Javea Special Supplement March 2024 CBN Issue 127

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More Balearic than Benidorm

The ‘coolest spot’ on the Costa Blanca, Javea is spoilt with some of Spain’s best beaches, but you’d be best to visit outside midsummer, writes expat resident Joshua Parfitt

IT was a Monday morning in August and I arrived at the descent down to Playa Granadella with my old man and a boot full of snorkeling gear.

“Perdona, playa is closed - it is full,” said the sweaty civil protection officer blocking our path with a piece of rope.”

I tried my best Valenciano , bribed him with coffee, but it was no use. We joined the four or five cars turning around like stingrays in the sand of what National Geographic and Conde Nast Traveler dubs as one of Spain’s best beaches.

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IDYLLIC: The rugged coastline of Javea is more reminiscent of Mallorca and Ibiza than neighbouring Costa Blanca towns

From previous page

for lunch after a short, delightful 15 minute swim.

Evidently, Javea has outgrown some of its secluded coves… at the height of summer, at least. We tried our luck at Portitxol beach on the other side of Javea’s dramatic southern headland. And after placing our towels on a rock and swimming over to Portitxol island we decided we were hungry. I’ve jumped in cages surrounded by great white sharks with my dad, dived down inside 30m-deep shipwrecks and spent hours scouring “Let’s do a bit more next year” my dad snorted, removing his flippers. At the time, little did we know we’d been treading water above one of Europe’s most stunning sunken treasures.

Later that day - yes, the very same day! - 57 gold Roman coins were found at the foot of Portitxol island – leading to international headlines!

‘little port’ is one of the true gems of Javea, also known as Xabia, correctly, in Valenciano Also known as Cala de la Barraca it is a 900m stretch of mostly gravel, pebbles and rock between Cap Prim and el Cap Negre.

A truly charming cove it is sheltered by cliffs and counts on a series of quaint fishermen’s cottages, or casitas, which are privately owned and whose owners come and go at their leisure.

Javea is truly spoilt by some of the best beaches in Spain, something the foreign media frequently trumpet.

The Times praised the ‘Ibizan vibe’ of places like Granadella

and Portitxol, calling Javea ‘the coolest spot on the Costa Blanca’. And take it from me, having lived here for half a decade, the Javea area is much more Balearic than Benidorm. Beach-wise, the above are the two most instagrammable, the box-ticking tourist classics that will take your breath away, but particularly off season when the hordes are not descending. I also really like Cala Blanca, only reachable by walking through a round hole in the rockface, before you meet the dramatic Cabo de la Nao headland with hidden coves you still today can’t reach by foot.

one end. The area spreads backwards inland from here by about five or six blocks and this is the truly international part of the resort.

Another of my secret beach spots is Cala en Calo. It’s been grabbing world rankings alongside tropical beaches in Thailand and the Philippines. Then there is Playa Ambolo that is a fabulous walk particularly for an early morning or evening swim.

Arenal beach is Javea’s most popular – and the only really sandy one –and this is where all the fun and action is, if you are looking for nightlife. It’s also the one for the best waves in the area if you are a surfer.

There are lots of great restaurants and shops, not to mention the excellent Michelin-starred restaurant Tula, an unpretentious place run by couple Borja and Clara.

The Arenal’s best known patron, the Javea Company, runs a series of bars and restaurants at one end of the beach, including Bambula, which

Punctuated by a few strands of palm trees, it is a shallow beach to get into the water and has the historic Parador hotel bookmarking is a popular spot that bounces into the early hours. Meanwhile the Geographic has become a popular joint for a light lunch or to watch live sports on its doz-

en-plus screens. Heading north you will find another blue flag beach in the port area. Playa de la Grava is a pebble beach in a very warm bay, where it’s common to see bathers from March to November.

The port area is another distinct part of

Javea. It is here you will find plenty of the best restaurants and hotels and the famous modernist church. It also has the amazing Cinema Jayan, which has plenty of Version Original

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TRADITION: Cool restaurants now sit alongside the strong fishing culture

PALMS AND SAND: Perfect for beachlovers

DID YOU KNOW?

films showing throughout the week.

For walkers, a top tip is the rocky hike from the end of Javea’s port to Cala Tango with its 17m-high platform to jump into the sea. It looks like a hard slog, as it kicks off direct-

ly uphill but it only takes about 30 minutes. From the port you need to walk inland to access the true gem of Javea, its wonderful old town, largely From previous page

All about

Atmospheric old town

built from the local honey-coloured tosca stone.

The 14th century Iglesia de San Bartolome is a great example of this, built out of the sandstone hewn out of the headland by Cova Tallada (meaning ‘carved cave’).

Indeed, since Moorish times builders have carved out the tosca stone from the area which is reached only by boat at the foot of the San Antonio headland.

The atmospheric old town is little untouched and with its streets largely too narrow for cars you can wander around to your heart’s content, enjoying the nice mix of boutiques, cafes and bars.

This was once a heavily fortified town to ward off the Barbary pirates and this defensive past is typified by San Bartolome church, which was once almost a fortress and siege ready.

Next to it is the hip municipal market with its great cafes and bars… and where you must try the typical local dish, a coca – a traditional sourdough flatbread topped with either chopped tomatoes and salted tuna

or typically, a single anchovy. The whole centre truly comes alive in the evenings from Easter onwards when the tourists mix with the locals on an evening out.

MY TOP TIP: Take an early film at the old cine- ma near the port and then wonder up into the old town for a spot of tapas and a few wines by the glass. You’ll soon realise why I have end- ed up living in the true gem of the Costa Blanca.

Here are three of Javea’s secrets that archeologists, spiritual pilgrims and cave-diving spelunkers have yet to figure out.

Javea’s hidden depths

THE name of Javea (Xabia in Valenciano) reportedly comes from the Arabic word Xabiga for ‘well’ or ‘cistern’.

Though Javea’s abundance of water is evident in its green hills, the underground secrets of Javea are something cave-divers are still scratching their heads about.

The Moraig river is one of Spain’s most famous for being an underground river – possibly the deepest in the world – but no one can figure out where it comes from.

The river is believed to begin somewhere beneath Javea in the aquifer of Benissa that stretches all beneath the town, before it mysteriously emerges from underground at Benitachell’s Cala de Moraig beach. Since 1978 cave divers have tried to follow the river to its source without any luck – the most famous of these, the German expert Bernhard Pack, won 17 international awards for his documented expeditions before tragically losing his life to the cause in 1992.

According to neighbouring Benitachell’s town hall, the aquifer of Benissa is one of the ‘most unique hydro-geological phenomena in the world’ together with the Greek Island of Cephalonia.

