All about Moraira (Costa Blanca, Spain)

Moraira (in both Spanish and Valencian) is a small coastal town located on the Costa Blanca, the east coast of Spain. It belongs to the province of Alicante, which is in the autonomous region of Valencia. Moraira belongs to the municipality of Teulada and it is located at the end of the protected valley Les Sort.

Among other things, the place is known for its two historic landmarks Castell de Moraira and Torre del Cap d’Or. From both points you have a beautiful view of the port of Moraira. It is 121 km from Valencia, 81 km from Alicante and 41 km from Benidorm. The place has an area of 32 km² and has 1,850 inhabitants.

1. Discover, get to know Moraira

Did you know.

• about 40% of Moraira’s residents are foreigners; especially British, German and Dutch feel at home in this seaside resort;

• the area around Moraira is an important wine region; the Moscatel grape is a local specialty;

• you can see Ibiza from the vantage point on Cap d’Or on a clear day;

• Moraira’s castle, the Castillo de Moraira, was built in the 18th century to defend the coast from attacks by Barbary pirates;

• Moraira, unlike many other Spanish resorts, deliberately has no high-rise buildings; this is due to strict building regulations designed to protect the original atmosphere of the fishing village.

The center of Moraira

The center of Moraira is located around Plaça del Tresmall. On the north side you will find the sports fields, on the east side is an area with many restaurants and bars and also the church of Moraira called Santa Maria dels Desemparats de Moraira.

On the south side you walk towards the beach and the port of Moraira. On the west side is the Moraira dog park.

The promenade of Moraira

Unlike other seaside resorts, Moraira does not have a single long, continuous promenade. However, there are beautiful promenades along the coast, perfect for a lovely walk:

• Along Playa de l’Ampolla: on the north side of this beach you will find a promenade with palm trees, benches and a bike path. Ideal for walking or cycling with a view of the sea. There are also a few restaurants and bars with terraces;

• In the marina: around the marina runs a promenade with a cozy atmosphere. You will find several restaurants, bars and ice cream parlors where you can enjoy the view of the boats;

• Along Playa del Portet: at this beach is a smaller boardwalk with a few restaurants and a beautiful view of the bay.

The port of Moraira

Moraira’s port, Moraira Port, is a welcoming place, where the traditional fishing port seamlessly transforms into a modern marina. The Moraira Yacht Club, with a rich history since 1975, plays a crucial role in promoting water sports and providing port services.

With some 750 members and a wide range of activities such as sailing, diving and fishing, the club has an important role in Moraira’s nautical life.

The districts

Below are some of the well-known parts and urbanizations in Moraira:

• El Portet: El Portet is known for its idyllic bay and beach, surrounded by lush green hills. This area offers a picturesque and peaceful setting, perfect for relaxation and water sports activities;

• Pla del Mar: this is a prestigious neighborhood located close to the heart of Moraira. It is known for its cobbled streets, charming villas and easy access to the main amenities, restaurants and stores;

• Camarrocha: Camarrocha is a residential area that houses both traditional and modern villas. It is a quiet area, ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with the convenience of the city nearby;

• Paichi: located inland, Paichi is a calm neighborhood with mostly residential properties. Here you will find peace and serenity, yet you are not far from the vibrant life of Moraira;

• Benimeit: on the hills of Moraira, Benimeit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a sought-after neighborhood for those looking for spectacular views from their homes;

• Moravit: This neighborhood has a variety of accommodations ranging from villas to apartments. This neighborhood is a short distance from amenities, restaurants and beaches;

• Cap Blanc: With a focus on luxury, Cap Blanc offers a selection of villas and apartments. It is located near Cala Advocat, a picturesque cove with crystal clear waters;

• La Cabaret: this established urbanization has a diverse housing offer and offers easy access to stores and restaurants;

• Arnella: Arnella is a quiet and green area with a picturesque atmosphere and charming villas;

• Fanadix: Fanadix has a pleasant mix of traditional and modern architecture, making it a diverse neighborhood;

• San Jaime: this neighborhood includes a golf course and an exclusive atmosphere, with luxury homes and beautiful views;

• Cometa: Located near the beach, Cometa offers easy access to the sea and city life.

The history in brief

Originally inhabited by several Mediterranean civilizations, such as the Phoenicians and Romans, Moraira played a role as a small fishing village that depended on the abundant sea for its existence. Its strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea brought not only fishermen but also traders to the coast, leading to a gradual cultural exchange.

