Xàbia (Jávea) and Moraira are about twenty minutes’ drive from each other on the Costa Blanca, yet they feel very different. Are you wondering where to rent or buy a luxury villa? In this guide, we compare the two places based on atmosphere, beaches, food, and accessibility.
Xàbia has three faces: the historic center with its narrow streets and the market hall, the harbor with fishing boats and terraces, and the Arenal with its promenade. It is lively all year round, even outside the season. The Montgó, the mountain behind the city, dominates the landscape.
Moraira is smaller and quieter: a former fishing village around a marina and a castle on the beach. It has a refined, quieter atmosphere, with nice restaurants and villas among the vineyards and pine trees in the hills.
Xàbia has the most choice: the sandy beach of Arenal for families and the coves of Portitxol and the Granadella for snorkelers. Read all about it in our guide The most beautiful beaches of Xàbia. Moraira has two lovely sandy beaches with clear water, Playa de l’Ampolla and El Portet, plus quiet rocky coves such as Les Platgetes and Cala de l’Andragó.
Both places have excellent restaurants, from simple fish restaurants by the harbor to gastronomic kitchens. Xàbia offers more variety and is livelier in the evening; dining in Moraira is mostly quiet and refined, by the water.
The airports of Alicante and Valencia are both located more than an hour’s drive from Xàbia and Moraira. A rental car is recommended in both places: the most beautiful beaches, restaurants and golf courses are scattered along the coast and in the hinterland.
Rent: Our holiday villas are located in Xàbia, all with private pools and personally managed by our own team. View villas in Xàbia (Jávea).
Buying or building: in Moraira, Private Home Collection is developing new projects such as El Portet and La Reserva. Take a look at our projects in Moraira and the properties for sale in Xàbia.
If you are looking for liveliness, lots of beaches and everything within walking distance, choose Xàbia. If you mainly want peace and a small-scale, exclusive setting, Moraira suits you better. The nice thing is that from one you can drive to the other in twenty minutes. Still unsure? Contact us, and we will gladly help you decide.