Villajoyosa in Spain: A colourful Mediterranean seaside town

Discover the sun-kissed seaside resort of Villajoyosa on the Costa Blanca in Spain.

Fifteen kilometres of magical Mediterranean coastline bathes the shores of Villajoyosa, a traditional fishing village on the Costa Blanca. A 30 minute drive from Alicante City and only a short way from Benidorm, Villajoyosa is like a secret paradise that few tourists know.

You’ll love the old town, the seafront restaurants and Mediterranean cuisine, and Villajoyosa’s glorious beaches.

Sandy bays, pebble beaches, rocky coves and sheer cliffs look out over clear blue waters which are apt for swimming throughout the year but especially inviting during the hot sunny months of an extended Mediterranean summer.

But it’s the colourful houses that make Villajoyosa unique. Look at the photos and tell me truly, doesn’t this look more Caribbean than Spain?

Villajoyosa (Mediterranean Spain)

Villajoyosa is a gaily coloured fishing village with remains dating back to the Bronze Age. Throughout the centuries, the seafaring history has left its legacy in ‘La Vila’… ancient vestiges, Egyptian relics and Phoenician jewels, a Roman funerary tower, and coastal watchtowers.

villajoyosa_historic_quarters_costa_blanca_spain

This was the scene of fierce battles to ward off the Berber pirates in 1538…the origin of the local Moors and Christians Fiestas (24 to 31 July), the not-to-be missed, internationally acclaimed festival with costumed parades and a unique mock sea battle at dawn!

Villajoyosa is a lovely destination for a relaxing holiday, not on the usual tourist circuits but still only 10 minutes from Benidorm, the hub of the Costa Blanca. It’s peaceful resort but close to all the activity and is within easy driving distance of the best hiking trails on the Costa Blanca, such as the Aitana mountain range or the Puig Campana!

La Vila (as it is locally known) is located in the Marina Baixa together with Benidorm and Altea, a region with the highest annual temperatures in Spain. This makes it the ideal place for a vacation or short gettaway throughout the year.

Villajoyosa Beaches and Coastline

Cala Villajoyosa

Cala Villajoyosa is located beside a sheltered, wide sandy bay (Cala Finestrat) with fine golden sands, where the sea is calm and shallow. There are many popularly priced eateries, cafes, ice-cream parlours and pubs on both sides of the bay, and an excellent seafood restaurant on the beach. A great family holiday atmosphere, just over the hill from Benidorm.

Racó de Conill

Walk up to the Moorish watch tower though pine woods, and along the cliff path south towards Villajoyosa village to enjoy the magnificent views.

Racó de Conill is a small pebble cove, popular with nudists. Clamber down to the rocky inlets for some secluded sunbathing, diving or fishing.

Playa del Torres

playa_de_torres_villajoyosa — Playa del Torres

Torres Beach is hidden away, just a couple of kilometres from the centre of La Vila. Beautiful turquoise waves lap an attractive sand and pebble bay framed by shady eucalyptus trees. In summer, a typical ‘chiringuito’ beach café is open all day, and most of the night!

torres_beach_villajoyosa_spain — Torres Beach

The ultimate in relax… spend your day lazing in the sun or under the trees reading a book, and swimming in the sea; the evenings drinking ‘summer wine’, watching the starlit sky and listening to the gentle sound of the waves.

Where to Stay in Torres Beach

A private complex on the cliffs with huge pools, incredible views, and direct access down to the beach, is the best place to stay. A classy caravan park near the seafront promenade is the other option.

Take a look at my favourite holiday rental apartment in Villajoyosa.

Playas Estudiantes, Tio Roig and Varadero

Playas Estudiantes, Tio Roig and Varadero are a string of small beaches, to the left of Villajoyosa harbour – the last has a summer chiringuito.

Villajoyosa Leisure Harbour

Watch the fascinating fish auction in the late afternoon, as the fishing vessels come into port, and later enjoy the freshly caught fish at a local restaurant. There’s also a leisure marina with a smart Yacht Club, and nautical activities.

Villajoyosa Central Beach

playa_central_villajoyosa_spain — Villajoyosa Central Beach

Villajoyosa’s wide Central Beach is so scenic… beautiful fine golden sands with clusters of shady palms overlooked by the brightly painted facades of traditional townhouses. It could almost be the Caribbean! You’ll find zones with sunloungers and umbrellas, pedaloes and kiddies’ play areas.

This beach has the usual facilities for the disabled, with even a state-of-the-art open-air escalator to access the ‘Chocolateria’ at the top of town. La Vila has a chocolate making tradition going back to 1810… heavenly handmade chocolates and bonbons, cups of hot, thick chocolate to dip pastry ‘churros’, delicious chilled chocolate milkshake or iced slush…

paseo_playa_central_villajoyosa_spain — Villajoyosa Playa Central

The smart, level promenade makes a nice stroll, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes.

The original fishing village is a maze of twisting streets, where you can admire part of the medieval castle walls and the pretty church square. Gardens run down the Amadorio river bed to the estuary by the Mediterranean Sea.

El Paraiso Beach and Bon Nou Cove

playa_paraiso_villajoyosa_costa_blanca_spain — El Paraiso Beach

Further south along the rocky coastline you’ll come to El Paraiso Beach a magnificent open stretch of sand and pebbles.

Just up over a rise, there’s another little gem, Bon Nou cove – mainly sand and protected by cliffs. Pack your cool bag, bring your towel and sun-lotion, and spend the whole day!

Both beaches have laid-back chiringuitos in summertime.

L’Eparrelló, Montiboli Beach and La Caleta

L’Eparrelló is a pretty little beach with white pebbles that give the sea a beautiful turquoise hue. Secluded by cliffs and reached by footpath, it’s a valued naturist beach.

la_caleta_beach_montiboli_hotel_villajoyosa_alicante_spain — Montiboli Beach

Monti Boli, the renowned Arabian style exclusive cliff-top hotel and restaurant, has direct access down steps to a beach of the same name.

La Caleta is just around the corner; a quiet, clean stone beach with disabled access, sunbeds and shades, and restaurant facilities, it’s the perfect place to chill-out.

Xarca Beach

la_charca_beach_villajoyosa_spain — Xarca Beach

The rugged coastline gives way to La Charca, or Xarca, a wild, crescent-shaped pebbly beach with a watchtower at the far end. A tree-lined gully is popular for picnics. This is a dog-friendly beach.

If you’re a photo fanatic, come along to capture the gorgeous sunset or sunrise, or the incredible Milky Way on a pitch black night.

playa_ del_xarco_y_via_lactea_villajoyosa — **Photo courtesy Jero Esquerdo**

If you fancy doing something mystical, come down to one of these beaches on San Juan’s Eve, 23rd June. Watch youths jump over the flames of a bonfire, three times in a pagan ritual; it’s said to purify the soul. Walk into the sea at midnight, throw in petals, fruit or coins, make a wish and succumb to the healing and rejuvenating powers of the water…

Enjoy Vila Joioyosa, simply known as La Vila, easy to remember as the joyous village!

Useful Info on Villajoyosa

How to Get to Villajoyosa

Nearest airport El Altet, Alicante (49km)
Taxi or Cabify
Prebook private transfer or shuttle service
Car hire
Access by road via AP-7 motorway exit 64 or N-332
TRAM from Alicante City

See these useful websites on Villajoyosa:

Villajoyosa Tourist Info
Townhall page – see ‘La Vila Joiosa’ for local history
Weather forecast for Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa, Spain: Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Seaside Town