In the later Middle Ages, Moraira came under the rule of various local and regional powers, including the Moors. Moorish influences are still visible in the architecture and layout of the town. During this period, the main activities were agriculture, fishing and trade.

The name ‘Moraira’

The origin of the name “Moraira” is not entirely clear, but it is believed to come from the Latin word “mora,” meaning “mulberry.” The region used to have many mulberry trees, and it is possible that the name is derived from the presence of these trees in the area.

Formerly a small fishing village, Moraira has grown over the years into a popular tourist destination on the Costa Blanca. Its name contributes to the town’s charm and history.

Nature around Moraira

Moraira and its surroundings offer a wonderful mix of nature. The Cap d’Or is an imposing rock formation with an observation tower that offers fantastic views. Near the beach you will find the protected nature reserve Marjal del Senillar, a paradise for birds and other animals.

Further inland, the Jalón Valley is known for its vineyards. It also offers beautiful hiking and biking trails. In Sierra Bernia you can take challenging hikes and admire the Forat de Bernia, a natural tunnel in the rocks. Along the coast you will discover small, sheltered coves such as Cala Llebeig and Cala Baladrar, ideal for snorkeling or relaxing.

A Mediterranean climate

Moraira enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In summer, the mercury often rises above 30 degrees, while in winter it rarely falls below 10 degrees. Most rain falls in autumn and winter.

With more than 300 sunny days a year, Moraira is an ideal destination for people who like to go to the sun. The sea is pleasant for swimming from May to October. Thanks to its sheltered location, Moraira has a microclimate with slightly higher temperatures and less rain than elsewhere on the Costa Blanca.

The weather, the average temperature

Below is a table of average temperatures in Moraira by month:

2. Experiencing Moraira, what to see & do

To the beach in Moraira

Below is an overview of Moraira’s beaches. The beaches are named in order from east to west. Blue flag beaches are designated with a blue 🔷 sign:

• Playa del Portet🔷: a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by hills and a picturesque bay. Known for its calm waters, this beach is ideal for swimming and relaxation;

• Playa de l’Ampolla🔷: a large beach in the center of Moraira with fine sand and clear waters. This beach offers various facilities and water sports;

• Cala L’Andragó: a small cove with clear waters surrounded by rocky formations. It is a beautiful place for snorkeling;

• Cala Punta Estrella: this cove is surrounded by cliffs and offers beautiful sea views. It is a secluded spot for those seeking peace and privacy.

Activities & things to do

What to do in Moraira. Visit the historic Castillo de Moraira for panoramic views. Admire the baroque facade of the Iglesia de Santa Catalina. Sample fresh fish and seafood at the Mercat del Peix. Explore the caves of La Cova de la Cendra or stroll along the marina and enjoy the maritime atmosphere.

Tip: view a list of activities and things to do in Moraira

Possibilities for sports

Moraira has beautiful walking and cycling routes, both along the coast and inland. Put on your walking shoes or rent a bike and discover the beautiful surroundings. Tennis and padel enthusiasts can enjoy several courts.

And golfers can visit the Club de Golf Ifach, a beautiful golf course overlooking the sea. On then the north side of the center of Moraira you will find a number of sports fields including a soccer field, basketball courts and padel courts.

Eating & drinking in Moraira

So Moraira is not very big, nevertheless it has a number of nice restaurants. From fresh fish and seafood to authentic Spanish dishes and international cuisines. The places to eat and drink are found mainly around the harbor and at Cala L’Andragó.

Going to the market on Friday or in the evening

The ‘Friday Market’ in Moraira can be found in the large parking lot behind the sports fields. It is a cozy market with over a hundred stalls where you can find everything: fresh fruits and vegetables, clothes, shoes, bags, souvenirs, local products and much more.

• Frequency: weekly on Fridays;
• Time of day: from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

In addition, in the evening you can go to a smaller market among the palm trees on Aveniguda de la Paz, the street in the extension of Castell de Moraira.

• Frequency: daily;
• Time slot: from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Stores

Most of the stores can be found when you walk into the center from the harbor. One of these stores called Justbe Fashion & Lifestyle is run by Dutch ladies. Close to the port you will also find a souvenir store from ALE-HOP.

