Inside 'breathtaking' Spanish town where Brits flock for sunshine and quiet life

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British expats love this Spanish town that is much less garish than nearby Benidorm - but tourists often overlook the gorgeous area.

Countless Brits dream of swapping the UK's dreary weather and daily rat race for a laid-back life in the Mediterranean. But when it actually comes to taking the plunge, where are they choosing to settle down?

Rather than packing into the neon-lit strips of Benidorm or the bustling city of Alicante (which shares its name with the wider Alicante province), savvy house-hunters are quietly flocking to a spectacular coastal enclave just 45 minutes up the road.

Javea – also known as Xabia in Valencian – is rapidly gaining a reputation as a "secret paradise" on the Costa Blanca. And according to local YouTuber 'Benidorm by Ana', who recently showcased the breathtaking spot in a video tour, it has become an absolute magnet for those seeking a better quality of life.

Flying her drone to capture the town's stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters, Ana revealed an astonishing demographic shift: more than half of Javea's permanent residents are now foreigners. British nationals lead the charge, making up a hefty 26% of the town's population.

"It's easy to see why so many people choose Javea to live here all year long," Ana observed. The biggest draw is undoubtedly the climate, with the town basking in an average of 320 days of sunshine a year.

But it isn't just the weather keeping expats happy; the thriving culinary scene offers everything from cheap and cheerful tapas to "authentic fancy restaurants with gorgeous views of the sea".

Those looking to truly embrace their new Spanish lifestyle have plenty of local delicacies to dive into.

Ditching standard paella for fideuà (a mouthwatering regional variation made with short pasta) is a rite of passage, alongside snacking on savoury cocas flatbreads and rich Cruet de Peix fish stew.

Despite the heavy international presence, Javea hasn't lost its soul. "It's a place where I would say tradition blends seamlessly with a modern touch," the creator concluded.

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