Javea, Costa Blanca - any one been?

[DebL]

have just booked an apartment via the internet for Javea in July. We will be travelling with mum and dad (over 65's) and DD who will be 13 months old by then.

Any one been there and any comments, things to do, etc for parents and DD?

Oh, and any tips for websites about Javea?

thanks in advance

Used to live in Denia which is just on the other side of the mountain. The Arenal is the best beach - sandy and shallow. The beach between the Port and this is much more exposed and stony. Lots of restaurants to choose from - but DON'T eat on the Arenal - blimming expensive compared to other places. there's usually stalls set up in the evening along here and it's nice to wander up and down and look at the stuff. If you like churches, the Fisherman's church in the port is quite interesting - built in the shape of a fishing boat's bow. Venture out of Javea (pronounced Havea by the way, NOT Harvea as some ex-pat Brits like to say!)and go to Gata which has lots of basket work if you like that stuff. Denia is my favourite - another wonderful beach and the town is great. Much better choice of restaurants really, but it's a complete nightmare to park in either town! Try putting Javea into any search engine and you should get quite alot of info.From Denia you can catch the ferry to Ibiza - not sure how much or how long, but may be feasible (spelling!!).The big elephant-shaped mountain between Javea and Denia is Montgo, a national park. I was told that there are painted caves, but unfortunately they aren't open to the public.
It will be hot and humid and you WILL need insect repellant - the mossies are a pain!! You will also need shade on the beach. As in all parts of Spain, nothing starts in the evenings until late - children are welcome everywhere (don't expect high chairs as a matter of course), but the Spanish aren't too hot on child safety. If you've hired a car, take the car seat. Pampers nappies are called Dodots - Mercadona supermarkets stay open all day. can't think of anything else really.
Javea has grown and expanded alot in the last few years, and is a busy town now, whereas it was once fairly sleepy. I can't remember when market day is in Javea, but it's on a Monday in Denia, near the hospital.

Thanks Lara, lots of useful stuff in your message. I looked at Denia, but was put off by a friend saying there were lots of 'ex pat housing estates'. Will make a point of visiting the town though, if we can find somewhere to park the car!!

DebL if your friend thinks Denia has lots of "ex-pat housing estates", then don't think that Javea will be any different!! Javea is VERY British by comparison.We used to go there to the Brit supermarket in the old town when we were homesick for things like Heinz tomato soup!! Denia tends to attract Italiens at Easter, Madrilanos (people from Madrid) in the Spring and has a fairly static German and Dutch population. I'd say that they probably out number the Brits. There are German restaurants and supermarkets in Denia and a fab Indonesian restaurant on the beach road (going North towards Valencia, about 5 mins from the Port) called Number 42, run by a couple of Dutch guys. If it isn't open and you want to book, jot a note on the pad at the front door EG: table for 4, 8pm,name of Smith. They speak excellent English if your Spanish isn't too hot.
They are both nice towns with different characteristics. Don't miss out on Denia, it's lovely - good castle too.