The architecture of Jávea’s old town is an authentic reflection of its history, culture, and Mediterranean soul. Its narrow streets, whitewashed façades, and tosca stone structures transport visitors to a time when every detail had meaning, purpose, and beauty. Jávea is not just about sun and sea—its historic centre holds an architectural legacy as valuable as its natural landscapes. To explore its building traditions is to understand how past and present intertwine in harmony. At our architecture studio, we embrace this integrated perspective to design with respect—both in Jávea and across the Costa Blanca.
History of Jávea and its old town
Walking through Jávea’s old town is like taking a journey through the centuries. This jewel of Alicante, nestled between the sea and the mountains in the Comunidad Valenciana, boasts an architectural heritage that dates back to Roman times, when it was known as Xabia. Later, Muslim influence reshaped the urban layout with winding streets adapted to the terrain—a feature that still defines the town today.
What makes the architecture of Jávea’s old town unique?
This is not an open-air museum—it’s a living space. The architecture of Jávea’s old town stands out for its visual harmony, climatic adaptability, and strong identity. In many of our architectural projects along the Costa Blanca, we draw inspiration from these elements to create modern solutions rooted in tradition.
The Mediterranean influence on Jávea’s architecture
The Costa Blanca, where Jávea is located, shapes not only the way of life but also the way of building. Traditional homes were designed to withstand the heat, make the most of natural light, and encourage social interaction. In this context, Mediterranean architecture is not merely a decorative style—it’s a way of life that our studio sees as essential when approaching both restorations and new builds.
Tosca stone: The soul of Jávea’s old town
Tosca stone is one of the most iconic materials—not only in Jávea, but across the northern Costa Blanca. Its warm tone and versatility have played a central role in the construction of homes, riuraus, chapels, and fountains. In our architectural projects, we focus on preserving this material language when working within the historic centre, honouring its legacy.
Streets that tell stories: The medieval layout of Jávea
The urban design of the old town, so characteristic of the Comunidad Valenciana, reflects an organic and defensive architecture. The streets were shaped by the terrain, seeking shade, shelter, and social connection. This model has inspired the layout of many modern residential developments aiming to recreate that human scale in contemporary projects.
Whitewashed façades and wooden doors
The white façades so typical of the Costa Blanca are more than just an aesthetic choice. They represent a traditional technique with clear thermal benefits. As in many towns across the Comunidad Valenciana, lime and wood remain key materials for preserving and restoring homes in protected areas—a responsibility our architecture studio takes on with particular care and sensitivity.
The riuraus: Rural architecture that stands the test of time
This type of construction, typical of the Marina Alta region, forms part of the area’s ethnological heritage. As part of our architectural projects in rural areas, we have adapted historic riuraus to new uses—blending tradition and modernity without losing their essence. It’s an increasingly popular approach across the inland Costa Blanca.
Manor houses and interior courtyards
These types of homes, found in various towns across the Comunidad Valenciana—such as Dénia, Altea, and Benissa—also have a strong presence in Jávea. Their interior features, from courtyards to stone staircases, are a constant source of inspiration for our heritage architecture projects.
Urban evolution of Jávea’s old town
To preserve without standing still—that is the principle. At our architecture studio, when we carry out interventions in the historic centre of Jávea or other towns along the Costa Blanca, we aim to integrate the new without disrupting the existing.
Restoration and conservation of architectural heritage
We’ve learned that working within Jávea’s old town requires more than technical skill—it requires true dedication. At La Quinta Fachada, we see restoration not as a trend, but as a responsibility. That’s why our architectural projects in historic areas combine research, technical consultancy, and a deep sensitivity to the surrounding context.
Colours, textures, and materials in Jávea’s traditional architecture
The use of natural materials—stone, wood, clay—is not merely an aesthetic choice; it’s a way of creating dialogue with the Costa Blanca landscape. In our work, we don’t imitate the past—we reinterpret it with respect.
The relationship between architecture and community life
Jávea’s old town, like other historic villages in the Comunidad Valenciana, encourages closeness, social interaction, and life in the streets. Understanding this dynamic helps us design spaces that promote connection and community living.
