Areas
Jávea / Xàbia
A premium Costa Blanca destination — 6,000 British residents, dramatic coastline and a growing remote-worker community.
Jávea (Xàbia in Valencian) is one of the most sought-after towns on the Costa Blanca, with property prices to match. With 6,000 British nationals among 30,000 residents — nearly 20% of the population — it rivals Torrevieja for British density but offers a very different character.
The town sits between the striking Montgó mountain and the Mediterranean, giving it a dramatic backdrop and a split personality: the historic old town inland, the port area with its fishing harbour and seafood restaurants, and the Arenal beach with its promenade and bars.
For British relocation planners, Jávea is the premium end of the Costa Blanca — more expensive than Torrevieja, more relaxed than Benidorm, with a reputation for attracting affluent retirees and a growing number of remote workers drawn by the climate and lifestyle.
Who this town suits
International school (Xàbia International College), safe beaches, active youth sports clubs. Premium prices.
High-quality environment, excellent climate, established British community without the density of Torrevieja. Premium budget needed.
Growing remote-worker scene, co-working spaces emerging, good fibre broadband. Active year-round community.
Strong rental potential, international appeal, well-maintained town. Higher entry prices than southern Costa Blanca.
High demand but also high purchase prices. VT licence required. Better returns further south.
Geography and access
- • Coastal town in northern Alicante province, between Dénia and Calp, beneath Montgó mountain.
- • No direct train connection. Car essential for most residents.
- • Alicante airport ~100 km (1h 15min drive); Valencia airport ~120 km (1h 20min).
- • Ferry to Ibiza from Dénia (~10 km).
Local services
Healthcare
Hospital de Dénia (public, 10 km). Local health centres in Jávea. Multiple private clinics.
Schools
Public Spanish/Valencian schools. Xàbia International College (private, English).
Shopping
Old town markets, Arenal promenade shops, supermarkets. More limited than Torrevieja or Alicante.
Admin
Padrón at Ajuntament de Xàbia. Extranjería services in Dénia or Alicante.
British community
Very strong — 6,000 registered British nationals (INE 2025), one of the highest proportional concentrations in Spain. Multiple British clubs, charities, church groups and social organisations. Less 'British high street' feel than Torrevieja — more integrated into the town's fabric.
Property and rental signal
Premium market. ~€3,007–3,500/m² average (Q1 2025, Javea Home Finders). Villas dominate; apartments less common. Strong capital appreciation history. Entry-level apartments from ~€155,000; villas from ~€300,000+. Much more expensive than southern Costa Blanca.
Local admin notes
- • Padrón: Register at Ajuntament de Xàbia.
- • NIE/TIE: Dénia National Police or Alicante extranjería.
- • Healthcare: Register at local health centre after padrón. Hospital de Dénia for major care.
- • Language: Valencian/Catalan and Spanish in administration. English widely spoken commercially.
Important notes and caveats
- • Population: 30,642 (INE, 2025). British nationals: 6,000 (19.6% of population).
- • Property prices: ~€3,007/m² average (Javea Home Finders, Q1 2025). Range extremely wide.
- • Costa Bridge offers remote preparation support. No local office or physical coverage.
- • Property observations are general market signals, not specific listings or valuations.
Nearby towns you may also like
Dénia
~10 km north
Larger town with port, castle, ferry to Ibiza and more services.
Calp
~20 km south
Famous for Peñón de Ifach rock, beaches and British community.
Moraira
~10 km north
Upscale coastal town, part of Teulada municipality, smaller and quieter than Jávea.
Last updated: 2026-07-04