It could be a source of high-quality potable water to see the region through summer droughts – but despite investigations beginning again in 2014, no one can figure out where this hidden secret of Javea actually resides.

Javea’s buried treasures

IMAGINE the day a century ago in 1904.

Agricultural labourers are ploughing land to make way for orange groves in the area of La Lluca. Suddenly the plough hits something,, which turns ut to be a ceramic urn buried 1.5 metres deep. Cracking it open, the urn reveals a golden diadem, three gold necklaces, a golden brooch and various gold and silver bracelets.

So highly valuable was the treasure that the landowning Torres Orduña family was in the process of selling the pieces to French researchers when Madrid’s Museo Arqueológico Nacional heard of the hoard. It turned out to be a 4th century BC

bridal trousseau (ornaments worn by a bride at her marriage) and it remains on view known as the ‘Treasure of Javea’ and one of the nations most significant Iberian finds.

Javea’s municipal archeologist

Ximo Bolufer told the Olive Press the Treasure of Javea was ‘hidden’ underground during a period of conflict.

This same hypothesis was given to the haul of 57 golden coins recently found at Portitxol – hidden for safe-

THE MIRACLE ON LAS PLANAS

JAVEA’S 175m-high Cabo de San Antonio has been a place of spiritual refuge for close to 700 years.

The headland got its name in 1373 when the bishop of Valencia granted a female hermit Catalina Blas the right to build a hermitage dedicated to Saint Anthony.

The San Antonio monastery soon sprung up next to it, but it didn’t survive long as in 1388, Barbary pirates sacked it and burnt it to the ground.

keeping during a likely raid from Barbary pirates that ravaged Javea’ coasts from the 4th-17th century. Experts from the University of Alicante continue to probe the waters around Portitxol to see how many more buried treasures may yet to be discovered.

They’ve already found the highest concentration of ancient anchors in the whole Mediterranean – some 258 dating back beyond 2,000 years.

Legend has it that three centuries later an intact canvas of the Virgin Mary was found among the rubble, and it is the only surviving vestige of Sor Catalina’s Hieronymite order of monks.

It led to the La Plana area becoming a site of pilgrimage for centuries and in 1964 the current monastery Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles was rebuilt.

Once a year in August it lets a handful of people in on the secret to behold Javea’s own miraculous piece of history hanging above the altar.

DISCOVERY: The Treasure of Javea was ploughed up 100 years ago

PRETTY The fishing harbour is overlooked by villas and apartments in the hills

PRETTY AS A PICTURE

Artist Joaquin Sorolla hoped that his first UK exhibition featuring Javea would make him rich

THE year of 1908 marked the first time Londoners set eyes on Javea.

In an age where aeroplanes were still learning how to fly, and photographs still in development, the meeting inevitably came through the paintbrush.

But the exhibition at Grafton Gal-

leries through May, June and July weren’t just any old paintings of Javea.

The posters put Javea’s name next to that of Joaquin Sorolla, calling him ‘the world’s greatest living painter’ following international success.

Sorolla, born in Valencia in 1863, fell in love with the Costa Blanca fishing town of Javea during a visit in 1896.

“Javea is sublime, immense, the best I know to paint. It surpasses everything,” he wrote in one of more than 2,000 letters kept by his wife, Clotilde.

Sorolla’s obsession with the play of light and water in Javea saw the town make up a large part of the 278 paintings he took to London in search of fortune.

Among these paintings include Cabo de San Antonio, Javea that captured the site of Javea’s iconic headland back in 1896.

There was also Cordelores de Javea, Nadadores de Javea, El puerto de Javea, A child in Javea and countless others referencing the seafaring, sea-loving and golden-coloured moments Sorol-

la encountered. One of Sorolla’s most famous paintings known to have sold was

Nowhere quite like home

Jennifer Cunningham never planned on relocating to Spain… until she fell in love with Javea, writes Fiona Govan

LIKE many of those who end up living in Spain it was after enjoying a holiday with friends that Jennifer Cunningham took the decision to relocate from London to sunnier climes for a quieter life.

“My late husband was much older than me and, after suffering a cardiac arrest, he wasn’t expected to live long, so we took a snap decision to move over to the Costa Blanca where the climate suited him and in fact he thrived and lived another 12 years,” she tells the Olive Press from her home in Javea where she has lived for more than three decades.

“I was suffering from diabetes so the move gave us both a new lease of life, swimming every day in the sea and the Mediterranean diet really helped me,” she continues.

“The Spanish way of living, taking time to enjoy family and friends, also really gave me a new way of looking at life.”

But Jennifer wasn’t ready to retire.

Instead she started up what has be come one of the most successful ex pat businesses in Spain.

It began with one small office in Javea and has now grown to seven branches across the Costa Blanca and one in Lanza rote.

“I never tire of Javea. I can sit on a terrace and gaze at the sea day after day.

It’s wonderful at sun rise and sunset, spec tacular, but it’s when the bay twinkles in the

moonlight that Javea is at its most beautiful,” reveals Jennifer.

“Sitting with a coffee or a glass of wine and watching the world go by is one of my pleasures in life. Even in early March you can enjoy the warm sunshine on your face, look out over at Montgo, and see waterskiers in the bay.”

Javea occupies a special corner of Spain with its own microclimate that makes it a firm favourite with expats and Spaniards alike.

“It’s a wonderful place to live and while it has changed a lot since I arrived, it still has the old town with a marvellous market that still retains the feeling of the fishing village it once was.” The seaside town has become one of the most fashionable destinations during the summer months with crowds of Madrileños descending from the capital to holiday homes during July and August.

“Those of us who live here year round breathe a sigh of relief when September 1 comes and the multitudes go home. But in truth, the tourists are needed to keep the local businesses, the shops and restaurants alive,” explains Jennifer. The pandemic was particularly hard on local businesses with many pulling down the shutters forever.

“Unfortunately, a lot of restaurants were forced to close with Covid but thankfully not as many as feared. Some of our favourite places managed to survive and things picked up quickly.

Now, in 2024, Javea is once more thriving.

“There are new apartments going up everywhere,” says Jennifer. “Little teeny patches of scrubland suddenly get snapped up and then there’s an apartment block.

“This isn’t a good thing. Parking is a huge problem in Javea even outside the summer months but in peak tourist season, it’s impossible.”

She believes the town should introduce a ‘park and ride’ type system so visitors can leave their cars outside the town and catch a bus in.

she first encountered on a holiday in the 1980s continues.

She recalls the snap decision she made to move to Javea all those years ago.

