If you are planning your stay in Javea and want to spend some time exploring some of the cultural excursions near your Javea villa, there are plenty to choose from. While some other areas of Costa Blanca are heavily geared around commercialised tourist attractions, Javea offers a more traditional Spanish experience, with untouched beaches and well-preserved historical landmarks.
Whether you want to fill a whole week with cultural trips or fancy a day or two of immersing yourself in the local culture, we’ve selected some of our favourite cultural excursions that we think you will enjoy.
Javea’s Old Town
You won’t have to travel far to experience one of the top cultural highlights in the area, as Javea’s Old Town is right on your doorstep. The historic quarter is a great place to spend the day wandering the narrow streets and marvelling at ancient architecture such as the Church of San Bartolomé, which was built between the 14th and 16th centuries. You can also visit the Soler Blasco Museum to learn more about the local history.
The Municipal Market is also well worth a visit, where you can pick up some local produce to take back and cook at your Spanish villa or you can head to the Plaza de la Iglesia’s fabulous restaurants and cafes. If you are looking for a great place to eat local cuisine, La Sucreria and Tasca la Rebotica are our favourites but there are plenty more to choose from.
Jalón Valley Wine Tasting
The region is renowned for producing great wine and any wine enthusiast should spend a day at one of the fantastic vineyards. The Marina Alta region is one of Costa Blanca’s most famous winemaking regions – and conveniently, Javea is located in this area. There is a great bodega in nearby Xaló – Bodegas Xaló, which is famous for its award-winning Moscatel wines.
We recommend booking in advance to ensure you can experience a guided visit, where you will enjoy a wine tasting session, with some gourmet local food pairings and the chance to see the wine making process.
The Village of Guadalest
Just over an hour’s drive from Javea, another unmissable cultural excursion is the village of Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls, which are located a short distance away. Guadalest is a historic village up in the top of the mountains, most famous for its medieval castles and the 18th century Baroque church. The mountain-top vantage point provides stunning panoramic views and there are nine small museums in the village, as well as boutique shops and lovely restaurants.
The Algar Waterfalls (Fonts d’Algar) is a beautiful place to stop, with crystal clear swimming holes if you fancy a dip on a hot day or you can take a walk through the park and relax in the picnic area surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Denia Castle
History enthusiasts will love a trip to Denia Castle, which is around 25 minutes’ drive from Javea. You can combine your visit with a hike up to the castle and you will have amazing views across the marina, town and mountains. The castle dates back to the 11th century when the Moors ruled the area, offering an insight to the heritage of the area.
You also have the opportunity to visit the archaeology museum which used to be located within the castle walls but is now in the Casa de la Marquesa. The museum has many Roman artifacts that were found in the locality, including ancient ceramics and utensils.
Altea
Around 45 minutes from Javea is the picturesque town of Altea, which is renowned for art galleries and music festivals, as well as its blue domed church. The Old Town is the perfect place to experience the traditional charm of Spain, with quaint, cobbled streets and shops to explore.
Altea is a coastal town with several beaches, so you can combine a day of wandering around the town with some time to relax on the beach or sample some local cuisine in the beachfront restaurants overlooking the sea.
Valencia
When you are staying at a villa in Javea, you might also fancy a slightly longer daytrip to visit the city of Valencia for a wider range of cultural experiences. Although the travel time is around 90 minutes by car, this impressive city has some fascinating attractions such as Valencia Cathedral, the El Carmen Old Town, Jardin del Turia and Mercado Central.
You can take guided tours which include a visit to the Silk Exchange or there is a hop-on hop-off bus so you can see as many of the attractions as possible, at your own pace. Guided tours of the Old Town can be combined with wine and tapas taster experiences and the tours will take you around all the major monuments.
Book Your Idyllic Spanish Villa Today
Whether you fancy exploring the local culture closer to your Spanish villa in Javea or you want to make your most of your time in this part of the Costa Blanca by venturing further away, these are just a few examples of the best cultural excursions we recommend.
If you have some specific interests that you would like to build into your visit to Javea, we’ll be happy to provide some additional recommendations and help you to plan your favourite activities and transport. There are some amazing boat trips in the area and great hiking trails, so just get in touch so we can help ensure your holiday in Javea is filled with unforgettable experiences.
The best way to enjoy a holiday in Javea is with the comfort and privacy of your own villa, where you can visit all of these fascinating places at your leisure. Take a look at our range of villas to choose the ideal location for your next holiday.