Summer is fast approaching and what better way to wind away the hours sitting at one of the many sea front chiringuitos that are now setting up in Javea. What is a chiringuito? It is one of those words that cannot be translated from Spanish to English. Beach bar is as close as I can get but this does not do it justice. All chiringuitos have two things in common, a drink menu and a spectacular view. A place to sit and relax in the beautiful sunshine watching the world go by.
The chiringuitos of Spain are an essential part of the beach and holiday atmosphere and they can be found on just about every popular beach in Spain. They normally set up from May through to October.
The chiringuitos of Spain have an interesting history dating back to the 1920s. It is widely believed chiringuitos originated in the 1950s when forward thinking fishermen’s wives realised there may be a demand for fresh fish and cold drinks as foreign tourists began to trickle onto the beaches of the fishing villages of Spain.
The early day chiringuitos were very often nothing more than an overturned boat used to serve up tapas and drinks. As business increased the shrewdest fishing families decided to build wooden kiosks. Whether you live here all year round or just visit, it is this time of year that we all look forward to that has become a Spanish tradition.
The Javea Chiringuitos spoil locals and tourists alike. They can be found on the pebble beach as you walk from the Arenal to the Port. This wonder makes an ideal outing in itself, as you stroll from the Marina to watch the fishermen bring in today’s catch, followed by the waves crashing up to the pebble beach as you head further towards the Arenal beach from the Port. This strip of road has just recently been pedestrianised, which makes it an even more spectacular spot to sit and have a drink in a chiringuito before you continue your walk down to the Arenal beach for some tapas.
Each year you may see different chiringuitos. Before COVID, you would see approximately 7 chiringuitos stretched out all down the pebble road near the Parador hotel, Avenida Del Mediterráneo. The past couple of years however, we have seen 3 or 4 in the Summertime, such as “Mintt” and “Chiringuito Veleta”. We are definitely going to see some new chiringuitos as the years go on and more bars obtain their licences to open their very own takes on the traditional chiringuitos.
Whichever you choose, you will be able to find a selection of delicious tapas and of course, a cocktail, beer and wine menu. You cannot beat watching the sun set over the sea, ocean side with a refreshing drink and some good friends. That is why so many people travel from all over Spain to get a seat at one of the famous Javea Chiringuitos.
