In Valencian, Villajoyosa is called “La Vila Joiosa”. Stand on the seafront promenade, let your eyes wander over the colourful houses, and you immediately understand why this town holds a special place on the Costa Blanca. The sea is the backdrop here – but the life behind it is just as interesting.
The old town: a walk through every colour
Yellow, ochre, turquoise, red and blue: the houses along Playa Centro are Villajoyosa’s best-known view. According to tradition, the bold colours helped fishermen recognise their homes when returning from the sea. Legend or practical landmark – today the façades tell of the town’s maritime identity.
Walk up from the promenade into the lanes of the old town. Around the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción the streets become narrower, quieter and surprisingly authentic. Small squares, shutters and steep steps reveal a side that is easily missed on a quick beach visit.
Our walk to the colourful houses
- Bridge over the Amadorio: from here you see the “hanging houses” on the old town wall – the classic postcard view.
- Through the old town: up Carrer Major to the fortified church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.
- Down to the Arsenal quarter: the Costera de la Mar leads into the old fishermen’s quarter with Carrer del Pal and Sant Pere.
- To the promenade: at the bottom, the colourful row of houses opens onto Playa Centro.
By the way: according to tradition, cloths hung from the balconies told returning fishermen from afar whether good or bad news awaited them.
Our tip: come early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The light on the façades is especially beautiful then – and you experience the town away from the usual midday bustle.
Which beach suits you?
According to the town council, Villajoyosa has 13 beaches and coves along roughly 15 kilometres of coastline. They differ a lot: from the urban sandy beach to more natural stretches of coast.
Six favourites along the coast – from northeast to southwest
Small cove framed by rocks near the Benidorm border, with a naturist tradition. Access is less convenient than in the centre – check current conditions locally.
Photo: Triplecaña · CC BY-SA 4.0
Quiet, pebbly stretch of coast away from the town centre. Nearby stands the Torre de Sant Josep, a 2nd-century Roman funerary monument – one of the most important of its kind in Spain.
Photo: Antonioespinosaruiz · CC BY-SA 4.0
Around a kilometre of sand right in front of the colourful houses, with promenade, restaurants and harbour within walking distance. Ideal for combining a beach day with a stroll through town.
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0
Long, bright beach southwest of the centre: plenty of space, turquoise water and a much calmer atmosphere than in town.
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sheltered sandy cove below pale cliffs – a lovely spot for long, quiet summer afternoons.
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0
Rocky cove below a historic watchtower in the far southwest. Popular for snorkelling; one section is designated for dogs – check current rules locally.
Photo: Histofenes · CC BY-SA 4.0A town with more history than postcards
Anyone who reduces Villajoyosa to its colourful fishermen’s houses misses a lot. The historic town has traces of Iberian and Roman times and parts of its medieval town wall. The church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is one of only three fortified churches in the province of Alicante – its apse is part of the wall itself. At Vilamuseu you can explore the town’s long history in more detail, including finds from the Roman shipwreck Bou Ferrer off the coast.
The highlight of the year is the Moors and Christians festival in honour of the town’s patron saint, Santa Marta, recognised as a Festival of International Tourist Interest. It commemorates an attack by Berber pirates in 1538, which, according to tradition, the town survived with the saint’s help. In the early hours of 28 July, the “Moors” land on the beach by boat and capture a festival castle – one of the most spectacular sights on the Costa Blanca. Please check dates and access officially before you travel.
Why Villajoyosa smells of chocolate
The harbour connected Villajoyosa with trade – and therefore with cocoa from South America. From this grew a chocolate tradition dating back to the 19th century. Makers such as Valor made the town known far beyond the region.
Several makers open their doors: besides the Valor museum, Clavileño and Pérez also show how cocoa beans become chocolate – with historic machinery and usually a tasting at the end. Check opening times, admission and any booking requirements in advance, so a spontaneous detour doesn’t end at a closed door.
Official tourist information ↗Mediterranean food – without hurry
Villajoyosa’s cuisine is closely linked to the harbour and fishing. Fresh fish, seafood and rice dishes shape many menus. If you want to try local specialities, ask for “pebrereta” – a traditional vegetable dish, often served with fish.
The harbour is especially atmospheric in the afternoon, when the fishing boats return and the catch is auctioned in the fish hall – many restaurants near the port buy right there. Besides rice dishes, try mojama (air-dried tuna) and red prawns. And if you like local flavour, order a “Nardo” in summer: coffee granizado with a dash of absinthe.
After your walk, choose a restaurant a little away from the biggest crowds. The best table is not necessarily the one with the most impressive sea view. In the side streets you get a much better feel for the rhythm of the town.
Villajoyosa in one day
- 09:30Start in the old town
Walk down from the historic lanes to the colourful façades.
- 11:00Chocolate tradition
Plan a museum visit if the opening times suit.
- 13:00Lunch by the sea
Fish, vegetables or a rice dish – ideally with plenty of time.
- 15:00Playa Centro or a trip
Stay on the beach or drive on to one of the coves.
- 18:00Promenade in the evening light
Stroll past the row of houses once more and let the day wind down.
Day trips nearby
Villajoyosa sits right in the middle of the Costa Blanca. Many worthwhile places are less than an hour away by car – convenient for guests and an important argument if you are thinking of living here.
Lively seafront, the Castell viewpoint and the Serra Gelada nature park with coastal trails.
Hillside village with colourful houses, a castle rock and views all the way to the sea.
White old town on a hill, the blue church dome and many small galleries.
Castle village on a rock overlooking a turquoise reservoir – one of the most visited places in Spain.
Quiet inland villages with hiking trails; in Relleu a suspended walkway crosses the old reservoir.
Santa Bárbara castle, harbour and old town – plus the international airport.
A lovely holiday town. But also the right place to live?
On holiday, sea views, restaurants and closeness to the beach often decide. For a property you want to use yourself or rent out, other questions count: how quiet is the street in winter? Are shopping, medical care and everyday life possible without a car? And what about sunlight, underground parking or damp?
How you use it also makes a difference. An apartment for weekends must meet different requirements than a permanent home or a holiday property with regularly changing guests. Only factor in holiday rental income once the specific legal permissibility has been checked.
First understand the place. Then choose the property.
CASA READY is not tied to any single developer. We compare options, talk about everyday life and running costs, and on request also take care of furnishing and property management.
Talk to CASA READY ↗- Test the location on foot – not just on the map
- Check running costs, condition and neighbourhood
- Clarify holiday rental use and community rules
- Assess everyday connections and life out of season
Frequently asked
Is Villajoyosa worth a day trip?
Yes. The old town, Playa Centro, the chocolate tradition and the promenade combine well into a varied day. For the more distant coves, more time or a car helps.
Which beaches are practical for families?
The central Playa Centro offers the most convenient combination of beach, promenade and restaurants. Depending on the season, look out for local lifeguards and bathing information.
Is Villajoyosa a sensible place for a second home?
It can suit you well if you want to combine town life with the coast. But check the exact micro-location, parking, noise and life out of season in person.
Can I rent out an apartment in Villajoyosa to holidaymakers?
Not automatically. Before buying, the municipal licensing situation, the rules of the owners’ community and all relevant registrations for the specific property must be checked.