Javea: a bit of History

"Carme Barceló derives Javea from the Arabic form / sawiy (a) /, which translates as "plain at the foot of a mountain". Gaspar Escolano (1.611) interprets it as a word coming from the Arabic Xivia, "... which means plenty and abundant ..."

This part of the Spanish coast has been frequented and lived for millennia, the Museum in the Old town explains the history from Palaeolithic times through Iberian, Roman and Medieval times with important archaeological evidences.

(the first settlement was situated on a cavity on the cliffs of Cabo de San Antonio) 

Numerous excavations in the historic center of Jávea confirm the urban origins of the city followed the Christian conquest in the mid 13th century. Christian settlers coming mainly from Catalonia were ultimately responsible for the creation of the town of Jávea

In the 18th century Javea participated in the succession war on the side of the Bourbon and gained a number of privileges. In addition to numerous honorary titles, Javea received permission to build a harbour from which it was able to export fruit to other countries. A trade which began with raisins and then extended to wheat, grapes, bread and olives. 

From the second half of the 19th century onwards, the manufacturing process and export of raisins became the major industry.

Until the last quarter of the 20th century, agricultural industries employed more than two-thirds of the workforce in Jávea. But in the 60’s, tourism caused a profound change in local society.

The development of tourism in Jávea led to a dramatic change in the socio-economic structure to the point that agriculture and fishing were, from the standpoint of economic activities, almost two testimonials. By contrast, the service sector, represented by the hospitality, retail and other services related to tourism, now represent the largest part of the local economy, and the secondary sector (mainly construction) represents almost 38%.

Beyond all these changes, the uniqueness of Jávea remains in the beautiful landscapes that still surround a unique coastline with high cliffs, coves and beaches, and largely preserved rich heritages and cultures.

(http://www.javeanews.co.uk/town-history/ picture from Javeaturistica web)