I was ruled by my heart and not by my head - not something I normally do

“It’s hard seeing the town I know change so much and I wish there was more thought going into its development,” she admits. But on the whole the love affair with the town

“Here I was on holiday having a lovely time and I did everything you shouldn’t really do when making important life decisions. Just like that I saw a property I loved and put down a deposit, then went back and sold up in the UK,” she laughs.

“I was ruled by my heart and not my head and that isn’t something that I would normally do.

“But if you asked me if I would do it all again I’d say yes, I absolutely love Javea and feel very safe here. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

For more information please visit www.jennifercunningham.net or www.paulcunninghamnurses.com

Encajonando pasas from 1900, showing hundreds of women in Javea packaging raisins for an in-

ternational trade of which Britain was one of Denia port’s largest customers.

While London may have fallen in love with Javea and Sorolla at the exhibition, the opposite never happened.

Sorolla was disappointed with his reception in London.

He complained about the cold air, he complained about being lonely, and he feared the ‘polite’ upper-class English were too cerebral to appreciate his masterpieces of light and fresh air.

Worst of all, Sorolla sold few paintings in London in 1908.

“I feel old, I can’t live alone, I’m emptier than you, for you at least have the children,” he wrote to Clotilde.

“Today is a disgusting day, I’ve only just had my lunch with electric light and it’s already 2pm – I hate big cities, viva Javea.”

England later proved to be Sorolla’s lucky ticket, however, as it was there he met American philanthropist Archer

Milton Huntington.

Sorolla soon received an invite to exhibit at The Hispanic Society of America in New York, where he sold 195 paintings. The society later commissioned Sorolla to paint a huge mural called Vision of Spain , that captured the Spanish nation in a series of works taking six years (1913-1919) to complete.

By the time Sorolla was done, he had earned enough money to buy a house in central Madrid that today houses his works as the Museo Sorolla.

When he died in 1923 Sorolla was already established as one of Spain’s all time greats.

It took another 100 years – until 2019 – for London’s National Gallery to put on a British exhibition of Sorolla ( Sorolla: Master of Light ).

Except that, this time, Sorolla’s painting of Javea had already become priceless.

INSPIRATION: Sorolla soaked in the many vistas to be found in and around Javea for his works

AT WORK: Sorolla (left) created many masterpieces right on the beach

FOR

studies conducted in the 1990s, Javea shot to number two behind Rio de Janeiro, also backed by its famous mountain.

The Montgo blocks icy, arctic winds from ruining winter (20C days in January are common) while cool sea breezes keep scorching summer temperatures to between 23C to 27C. This geographical stroke of luck has turned Javea into a top retirement destination for expats the world over. And Javea understandably swells in summer as the wellto-do from Valencia and Madrid flock down to enjoy their well-earned holidays. For them, Javea has become something of a status symbol thanks to the entrancing paintings of Joaquin Sorolla, as well as being the birthplace and home

The Agency opens new office on the Costa Blanca bringing worldwide reach to local sellers and buyers

THE Agency is proud to announce the launch of its new office on Spain’s Costa Blanca North.

The Global Real Estate powerhouse is expanding its presence along Spain’s iconic coastline, with The Agency Costa Blanca North marking their third office in the country, joining locations in Marbella and Mallorca. It will be led by Managing Partners Alistair Barton and Leonie ter Brugge and serve the towns of Moraira, Javea, Calpe, Altea, Denia, and Benitachell.

“We are thrilled to launch our new office in Costa Blanca North as we continue to prioritize our strategic growth across Europe,” said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and Founder of The Agency.

“Alistair Barton and Leonie ter Brugge are trusted experts in the market and we are confident they will serve as exceptional leaders and stewards of The Agency’s culture and brand as we continue to introduce The Agency to coveted markets around the world.”

“The stunning beachside landscapes and accessibility to other parts of Spain and Ibiza make the Costa Blanca North the perfect fit for our next office location in Spain,” said Jim Ramsay, Executive Vice President of Franchise Sales at The Agency.

“The demand for the Agency brand

GOING GLOBAL

in Europe continues to excite us and we have found fantastic partners in Alistair Barton and Leonie ter Brugge who we know will represent The Agency well in this next chapter of our global expansion.”

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of Spain’s former world no.3 tennis player David Ferrer. Javea also shares a bounty of fresh gambas rojas (red prawns) with its neighbour of Denia, one of the gastronomy hotspots of Spain.

According to popular local agency Blanca International, Javea has one of the largest concentrations of foreigners in Spain.

From page 16 the most expensive municipality in the Valencian Community, followed by Benidorm at €2,466 per m2 and Altea at €2,203 per m2. On a par with Estepona and Nerja on the Costa del Sol, it is considerably cheaper however, than Marbella which averages out at €4,526 per m2, according to Idealista.

“With a reputation for stunning beaches and great food it’s no surprise that Javea has one of the highest expat populations, with 54% coming from abroad,” says Sigve Kommedal.

“In Valencia province, this is only beaten by Calpe, Altea, Teulada-Moraira and Rojales,” says Kommedal. But this popularity comes at a price, with few places on Spain’s coastline having such high house prices. With average prices in Javea at €2,519 per m2, it is

MOST EXPENSIVE STREET

Marbella is also home to one of the most expensive streets in the country, with houses averaging €7 million. While the Valencian Community doesn’t make the top 10 most expensive streets in Spain, you can still pay a pretty penny, with the area’s most costly street, Jazmines in Poble Nou de Benitatxell, Alicante, clocking in at an average €2.7 million per property. It is closely followed by Javea’s Calle Penaguila, which according to Idealista averaged out at nearly €1.3 million in 2023. And that’s no surprise with the amazing road snaking up from the edge of the port into the nearby hills with incredible views. They say location is everything and this street is hard to beat with less than 100 houses, most of them

large - but not outsized - with decent gardens and in easy reach of both countryside walks and the heart of Javea old town and the port, with its cinema and restaurants.

Currently the most expensive home for sale in Calle Penaguila is at €4.5m, a four bedroom property with an infinity pool, while you can pick up a five bedroom further down the hill for €1.2m.

INTEGRITY AND EXCELLENCE

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unique needs and delivering tailor-made solutions that align with their real estate goals.

In addition to its client-centric approach, Coldwell Banker Solaris is known for its strong presence in the local market and access to an extensive portfolio of exclusive properties in Jávea, including luxury villas, seaside homes, modern apartments, and more. Their expertise and professionalism ensure transparent and hassle-free real estate transactions for their clients.

Coldwell Banker Solaris Real Estate in Jávea is synonymous with integrity, excellence, and proven results in the local real estate market. Whether you're looking to purchase your dream home on the Mediterranean coast or sell your current property, you can rely on the Coldwell Banker Solaris team to provide you with the highest level of service and customer satisfaction.

