The Best Day Trips from Jávea: Nearby Towns, Mountains & Hidden Gems Worth Exploring

One of the things I love most about living in Jávea — and I've been here for a decade now — is that it sits in one of the most geographically varied corners of the entire Costa Blanca. You've got the sea on your doorstep, the Montgó mountain behind you, and within an hour's drive, you can be wandering a medieval hilltop village, sipping wine in Denia's old quarter, or staring up at one of Europe's most dramatic limestone cliffs. Day trips from Jávea are genuinely some of the best in the region, and if you're staying for a week or more, they're absolutely worth building into your itinerary.

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1. Denia — 20 Minutes North, a Full Day of Exploration

Denia is Jávea's big neighbour to the north and it's completely different in character. The drive up the AP-7 or the coastal road takes about 20 minutes, and I'd suggest going on a Tuesday or Friday morning when the market is on in the centre.

Start at Denia Castle (Castillo de Denia), which overlooks the whole town and has a surprisingly good archaeological museum inside. Entry is around €3. From the ramparts you can see across to Ibiza on a clear day — something that never gets old. Then walk down through the Las Rotas road for lunch at one of the seafront restaurants, where the arròs a banda (rice cooked in fish stock) is among the best on the Costa Blanca. La Seu and El Pegolí are both worth the splurge.

If you've got kids in tow, Denia also has the departure point for the Baleària ferry to Ibiza and Formentera — though that's more of an overnight trip than a day trip.

2. Guadalest — The Mountain Village Everyone Should See Once

About 90 minutes inland from Jávea, Guadalest is the kind of place that sounds like a tourist trap but genuinely delivers. Built into and on top of a rocky pinnacle, this tiny fortified village is accessed through a tunnel carved into the rock — you park below and walk up through a dramatic gateway.

The views over the reservoir (Embalse de Guadalest) are extraordinary, especially in September when the summer crowds have thinned and the light turns golden in the afternoon. There are a handful of small museums — the one about miniatures is surprisingly captivating — and good spots to pick up local almonds, honey, and mistela wine.

I'd combine this with a stop in Altea on the way back. The white-domed church, the cobbled streets, the tiny art galleries — Altea is what people imagine when they think of a classic Spanish coastal village, and it's beautiful in the early evening.

3. Gandia — Beaches, History & a Royal Palace

Gandia sits about 45 minutes north of Jávea and it offers something genuinely different: the Palacio Ducal de los Borgia (Ducal Palace of the Borgias), one of the most underrated historical buildings in the Valencia region. The Borgia family — yes, those Borgias — lived here, and the palace has been beautifully restored. It's free on Sundays.

After the palace, head to Gandia Beach (Playa de Gandia), a long, well-organised stretch of sand that's perfect for a relaxed afternoon. The promenade has plenty of good restaurants — try Restaurante La Gamba for their signature prawn dishes if you want to treat yourself.

September is a great month to visit Gandia because the summer hordes have gone but the sea is still warm and the restaurants are still fully open.

4. Montgó Natural Park — On Your Doorstep But Often Overlooked

Okay, this one isn't technically a day trip — it's right there above Jávea — but I include it because so many people drive past it every day without ever actually going in. The Montgó Natural Park has marked hiking trails that take you from the scrubland at the base up through pine forests and Mediterranean flora to views that stretch from the Montgó summit (753m) all the way to Ibiza.

The trail from the car park near the Ermita de Santa Llúcia is about 3.5 hours return and is well-marked. September is perfect for it — the temperatures have dropped slightly from the August peak and the morning light on the rock face is spectacular. Take two litres of water per person and start before 9am.

5. Calpe & the Peñón de Ifach — The Rock That Dominates the Skyline

Calpe is 30 minutes south of Jávea and it's dominated by the Peñón de Ifach, a 332-metre limestone monolith that's a protected natural park. You can hike to the top — it takes about an hour each way and involves scrambling through a tunnel near the summit. The views are absolutely worth it.

Calpe itself is a pleasant town with a good fish market (lonja) near the port — go early on a weekday morning if you want to see the day's catch being auctioned. The salt lagoons (Salinas de Calpe) just south of the rock are a lovely spot for a quiet walk and birdwatching, especially in autumn when migratory birds pass through.

For lunch, Restaurante Peix & Brases near the port does excellent grilled fish and local rice dishes.

6. Xàbia to Moraira Coastal Drive — The Scenic Route

If you want something gentler, drive the coastal road south from Jávea toward Moraira. It's only about 20 minutes but the route winds through some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the Costa Blanca — hidden calas, vineyards, and panoramic views over the Mediterranean.

Moraira itself is a refined, upmarket little town with a pretty harbour, a small castle, and an excellent weekly market on Fridays. The wine produced in this area — under the Teulada-Moraira denomination — is seriously good. Stop at Bodegas Moraira or Celler del Roure if you're interested in local wine.

For the return journey, take the road through Teulada village, a quiet inland stop that most tourists completely miss.

Practical Tips for Day Trips from Jávea

Getting around: A hire car is essential for most of these. Jávea isn't particularly well connected by public transport and having your own wheels opens everything up. Book in advance in September — there are still plenty of visitors and the local hire companies fill up.

Best day for markets: Tuesday and Friday in Denia, Thursday in Calpe, Friday in Moraira, Saturday in Jávea itself.

Petrol: Fill up in Jávea before heading inland — prices are noticeably higher at motorway service stations.

Timing: September is ideal for all of these. The crowds from August have largely gone, the sea is at its warmest (around 26°C), and the inland countryside is starting to turn from summer gold to something greener. Restaurants are still fully staffed and the weather is reliably warm without being brutal.

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Ready to make Jávea your base for exploring this corner of Spain? Browse our available holiday rentals and book direct to save up to 18% compared to the big platforms. Our team lives locally and can give you personalised tips for any of these trips. Find out more about the area on our Jávea holiday rentals page.