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Over time, the development of modern tourist infrastructure and communications routes has made it easier to reach the Costa Blanca. The landscape is not just defined by the sea, but also by the mountains that overlook it. Alicante is the second most mountainous province in Spain and it is here that we see the grandeur of the Mediterranean landscape. From valleys that are home to crops grown on terraces originally created by the Moors to a horizon packed with oaks, pines and carob trees perfumed by a wide variety of aromatic plants. Those who love mountains and hiking are sure to enjoy the well-signed paths that run through our inland districts. In the south, the mountains give way to palm groves and the smallholdings stretch as far as the eye can see.
Jávea is located in the northern section of the province of Alicante, between the capes of San Antonio and La Nao. The Cabo de Nao separates the bays of Valencia and Alicante and is the westernmost point of the Valencia´s coastline. Frequent attacks from marauding pirates forced Jávea´s inhabitants to settle 2 km from the coast in a walled town - these walls remained standing until 1877. The enclosure formed by the former walls now forms Jávea´s historical centre, which is situated around the Gothic Church of San Bartolomé surrounded by whitewashed houses with iron grilles and lintels made out of golden porous ´Tosca´clay.
The sea has always played a leading role for those living on the Costa Blanca. The more than 200 kilometres of coastline are dotted with cliffs, beaches and secluded coves, while the mild climate allows water sports to be practised practically all year round and is a very important attraction for lovers of the sea. The seabed of the Costa Blanca is especially rich and beautiful: places such as L’Illa de Benidorm and the Cabo de San Antonio and Tabarca Marine Reserves are idyllic settings for scuba diving.
The landscape of the Costa Blanca is characterised by a gentle coastline overlooked by mountains that can reach 1,500 metres in height only a short way from the coast, such as Aitana and Puig Campana, making Alicante the second most mountainous province in Spain. The province has many natural parks, including coastal mountain ranges (the Serra Gelada in Benidorm, the Peńón de Ifach in Calpe and El Montgó in Denia), inland mountain ranges (the Mariola and La Font Roja Sierras in Alcoy), as well as wetlands of exceptional ecological value (the Salinas de Santa Pola saltings, the Lagunas de Torrevieja-La Mata, the El Hondo wetlands in Elche and the Marjal marsh in Pego-Oliva). 1986 saw the creation of the Isla de Tabarca Marine Reserve. The island lies off Santa Pola and the surrounding seabed is exceptionally rich in both flora and fauna. The Cabo de San Antonio, a headland with fantastic views between Jávea and Denia, is another of the Costa Blanca’s Marine Reserves and especially recommendable for lovers of scuba diving.
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