Villajoyosa, La Vila Joiosa, or just La Vila for the locals, is a small Spanish town most famous for three things: colorful houses, beautiful beaches, and chocolate manufactured by Valor. Compared to other towns and villages on Costa Blanca, Villajoyosa is quite a unique place to visit in Spain – you probably won’t find another such a colorful town anywhere nearby. Vamos, let’s discover all the best things to do in Villajoyosa, Spain in one day.
Interesting fact. La Vila Joiosa means Joyful Village.
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Villajoyosa, Spain FAQ
Villajoyosa is located in the Province of Alicante in Spain, on Costa Blanca. The town is located only about 35km from Alicante and 15km from Benidorm, which makes it a very popular spot for one-day trips. From Villajoyosa you can also admire the two highest peaks in the Province of Alicante: Aitana and Puig Campana.
Yes, definitely. Thanks to its colorful old town, Villajoyosa is totally different from many white towns in the area (like Altea, Calpe, or Finestrat), or buzzing big cities such as Benidorm or Alicante. Besides, there are many beautiful beaches to chill on. While in the area a visit to Villajoyosa should be a must, even only for experiencing a totally different vibe. Put it on your list – you won’t regret it.
Due to the Mediterranean climate, Villajoyosa can be a great destination all year round. Summer months can be really hot, winters are mild without snow. In our opinion, the best time to visit Villajoyosa is during the off-season, when the temperatures are more comfortable, and there are fewer people.
A little bit of Villajoyosa history
The oldest archaeological remains, from an Iberian settlement, date back to the Bronze Age. In the Middle Ages area was inhabited until the 1300s. During that time, due to a strategic location, King Jaime II of Aragon decided to find a city and populate the area. In the 16th century, Villajoyosa played an important role in countering the attacks from pirates, and for this reason, King Philip II ordered the construction of the defensive walls and towers around the coast. Remains of these walls are still present in the old town. Villajoyosa officially became a city in 1911.
Enough introduction, let’s get down to business and discover what to do during one day in Villajoyosa, Spain.
Things to do in Villajoyosa in one day
Villajoyosa Old Town with colorful houses
As you already know Villajoyosa’s main attractions are its iconic colorful houses which give the town a unique vibe and make it one of the most picturesque and colorful towns along the coast. Colorful houses are located on Carrer Arsenal in Villajoyosa Old Town. Taking a walk through the maze of narrow, colorful streets and enjoying pretty squares is a must. In Villajoyosa’s old town you’ll also find remains of the defensive walls from the 16th century, Santa Maria de la Vila Joiosa church located on Plaça Església, and La Vila Museum.
Fun fact. Why are the houses in Villajoyosa Old Town so colorful? According to one legend, bright colors helped fishermen to find their way back home in the evenings. Another legend says that since every fisherman had painted his boats in a specific color they used the leftover paint for the facades of their homes. But unfortunately, nobody seems to know the correct version.
Villajoyosa beaches
One of the best things to do in a coastal town is to hit the beach or two, right? In Villajoyosa you can enjoy your time on beautiful sandy beaches watching the azure Mediterranean Sea and colorful houses. The main Villajoyosa beach is Playa la Villajoyosa. You can also find other smaller but equally charming beaches nearby, like Playa del Bol Nou, Platja Torres, or Playa del Varadero.
Discover: Accommodation options in Villajoyosa
Nudist beach Racó del Conill
Do you want to take off all your clothes and enjoy unrestrained freedom? Head to Raco del Conill, the official nudist beach in Villajoyosa that can be found near the city border with Benidorm. It’s quite small and well-hidden, and the road leading to it is narrow and bumpy so be careful while driving. Just before going down to Racó del Conill beach, you’ll find a viewpoint from which you can admire beautiful surroundings. If you would like to get to the beach on foot expect a bit of a hike alongside the coast from Benidorm or Villayojosa. But don’t worry, it could be done without many problems.
Villajoyosa promenade
Villajoyosa promenade stretches for 1.2km, from the harbor all the way to the old town. On the one side, there’s a sea and colorful houses on the other. Along the promenade, you’ll find many bars and restaurants serving good Spanish food.
Book now: Charming villages tour: Villajoyosa & Altea
Amadorio riverbed park
Amadorio Riverbed Park was opened in 2010. As we researched, for most of the year the riverbed is dry and can be walked without any problems (when we were visiting there was a small amount of water flowing). While there, don’t forget to look up and admire colorful, hanging houses built on the defensive walls of the old town.
Valor Chocolate Museum
If you’re a chocolate lover then you can’t miss visiting the Valor Chocolate Museum in Villajoyosa. This unique and delicious museum will take you on a journey through the history of chocolate and the chocolate-making process from the cultivation of the cocoa bean to the creation of chocolate bars. You’ll also visit the tasting room where you’ll be able to taste a wide range of chocolates and of course a chocolate shop.
