The most sought-after town on the Costa Blanca Norte — by Dutch, German and British buyers since the 1970s. Here's everything you need to know.
Jávea (also known by its Valencian name Xàbia) is consistently ranked as one of Spain's most desirable places to live. It sits between two natural parks, faces the Mediterranean directly, and has managed to preserve its authentic Spanish character despite decades of international interest.
The town is not a purpose-built resort. It has a real local community, a functioning fishing harbour, an old town with a Gothic church, three distinct beach areas, and all the daily services a permanent resident would need — doctors, international schools, supermarkets, restaurants, marinas.
For European buyers, the appeal is simple: it feels like the real Spain, but with everything in place to live comfortably as a foreigner.
Around 70% of high-value property transactions in Jávea involve Dutch buyers. The Dutch community here is large enough to have its own doctors, dentists, lawyers and social clubs — which makes the transition to Spanish life significantly easier for newcomers from the Netherlands or Belgium.
Prices have risen steadily since 2020, driven by limited supply and sustained international demand. Here is a realistic overview of what different budgets get you today:
| Property type | Area | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment, 2 bed | Port / Town | €280,000 – €420,000 |
| Townhouse, 3 bed | Various | €350,000 – €550,000 |
| Villa, 3 bed, pool | Residential areas | €550,000 – €950,000 |
| Villa, 4 bed, sea views | Montgó / Cap Martí | €850,000 – €1.8M |
| Luxury villa, 5+ bed | Cap de la Nau / Portichol | €1.5M – €2.5M+ |
Supply in Jávea is structurally limited — most desirable plots near the sea are already built on, and the natural parks prevent new development in key areas. This means that unlike coastal markets in other countries, Jávea has a genuine scarcity factor that supports long-term value.
Jávea is divided into three main zones, each with a very different character:
Jávea has three distinct beach environments: the sandy Arenal beach (the most social), the rocky Cap de Sant Antoni with crystal-clear water, and the more secluded Granadella cove inside a natural park.
The town has a genuinely international community without losing its Spanish roots. You'll find Dutch and German social clubs, British expat groups, and a calendar of Spanish fiestas, all coexisting. The Wednesday and Saturday markets are large, well-stocked and used by locals and foreigners alike.
Jávea performs consistently well for two reasons: it has a large and established rental market (summer tourist rentals can generate €3,000–€8,000 per week for a well-positioned villa), and the structural scarcity of supply near the sea means prices hold their value even in slower periods.
For buyers looking at long-term investment combined with personal use, Jávea offers one of the most reliable combinations of enjoyment and return on the Costa Blanca.
If you plan to rent your property on a short-term basis, you will need a tourist rental licence (licencia de arrendamiento turístico). These are issued by the Valencian government and becoming increasingly restricted. Always verify the rental licence situation before purchasing a property specifically for rental income.
Jávea is larger, more social, has more services and a wider range of price points. Moraira (25 minutes south) is smaller, quieter, more exclusive and with a higher average price point. If you want community, amenities and variety — Jávea. If you want total tranquillity and a tighter, more exclusive feel — Moraira.
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