Affectionately known as “La Vila”, Villajoyosa is a colourful town on the Costa Blanca between Benidorm and Alicante. In addition to its chocolate-making museums and sun-drenched beaches, it’s famed for the Moros y Cristianos festival, which commemorates the battles between Moors and Christians that took place here from the 8th to 15th centuries.
Things to do in Villajoyosa
Stroll through the heart of Villajoyosa to admire its colourful houses and the well-preserved city walls. Visit Vila Museu, which details the cultures that have left their mark on the region over the last 3,000 years. Also not to miss is the Casa Museo la Barbera dels Aragones, where you’ll find an impressive collection of costumes, furniture and decorative objects related to the Aragones family.
Villajoyosa is famed for its chocolate-making industry and there are several museums in town where you can sample sweet delicacies. Learn about the history of cocoa cultivation and the chocolate-making process at the Valor Chocolate Museum or hear stories of the master chocolatiers behind Chocolates Clavileño.
You can rent a beach umbrella and sun loungers to relax on the sands of Platja de Villajoyosa, which stretches along the front of the town. A hiking trail connects west to the picturesque Platja de la Mallaeta before continuing to pebbly Cala de les Puntes del Moro. On the other side of Villajoyosa’s harbour is Platja Varador, a hidden cove backed by a chiringuito bar where you can grab drinks and snacks throughout the day.
Getting around Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa is around 15 minutes’ drive from Benidorm and 30 minutes from Alicante. Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is 35 minutes away and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Trams connect to La Vila Joiosa and Creuta stations while buses travel throughout the town.