Spending the winter in Jávea

Winter here is mild. January highs are usually around 15 to 18°C, there are few rainy days and lunch outside on a sunny terrace is normal. Nights do get cool, especially from December to February: Mediterranean homes are built for the heat, so make sure yours has heating or a heat pump.

The Montgó shelters the town from much of the north wind and the sea softens the temperatures. There are days of easterly wind, with rough sea and cloud, and the odd heavy storm in autumn; but a typical winter day is bright, clear and good for long walks.

Jávea is a town that lives all year round. In winter the supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, the Thursday market, the restaurants in the old town and the Port, gyms, padel and tennis clubs and the sailing club all stay open.

What changes is the Arenal: some beach bars and seafront restaurants close or only open at weekends. It's not a problem; it's a quieter way of living the town.

• Walking. The best season for the Montgó, Cape San Antonio, Granadella and the viewpoints: no heat and clear light.
• Outdoor sport. Padel, tennis, golf, cycling and, for the brave, the sea.
• Markets and villages. Jávea's market on Thursdays and Jesús Pobre's on Sunday mornings.
• Winter fiestas. Christmas, Epiphany and carnival in February. → Things to do in Jávea, month by month
• Seasonal food. Winter rice dishes, oranges and the local citrus.

Jávea has a health centre and pharmacies, with an on-duty pharmacy every day. The main hospital for the area is in Dénia, about twenty minutes' drive. There are also private clinics and doctors who speak English, German and other languages.

If you're coming from another EU country, bring your European Health Insurance Card and, if you're staying several months, check with your insurer what's covered. We can tell you who to call for what.

If you're coming to work remotely, tell us what connection you need before you book: we'll confirm each house's internet and the best spot to work from. There are also coworking spaces and cafés in town where you can spend the morning.

A rental of one month or more isn't a holiday let: it's a seasonal tenancy under Spain's Urban Leases Act (LAU). In practice:

• You sign a contract with arrival and departure dates and the reason for the stay.
• There's a deposit, returned at the end if the house is left in good order.
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet) may be included or charged separately, depending on the house. We always tell you before you sign.
• Cleaning can be at the end only or regular, if you ask.

Every house has its own terms. Send us your dates and we'll put them in writing.