Quick answer: Jávea (Xàbia in Valencian) is a quieter, upmarket town about 65 km north of Benidorm, roughly an hour by car. It has three distinct areas: the old town at the foot of the Montgó, the fishing port, and the Arenal beach. Its highlights are Granadella cove, one of the Costa Blanca's most photographed bays, and the Cap de la Nau, the easternmost point of the Valencian region, where you can sometimes see Ibiza. A car makes the day much easier.
What to see
| Place | Why go |
|---|---|
| Platja de l'Arenal | A crescent of fine golden sand backed by a promenade of cafés and restaurants |
| Cala de la Granadella | Turquoise water and posidonia meadows for snorkelling, framed by pine-covered cliffs |
| Cap de la Nau | The easternmost point of the Valencian region; on clear days Ibiza, about 100 km away, is visible |
| Old town | Medieval streets and the fortified church of Sant Bartomeu |
| Port | Seafood restaurants; try arroz del senyoret, a shellfish rice |
| Molins de la Plana | A gentle walk past restored windmills above the old town |
Sources: Wikivoyage, Comunitat Valenciana, Ocean Home.
Viewpoints route
The regional tourist board's viewpoints route links the Cap de Sant Antoni, the Arenal, Cap Negre, Cap de la Nau and the Granadella castle and forest park, each with a different view over the bays (Comunitat Valenciana). With a car, you can do the highlights in a morning.
Getting there
Car: about an hour via the AP-7 or the coastal N-332, which passes Altea and Calpe. Parking at Granadella is very limited in summer; arrive early. See our car hire and driving guide.
Public transport: the TRAM L9 does not reach Jávea; it ends at Dénia. Jávea has an intercity bus station, but local buses between its three areas are infrequent, so a car or an organised excursion is more practical.
Combine: pair Jávea with Dénia or stop in Calpe on the way back.
Tips
Go outside July and August for Granadella, or very early in the day.
Bring snorkelling gear; the coves are protected and full of fish.
Granadella's beach is pebbly; water shoes help.
Jávea from Benidorm: FAQs
How far is Jávea from Benidorm? About 65 km, roughly an hour by car.
Can I get to Jávea from Benidorm by TRAM? Not directly. TRAM L9 ends at Dénia; continue by bus or taxi.
What is Jávea best known for? Granadella cove, the Arenal beach, the Cap de la Nau viewpoint and its old town.
Is Jávea the same as Xàbia? Yes. Xàbia is the Valencian name and Jávea the Spanish one.
Is Jávea worth a day trip? Yes, especially for beaches and viewpoints, and for a quieter, more Spanish atmosphere.