Jávea’s influence on modern Mediterranean architecture
Many professionals, both from Spain and abroad, study Jávea’s model as a benchmark for Mediterranean beauty and sustainability. Along the Costa Blanca, this legacy has left a strong and very current mark on the design of new architectural projects.
Bioclimatic architecture before It was a trend
Unknowingly, builders of the past were already practising bioclimatic architecture: they made use of natural resources, oriented homes according to sun and wind, and used materials with thermal mass.
Today, those lessons are reinterpreted through the lens of sustainability and energy efficiency.
Small windows and large eaves: Traditional solutions for the heat
Less is more. Small windows reduce heat entry. Deep eaves provide shade from the sun. Thick walls act as natural insulators. Everything was already designed to withstand the Mediterranean summer—without air conditioning.
The art of living small: Functional and cosy interiors
Interiors in the old town may not be spacious, but they are cleverly arranged. Every metre is used wisely, with thoughtful use of light and changes in level.
Wood-beamed ceilings, kitchens opening onto courtyards, and attic spaces converted into bedrooms all contribute to a sense of intimate and authentic home life.
Decorative elements with symbolic value
From hand-painted ceramic tiles on the lower walls to carved stone above the doorways, every detail holds aesthetic and cultural meaning.
Even the wrought iron grilles tell stories—they protect, embellish, and sometimes reveal something about the people who live inside.
The Arab heritage in Jávea’s urban architecture
Horseshoe arches, enclosed courtyards, and rainwater cisterns are just some of the traces of Muslim influence still present in the layout and architectural elements of the historic centre.
Fishermen’s houses: Coastal simplicity turned into art
Just a short walk from the centre, the old fishermen’s houses preserve their low profiles, whitewashed walls, and sloping roofs.
Their simplicity is pure beauty—a perfect example of how necessity and environment can create architectural harmony.
The town hall square: Social and architectural heart
Surrounded by buildings of interest, this square is a civic heart of the town. Cultural events, markets, and traditional festivals are held here. It’s a space where daily life blends naturally with history.
Calle Mayor and Its photogenic corners
Strolling along Calle Mayor is like walking through a sequence of beautiful views, doorways, staircases, and flowers. Every corner deserves a photo. Every house has a story to tell.
Old town vs modern developments
The contrast is inevitable. While modern developments offer space and convenience, the old town offers authenticity, character, and soul. Those who choose to live here do so out of conviction and a love for the genuine.
Responsible tourism and protected architecture
Visiting the old town requires respect. It’s not a film set—it’s a living, inhabited place. That’s why conscious tourism is encouraged, valuing the surroundings and contributing to their preservation.
How to buy or renovate a house in Jávea’s old town
It’s not the same as doing so in a modern development. Here, specific conservation regulations must be followed, special permits processed, and qualified technical advice sought.
At this stage, professional guidance is essential to preserve the spirit of the place while ensuring modern comfort.
The architecture of silence: Nightfall in the old town
When the sun sets, the old town transforms. The streets become intimate, the walls glow with warm light, and everything is wrapped in silence.
It’s in that moment you realise that architecture, too, can be a form of poetry.
Events and cultural life in historic buildings
Concerts in courtyards, exhibitions in riuraus, talks in old houses—the old town is not only a place to live, but also a place to celebrate.
Architectural studios inspired by Jávea
From young architects to international firms, many find in Jávea a source of inspiration to design with authenticity and awareness.
The future of the old town: Sustainability and tradition
The challenge lies in balancing respect for history with innovation—in keeping the soul of the place alive while adapting it to modern needs.
With the right policies and committed professionals, Jávea’s old town has a future as vibrant as its past.
La Quinta Fachada: Building with a Mediterranean soul
At La Quinta Fachada Arquitectura, we don’t just design—we champion the value of building with purpose. From our architecture studio on the Costa Blanca, we feel a deep connection to the spirit and legacy of Jávea. Every one of our architectural projects—whether in an old town house or on a seafront plot—starts with respect for history, for the environment, and for the people who will inhabit it.
If you’re thinking of restoring, renovating, or designing your home in Jávea or anywhere in the Comunidad Valenciana, we’d be delighted to guide you. Because we believe spaces aren’t just inhabited—they’re lived in, felt, and remembered.