The Sea
If you are here in the summer and enjoy the ocean don’t forget to take your bodyboard as it can be great fun riding the surf (12-inch high surf, that is!). Alternatively, you can hire a jet ski, rent a boat or try parasailing with your other half – it might seem scary when looking from afar but if you can get over the initial wariness the view from the sky and the adrenaline rush is something else.

Parasailing at Playa Centro
The Town
After a couple of hours on the lounger and splashing about in the Med, time to explore the beachfront, source a spot for lunch and then walk off any excess by moseying on up to Villajoyosa Old Town.

Beachfront Square
During high season the atmosphere crackles with joy as couples and families head to one of the many restaurants along the seafront. And the menu is international from Spanish to Italian and French to Argentinian.

One of many beachfront restaurants
But if seafood is high on your list when in Spain then Villajoyosa is the perfect location. The Spanish approach to fish is unbeatable – simple and fresh.

Our delicious grilled sardines
Walking around the Old Town is a pleasure – you can quite easily imagine the hard life the people had when fishing was the only source of income and tourists and tourism were light years away. The town deserves a lot of credit for how they have restored and maintained the buildings; not only does this enhance life for residents but makes the tourism offer all the more appealing.

Typical Villajoyosa street

Bright neon homes
Beach, Beer and Tapas
Although busy during the peak summer months, the main beach at Villajoyosa is never really crowded. It’s probably why the many Northern Europeans – French, Swedes, Dutch and Brits – on first finding this laid-back resort keep returning. We call it the Villajoyosa Vibe!

Afternoon on the beach
As you might expect, there are numerous places where you can rock up and order that first glass of Pinot Grigio or an ice cold beer. We like to go a bit off track and discover something a little different, just to make us feel like a local while on holiday. A favourite pit stop is Ca Barto, located behind the beachfront. Specialising in oysters, you can enjoy them sitting on a stool in the shade with a chilled glass of sherry.

Ca Barto
The unassuming 3-star Hotel Censal in the town centre is a place we’ll often pop into for a drink on our way back to the tram or if we’ve been on a Villajoyosa discovery walk. It’s located opposite one of the many Valor Chocolate cafés in Villajoyosa. It’s a friendly bar and a nice place to relax and recharge.

Bar at Hotel Censal