Parking

Parking in Moraira can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, especially in the summer months. Here are the options:

Paid Parking:

Art & culture

In addition to its attractive beaches and relaxed atmosphere, Moraira also offers opportunities for lovers of art and culture. The center is home to several galleries, including the Diferent Art Gallery. Here you will find works by local and international artists, with a focus on modern and contemporary art. Another gallery is Galeria Marino, with a collection of paintings, sculptures and ceramics.

Moraira does not have its own museum, but interesting museums can be found in the surrounding area. For example, in Teulada you can visit the Museo Arqueológico and in Jávea the Museo Soler Blasco.

Special holidays

• January: Fiesta de Sant Antoni: a traditional celebration in honor of St. Anthony, the patron saint of animals; features include bonfires (hogueras) and the blessing of pets;

• March/April (variable): Semana Santa: Holy Week before Easter is also celebrated in Moraira, albeit in a more subdued way than in larger towns; there are several religious processions through the streets of the old center;

• June (23rd): Noche de San Juan: the night of June 23 celebrates the start of summer (midsummer night); traditionally, people gather on the beaches, make small bonfires (hogueras) and at midnight take a purifying dip in the sea;

• August/September: Fiesta del Moscatell: This harvest festival usually takes place in Teulada (which includes Moraira) in late August or early September to celebrate the bringing in of the important, local Moscatel grape.

Events

By plane to Moraira

Do you want to go on vacation to Moraira? Then the nearest airport is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC). From the airport it is about 90 kilometers to Moraira, which amounts to a drive of about 70 to 75 minutes.

From the Netherlands and Belgium, airlines such as Transavia, KLM, Vueling, Ryanair and TUI fly directly to Alicante, making the destination easily accessible.

Vacations in Moraira

Moraira is an attractive destination that, unlike many of its neighbors, has retained its authentic character as a fishing village, thanks in part to the lack of high-rise buildings. Known for its chic, laid-back atmosphere, it offers a nice mix for a variety of vacations:

• Beach vacations: Moraira’s coastline is characterized by intimate, child-friendly sandy beaches, such as the central Platja de l’Ampolla and the idyllic bay of Platja del Portet, interspersed with rocky coves (calas) ideal for snorkeling;

• Atmospheric and culinary vacations: with a lively marina, a compact and cozy center full of excellent restaurants and boutiques, Moraira is perfect for enjoyers who want to avoid the crowds;

• Active vacations: the area is excellent for hiking (such as to the observation tower on Cap d’Or), cycling in the hilly hinterland (towards the Jalon Valley) and various water sports;

• Wintering: thanks to its mild microclimate, Moraira is a very popular and comfortable base for winter visitors looking for peace, sun and good amenities.

You can opt for a package tour from a tour operator or arrange your flight and accommodation separately.

Vacation accommodation in Moraira

• Vacation homes and villas: this is the most distinctive offer in Moraira. In the surrounding hills (such as in the districts of El Portet or Benimeit) you will find numerous vacation homes and luxury villas, often with a private pool, lots of privacy and beautiful sea views;

• Apartments: a popular choice for those seeking more flexibility and a more central location. You can find modern apartments in and around the city center, close to the port and beaches, often in small-scale complexes;

• Hotels: Moraira deliberately has few large hotel complexes. The offer consists mainly of smaller (boutique) hotels and aparthotels, which offer a lot of atmosphere and are often located in or near the center.

Many accommodations, especially villas, are located in quiet residential areas, so a (rental) car is often desirable. If you stay in the center, most restaurants, stores and beaches are within walking distance.

Everything at hand with the free Moraira app

Do you want to be sure that you don’t miss anything from your favorite place on the Costa Blanca? Then download the free app and turn your phone into the ultimate travel guide for the entire region:

• All ‘website’ content is available: all travel guides, blogs and other tips for restaurants, activities and sights, but also accommodations;

• Simple navigation: all available information is clearly presented (per location) and you can easily navigate back and forth;

• Interactive map: explore the Costa Blanca and easily plan your routes to the most beautiful places;

• Smart location recognition: when you approach a place on the Costa Blanca, you automatically receive a notification that allows you to directly open the travel guide for that place;

• Your favorites: you can save your favorite locations, such as restaurants, and easily find them again;

The CostaBlanca.nl app is completely free to download and use. Start planning your perfect trip today!

Question & answer (FAQ)

Handy links

• Visit Moraira (Tourist information)
• Moraira Wikipedia (General information)
• Spain.info Moraira (Tourist information)

Relevant articles

Follow CostaBlanca.nl on Instagram