Greetings, I’m Michel Lange, a seasoned real estate expert specializing for the last 20 years in the vibrant North Zone of Alicante, Spain. As the Managing Director of Coldwell Banker Solaris Real Estate agency, nestled in the picturesque town of Jávea, my primary objective is to is to orchestrate successful property transactions within our region while also elevating our visibility on a national and international scale, fostering valuable relationships, and paving the way for fruitful collaborations in the future.

Our agency proudly serves the expanse between the provinces of Alicante and Valencia, encompassing highly sought-after locales such as Altea, Dénia, Moraira, Benissa, Benitachell, and beyond. With an unparalleled selection ranging from charming traditional stone and wooden houses along the coast to sleek, modern luxury residences boasting panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean, as well as beachfront apartments and an array of distinctive properties, our portfolio is sure to captivate discerning buyers.

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Empowering students

Xabia International College is looking to the future with a raft of new facilities

XABIA International College has expanded with new facilities for the Sixth Form Centre and a whole new campus for Foundation and Primary school.

Founded in 1994, the college is the only international school in Jávea, for students from two to 18 years old, to provide a quality education based on the English Curriculum combined with the Spanish Educational System.

This expansion represents the school’s ongoing com mitment to providing the best possible educational experience for each student at every stage of their academic journey.

With these new facilities, XIC is creating an even more dynamic and supportive environment where students can thrive and achieve their full potential.

The school comprises Foundation, Primary and Se condary sections, offering continuity of education from Nursery to University.

“At XIC, we are committed to providing an exceptio nal and unique educational environment. We inspire children to flourish in a vibrant family environment, supported by dynamic teachers who provide per sonalised attention in small classes using the latest technology.

“We are dedicated to empowering our students for the challenges of a modern, ever-changing world, nurturing their holistic growth and providing them with the skills they need to succeed,” said a spokesperson.

“The future is very exciting at XIC! We are in a situa tion where we are never standing still, our focus is on innovation and how to be better every day.

“Admissions for September are now open. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit us and know more about the school.”

STROLLING THROUGH HISTORY

Old town walk takes you through Javea’s past

JAVEA’S old town is a perfectly preserved relic of the past, exuding a rustic charm that is all too rare in today’s world.

Dating back to medieval times, its buildings are a patchwork of historic architecture spanning seven centuries.

Today’s old town is distinguished by its narrow lanes adorned with white façades and gothic windows alongside its distinctive tosca sandstone.

The beating heart of the town was once dedicated to the raisin trade,

For more information on enrollment and the new facilities at Xabia International College, please telephone +34 966 471 785 or visit www.xic.college

ornate raisin drying facilities still remain in the form of sandstone partitions and galleries with large ulls, which would shelter the grapes on thatched mats to dry. Indeed, to walk through the old town is to dip one’s toe into a rich mercantile history.

In the 13th century, Javea was but a small enclosure sealed in by city walls but the 16th and 17th centuries gave rise to the construction of Javea’s most inspired architecture, with gothic buildings such as the Palau dels Sapena and the Casa dels Bolufer. There is a nice range of small shops and restaurants to stop at, including the excellent Irish-Romanian-run place, La Sucreria, right by the main

church.

Also look out for the recently opened Carniceria tapas bar, on the outskirts of the centre. Make sure to look out for its ancient market, now converted into a gourmet hall, perfect for lunch or supper.

Needless to say Javea’s old town retains an allure that has wowed visitors for centuries and long may it continue.

GREAT SPOT: To enjoy a meal or glass of wine right in the old town

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OLD CHARM: Around every corner is a new delight

The buildings and streets take you bak into the past

TOUR OF DUTY

Former war reporterturned sommelier takes Jon Clarke on an adventure through the Costa Blanca’s best seafood at BonAmb

THEIR ladders were carefully pinned to the vertical cliff walls of the Marina Alta area or hung down using ropes.

An ancient, thousand-year-old fishing method, the locals clambered down risking their lives particularly on days when it was too rough to go out on boats.

Then when close to the water they shone an acetylene gas lamp towards the sea, bringing fish up to the surface and easy to catch.

Called the ‘encesa’ method, this is the

CREATIONS: Dozens of exciting dishes with black truffle being Charlie’s favourite

inspiration for this years new menu at Javea’s most famous restaurant, BonAmb.

Created by Alberto Ferruz with his sommelier and Maitre Pablo Catala (pictured below), it proves beyond doubt that the very best fine dining is as much about theatre, concepts and textures as it is the food.

“We wanted to pay tribute to the brave men who caught the fish in this way and the menu is today 90% local fish and vegetables from the nearby huertas,” explains 37-year-old Alberto from Zaragoza.

“We try to be as seasonal as possible and use mostly local ingredients, but above all it is about the intensity of flavours,” adds the chef, who started working at the age of 16 and picked up lots of experience in Paris and San Sebastian, as well as nearby Denia, with Quique Dacosta.

Hot on the heels of his mentor Dacosta (who is a close friend), Alberto is very much deserving of his two Michelin stars and definitely heading towards three. BonAmb is an experience that any true gourmet will need to try out.

Aside from the stunning location, architecture and grounds, the kitchen guarantees a journey through the senses, like nothing else on the Costa Blanca.

This was my third visit, the second with my commercial manager Charles Bamber, to celebrate our three-year anniversary since launching an Olive Press edition here. We had last dined here on our launch in 2019 and on this showing it keeps getting better. Our guide for the night was co-owner Pablo, who once worked as an army press officer and cameraman in war zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia.

And this tour of duty - the amazing ‘Canyis’ set menu of around 18 courses by my countwas not far off being as complicated. Take the gazpachuelo soup, with sea bacon, cured monkfish liver and Mediterranean curry, this was not your average seafood fare. Nor was foie in ‘duke’s gunpowder’, a Mediaeval sauce, or eel

juice and pickled mushrooms or ‘flickering custard’, with dill and salt. He had his work cut out just explaining the dishes (and quite frankly none of his team were able to do it properly in English) and how best to enjoy them. Matching up the menu with wines was a battle in itself, the countless fish flavours wreaking havoc with most wines. His suggestion of a Godello called 12 Casas was a masterstroke. There were certainly plenty of highlights, in particular the starter of celeriac crepe, with red mullet sauce and salted Chantilly cream. Its rich aftertaste still lingering now. The cauliflower roasted in a Roman-style with black truffle on top was delightful as was the marine tartlet, with delicate flowers on top. A real feast, out came white prawns

from Santa Pola, an oyster in a rich creamy sauce, a sausage made out of tuna, a sea urchin and a smoked clam with caviar.

