All about Villajoyosa / La Vila Joiosa (Costa Blanca, Spain)

Villajoyosa (in Spanish), La Vila Joiosa (in Valencian) is a town located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante.

Villajoyosa is known for its colorfully painted houses along the coastline, also called Les Cases de Colors and Cases Penjants de Vilajoiosa. Hence the name, translated to Dutch as Vrolijke stad. Colloquially, people say La Vila.

But it is also loved for its three chocolate factories, one of which has even expanded to include a real chocolate museum.

Did you know.

• Villajoyosa has the nickname“Chocolate City“? Valor, one of Spain’s most famous chocolate brands, comes from here. Visit the factory and museums, and taste the most delicious chocolate;

• the fishermen’s houses in Villajoyosa are painted in all the colors of the rainbow? Fishermen used to do this so they could recognize their house from afar at sea. Now it is a cheerful feature of the town;

• Villajoyosa was already inhabited in Roman times? You can even visit remains of a Roman villa and thermal baths at the archaeological site La Malladeta;

• Villajoyosa has one of the oldest cemeteries in Spain? The Torre de Sant Josep is a Roman tower more than 3,200 years old, used for funeral rites.

The center of Villajoyosa

The center of Villajoyosa concentrates roughly between Parc del Riu de la Vila and the port of Villajoyosa. In between you will find, among other things, the Iglesia de la Asunción, a church with striking light blue doors. From there you can get to the beach in a few minutes.

The promenade of Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa has a boulevard that runs from the beginning of Playa Villajoyosa to the harbor. Along the boulevard, which starts wide and ends narrow, you will find several restaurants and stores. There is also a one-way road for cars.

The port of Villajoyosa

The port of Villajoyosa, Club Náutico Villajoyosa, is an important part of the town. The port is located directly on Playa del Varadero. It is a place where different activities converge, with moorings for various types of boats, from small fishing boats to yachts.

Several restaurants and bars can be found along the quay and in the immediate vicinity, where visitors can enjoy a snack and a drink overlooking the harbor.

The districts

Below is an overview of the neighborhoods in Villajoyosa:

• Centro Histórico (Historic Center): this is the heart of Villajoyosa, where visitors can wander through narrow cobblestone streets and admire historic buildings. There are also numerous cozy cafes, restaurants and stores here;

• Playa Centro (Central Beach): this neighborhood borders the historic center and stretches along the coastline. It is home to a lively beach with a variety of amenities and activities, including water sports and beach bars;

• Montiboli: located on the eastern edge of Villajoyosa, Montiboli is an exclusive residential area with luxury villas and apartments. It offers beautiful sea views and privacy for those seeking a quiet and secluded setting;

• Torres: located on the western edge of Villajoyosa, Torres is a quiet residential area with mostly low-rise houses and apartments. It offers a relaxed lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

The history in brief

The city used to play a role in the emerging maritime trade due to its favorable location on the Mediterranean Sea. It was a period of economic growth and cultural exchange, becoming an important hub for traders and travelers crossing the region.

During the 19th century, Villajoyosa’s economy continued to flourish, mainly due to the rise of the chocolate industry. The town became a center for the production of chocolate, with several factories being established.

Today, Villajoyosa has retained its unique heritage and maintained its charm as a colorful coastal town. Partly because of this, it is a popular destination for tourists.

The place was voted No. 1 in the Best places to travel in 2024 election by the website EuropeanBestDestinations.com.

The name ‘Villajoyosa’

The name “Villajoyosa” is derived from the Spanish word “La Vila Joiosa,” which means “happy town.” It is said that the name is derived from the joyful and colorful appearance of the town, especially because of the striking and brightly colored houses along the coastline.

Nature around Villajoyosa

The nature around Villajoyosa is very varied and consists of a beautiful coastline, a river valley and the mountains in the hinterland:

• The coastal path: this historic coastal path that connects the beaches and coves of Villajoyosa; the path runs partly along old cattle drives(coladas) and offers walks along cliffs and quiet coves such as Playa el Torres and Racó del Conill;

• The Amadorio reservoir (Pantano del Amadorio): (approx. 10-15 min drive) this is the large water reservoir of Villajoyosa, located in a valley just outside the town; the area is a popular spot for hikers and fishermen and offers a (unpaved) circular trail of about 8-10 km around the lake, overlooking the surrounding hills;

• The Sierra de Aitana mountain range (Serra d’Aitana): (approx. 45-60 min drive to the starting points) this is the highest and most imposing mountain massif of the Costa Blanca (summit at 1,558m); the area is known for its rugged landscape, ancient ‘snow pits’(Pous de Neu) and offers very challenging hikes, such as the famous ‘Round Hike of the Snow Pits’ (PR-CV 20);

• Natural Park Sierra Helada(Serra Gelada): (approx. 15-20 min drive) this is the first marine-terrestrial park (land and sea) in the region and forms the coastline between Benidorm and Albir. The area is known for its towering cliffs (up to 438m) and offers two popular routes: a very accessible walk to the Albir lighthouse and a strenuous crossing over the “ridge” to Benidorm;

• Natural Park Las Salinas de Santa Pola: (approx. 40-50 min drive) this is an active salt mining area near Santa Pola that simultaneously acts as an internationally important wetland. The area is a paradise for bird lovers, famous for the huge flocks of flamingos that reside there, and you can visit the Salt Museum.

