15 Best Things to Do in Jávea in May & June (Before the Crowds Arrive)

If you're thinking about visiting Jávea in May or June, let me tell you something most travel sites won't: this is quietly the best time of year to be here. I've lived on the Costa Blanca for ten years, and late spring in Jávea is the sweet spot — 25–28°C days, the sea warming up nicely to around 20°C, and none of the wall-to-wall August chaos. The restaurants aren't turning tables every 45 minutes, you can actually park near Arenal beach, and the hiking trails are alive with wild rosemary and lavender.

So whether you're planning a holiday rental in Jávea for a week or just scoping things out, here are 15 genuinely great things to do right now.

1. Hike the Montgó Natural Park

The iconic limestone massif that looms over Jávea is at its absolute best in May. The trail from Jesús Pobre (about 11km round trip) passes through flowering scrubland and rewards you with jaw-dropping views over the Cap de la Nau and the Balearic Islands on a clear day. Start early — 7:30am is ideal — and bring at least 2 litres of water. The elephant cave (Cova de l'Elefant) is worth a short detour on the way up.

2. Kayak to the Sea Caves at Granadella

The cala at Granadella is stunning any time of year, but in May the water is clear as glass and the kayak rental queues haven't formed yet. Rent from one of the outfitters on the beach (roughly €15/hour for a single) and paddle south along the cliffs to find hidden sea caves and arches carved into the rock. It genuinely feels like you have the coastline to yourself.

3. Explore the Old Town (El Pueblo)

Jávea's old town is underrated, full stop. The Gothic church of San Bartolomé, built from the local golden sandstone called tosca, is worth half an hour of your time. Wander through the covered market (Mercado Municipal) on a Tuesday or Friday morning — local strawberries from the valleys behind Dénia, almonds, olive oil — and grab a coffee at one of the old-school bars on Calle Mayor.

4. Paddleboard at Playa del Arenal at Sunrise

Yes, Arenal gets busy. But at 7am in late May, it belongs to you and a few dog walkers. Rent a paddleboard from Arenal Watersports (they open from 9am, so BYO or arrive early) and glide along in glassy water. The light at this hour on the Montañar headland is genuinely beautiful.

5. Drive the Cap de la Nau Route

Park at the lighthouse (Faro del Cap de la Nau) and walk the cliff path north towards Cala Blanca and then Cala de la Barraca. This is about 6km one way — you can turn around whenever you like. In May the wild flowers are still going and the views of the headland are spectacular. It's also a great spot for birdwatching: Audouin's gulls nest on the rocks below.

6. Eat Rice at La Perla del Mar

Jávea has some excellent rice dishes — not paella exactly, but caldero (rice cooked in fish stock) and arròs a banda, which is the sailor's version: fish served separately from the rice. La Perla del Mar on the port does a superb arròs a banda for two at around €28. Book ahead even in May — locals know about this place.

7. Take the Boat Trip to Portitxol

The rocky inlet at Portitxol, just north of Cap de la Nau, is inaccessible by road. In May several operators run day trips from the port (around €30–40 per person including snorkelling stop and basic lunch). The water here is some of the clearest on the entire Costa Blanca — posidonia seagrass meadows just below the surface.

8. Visit the Port at Dusk

Jávea's port area (El Puerto) comes alive in the early evening in a way that feels genuinely Spanish rather than tourist-performed. The fishing boats come in around 5pm and you can watch the catch being unloaded. Have a vermouth at Bar Encuentro and watch the pelicans fight over scraps by the dock. This is real Jávea.

9. Cycle the Via Verde Towards Dénia

The old railway line converted into a cycling path connects Jávea's surroundings to Dénia along a mostly flat, shaded route through orange groves. In May the oranges are finishing but the blossoms might still be on the trees — the smell is extraordinary. Bike hire is available in both towns for around €12–15/day.

10. Morning Coffee at Café El Holandés

This little café near the old town has been my go-to for years. Dutch-owned (hence the name), excellent coffee, and a terrace that catches the morning sun perfectly. They do a great tostada with local tomato and olive oil for €3.50. It fills up by 9:30am in May, so arrive early.

11. Snorkel at Cap Prim

Less well-known than Granadella but equally rewarding for snorkellers, Cap Prim (just north of the Arenal headland) has rocky underwater formations with octopus, sea bream, and in May, sometimes juvenile barracuda. No facilities here, so bring everything you need. Park on the Avenida del Mediterráneo and walk down.

12. Watch the Sunset from El Tossal

There's a hill called El Tossal just behind Jávea's residential areas with a mirador at the top. It's a 20-minute drive plus a 10-minute walk and the 360-degree views — Montgó to your back, the bay spread out below, Ibiza sometimes visible on the horizon — are worth every bit of effort. Get there 30 minutes before sunset.

13. Browse the Sunday Market at Gata de Gorgos

Just 10 minutes inland from Jávea, the village of Gata de Gorgos is famous for its wicker and basket-weaving workshops. The Sunday market is small but genuine — local produce, handmade crafts, none of the cheap tourist tat you find at coastal markets. It starts around 9am and finishes by 1pm.

14. Eat Tapas at the Port: Don't Miss Jávea Beer

In the last few years a craft beer scene has emerged around the port area. Cervecería Jávea (on Calle Príncipe de Asturias) brews locally and pairs well with cured meats and local cheese tapas. The 'Montgó Pale Ale' is their flagship and it's genuinely good.

15. Book a Yoga or Pilates Class on the Beach

Several instructors run early morning beach yoga sessions on the Arenal in May and June — the season is long enough that bookings are easy. A single session costs around €12–15 and you'll meet a good mix of expats and visiting holidaymakers. Search 'yoga Jávea Arenal' for current operators.

Where to Stay in Jávea

If you're planning a trip around any of this, booking a holiday rental in Jávea directly through JV Properties means you'll save up to 18% compared to booking the same property through Airbnb or Booking.com. That's a meaningful amount when you're talking about a week or two in a well-equipped villa or apartment. Our properties range from one-bedroom apartments near the port to larger villas on the slopes of Montgó — browse them all here.

May and June are genuinely the hidden gem months in Jávea. Come now, before everyone else works it out.