So much was eaten with the hands and everything was part of the overall ‘encesa’ story.

By the time we had finished up some three-and-ahalf hours later, it felt like a night out at the opera or a

front row seat at Hamilton Entertaining in the extreme.

Forget the price of 185 euros a head, it would cost you that in the stalls at Covent Garden and you’d be paying a lot more

WITH pretty-as-a-picture panoramas, gorgeous beaches, the Montgo mountain, lively social life and a fabulous range of properties to suit most budgets, it’s no wonder Jávea is a popular choice for people moving to Spain.

Jávea’s coastline is so attractive there is a special route of 15 viewpoints (miradores) offering panoramic and spectacular views.

Add 320 days of sunshine a year, a golf course, excellent restaurants, and an incredible quality of life, and Jávea ticks the Yes box for many expats looking for a new life in a top location on the Costa Blanca.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION:

When people say location is the most important factor, they’re right! A beach-front property by the Arenal or Port sounds idyllic, but it will be busy and noisy in the summer plus parking could be super difficult.

Likewise, living up the Montgó mountain or around Granadella beach with far-reaching views can be relaxing. But you’ll have to drive everywhere which could become a bore if you must ferry children to school, friends’ houses, and after-school activities.

THINK ABOUT YOUR NEEDS:

? Do you want to walk to the shops, bars and restaurants?

Villa Mia explains why so many people choose Javea as a place to live

? Do you want to be near to a school?

? Do you need good public transport links?

? What is the Wi-Fi like in this area?

Then see if the property you like is in the right location for you.

“Rent before you buy” is the advice you’ll get from many people when you’re moving to the area and we agree. We deal with winter lets and longterm rentals as well as sales and would love to help.

THINGS TO DO IN JÁVEA:

You’ll be pleased to know Jávea is a very social town with lots of clubs and associations for all ages.

These include a tennis club, rugby club, theatre group, computer club, U3A for people no longer in full-time employment and various business networking meetings. On top of this we have lots of fiestas. This June it is our favourite with the International Festival plus the Fogueres de Sant Joan – do not miss these if you are in the area as it will create special memories that are unforgettable.

JUST WANT TO RELAX?

Of course you can be as active as you like with cycling, hiking, walking, padel and much more but nothing stops you from enjoying hours by

the pool or a leisurely lunch. Take Javea at your own pace. There is something new to discover every day and every reason to come back & see more.

The team at VillaMia estate agency on the Arenal in Jávea has many years of experience of living and working in this beautiful region. Get in touch to discuss moving to Jávea and finding your dream property in the right location for you.

IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY TO RENT OR SELL, OR ARE LOOKING FOR ONE, CONTACT VILLAMIA ON INFO@VILLAMIA.NET OR CALL +34 965 794 139

Michelle Hughes of local estate agency

FLAMING TRADITION: Locals uphold customs with some strange behaviour!

BRUSH UP!

Clinica Dental La Plaza highlights six common mistakes made when cleaning your teeth

YOU cleaned your teeth this morning…so are you sure they are really clean?

Its not really possible to see if you have done the job right as plaque is the same colour as the teeth and that is what you are trying to remove, and you can only see the front teeth.

It is important to be thorough and consistent, we are sure you want to start the day with a clean teeth and fresh breath?

So here are the 6 commons mistakes that people make…

● When to clean?

Before breakfast and before bed is most logical. Cleaning after meals is not recommended as can more likely lead to enamel erosion and sensitivity.

● Not brushing into the gums around the necks of the teeth

Avoiding the gums will prevent you from removing all the plaque since most of it is next to the gum and if left there it will eventually infect the gums causing gingivitis which make the gums bleed on brushing. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, when plaque penetrates the gum causing inflammation then bleeding tendency.

● Not reaching the back far enough

Its takes effort to think and reach right to the very back and once you are there you need to spend a bit more time on that area especially if there are wisdom teeth.

● Not brushing the insides

This is common as people tend to clean the front of the teeth much better than inside…. the angle of the brush needs to be adjusted to effectively clean round the insides right to the back of the mouth both upper and lower.

NEED A DENTIST YOU CAN TRUST?

● Brushing too softly

People seems to be worried about ‘receding gums’ which is silly as you do far more damage to gums by not cleaning properly!

Also some soft brushes are often too soft and so not effective cleaners, whereas as hard brush bristles don’t bend around so well in between the teeth and brushing hard with these brushes is too hard on the gums.

So, generally use a medium bristle small headed brush and with this you cannot go far wrong.

● Not brushing or flossing in between the teeth

Many people think this is unimportant and too much bother but in truth it has increasing importance for adults (not for children) as the interdental spaces tend to widen as we age and therefore, hold more plaque which the toothbrush cannot reach in any case. This plaque left there can cause gum disease and gum pocketing and lead to cavities most of which start between the teeth.

If you don’t minibrush or floss then your mouth is only 60% clean.

In short…a quality medium small headed brush, vigorous, circular movements and a thorough job - a maximum clean in the morning with interproximal brushes and a second quicker clean at night.

We recommend electric brushes of course for an easier deeper clean, especially Phillips Sonicare

NEED A CLEAN UP AND POLISH? Come and visit out friendly dental Hygienist Alex for a thorough clean and personalized advice.

Contact us for an appointment at Clinica Dental La Plaza by telephone on +34 966 461 120 (Whatsapp) or visit us at Edificio Plaza, Local 5, Javea

Climate riddle

“THE climate in Javea is considered the second-best microclimate in the world,” claims the town hall website.

But is it actually true?

Many websites promoting Javea parrot the claim, some saying it was from a study in the 1990s or from the World Health Organisation and that it was second to Rio de Janeiro.

Being a health organisation, however, means the WHO has a little more than zero information on microclimates.

The World Meteorological Organisation might be a

Is Javea’s legendary climate all it is cracked up to be?

more likely source but again, there’s nothing saying Javea is a world benchmark. So what do we know about Javea’s climate?

According to the Atlas Nacional de España (ANE) Javea is one of few areas in Spain enjoying a median annual temperature between 20-22.5°C. This makes Javea one of the northernmost points in Spain enjoying such high average temperatures.

But it’s a different map from the ANE which shows Javea’s unique climate within the region.

Whereas other parts of southern Spain and Valencia can see scorching temperatures above 45°C, Javea’s maximum temperatures never go above the high 30s.

Majestic

This is wholly thanks to the majestic Montgo mountain. This 753m massif protects Javea from cold Arctic winds from the north in winter, and makes Javea jut out into the Mediterranean enough to get cooling breezes in the summer.