A Mediterranean climate

Villajoyosa has a wonderful Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, pleasant winters. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it is a paradise for sun lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The city enjoys long, hot summers, ideal for enjoying its beautiful beaches and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. Even in summer, the heat is tempered by sea breezes, making it a comfortable destination for sun-drenched vacations. The mild winters offer a welcome escape from colder climates, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10 degrees Celsius, making it an attractive place for those seeking a winter stay.

Weather, average temperatures

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

2. Experiencing Villajoyosa, what to see & do

To the beach in Villajoyosa

Below is an overview of the beaches of Villajoyosa. The beaches are named in order from north to south. Blue flag beaches are designated with a blue 🔷 sign:

• Playa de los Estudiantes;

• Playa Varador🔷: a pebble beach located slightly outside the busy city center, on a quiet promenade. It is known as a calm and not too busy place, ideal for those looking to relax and enjoy the view. A characteristic of the beach is that it slopes quite sharply into the sea, and because of the pebbles, it is advisable to bring water shoes. The water there is usually clear, making it a good location for snorkeling. In terms of amenities, the beach has a beach bar, a lifeguard station and parking nearby;

• Playa de Villajoyosa🔷: also known as Playa Centro, is the bustling city beach instantly recognizable by the iconic, brightly colored fishermen’s houses along the atmospheric promenade. It is a wide, well-maintained sandy beach with a cozy and authentic atmosphere, surrounded by numerous restaurants and terraces. In addition to sunbathing and swimming, fun activities such as an inflatable “wipe-out” course can often be found on the water, and there is a convenient parking garage directly under the promenade;

• Platja del Paradís🔷: a vast and quiet beach in Villajoyosa, known for its mix of pebbles and sand. It is an ideal spot for those who want to avoid the crowds, with remarkably clear and clean water that does get deep rather quickly. Because of the pebbles, water shoes are recommended, and in high season you will usually find several amenities such as a beach bar (chiringuito) and lifeguards;

• Playa de La Caleta🔷: this beach in Villajoyosa is a small, somewhat secluded pebbly bay known for its calm atmosphere and clear waters. The cove is surrounded by rocks and has a popular beach bar (chiringuito), making it a popular spot for those who want to avoid the crowds. Access and parking can be challenging, and because of the rocky surface and steep access to the water, water shoes are recommended. Good to know is that the immediately adjacent beach area is used as a nudist beach;

• Playa El Xarco;
• Cala Racó del Conill;
• Cala Fonda;
• Cala Maga;
• Cala de les Puntes del Moro;
• Cala Malladeta;
• Cala Higuera;
• Cala El Xarco.

Things to do & to see

Visit the Museo del Chocolate Valor to learn about local chocolate production and enjoy tastings. Stroll the colorful streets lined with historic buildings and picturesque plazas.

Relax on the vast sandy beaches of Playa Villajoyosa and Playa del Varadero. Explore the Castle of Villajoyosa overlooking the old part of town and admire its rich history. Enjoy the panoramic view from the old watchtower Torre de Sant Josep.

Sports opportunities

Villajoyosa offers a variety of sporting opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Whether you enjoy water sports, hiking, biking or team sports, there is something for everyone.

Water sports:

• Beaches: with beautiful beaches such as Playa de Villajoyosa and Playa Paraíso, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and various water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing;

• Port: the marina of Villajoyosa offers opportunities for sailing, diving and fishing.

Hiking and biking:

• Nature: the surroundings of Villajoyosa are perfect for hiking and cycling. For example, you can explore the mountains in the hinterland or cycle along the coastline;

• Routes: There are several marked hiking and biking trails in the area, varying in difficulty.

Team sports:

• Sports Complexes: Villajoyosa has several sports complexes with facilities for soccer, basketball, tennis and other team sports;

• Associations: there are several sports clubs in Villajoyosa where you can join a team.

Other sports:

• Pilota Valenciana: Villajoyosa has a long tradition with Pilota Valenciana, a traditional sport similar to handball. There are opportunities to play or watch this sport.

Restaurants & bars in Villajoyosa

In Villajoyosa, you can enjoy fresh, quality ingredients and friendly service. There are stylish restaurants with refined Spanish dishes and cozy, authentic eateries outside the crowds.

Along the promenade and on the beach you will find places with beautiful views and Valencian specialties such as paella and fresh fish. There are also restaurants that cook completely gluten-free.

