We hope you had a joyful and restful festive season. As we step into January, life along the Costa Blanca settles into a slower, gentler rhythm. The skies are crisp and clear, the beaches peaceful, and there's still a touch of magic in the air from the holidays. It’s the perfect time to reflect, plan ahead, and enjoy the quieter charm of Jávea and the surrounding area.
Whether you're soaking up the winter sun, making property plans for the year ahead, or simply enjoying local life, we’re here to help and keep you connected to what’s happening across the region.
As the festive lights dim and the new year begins, January on the Costa Blanca offers a moment of calm and renewal. The air is fresh, the beaches are quiet, and the skies often stay a brilliant blue. This is a peaceful month for walking along the coast, exploring inland villages, and easing into the rhythm of 2026. Whether you live here year-round or are visiting for a winter break, January is a time to breathe, reset, and enjoy the quiet beauty of our surroundings.
January kicks off with a final festive flourish. On 5th January, the beloved Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Parade) takes over the streets of Jávea and other towns, with colourful floats, music, and sweets for the children. It's a magical evening marking the arrival of the Three Wise Men, followed by a quieter Día de Reyes (Epiphany) on 6th January, traditionally a gift-giving day in Spain.
Later in the month, Sant Antoni is celebrated across the Costa Blanca, especially in Jávea, Benissa, Gata de Gorgos, and Calpe. This traditional festival honours animals and includes the blessing of pets, horse parades, bonfires, and rustic markets. It’s a wonderful way to experience authentic local culture – and your furry friends are welcome too.
The Marina Alta coastline has experienced a cluster of small earthquakes this December, with six minor seismic movements recorded in waters off Jávea, Moraira, Calpe, Benitatxell and Altea.
According to Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN), all of the quakes were low in magnitude between 1.8 and 2.3 and occurred at varying depths, with no damage or disruption reported.
Local authorities, including Benitatxell Civil Protection, have reassured residents that this kind of mild seismic activity is considered normal for the region. The province of Alicante sits in a moderate seismic zone, and these movements are frequent, often going unnoticed.
Still, Civil Protection has reminded the public of a few basic safety measures in case of future activity:
If you ever feel a tremor, stay calm and follow the standard safety advice: drop to the ground, take cover under something sturdy, and hold on. Outdoors, steer clear of buildings, balconies and power lines.
In short, there’s no cause for concern but it’s always wise to be prepared.
Just when you thought Jávea couldn’t get more enchanting, nature delivered a surprise along the coast. Over the New Year holiday period, with unseasonably warm temperatures and calm seas, a group of dolphins made a playful appearance delighting walkers, swimmers, and anyone lucky enough to be looking out to sea.
While dolphin sightings are fairly common in summer, spotting them in January is a rare treat. The dolphins, likely bottlenose, were seen swimming close to shore, their fins slicing through the water near the cape of Sant Antoni an area that has become a favourite spot for sightings in recent years.
Onlookers paused to watch the group as they moved gracefully through the waves, some capturing the moment on video. The footage has since been shared by national media, adding to the seasonal magic already in the air across Jávea.
Just another reminder that in Jávea, nature always has a way of surprising us.
While much of Europe is in the depths of winter, the Costa Blanca continues to enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, making it ideal for growing an abundance of fresh produce. January brings a vibrant selection of local fruits and vegetables to market stalls across the region, offering colour, nutrition, and flavour to the winter table.
Citrus fruits are in full swing at this time of year. Look out for crates of sweet oranges, clementines, and lemons grown just inland. Whether you're juicing them for breakfast, using their zest in dressings, or enjoying them as a healthy snack, citrus is a seasonal highlight. The vegetable markets are also filled with hearty winter greens such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and cabbage. These staples are perfect for soups, stews, and simple side dishes cooked with garlic and olive oil. You’ll also find plenty of root vegetables including leeks, carrots, beetroot, and turnips, ideal for roasting or adding depth to casseroles.
Shopping locally and eating seasonally not only supports regional growers but also helps you stay in tune with the natural rhythm of life on the Costa Blanca. It’s a delicious and sustainable way to start the year.
Our amazing Stephen and Christina, at the Lancashire Bruja, have once again done an amazing job this Christmas, raising much-needed funds for local charities and VillaMia's owner, Michelle Hughes, was more than happy to get involved.
Firstly, Michelle and her son Ethan joined the Pub in the Park teams for the Elf Run 2025, raising an impressive €1,443.26 (so far!). This money goes to the Special Needs School in Denia.
The Elves' Bucket alone collected €912.05, with Pub in the Park team, Tipsy Toes (Jason, Paula, Sarah, Tess, Lisa, and Michelle), coming out on top for the most funds raised. The second pub team (Kim, Gaz, Bee, Ethan and Laura) also did well with Kim and Gaz from Secure Storage donating an extra 100 euros. Our fancy dress-up expert Lee, made an excellent Grinch helping to boost funds with lots of photo opportunities.
Sign up for our informative and fun packed monthly newsletter! We won't share your email, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
