Costa Blanca’s ‘paradise’ town with ‘breathtaking’ feature just 45 mins from Benidorm

A hidden gem near Benidorm, described as a “secret paradise”, boasts a stunning beach and an array of exquisite .

Javea, or Xabia in , is situated just a 45-minute drive from the bustling , or just under two hours away if travelling by public transport.

Local ‘Benidorm by Ana’ recently explored this idyllic location and shared her experience in a video on her channel.

Ana praised Javea’s Old Town for its “historic charm”, with “narrow streets, squares and distinctive stone buildings”. However, it was the town’s beach she focused on in the video – and it left her “surprised and impressed”.

She highlighted how Javea stands out in the region as more than half of its residents are expats, with Brits constituting about 26% of this international community.

“It’s easy to see why so many people choose Javea to live here all year long,” Ana remarked. “[There is an] incredible variety of different bars, cafeterias and restaurants, from cheaper options to authentic fancy restaurants with gorgeous views of the sea or in the middle of the forest.”

The clincher, according to Ana, is the weather; with more than 320 days of sunshine annually, Javea is an ideal destination for a sunny autumn retreat, especially when the UK weather starts to turn grim.

Ana utilised a drone to capture “breathtaking” views of Javea’s coastline and its “crystal clear waters”. She raved about the coast’s hidden coves ripe for exploration, while the main beach offers an idyllic spot for relaxation.

Just a stone’s throw from the beach are shops, restaurants, and bars. “There are weekly markets here in Javea,” Ana added. “There’s cultural fairs which attract both residents and tourists, obviously. It’s a place where I would say tradition blends seamlessly with a modern touch.”

Viewers of the video were quick to share their experiences, with one commenting: “Memories when my wife and I travelled in January 2020 from Canada and spent 35 days in Javea […] Great place to visit.”

Another excitedly posted: “We’re going to Javea for Christmas for the first time [and] can’t wait. We love Javea, we’ve been visiting for the last 11 years.”