Your One-Stop for all Dental and some Medical Services

A unique educational experience

Private British education in an international environment of academic excellence with incredible facilities to foster learning in and out of the classroom

LADY Elizabeth International School has over 35 years experience offering British and international private education for children from two to 18 years old.

It offers a unique educational experience of ‘Amazing Learning’, based on discovery and growth, blending innovative methodologies with an international perspective.

The goal of LES is to build a community of open-minded long life learners, ready to thrive and contribute in today’s global context: Innovative Learning & International Mindset. This produces independent, curious and active students who find their way within the multiple academic options on offer. Through constant immersion in English and Spanish in an environment of academic excellence, the school prepares them to unleash their full potential and inspires them to grow globally.

LES uses a curriculum based on UK national standards and which defines, designs, delivers and demonstrates learning through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) - its Key Stage 3 curriculum - and then UK GCSEs and A-levels.

The school has a wide range of over 20 subjects on offer - from the arts to the sciences with subjects such as Marine Science, Photography, Business, Graphic Design and Tourism - for GCSE and A Levels. Based on the British system, les also offers the Tests of Specific Competences (PCE) in Baccalaureate, thus ensuring access to the best universities in the world, including Spanish ones.

Student life beyond class

The school promotes a student life beyond the classroom to extend the learning process. More than 40 extracurricular activities under its Plus Clubs are offered, including arts & crafts, sports, swimming, stock exchange, robotics, board games, filming and much more!

Also available are business trips, sports and cultural activities, the Student Body, and awards such as Duke of Edinburgh Award.

FACILITIES: The school boasts an incredible campus with more than 40 extracurricular activities

The school also offers ISP Future Pathways, a tailored career program for students ages five to 18 to support each ISP student in making informed decisions to succeed now and in the future.

Broad GCSE and A Level offer to suit all academic paths

As part of the ISP group, LES also offers international opportunities for students within the ILOS programmes such as ISP Virtual Buddy Exchange, ISP Maths Challenge, ISP Model United Nations and I am an ISP Scientist.

Best in class facilities

Students can make use of two swimming pools, two libraries, sections by educational stage, sports hall, basketball court, soccer field, playgrounds, digital whiteboards, two dining halls, computer classrooms,

music classrooms, psychomotor classroom, childcare room, physics, biology/ chemistry, food science and robotics labs, recording studio, theatre and dance room, photography studio, and auditorium with seating for 400 people. School residence (boarding school).

Amazing language offer

Lady Elizabeth School offers English, Spanish, French and German with the option to study any mother language.

There is also a Russian school on Saturday and active support of study groups for other mother languages.

WELCOME SPRING INTO YOUR HOME

The Yorkshire Linen Company in Jávea and Altea opened their doors over 18 years ago. Whether it’s a complete transformation or just some finishing touches needed, Yorkshire Linen has everything you need to dress your home ALL UNDER ONE ROOF.

With family, friends and/or renters coming to visit this year, we sell sofa beds and mattresses at very competitive prices. The mattresses are made up of a thick HR (High Resiliency) foam core for optimal support and memory foam padding which provides warmth in winter and on the other side a layer of hypoallergenic fibres for breathability and freshness for those warm to hot summer nights.

Apart from everything and anything a bed could need, we stock a wide choice of UK and blackout curtains and offer an in-house seamstress service. Our lovely selection of indoor and outdoor rugs can also add extra touches to rooms.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest collections coming in and see our Easter opening hours as well.

Facebook www.facebook.com/yorkshirelinencostablanca

Instagram www.instagram.com/yorkshirelinencostablanca

Divine inspiration

The modern church that brings a new grace to the town’s architecture

IT could well be the most quirky-looking church in Spain. Sculptural Nuestra Señora de Loreto rears up over its nearby buildings like an angry spider or a spaceage creature from HG Wells’ War of the Worlds.

It was built on the site of an old fishermen’s church by the port in 1967, designed by four architects. An important example of avant-garde religious architecture, it stands out for its bold lines and its use of space.

On the outside, its 12 slender pillars represent an allegory of the 12 apostles.

Inside, its cement and red pine wood interior is said to represent a fishing boat, with the light penetrating through the skylights in the form of jets, sliding down the pillars and giving the building its boat keel shape.

It is a must visit from 9am to 8pm all year round.

MODERNIST: Sculptural Nuestra Señora de Loreto brings a touch of the avant-garde

Advantage Building Surveys

Structural Surveys

Covering the entire Costa Blanca North

SAFE AS HOUSES

Better be safe than sorry by getting a proper structural survey done

THE Costa Blanca has stayed ever popular as an investment and lifestyle hotspot for buyers from both the UK, EU countries and the US.

Brexit and a pandemic have actually increased demand, and estate agents have a shortage of properties, with property values and speed of sale being greater than ever.

Alternative investments like crypto currency and stocks have been performing badly, whilst bricks and mortar investments have proved to be literally ‘as safe as houses’.

With increased newbuild costs, most buyers are still getting great deals on resales (at well under the true cost of the building and plot). Importantly however, they need to know what they are really purchasing and whether their chosen property has significant defects that could prove costly to correct.

A structural survey not only highlights defects, but will provide estimated costs of the works required, which can be used to negotiate the price. Typically this achieves a better deal for the buyer, which more than covers the survey fee.

If you are concerned about structural stability, damp, mould risk, concrete decay, termite attack, pool and retaining wall stability etc. be sure to include a professional structural survey when buying.

See advert below for more information and how to contact Mark Paddon about arranging a structural survey

653 733 066

96 280 7247

mrmpaddon@hotmail.com surveyorscostablanca.com

If you are buying property in Spain or have problems with a property you already own, a professional structural survey can help identify and record defects whilst suggesting remedial solutions and cost implications.

Mark Paddon BSc Hons. MCIOB. CAAT. is a British Building Surveyor and Spanish registered Arquitecto Tecnico, insured via Lloyd’s of London. He has been working on the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida for over 20 years carrying out buyers structural surveys and providing general property purchase and insurance claims. (Thermal camera inspection is also included).

Whether its an old town house, apartment or luxury villa every property purchase represents a considerable investment and deserves a close inspection for defects such as damp, termites, subsidence etc. Specialist structural assessment of problem retaining walls and swimming pools is also undertaken.

Fast turnaround video survey options now available.

FREE buyers guide available via website. Initial telephone and email advice is FREE.

HASTA LA VISTA

La Granadella

THE challenge starts in the 700ha Granadella Forest Park, a scrubland still recovering from a forest fire in 2016 that decimated the area.

