The Complete Guide to Living in Jávea

Arenal is the beating heart of Jávea's social scene and the area most international buyers picture when they dream of Mediterranean life. The wide, sandy beach sweeps in a perfect crescent around a turquoise bay, backed by a bustling promenade lined with restaurants, boutiques, and ice cream parlors. Unlike the pebble coves that define much of the northern Costa Blanca, Arenal delivers that classic golden-sand beach experience — and it draws visitors and residents year-round.

The promenade (Paseo Marítimo) is the daily stage for morning joggers, evening strollers, and families spilling out of beachfront restaurants as the sun sets behind the Montgó. Property along and behind the Arenal commands the highest prices in Jávea, with modern apartments and penthouses offering front-row views of the bay. Side streets host a dense concentration of international restaurants, real estate agencies, and upscale shops catering to the predominantly Northern European clientele.

Living at the Arenal means you can walk to the beach in flip-flops, dine at a different restaurant every night for a month, and still have the old town's authentic Spanish charm just a 10-minute drive away. The Arenal is also the base for water sports — paddleboarding, kayaking, diving — and the departure point for boat trips to the dramatic cliffs of Cabo de la Nao and the hidden beaches beyond.

The port of Jávea is where the town began. Long before tourists discovered the Arenal, generations of Jávea families lived from the sea, and that maritime heritage is still woven into every corner of the port district. The fishing boats still come in each morning, unloading the catch that goes straight to the lonja (fish auction) and then to the restaurants that line the waterfront. Eating grilled seafood overlooking the harbor while boats rock gently in the dusk is one of the defining Jávea experiences.

The port area has evolved into a sophisticated mix of traditional and modern. The Club Náutico de Jávea is the social anchor — a prestigious yacht club with berths for boats up to 25 meters, a sailing school, and a popular restaurant. Around it, you will find boutique apartment buildings, a small pebble beach (Playa de la Grava), and the elegant Paseo del Marinero promenade. The Parador de Jávea, one of Spain's government-run luxury hotels, stands at the harbor entrance.

Property prices in the port fall between the premium Arenal and the affordable old town, making it an attractive option for buyers who want waterfront living without the tourist intensity. Many properties offer direct harbor views, and the neighborhood retains a year-round residential population — the port never fully empties in winter the way some beach areas do. From here, it is a short walk along the Paseo to the Arenal, or a drive up to the old town for market day.