Tuesday 28 February 2017

Eating and Drinking in Javea, Northern Costa Blanca

Javea in the Northern Costa Blanca is a favoured holiday destination for many Northern Europeans and the Spanish from the major cities of Madrid and Valencia. There is also a large all year round population of Spanish, English, French, Dutch, Belgium, German, Russian, South American. It is a totally cosmopolitan town with all these nationalities creating a wonderful and different culinary experience.

Tripadvisor lists 327 restaurants for a town with a permanent registered population of around 30,000. This works out at roughly one restaurant per every 100 people. The population does triple in the months of July and August but still that is a lot of restaurants for this small coastal. The same calculations in London is one restaurant in around 400 people.
As you can imagine with 327 restaurants there are a lot of choices on offer. Living or holidaying in this area you will never go hungry. The choice is immense from Michelin star fining dining to pizza and paella.
If you speak to the locals everyone has their favourite restaurant and as there are so many I can´t imagine any local has visited them all. Every now and then you end up going to a restaurant that you have never been to, find it great and ask yourself "Why have I never been here before?".
One thing you most always get in Javea is quality, because of the number of restaurants and strong competition if you open a restaurant selling bad quality food then you will not last long.

Here are few of my personal favourites.

Calima - In the port promenade this is my favourite. Their menu of the day is great value and the main menu has a lamb dish to die for. The staff are always incredible polite and offer great service. 


Carnaval - If you are looking for quick lunch or dinner at the beach then carnival is a good place, they have an interesting menu including the standard burger and chips as well as more adventurous options of thai curries and sushi - There is something for everyone, so good for fussy family members. 


La Casa Della Pasta - This would not usually make my list as it´s a bit of a hit and miss place, but last Saturday I had a fabulous meal here which included a massive pot of mussels in a lovely sauce. I ordered from the specials menu, so maybe this is the way to go in future. According to friends it is better in the winter than the summer. It has a huge terrace which doubles the number of diners in the summer. A lot to cater for. 


La Bacchaus - If it´s steak you want then Bacchaus serve steak on a stone that you can cook to your liking and it always cuts like butter. They have more interesting meat options to cook on the stone, kangaroo and venison. 


Masena - Of the fine dining restaurants Masena on the outskirts of town is my personal favourite the atmosphere, the service and the food are all spot on. 


Nuestros - A real Spanish family run bar and restaurant in the old with great value fresh food. If it´s linen table clothes you´re looking for this is not the place, but if you want a great welcome and cheap quality food then this bar is for you. 


La Sucreria - Like most restaurants in Javea this is a family run business and bar in the church square of the old town, offering fun banter from Bob the Irish owner and his wife. Great for just a drink or they offer delicious homemade Mediterranean cuisine cooked in their open kitchen. 


Tosca - Comes a close second to Masena the service and food are impeccable. The sommelier in my opinion is the best in town, always ask him to recommend your wine. You will never be disappointed with his choice. 


Buddha Palace (Arenal) and Curry Palace (Port) - These are my favourite Indians owned by brothers they both offer delicious curries and their service is always the best. 

Trinquete - If it´s paella you want then this is the place to go. In my opinion this is definitely the best Paella in town. They also have traditional tapas and fresh fish dishes. Typically Spanish and most of the clientele are Spanish. 







These are just few of my favourite restaurants and there are many more in Javea that I haven´t tried.

Long Term Rental and Property for Sale in Javea and Moraira

Renting Long Term in Javea, Northern Costa Blanca


Javea on the Costa Blanca is a favoured spot for Northern Europeans to live all year round, whether they are retiring or staying here to work or run businesses. Many of them want to rent property rather than commit to buying in the area. This creates a large demand for rental properties.

Javea being a tourist town, many properties are rented for premium rates during the summer months, this can make it difficult to find an all year-round property. Although there are owners who prefer to ensure a guaranteed monthly income so will choose the long term renting route.

Due to the summer season it is recommended that if you are looking to relocate the best time of year to do it is October until March. Out of season when properties are empty and the summer season seems a long way off, owners are more likely to sign an annual lease. 

