By Zach Kussin

First considered a home to Roman fishermen in the 2nd century BC, Jávea has since evolved from a small port town to one of Europe’s most popular Mediterranean destinations. Today, visitors can learn about Jávea’s vivid history while enjoying a variety of fun summer activities, especially at the many beaches that dot Spain's Costa Blanca—known to be one of the country's most beautiful coastlines. Located an hour’s drive from downtown Valencia, Jávea gives tourists the opportunity to simultaneously experience traditional Spanish life and southern Europe’s most active outdoor culture.

EXPLORE El Pueblo, Jávea’s old quarter. Previously enclosed by a formidable stonewall to protect Jávea’s inhabitants from troops of marauding pirates, El Pueblo is now open to visitors from all lands…as long as they don’t thieve Jávea’s treasured collection of gold jewelry and precious gems from past centuries on display at the Soler Blasco historical museum. All of El Pueblo’s narrow and winding streets lead you to the Church of Sant Bartolomé. Dating back to the 14th century, this impressive structure made of tosca stone hewn from Jávea’s rocky shores forms the geographic, spiritual and cultural center of Jávea. Besides holding Sunday mass, communions, conformations and festivals honoring the saints, a variety of outdoor concerts, traditional Valencian danzas and plays take place in the church’s plaza for all of Jávea’s residents to enjoy.

CLIMB the Montgó Massif. Standing at 753 meters high, a hike up Montgó’s steep façade gives breathtaking views of Jávea’s entire shoreline, its neighboring towns, Denia and Jesús Pobre, and even the Balearic island of Ibiza on clear days. A variety of guided tours explaining Montgó’s diverse species of flora or exploring its many caverns are also available.

EAT near the port, a lively neighborhood that has a number of bars and restaurants that all serve Valencian delicacies at reasonable prices. The money-conscious traveler can taste bar tapas of ensalada rusa, a spicy potato salad; pa amb allioli, bread served with a garlic mayonnaise dipping sauce; or chorizo for less than 10 Euros. Visitors should also be sure to try a sip of sweet horchata, a tiger nut milk. For an evening out, however, try El Pósito restaurant. Here, such treats as fresh, saffron-rich seafood paella, jamón Serrano with melon and prawns in Armanac are cooked to perfection and served to you as you sit feet from the port’s pebble beach (96 579 3063).

SIESTA at La Sella spa, located inside the Marriott hotel. Inspired by both the Roman and Oriental baths, La Sella spa offers a pleasant escape from the summer heat with its whirlpools, massage sessions, therapeutic mud baths and tropical showers. The siesta hours, typically from 2:00-5:00 p.m., are also well spent at any one of the chiringuitos that line La Avenida del Mediterráneo. These beachside huts are oases for visitors trying to escape the summer’s high temperatures. Relaxation is a certainty if you purchase a cold beverage, sit atop their comfortable sofas and hammocks and admire the undisturbed view of the blue Mediterranean water in front of you.

SUNBATHE in the late afternoon Mediterranean sun at La Granadella, Jávea’s best kept secret. Located far off the beaten, touristy path, in between two of Jávea’s southernmost capes, La Granadella is a refuge for those who seek natural beaches. Visitors have the choice of lying atop La Granadella’s snow-white blanket of sand or enjoying the cool waters of its rocky tosca grottos located close by.

DANCE at El Arenal, Jávea’s main beach, the best spot for nighttime entertainment. El Arenal’s finest nightclubs, such as Octopus and Champagne, offer live music played by local groups and DJs, inexpensive beverages and finger foods and stay open until the very early hours of the morning.