Villajoyosa, is known as La Vila Joiosa in Valencian, which directly translates to “The Joyful Town”.
Let me share everything you need to know about the charming town of Villajoyosa.
Where is Villajoyosa?
Villajoyosa is located in the province of Alicante, sitting pretty between Benidorm and Alicante city. It’s about 48 kilometres from Alicante airport – you’ll be at your destination in around 30 minutes by car. You can also read my guide on travelling from Alicante airport to Villajoyosa for other travel methods.
Benidorm is only 13 kilometres to the north of Villajoyosa and a 10 minute drive away.
What to Do in Villajoyosa
Old Town
If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall in love with Villajoyosa’s Old Town instantly. It’s famous for its rows of colourful houses along the seafront – these aren’t just pretty to look at, they actually helped fishermen spot their homes from the sea!
The narrow streets are packed with character, and you’ll find plenty of local shops and cafes to explore.
The historic centre is absolutely beautiful to wander around, especially early morning or late afternoon when the light makes those coloured houses look even more stunning.
Beaches in Villajoyosa
There are a few lovely beaches in Villajoyosa to spend your summer days.
Platja de Villajoyosa
This is the main beach right in front of the colourful houses. It’s a gorgeous stretch of golden sand that runs for about 1 kilometre.
The water here is crystal clear, and there are plenty of facilities including sunbeds and beach bars.
Platja Varador
If you’re looking for something a bit further away from the central Beach, Platja Varador is a suitable choice that gives you the best of both worlds with its sandy and rocky beach.
This is a great beach if you fancy some snorkelling. It also has its own chiringuito (beach bar) if you fancy drinks and freshly prepared food.
Cala de les Puntes del Moro
A rocky beach hidden further along the south of the coast.
If you prefer something a bit quieter, head here.
It’s a lovely little spot that feels more secluded, perfect if you want to escape the crowds and swim in crystal clear waters.
What to Do in Villajoyosa
Chocolate Museum
Did you know Villajoyosa is famous for chocolate? The Valor Chocolate Museum is a must-visit – it’s fascinating to learn about the town’s chocolate-making history, and yes, there are tastings!
There are two English tours available, one at 10am and another at 4pm. Tickets are free and bookable via their website, so I recommend booking in advance as there’s a limited number per day.
Villajoyosa Fish Market
The fishing industry is still going strong here, and if you head down to the harbour in the late afternoon on Monday to Fridays from 5pm, you can watch the fishing boats come in with their catch.
They’ll prepare their catch of the day for the fish market and auction. The fish auction at the market is quite an experience!
If you’d like a guided tour of the seafood route, witness the auction and taste some of the daily catch, you can buy a ticket below.
Torre del Aguilo
One of the most scenic routes you can take on the Alicante coast, is the one that takes you to the Torre del Aguiló, a 16th-century watchtower. The route has incredible views of the coast of Finestrat, Benidorm and Villajoyosa.
It’s a bit of a challenging walk up which takes around 3-4 hours, but those views are worth every step.
Dining Out
Villajoyosa is a food lover’s paradise, especially if you’re into seafood.
The beachfront where the colourful houses are lined with restaurants. My personal favourite is Restaurante Puur for a leisurely lunch of tapas and a cold glass of cerveza. They offer big portions for great prices, its a great place to bring a group!
The port area has some fantastic restaurants serving the catch of the day. You can find the Restaurante Hogar del Pescador and the Restaurante El Nàutic Villajoyosa which serve local produce from the Port.
For something special, try some of the traditional rice (arroz) dishes – they’re all absolutely delicious and properly authentic.
Nightlife
While it’s not as lively as Benidorm, Villajoyosa has its own charm when it comes to nightlife. You’ll find plenty of bars along the beachfront and in the old town, perfect for relaxed evening drinks.
If you’re after a bigger night out, with clubs, Benidorm is just a short taxi ride away.
Practical Information
Getting Around Villajoyosa is really walkable, especially around the old town and beach areas.
If you want to explore more of the area, I’d recommend hiring a car – it’ll give you much more freedom to discover some of the lovely nearby spots.
Do they speak English in Villajoyosa?
While Spanish and Valencian are the main languages here, you’ll find that most people in restaurants and shops speak some English, especially in the more tourist-focused areas.
Best Time to Visit Villajoyosa
Summer (June to September) is fantastic if you love the beach scene, with temperatures around 30°C. But honestly, I love visiting in spring or autumn when it’s still warm but quieter – perfect for exploring the old town and enjoying long lunches by the sea.
The town really comes alive during festivals, especially during the Moors and Christians festival in July – if you can time your visit around this, you’re in for a real treat!