What to look for when renting an all year round home in Javea -
When people think of Spain they think of high temperatures and beaches, but this isn´t true for the whole year, during the winter months the temperature can drop to under 10 degrees at night and around 15 degrees during the day. This might seem a lot higher than northern European countries but in a tiled floor home, that is built to keep cool in the summer, you still need heating. Admittedly for only 3-5 months depending on the winter, some milder than others.
Javea has a very humid climate and cold properties can often get damp in the winter, make sure you look at the orientation of a property (south is best) and the fact that it has heating will help control any damp issues. 


During the summer months it is hot and for 3-5 months of the year you might need air conditioning, or at least a house that has good airflow.
Overall it is good to find a property that has good sun for the winter months and some shaded areas with a breeze for the summer months. Most villas have private pools that help you to keep cool in the summer and apartments will have a communal pool.
Pools are great but private pools need maintaining and this takes time and money. When you are renting a villa look carefully at the terms - Does the rental price include pool and garden maintenance? If not make sure that you understand the extra costs. 


Everyone has the dream about living in a villa with their own private pool, in Javea most villas are located in the areas away from the beach which means a car is necessary. If you have teenage children that want to meet friends and go to the various activities this often means the parents become taxi services. Or if you want to go out and enjoy the nightlife taxis become an additional expense. So sometimes choosing a large apartment or modern townhouse close to the beach is a better option as you can walk or cycle to meet up with friends or enjoy the nightlife Javea has to offer.
Before you rent work out your budget and ask the agent or landlord about the cost of the properties utilities. Spain has one of the highest electricity charges in Europe so you need to make sure you don´t over stretch yourself on the rent and utilities. 


Standard Rental Terms in Javea -
The standard terms for renting in Javea from an agent are -
2 months security deposit
1 months rent in advance
½ month agency fee
You will usually need a copy of your passport, proof of income and a reference from a previous landlord. Landlords are more lenient here than in the UK and often proof of income is enough. Also they are more inclined to allow pets in properties.
There are two types of lease for a rental. A temporary lease where the tenant agrees that the property is not their permanent home and waive the rights of permanent tenants. This could be from one month to eleven months. Then there is the permanent contract which is an annual contract renewable up to 3 years. The tenant has the legal right to stay for 3 years and the property is classed as their permanent home.
You will be responsible for paying utility bills, installing and paying subscriptions for TV and Internet. Usually the landlord pays the rates (IBI) and any community fees, but can sometimes add this to the rent, ensure you ask this question when searching for properties.
Javea is a great place to live whether you are a family, a couple, retiring or just taking a year out for some sun and long term renting makes it a no hassle way to relocate. Often tenants will rent and end up buying when they fall in love with the area.

Relocating to Javea, Costa Blanca, Spain

The cosmopolitan town of Javea on the Northern Costa Blanca is a far cry from the well known resort of Benidorm that is 30 minutes drive down the coast. Javea is a place to be seen while promenading on it´s fantastic beach front taking in the trendy bars and restaurants. Javea is made up of three very distinct areas the Arenal Beach, the Port and the Pueblo. 


The Arenal beach is a summer haven, lazing all day on the beach, then eating and drinking of an evening in one of the trendy bars and restaurants. The port has a pebble beach and a promenade lined with quality restaurants. The pueblo or known in English as the old town has the all-important church and square where you can often see a wedding celebration, or during fiestas (especially Easter) there will be many parades and other events. 



Javea is a fabulous place to live all year, it is tourist destination and the population does increase during the summer months, although during the winter there is a good sized population which means everything stays open, unlike some tourist resorts that shut up shop for half the year. All Javea´s shops, bars and restaurants stay open all year, enabling the locals to enjoy all there is to offer without the crazy crowds of August. 



There is a real community spirit in Javea with a good mix of nationalities working together to make the town a great place to live. The town is good for all ages, children have the run of the beach and national parks, teenagers love hanging out with their friends in the cool beach bars. Couples can enjoy wonderful lunches and dinners in the many restaurants, retirees enjoy the many days of sunshine and many clubs and activities Javea has to offer. Sports fanatics have everything from cycling to scuba diving, tennis to hiking, sailing to mountain climbing. Golf, bowls, paintball and many more activities that can be found in the area. 



