August 2011
FREE
Welcome to PARADISE For more than 30 years, property agents in Jávea - and lots of other places on the Costa Blanca - claimed the World Health Organisation said their resort was “One of the healthiest places in the world to live.” W.H.O. never made the statement. It is not their function to endorse holiday resorts (although the Chairman of a W.H.O. Committee did visit Jávea and expressed their personal opinion) but they were referring to Jávea - and it’s still true! DISCLAIMER Information in this publication has been gathered by Clive Read, who chose, with Ann - his wife - and their son Peter, to come and live in Jávea in November 1985. Any views expressed are based on the personal experience of Clive Read and are NOT those of Jávea Evangelical Church or its congregation.
The idea for this publication resulted from being told that Councillors elected to govern Jávea in the May 2011 municipal elections, needed a “Directory of What is Where” to give to newcomers to the Town. Based on his 25 years experience, Pastor Clive Read created what he thought was needed in 96 hours, but could not resist embroidering the bare facts, which made it impossible for the Town Hall to use it so it became a Church project. WELCOME TO PARADISE.
THE PUEBLO or Old Town
THE PORT or Aduanas
In compiling this “first” edition of a Directory that Welcomes people to Jávea, and answers some of the obvious questions, Clive has relied upon his own experiences. If he has missed something, please send details so that corrections and additions can be made for the September edition.
THE ARENAL or Beach
With the Gothic Parish Church of St. Bartolome at its centre, the narrow streets remind us they were designed with horse and cart in mind. Wooden front doors, open on the street, behind which is a labrinth of rooms and an inner courtyard where livestock were housed. Many properties have been converted into shops and intimate cafés, each with its own tapas to match the atmosphere. It might look boring, but the ‘Old Town’ is always fresh, and delivers on promise.
A reminder to everyone that Jávea was - and still is - an important fishing port, proven by the number of refrigerated vehicles who make their way there from places as far away as Malaga. Fuel tax and EU quotas are strangling those who fish, in the same way as few now harvest oranges and other crops that are left to rot. You’ll discover something new with every visit to the Port - and the “Fisherman’s Church” always impresses.
Despite the danger of melanoma of the skin, tourists still pour onto the beach to gain a sun tan that will show their UK friends they’ve had a great holiday. The ‘Sandy’ beach offers safe bathing - remembering all bathing by the young or elderly should be supervised - combining sand that is cleaned overnight, with an abundance of nearby bars and restaurants to suit every palate and pocket. There are rope and rubber climbing frames and a special area for disabled bathers at the Southern end of the bay.
Corrections and additions will be made if details are sent to KickStart Arquitecto Urteaga, 8 03730 JAVEA eMail: clive@cliveread.com
Avda. del Pla, Calle Pescara, 5 03730 JAVEA Tel: 96 646 1848 Fax: 96 579 5 411 Store opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 8:30am - 9:00pm Summer Sundays: 10:00am - 4:00pm www.overseas.es eMail: Javea@overseas.es