Villajoyosa

"It is strange how deeply colours seem to penetrate one, like scent."

George Eliot

Sponsored By

Referred to as La Vila by the locals and famous for its chocolate factory, Moros y Cristianos fiesta and brightly coloured fishermen’s houses lining part of the main beach, Villajoyosa is one of those places where, if you know, you go.

Very much a Spanish working town with a resolutely proud sea-faring heritage, it seems to have been shoehorned into becoming a tourist destination due to its close proximity to Benidorm.

Nevertheless, it remains one of our absolutely favourite places to visit, with its retro vibe and laid-back style, you could still be in 1970s Spain, with that feeling of excitement knowing you are somewhere different, somewhere foreign.

Several beaches punctuate this attractive strip of coast including cute little Playa del Bol Nou with a chiringuito beach bar open during summer and Playa Paraiso, a kilometre-long pebble beach with sunbeds and restaurants. Two naturist beaches, Playa El Asparrelló to the south of Villajoyosa and El Racó de Conill to the north, both smallish coves with crystal clear waters, offer the nudist sunseeker perfect locations for an all-over tan.

La Vila is one of those places where once discovered you return time and again. A completely different landscape to its big brother Benidorm further up the coast, but with its storied maritime and fishing history it patiently waits for visitors to land before getting them hooked.

Check out our One Day in La Vila blog!