There is a large shopping centre 20 minutes drive away, with many high street brands, like Zara, H&M, Carrefour etc. Benidorm is 30 minutes drive, Alicante and Valencia both about one hour away, these cities have an abundance of history and culture, as well as great shopping and nightlife.
When it comes to home, there are various options when living in Javea, from renting long term to buying a house, much the same as any European country. Javea has a buoyant property market whether for renting or to buying, the town is favoured by lots of different nationalities as well as the Spanish. Spanish from Valencia and Madrid love to have holiday homes in Javea, making it a great place to invest. 

Anyone thinking of moving to Spain, either to work and set-up a business or to retire, should serious consider Javea as destination as it offers the best all round living accompanied by 320 days of sun per year.
Jo Ivory, Sunset Real Estate Agency SL. Long Term Rental and Property for Sale in Javea and Moraira

Thursday 23 February 2017

Apartment for sale Javea


Second floor apartment for sale in Javea, located on a luxury complex with pool and garden and the beach is across the street. It comprises three bedrooms, two bathrooms, American kitchen and a living área with access to a large terrace with sea views. The complex has 2 swimming pools. This propety benefots from ducted air conditioning, electricc blinds, storeroom and parking space for 2 cars.

More info - http://www.sunsetjavea.com/apartment-for-sale-in-javea-3-bed-s1136c/

Property for sale in Javea, Moraira & Long term rentals in Javea, Moraira

Property for sale Moraira



Traditional style new villa for sale in Moraira. Located only a couple of minutes driving from the beach and all amenities. This south facing villa comprises three double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a cloakroom, independent kitchen, utility room and a large living area overlooking the swimming pool, surrounded by a terrace. The garaje is on the underground, and the villa has 2 other levels, on the top floor there is a master bedroom. This villa benefits from fireplace and air conditioning. The indicated price is the minimum, it can vary according to the applications chosen by the owner.

More info - http://www.sunsetjavea.com/villa-for-sale-in-moraira-3-bed-s1107/

Property for sale in Javea, Moraira & Long term rentals in Javea, Moraira

Property for sale Moraira



New project for sale in Moraira, located close to the port, beach and restaurants. This modern 3 level villa comprises 3 double bedrooms with en-suite, a cloakroom, American kitchen and a 56 m2 living area with fireplace. This villa benefits from air conditioning, central heating, underground garage, bbq area, solarium, jacuzzi, a modern design swimming pool and sea views. The new owner can choose colours and appliances.

More info - http://www.sunsetjavea.com/villa-for-sale-in-moraira-3-bed-s1108/

Property for sale in Javea, Moraira & Long term rentals in Javea, Moraira

Property for sale Moraira



Luxury project for sale in Moraira, located close to the old town and beach. This south facing villa will be built with high quality materials and the client can choose the colours and appliances. The villa has 3 bedrooms with en-suite and benefits from a huge terrace with infinity pool and sea views. This property has the following features: air conditioning, central heating, double glazed windows, mosquito’s nets, barbeque area and a wooden pergola.

More info - http://www.sunsetjavea.com/villa-for-sale-in-moraira-3-bed-s1109/

Property for sale in Javea, Moraira & Long term rentals in Javea, Moraira

Villa for sale Javea


Sunny villa for sale in Javea, located in a quiet street of Toscal, only 5 min drive to the Arenal beach. This bright and spacious property consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen with breakfast table and an independent studio for guests. The outdoor area has heated pool surrounded by a open terrace and a covered terrace with summer kitchen.

More info - http://www.sunsetjavea.com/villa-for-sale-in-javea-4-bed-s1135/

Property for sale in Javea & Long term rentals in Javea

Apartment for sale in Javea



Nice apartment comprising of 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom for sale in Javea. It is located on a first floor in a building with lift in the old town, close to all amenities. It comprises a double bedroom with fitted wardrobe, a shower room, fully equipped kitchen and a living area with access to a terrace. Ducted air conditioning, garage and store room included in the price.

For more information click here -
http://www.sunsetjavea.com/apartment-for-sale-in-javea-1-bed-s1079/

Property for sale in Javea & Long term rentals in Javea