The visit to Valor Chocolate Museum is free of charge but there is 50 people limit on each visit so don’t forget to reserve your spot on the museum’s official website, especially in high season. There are 8 tours during the day, but only two of them are held in English – at 10AM and 4PM. For more information about the schedule and timing visit the Valor Museum website.
Book now: Chocolate Factory and Market Tour
Aguiló Tower
Aguiló Tower is located at the edge of the Villajoyosa, on the border with Benidorm. It was built in the 16th century to defend the coast from pirates. It’s a very peculiar watchtower, as it has quadrangular flooring (they are usually round). From the tower incredible views of Benidorm and Villajoyosa can be admired.
Tower of Hercule (Tower of Saint Joseph)
The Tower of Hercules is located near the playa de Torres. It was built between 150 and 170 AD but it’s not really a tower, it’s the largest Roman funerary tower preserved in Spain.
Villajoyosa markets
You can find two markets in Villajoyosa – a daily market (Monday-Saturday) in the Central Market Villajoyosa building, and a weekly street market on Avenida de Bernat Sarriá, which is held every Thursday.
Moors and Christians Fiesta
Moors and Christians Fiesta (es. Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos) takes place in July, from 24th to 31th, and is Villajoyosa’s most important festival. This event has been celebrated for over 250 years in honor of Santa Marta, and commemorates events that took place in 1538 when Barbary pirates tried to attack the town. Tradition has it that Santa Marta came to the aid of the local people, causing a flood that swept the enemy ships out to sea preventing the corsairs from reaching the coast. In thanks, the town took Santa Marta as its patron saint, and each year these celebrations are held in her honor, with the re-enactment of the attack by the Moors as the key event.
Here you can watch a video of celebrations in 2018:
How to get to Villajoyosa, Spain?
Villajoyosa is located about 35km from Alicante, 15km from Benidorm and 35km from Calpe. The most convenient way to get to Villajoyosa is by car or by bus. For great car rental deals visit the Rental Cars website.
Where to park in Villajoyosa?
There are some parking lots in Villajoyosa, both paid and free. We recommend leaving the car in this parking lot, located just 5min away from Old Town.
Airports near Villajoyosa
The closest airports to Villajoyosa are located in Alicante (50 km away), and Valencia (160km away). Both airports offer bus+tram or bus/tream connections. To learn more about connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
To Villajoyosa by bus
You can easily get to Villajoyosa by bus. For example, the journey from Alicante will take about 40min (€7-11), 45min from Benidorm (€1-2) and 1h20min from Altea (€1-2). To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
To Villajoyosa by tram
From many places on Costa Blanca you can also reach Villajoyosa by tram. For example, a trip from Benidorm will take about 15min (€1-2), 50min from Alicante (€2-3), and 50min from Altea (€2-4). To learn more about tram connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
To Villajoyosa by taxi
You can also get to Villajoyosa by taxi, but it will be the most expensive choice. For example, a trip from Benidorm will cost you about €30-40, €85-110 from Alicante or €70-85 from Calpe. To learn more about taxi connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
One day in Villajoyosa, Spain – Summing up
Now you know what to do during one day in Villajoyosa. It’s a truly charming and unique place on Costa Blanca, isn’t it? No matter if you’ll be visiting only for a weekend or if you’re planning on staying a little longer and taking full advantage of its lovely beaches and restaurants serving tasty food – we’re sure that you’ll fall in love with this place. We wish you an amazing time in colorful Villajoyosa!
Our opinion about Villajoyosa
For us, a visit to Villajoyosa was a one-day trip from nearby Benidorm where we lived for a few weeks. We visited the town in late October and during that time there weren’t too many tourists and the town was already fairly quiet, preparing for low season. As for our opinion, we really enjoyed our day in Villajoyosa. There might not be many things to do but we loved strolling among its colorful old town streets and later spending some time in nature. Until today it’s one of our favorite places on Costa Blanca!
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Villajoyosa?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Villajoyosa:
Where to sleep in Villajoyosa?
Hotel Allon Mediterrania
Hotel Allon Mediterrania is a modern and luxurious beachfront hotel situated in Villajoyosa, Spain, offering spacious and elegant rooms with balconies overlooking the sea, multiple outdoor pools, a spa, and a restaurant serving a variety of gourmet dishes. With its prime location, high-end facilities, and excellent services, this hotel provides a perfect retreat for travelers seeking a luxurious and relaxing holiday on the Costa Blanca.
Suites At Sea II
Suites At Sea II is a stylish and contemporary apartment complex located offering spacious and elegantly decorated apartments with private terraces, a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and a hot tub, and a fitness center. With its chic design, modern amenities, and excellent location near the beach and town center, this complex provides a perfect option for travelers seeking a comfortable and trendy base to explore the Costa Blanca.
Rosal by Vilamassalia (Only Adults)
Rosal by Vilamassalia Only Adults in Villajoyosa offers modern rooms with free WiFi and a convenient location in the old town, just 300m from the beach. Guests can enjoy nearby restaurants, bike and car rental, and touristic information, making it the perfect place for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
