Route of the 15 scenic viewpoints in Javea

In our blogs we will not only write about real estate related topics. The area where we live is very pretty. Too pretty to not pay attention to it. So, we want to share facts and “things to do” in the Marina Alta. Today we will start in Javea. The Route of the viewpoints in Javea is a “must do” when you are in the area. If it is too much to visit all 15 on one day, try to visit a few and enjoy the amazing views. The route´s name is: “Ruta de los Miradores de Xabia”. It begins in the north with “Els Molins”. Via Arenal you will end at La Granadella. A part of the rute is by foot through lovely nature. If you want to challenge yourself even more, you can join “The Mirador Challenge”. This is a medium-distance walking competition. It started in 2012 and every year in April it takes place. 

Let´s take a look at the different viewpoints. 

(Note that Cap and Cabo mean exactly the same) 

1. Els Molins

An excellent viewpoint to start with. From here you have stunning views of Xabia, the whole bay and Cabo San Antonio. But the 11 windmills in itself are also worth to visit. The mills of “Les Planes” date back from the 14th century. They are no longer used. In the old days the farmers grinded wheat and other cereals here. In the 17th century Javea had the name “the wheatfield of Alicante”. Tons of wheat production for more than 300 years. Each mill was about 7m high with a 6 meters diameter. Divided into two floors. The upper floor was the “working area” while the lower floor was the warehouse. They built the mills here because of the “Llebeig”. This is a south-westwind that most of the time blows here. You can reach the viewpoint by foot (steep) and by car. From here it is only a short walk to the mills. Be aware that due the rocky ground it is not the best viewpoint for disabled people.

2. Cabo de Sant Antoni

This is one of the best viewpoints of the coast of Valencia. From here you enjoy excellent views over the bay Javea towards neighbouring Denia. On a clear day you can see Ibiza in the far distance. You can walk to the viewpoint or go there by car. Apart from the beautiful scenic views you will also see the damage caused by a huge fire. In 2014 about 450 hectares burnt. The landmark of this viewpoint is the lighthouse, which was a watch tower before. The tower was a protection against pirate attacks. It became a lighthouse in the 19th century.

3. Punta del Arenal

The Arenal Beach Point is at the southern part of the Arenal beach in Javea at the end of the promenade. Access by car is possible (small parking area next to the viewpoint). This is a very popular viewpoint. So, no surprise if on weekend days or in summer you are not the only visitor. An ideal spot to get a good view of Playa del Arenal, a lovely and popular sandy beach. In this area you can visit the “Baños de la Reina” (The Queen´s Baths). It is a large archaeological site where there was once a Roman fish farm. You find this site right behind the Parador. You can only reach de Punta de Arenal by foot.

4. Sequia de la Noria

Another viewpoint that is not on a hill, but 500m south of Arenal Beach. A small network of basins and channels cut through the thick rocks. There are wooden bridges to cross the channels. The sea water entered the low wetlands through the main channel. We this area as “Saladar”. The locals harvested salt for the salt industry. “Noria” refers to the big wooden wheel which was turned by a horse. From this place you can watch the sea as well as Cabo San Antonio and Cabo San Martin. Here you find the typical “Tosca de Javea”. A rough stone, easy to carve and used in construction. For example, for typical Tosca arches.

5. Cala Blanca

A popular viewpoint to visit. The name Cala Blanca refers to the white cliffs. It is above the “Caleta de Fora” where many people went for bathing. 

There exists a close link between fishing and Cala Blanca. From the land fishermen placed a huge fishing net in the sea and attached it to boats. Result: a large circular deadly fish trap. Fish (tuna) could not escape from this net. This traditional fishing style called “Almadrava” existed from the 16th until mid-20th century.

Further to the right (less than 100m) is a second viewpoint. Visitors can use the benches to enjoy the magnificent views. The turquoise water is crystal clear. If you continue the path along the edge of the cliff you will reach mirador 6 “Caletes” (about 200m).

6. Caletes

As said above this viewpoint is accessible by foot via La Caleta. Other option is to go by car, but there is not much space to park. From this mirador you see the whole coast. On one side you see Cabo de San Antonio and on the other side Cabo de San Martin (Cap Prim). An unclear path leads through the trees and ends a very small, extra viewpoint with even better views. The steep white cliffs are impressive and are the background for some small raw coves. One of these coves is “Cala del Francés”, a popular spot for naturists. 