To the market on Thursday

The Mercat Municipal la Villa Joiosa is held in the large parking lot on Avenida Carlos Llorca i Baus in the northern part of Villajoyosa. At this extensive market in Villajoyosa, you will find a wide variety of stalls selling clothes, bags, shoes and food items such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Frequency: weekly on Thursdays;
• Time slot: from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You can also go to the covered fresh market in Villajoyosa, which is located a few minutes from the beach and near the riverbed Río Amadorio. This market is open daily (except Sundays) from 07:30 to 14:00.

Parking

• Street parking: there is limited street parking around the perimeter of the historic center. These parking spaces are marked with blue lines and you must pay to park here. You can pay using the ElParking app or at a parking meter nearby;

• Parking garages: there are a few parking garages near the center of Villajoyosa that offer safe and convenient parking options. However, these tend to be more expensive than on-street parking;

• Valor Chocolate Factory: there is another free parking lot near the Valor Chocolate Factory, which is also within walking distance of downtown.

Art & culture

Cultural Heritage:

• Old Town: the old town of Villajoyosa is a maze of narrow streets with colorful houses, creating a unique atmosphere. The colorful facades used to serve as landmarks for fishermen returning to the port;

• Churches: Villajoyosa is home to a number of historic churches, such as the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which dates from the 16th century;

• Castle: on a hill above the town is the castle of Villajoyosa, which offers a beautiful view of the surroundings.

Museums:

• Vilamuseu: This archaeological museum displays the history of Villajoyosa and the surrounding region, with artifacts from Roman times and other periods;

• Chocolate Museum Valor: Villajoyosa is known for its chocolate production. At the Chocolate Museum Valor you can learn more about the history of chocolate and its production.

Festivals:

• Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos: This colorful festival, held every July, commemorates the battles between Moors and Christians in the Middle Ages;

• Other festivals: various other festivals and events are held throughout the year in Villajoyosa, such as music festivals and traditional fiestas.

Art:

• Street art: the streets of Villajoyosa are increasingly home to street art, giving the town a modern and artistic feel;
• Galleries: there are a number of art galleries in Villajoyosa where you can admire works by local and international artists.t

Special holidays

• Moros y Cristianos: this is the town’s most important fiesta, in honor of the patron saint Santa Marta (Saint Martha). The festival, declared of international tourist interest, takes place in the last week of July, usually from July 24 to 31;

• El Desembarco: This is the most unique and spectacular part of the Moros y Cristianos. It takes place in the early morning of July 28 and is a historical re-enactment of the Moorish landing on the beach, reenacting a naval battle to commemorate the battle of 1538;

• Virgen del Carmen: prior to the main festival, the patron saint of sailors is also honored on July 16, with masses and a procession at sea in which the fleet accompanies the Virgin;

• Lágrimas de Santa Marta: Although the main festival is in July, Santa Marta is also honored in early May (from May 1 to 8). This feast commemorates a 1653 miracle in which the image of the Virgin is said to have wept tears.

Events

• February/March: During Carnival, there are several parades and celebrations, including a large parade for adults and a children’s carnival with performances in the Parque de la Barbera;

• March/April: Semana Santa(Holy Week) is celebrated extensively with various processions. These include the burreta procession on Palm Sunday, the Ecce Homo procession on Maundy Thursday and the impressive procession of the Holy Sepulcher(Santo Entierro) on Good Friday;

• June: in honor of Saint John(San Juan), June 23 celebrates the arrival of summer. Families and friends gather on the beaches for bonfires, barbecues and the traditional dip in the sea at midnight;

• July: the Street Food Market returns to town with various food trucks, live music and activities for children, usually held in the gardens of Finca la Barbera;

• October/November: around the period of All Saints, Xocolatíssima is organized, an event entirely dedicated to Villajoyosa‘s famous chocolate industry. This event, part of La Vila Gastronómica, includes tastings, workshops and the participation of master pastry chefs.

By plane to Villajoyosa

Would you like to go on vacation to Villajoyosa? Then the nearest airport is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC). From the airport it is about 35 kilometers to Villajoyosa, which amounts to a car ride of about 30 to 40 minutes.

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

On vacation to Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa (or La Vila Joiosa in Valencian) is an authentic fishing town world-famous for its colorful houses along the promenade and the smell of chocolate. It offers a unique mix for various types of vacations:

• Cultural and atmospheric vacations: with its famous colored fishermen’s houses, the historic old town(Casco Antiguo), the lively port and the Valor chocolate factory, this is a top destination for lovers of authentic Spanish culture;

• Beach vacations: unlike many places in the north, Villajoyosa has beautiful, wide sandy beaches such as Playa Centro and Playa Paraíso, ideal for families;

• Active vacations: the area offers beautiful hiking opportunities, such as the coastal walk Sendero de la Costa (towards Benidorm) and various routes in the hills inland;

• Wintering: thanks to its mild climate and laid-back atmosphere, Villajoyosa is a popular place for winter visitors who prefer an authentic town to a massive seaside resort.

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

Everything at hand with the free Villajoyosa 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:

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

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

Question & Answer

Handy links

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

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