The most challenging partthe route, this walk through scrubland can be steep and rocky, though the lack of trees

Ambolo

Toffers sublime views all the way down to Javea’s amazing Playa de la Granadella. (above). After a short scramble up the hill from the beach the Mediterranean arrives like a balm for sore bodies out from Castell de la Granadella viewpoint.

HE third viewpoint looks out over the Isla del Descubridor (Discoverer’s Island), allegedly named after a Javean sailor who accompanied Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to the Americas.

A more shocking discovery for anyone who decides to take a pair of binoculars, however, would be the nudist beach at the foot of this cliff. The real crown jewels is the dramatic coastline stretching east of the Ambolo viewpoint, locked in a perpetual battle with the sea that happily produces the shingled beaches enjoyed by the fully-clothed and nudist alike.

The Mirador challenge may be gruelling at 30kms long, but the views more than make up for it, writes Joshua Parfitt

VISTAS are places for dreamers as well as the adventurous, looking for something different. They are also perfect places to show off on Instagram and Facebook - and to get in your minimum 10,000 steps a day.

The Mirador Challenge helps you with those… and a lot, lot more.

First created by British expats Mike and Fay Smith over a decade ago, it traces 15 viewpoints (miradores) along the dramatic limestone coastline cradling Javea. The route covers 29km and promises some of the best scenery in Spain. You can of course do parts of it, or the whole lot in one day if you get your skates on early. Here, we pick out our favourite sections.

Cabo de la Nau

CABO de la Nau is the name given to this whole headland south of Javea.

The protruding cliffs here mark the closest point on the Costa Blanca to Ibiza, which can be seen on a clear day across the shimmering blue.

FINISH

But Cabo de la Nau also refers to a high, rocky outcrop boasting two restaurants, Cabo de la Nau and Mirador de Javea, with unbeaten views over the Med.

The viewpoint itself, the fifth on the chal -

La Falzia

lenge, is bejewelled with purple clumps of toothed lavender—a rare, endemic species that is separate to the more common English lavender seen in ornamental gardens.

THE woods around La Falzia viewpoint are the only forested area on this otherwise highly-developed coastline. But with sunrise views over Porticholl island, who can blame residents for choosing such an inspiring vista early in the day. The water is so crystal clear you can almost see the fish, and you probably would quite rapidly if it wasn’t for wooden barriers keeping you from the sheer cliff-edge.

A great place for walking, La Falzia is only a stone’s throw from the Playa de la Barraca, which offers a secluded bay for swimming in the summer months.

From this, the seventh viewpoint, you drop down to Javea and along the coast to the port.

Cabo San Antonio

FROM the port you have the final climb up the winding footpath to the top of Cabo San Antonio which offers perhaps the most stunning, near-360 degree views on the Javea coastline.

From Ibiza to the east, the whole of Javea beneath you, and the Montgo mountain to the west, this is a true dreamer's paradise.

From here, you can see how the citrus groves just outside the old town of Javea find sanctuary in this valley from the hard limestones cliffs that confront the sea like a rampaging Spanish bull.

And as you gaze longingly over the town, it won’t be long before you’re enticed back into one of its bars to remind your battered body why beer is best served ice-cold.

CHALLENGE: The route takes in 15 viewpoints as it winds along the coast

Is it time for an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) for your heating?

How to slash your power bills with a payback period of just six to seven years, writes Phil Bennett, owner of misolar & miagua

BEFORE heat pumps entered the Spanish market in 2006 there was a limited range of options for powering a central heating system.

BUT WHAT ABOUT IN 2024?

The price of gas bottles (bombonas) keeps on rising. The cost of filling a gas tank comes with increasing extra costs like transport. And then there’s the complaint we hear a lot in Spain: gas cutting out at the worst possible time.

This year, more and more people are asking me whether heat pumps are cost-effective to power your central heating (radiators or underfloor heating). Here’s a real-life example:

HOW OUR CLIENT IS SAVING €1,800 A YEAR WITH A HEAT PUMP

One of our latest clients in Javea used to spend €3,000 a year on gas for central heating and domestic hot water.

The replacement heat pump system cost €12,000 euros (equipment + installation).

The heat pump cut out the homeowner’s consumption of gas. But it also added €300 euros a month to his electricity bill for 3 months over the winter period.

TO SUM UP…

This client went from spending €3,000 a year on gas to spending €1,200 a year on electricity. A saving of €1,800 annually

The homeowner is looking at an annual return on investment of 15% and a payback period of 6-7 years. Looking at it that way, it’s a better investment than even stocks or shares.

1. AVOIDING ONE-TIME PAYMENTS OF €3,000

This client had an external gas tank and it cost €3,000 every time it needed refilling. He found it easier to pay once for the heat pump heating system, and then have a manageable extra €300 per month to pay over winter.

2. NO INCONVENIENT OUTAGES

The gas tank ran out at inconvenient times. A heat pump system avoids the problem entirely.

3. BETTER REPLACEMENT

His existing boiler was old and needed replacing. Instead of paying €1,500-4,000 on a new gas boiler, it made sense to increase his budget and get a heat pump heating system at home that would pay for itself through the energy savings.

4. THE COST OF GAS

The cost of liquified natural gas (LNG) will only keep going up. During the last crisis in January 2022 the price of gas hit a price 12x more expensive than in January 2021. Any bottlenecks in supply will only cause the price of gas to rise once again.

5. INSTALLING SOLAR

The biggest deal-breaker for the client was his plan to install solar later in 2024. Being able to run the heat pump off his own solar energy would reduce electricity costs and help him break even much faster.

Given the surge in questions on this topic, I am offering anyone interested the opportunity for a short telephone call to discuss your current system and potential options. Many times, I will tell someone that the heat pump isn’t the best choice and suggest an alternative they hadn’t considered.

To get answers to your questions scan the QR code and fill out our Callback Request form. We will call you back at a convenient time within 24 hours of receiving your details (week days).

WILL A HEAT PUMP HEATING SYSTEM MAKE SENSE FOR YOU?

5 FURTHER BENEFITS OF A HEAT PUMP

WHERE TO EAT

Javea is becoming a real gourmet hive with a range of chefs vying for attention, writes

Jon Clarke

THERE is a quiet revolution going on in the charming back streets of Javea.

Not content to count on its two Michelin-starred joints, BonAmb and Tula, the fast-growing resort is developing a food culture to rival anywhere on the Costa Blanca.

“It’s amazing how much it has changed in the nine years I’ve been here,” explains expat chef Robert Mcteague, who owns two restaurants in Javea old town with his wife, Andrea.

“There is so much healthy competition now and everyone is doing their own thing,” continues the Irishman, who ran restaurants back home and in Italy for over a decade before moving to Javea.

