internet: Fibre optic is available in most areas — I pay €35/month for 600Mbps
• Shopping: Mercadona and Consum for groceries, plus a fantastic weekly market on Thursdays
• Community: There's a large British and Dutch expat community, but also plenty of Spanish locals who are welcoming and patient with my language skills

The Downsides

It's not perfect. In August, the town gets very busy with tourists. Public transport is limited — you really need a car. And if you want big-city amenities (theatre, major shopping, international concerts), you'll need to drive to Alicante (about 1 hour).

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. Jávea offers a quality of life that's hard to match anywhere in Europe. It's not the cheapest place on the Costa Blanca, but it's beautiful, safe, and has a real community feel. If you're considering it, come and rent for a few months first — you'll know quickly if it's right for you.