7. Creu del Portitxol

This mirador is definitely in the top 3 of most visited viewpoints in Javea. No surprise as the views are breathtaking. Easy to reach by car though parking is a challenge in summer. A popular walk to the Cap Prim and the path to La Barraca beach both start from here. The balcony owes its name to the 2-meter-high Tosca cross. Creu del Portitxol offers the best views of the island of Portitxol. This piece of land has a diameter of 300m. Only inhabited by birds at the moment. There is evidence of burials on the island. Because of its importance, the island of Portitxol is becoming a Cultural Interest. In the second week of August the viewpoint is home to the “Fiesta of Portitxol”. 

8. L’Illa

Where the viewpoint of the Portitxol Cross is one of the most popular ones, L’Illa is one of the less visited. Since 2009 it is part of the network of Miradores. A large surface with excellent views of the Portitxol island the Barraca bay. To reach the end of the cliff you walk through the trees on the right. From that point you enjoy spectacular views to Cap Negre. The water is very clear and you can see the underwater life.

9. La Falzia

La Falzia is 150m away from “Cala del Portitxol”. Here you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the coastline. Easy access by car from the main road (Ctra. Del Portitxol). A popular spot, but worth to visit.

10. Cap Negre

You reach this viewpoint via a rough path. This is why we would not recommend this spot for wheelchairs or push chairs. The reward after walking down are the incredible views. Again, you can see as much as the whole coastline. As well as the paths used by the fishermen. The rock you will see of the coast is “El Berganti” or “Escull de Sant Pere”. It is a block of about 15 meters high and a popular scuba diving site.

11. Cap de La Nau (Cabo de La Nao)

This viewpoint has to be on your bucket list. The natural beauty leaves visitors speechless. On a clear day it is possible to see Ibiza. There is the lighthouse and a restaurant called Mirador. Plan your day in such a way that your lunch stop is here. While having your meal you enjoy the amazing views. In 2016 the townhall place a concrete bench here. A memorial to one of the participants who died during the yearly Mirador Challenge. At the bottom of this cape is the well-known cave: Cova dels Orguens. Naturalist Cavanilles described this natural cave late 1700s. It is possible to visit the cave with a canoe or kayak. Motorized boats are not allowed since 2016.

12. Granadella

A very remote viewpoint. Few people visit this Mirador. A shame as the views over the “Parque Natural del Granadella" are pretty. Granadella covers about 600 hectares. The fauna is very rich and it is a great spot for birdwatchers.

13. Les Pesqueres

Viewpoint Les Pesqueres is also known as the “Fishermen´s Point”. It is a scenic viewpoint and the name refers to the fishing activity that took place here. Men from Javea and surrounding villages fished here on the steep vertical cliffs. During long dark winter nights they sat on special platforms to catch their fish. Try to spot the wooden ladders on the cliff walls. Ladders that the fishermen used to access the platforms a few metres above the sea. There are wooden benches to sit down and relax. Some of them are a memorial to those who passed away here.

14. Ambolo

Another one for your “Must Visit” list. A unique location that offers views from Cabo de la Nao up to Moraira. It overlooks the beach of Ambolo and the island of the “Descobidor”. A local legend says this is the name of a Javea man who joined Christopher Columbus on his famous trip in 1492. The Ambolo beach is the only official nudist beach in Javea. Unfortunately, the authorities closed it to the public. The pretty surrounding cliffs are too fragile. Still many people visit this pebble beach on their own risk. 

15. Castell de la Granadella

This is the last viewpoint to shine a light on. The Granadella Castle is a small fort which dates back from the 18th century. There were three soldiers who disposed of two bronze cannons. The fortress got destroyed during the Peninsular War. The views are the best, but unfortunately, some visitors put graffiti and left rubbish.

This brings us to the end of the Route of the 15 scenic viewpoints in Javea. Each mirador has its own beauty and all are worth to visit. But you might not have the time to visit them all. In that case we recommend putting Cabo de Sant Antoni, El Creu del Portitxol and Cabo de la Nao on your list. 

Javea and its surroundings have more to offer than these 15 viewpoints. Read our article about Javea on our website and find out more about this exceptional place.