“It’s a really cosmopolitan place and best of all it is not expensive, even the Michelin-starred Tula, where we ate a lovely long meal with two bottles of wine for just €250 recently,” adds the father-of-two.

Sandwiched between sea and sierra, it is no wonder Javea has the best of both worlds when it comes to ingredients.

Split between its three distinct areas, the port, the Arenal and the old town, you have everything from tapas joints to formal sit downs.

By a long way my favourite is stunning BonAmb (www.bonamb.com), which manages to combine the best quality local ingredients, with creative cooking and amazing ambience.

The two-Michelin star restaurant is

Dining revolution

an experience that any genuine gourmet will need to try out.

As well as its stunning architecture and grounds, the kitchen guarantees a journey through the senses, like nothing else on the Costa Blanca.

Creative and inspiring and continually fighting for its third star (which must be fast approaching), its head chef Alberto Ferruz does the Valencian community proud, showcasing mostly local dishes.

Having partly-trained in Paris and San Sebastian as well as nearby with Denia’s culinary king Quique Dacosta, you are in safe hands.

There is lots of fish and plenty of fruit and veg and the restaurant’s Maitre Pablo Catala is one of the most interesting restaurateurs in

Spain, having worked as a cameraman in war zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia, and then as an army press officer.

Its main rival is Tula, which has had a Michelin star since 2019 and is known for its simplicity and excellent use of local ingredients. Run by Borja Susilla and Clara Puig, it regularly changes its ingredients and is a breath of fresh air in the busy Arenal area.

Among other places you have to try are Robert Mcteague’s very own Carneceria tapas bar, on the outskirts of the centre.

This hip new joint is set up in a former butcher’s shop that first opened in the 1950s and counts many of its original features, such as counter, floors and even its ancient walk-in

fridge. The sign outside says it all, while Robert continues the authenticity, making his own bacon, ribs and sausages and featuring a simple menu to go alongside a nice array of tapas plates.

It’s a great place to while away a few hours

and has plenty of local wines by the glass, as well as Guiness on tap, as you’d expect from a West Coast of Ireland native. Don’t forget ‘Taco Thursdays’, while there are other fun nights in the offing for the Spring. His other place, mostly run now by his friendly Romanian wife Andrea, is La Sucreria in a prime location next to Javea old town’s main church. It has an excellent mix of dishes and is always busy.

Among other exciting places to try out are Volta i Volta, run by a Valencian chef and his Italian wife Marguerita from Verona. Focussing on great local ‘KM0’ produce, expect plenty of pickles, conserves, syrups and marinades. Es Tapa Ti on the Arenal is also good.

In terms of country joints, El Campo, takes some beating with its charming garden and experienced local chef Amanda Trenco, 40, who knocks up a great mix of Asiatic twists and a solid a la carte menu, with such joys as shrimp gyozas with spinach and roast suckling pig with apple and red berries. There is even an occasional Mexican special menu.

Heading into Javea port you should look out for popular tapas bar, Andares Ibericos, opposite the cinema that specialises in excellent ham and cheeses and great light bites. A friendly, family-run place it has real charm and an excellent selection of wines by the glass.

The best spot to enjoy wine is at the Bonapata, which describes itself as a ‘boutique bar of grapes and acorns’ just up the road, also in the port.

es and, best of all, the best Jamon Iberico, from the Val de Pedroches, in Cordoba.

The Spanish couple who run this place have just opened a new place up on busy Arenal, which will also likely do very well.

Another great spot, always busy, and an excellent spot for burgers and light snacks is Geographic, which always has all sporting events on a huge range of televisions.

And make sure you drop into the excellent Lancashire Bruja, just opposite the tennis club, where well established local expats Stephen and Christina serve up sell out roast dinners and all your British favourites including fish and chips and the classic English fry up, of course. The couple also organize the town’s popular New Years Day swim, which raises money for charity.

Finally down on the beach there are two chiringuitos, one La Siesta that

There are around 70 different wines by the glass, not to mention an amazing selection of pates, cheesreally gets going in the summer when it is THE place to hang out and be seen and Thalassa, which sits halfway along the road from Arenal to Caleta de Dins. Named after the Greek word for ‘sea’ it is exactly that, dominated by the ocean, and with a seafood style menu to match.

WELCOME: To Jon from chef Alberto at BonAmb (right) and mushroom dish

CHARITY: Stephen and Christina

QUALITY: Carneceria (above) has the best meat products, while (right) tomato dish at Bonapata

WHERE TO STAY

UNWIND AND RELAX

The best places to stay in Javea, writes

Jon Clarke

AS one of Spain’s emblematic towns - like Ronda, Toledo and Santiago - Javea rightfully counts on a Parador.

Yet, surprisingly, the popular Valencia resort has a real paucity of good places to stay. Assuming you don’t have a few hundred euros per night to splash the cash, the 1969-built Parador is out of most people’s budgets.

By far the best value option is Javea Hotel (www.hotel-javea.com) in the heart of the port, next to the stunning Nuestra Señora de Loreto church and a short 100m walk from the beach.

While some of the rooms are small, it is stylish and friendly and counts on its own restaurant on the roof with a stunning sea view.

It is also next to the celebrated VO cinema and walking distance to a dozen good places to eat, not to mention with air-conditioning and WIFI in the room.

Another great value spot is Quinta la Sal (www.quinta-la-sal.hotel-in-valencia.com) that sits right at the other end of the town in the hills above the Arenal area.

Set in pine woods, full of red squirrels and birds, it is just a short walk from breathtaking Playa de Ambolo and a

five-minute drive to Granadella beach.

Each of its dozen or so casitas are well appointed and have plenty of outside space and shade, plus a nice pool to chill out by.

A step up in quality and a little bit in price is the stylish Ritual de Terra Resort and Spa (www.ritualdeterra.com), a hotel to cleanse your mind and unwind.

This dreamy spot is surrounded by nature and focuses on wellness, as well as making the most of its lovely views towards the sea and the faraway Montgo mountain. There are yoga classes twice a week, meditation classes, as well as wellness workshops and a fascinating ‘gong vibrational sound bath’ which is said to reduce stress, aid sleep and encourage creativity.

The spa counts on a massage suite, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, as well as an indoor pool and there are plenty of face and body treatments available. With quality linen, super king size beds as well as a great wonderful central pool area, tennis and padel courts, you should end up feeling both energised and pampered.Meanwhile its new restaurant MADRE serves Mediterranean classics, with mostly seasonal ingredients.

VISTAS: Ritual de Terra is incredibly well appointed

COMFORT: Quinta la Sal, while (top) Javea hotel