Xàbia – Jávea

Xàbia (Spanish: Jávea) sits between the Cabo de San Antonio and Cabo de la Nao headlands, sheltered by the Montgó mountain range inland and the Mediterranean Sea on the other side. The municipality has three distinct identities: a historic centre with a Gothic church and narrow streets, a harbour area with fish restaurants and its own rhythm, and El Arenal as a lively beach zone. That combination makes Xàbia unique — you can live fully locally or retreat entirely to a villa among the greenery.

Facilities are excellent for a municipality of this size. There are international schools, good medical care, an active international community and a wide range of shops and restaurants. Alicante is around two hours away, Valencia an hour and a half. Xàbia is liveable all year round and attracts many permanent residents alongside seasonal tourists.

Beaches & nature

Xàbia's coastline ranges from sandy beaches to hidden rocky coves and rugged cliffs — one of the most varied stretches of coastline on the Costa Blanca. The Montgó Natural Park offers spectacular hiking and cycling routes directly from the municipality.

• Playa del Arenal — the largest sandy beach, family-friendly and well-equipped.
• Granadella — sheltered bay with crystal-clear water, regularly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Ideal for snorkelling.
• La Grava — pebble beach in the harbour area, quiet with a local character.
• Portixol & Ambolo — secluded rocky coves for those seeking peace and nature.
• Montgó Natural Park — hiking trails with panoramic views over the coast and sea.

Living & neighbourhoods

Xàbia offers a broad spectrum of residential options, from apartments in the centre to exclusive hillside villas with sea views.

• Centre (Pueblo) — authentic Mediterranean architecture, traditional atmosphere. Older houses and characterful apartments. Limited new build supply.
• Harbour (El Puerto) — charming harbour area with its own lifestyle. Popular with those who want to be close to restaurants and the water.
• El Arenal — lively beach zone with apartments and hotels. More tourist-oriented, ideal as a rental investment.
• Montgó / Tosalet / Cap Martí — villas among orange groves and pine forests, often with sea views. Quiet and green, popular with permanent residents.
• Monte Olimpo / Portichol — premium segment with spectacular views. Detached villas on large plots, prices are among the highest in the region.

Practical

Xàbia is a mature international municipality with excellent facilities, but its popularity comes with a downside.

• ✅ Three distinct residential atmospheres in one municipality
• ✅ Excellent international facilities and schools
• ✅ Varied coastline with top beaches
• ✅ Liveable all year round
• ✅ Strong international network, including for Dutch residents
• ❌ Busy and expensive in high season
• ❌ Strong international character can come at the expense of Spanish authenticity
• ❌ Property prices rising fast, limited supply in popular areas

More information: Municipality of Xàbia · Costa Blanca Tourism — Xàbia