Admittedly, Moraira is one of my favourite towns in the Costa Blanca. Moraira is a small, picturesque town located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante, Spain.
This guide is designed to share my personal insights and tips to help you make the most of your visit to this wonderful town.
Where is Moraira?
Moraira is located near Teulada and Benitachell, with Calpe and Benissa not being too far off either. It is approximately 80 kilometres north of Alicante and 100 kilometres south of Valencia. The closest airport is Alicante Airport, which is about an hour’s drive away. I’ve written a guide on how to get from Alicante airport to Moraira to help you plan your journey.
Main Areas of Interest in Moraira
Moraira Town Centre
With its narrow, cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and long fountain promenade, Moraira offers a glimpse into traditional Spanish life.
On the outskirts of the town near the coast, you’ll main spots of Moraira is the castle which overlooks the nearby beach, with the backdrop of Calpe’s Penon de Ifach.
You should also see the charming parish church, Iglesia de la Mare de Déu dels Desemparats.
Moraira Marina
The Marina is home to luxury yachts, local fishing boats and even a yacht club.
The marina is open and you can walk around and see the boats. It’s a lovely spot for a morning stroll, enjoying the sea breeze, and watching the boats come and go.
Nearby, you’ll find a range of restaurants offering fresh seafood and stunning sea views.
You’ll also find a secret swimming spot – just walk near the end of the marina, near the point shown below. You’ll see some stairs which you need to go up, and you’ll find the secret swimming spot. There is a natural rocky ledge you can climb up and jump off of – just make sure to look for the safe spots to jump as the area is quite rocky.
Do not jump there if the sea is rough as you won’t be able to see the clearer parts of the water to jump into
Moraira’s Beaches
Moraira and the area surrounding it is dotted with beaches and swimming spots.
Playa de l’Ampolla
Playa de l’Ampolla is the main beach in Moraira, located near the town centre and nearby the promenade.
Playa l’Ampolla is a beautiful cove-shaped beach that I’ve loved growing up. Its fine golden sand and clear waters make it a favourite spot for Moraira locals and tourists – which means it can get quite busy during the summer months!
The beach is well-equipped with amenities including toilets, disabled facilities, and sunbeds with umbrellas for rent. Dedicated lifeguard towers are stationed across the beach to ensure a safe visit, making it ideal for families.
The gently sloping shoreline creates a large area of shallow water, perfect for children to play safely.
As the day winds down, the cove provides a stunning setting for watching the sunset over the Mediterranean. I highly recommend visiting the ice cream shop Tutto Frutto nearby and getting an icecream to watch the sunset. It is one of my favourite ways to end the day at one of Moraira’s most beautiful beaches.
Les Platgetes
Located about a 5-10 minute walk from the main Moraira beach at the beginning of the Ctra Moraira a Calpe, you’ll find Les Platgetes, a more relaxed beach which is made up of two small coves with rocks & sand. There are amenities including a toilet, and lifeguard stations.
There is also a restaurant located close by called El Chamizo, offering seafood paellas and grilled food.
Cala L’Andragó
Located further up the Ctra Moraira a Calpe, you’ll find Cala L’Andragó which is a small rocky beach. I highly recommend bringing strong footwear to protect your feet, especially if you have children.
As Cala L’Andrago is a rocky beach, it’s well-known for snorkelling as the beach is made up of such natural rock formations. Paired with such transparent water, you’ll have almost crystal-clear visibility when snorkelling, allowing you to explore a vibrant aquatic world just beneath the surface.
Don’t forget to bring your goggles
Playa del Portet
A smaller, quieter beach with crystal-clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere located in El Portet, a small town near Moraira. The beach is much quieter compared to the busy Playa l’Ampolla, and the sea is majestically calm.
Locals often paddleboard here as the waters are perfect for it.
Things to Do in Moraira
Visit Moraira Castle
The 18th-century castle, located at the end of the main beach, is a must-see. It offers panoramic views of the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea.
Explore the Friday Market
Held every Friday in the large car park (see embed Map below), the market in Moraira is a great place to buy local produce, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. It’s one of the largest in the area and many locals visit each week.
See where the market is on the map below:
Water Activities
Try paddleboarding, kayaking, or even an eFoil experience (flying above water on a board), or rent a boat to explore the coastline.
Diving and snorkeling at the local beaches are also popular due to the clear waters and abundant marine life.
Dining and Restaurants
Moraira offers a rich culinary scene, with a focus on fresh seafood and traditional Spanish cuisine.
- Restaurant Le Dauphin: Known for its excellent seafood and stunning sea views. Perfect for a special dinner.
- Restaurante Ca Pepe: Offers a mix of Mediterranean and international dishes in a cozy setting.
- El Chamizo: Located right on the beach, this restaurant is perfect for a relaxed meal with your feet in the sand.
Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget options, Moraira has something to suit every preference.
- Luxury: Hotel Swiss Moraira – A boutique hotel offering a luxurious experience with beautiful gardens and a pool.
- Mid-range: Hotel La Sort – Located close to the beach and town center, offering comfortable rooms and good amenities.
- Budget: Hostal La Paloma – A charming, affordable option with basic facilities but great hospitality.
Practical Information
Visa Requirements: EU citizens don’t need a visa for Spain. Visitors from other countries should check with the Spanish embassy for specific requirements.
Currency: The Euro (€) is used in Spain. ATMs are widely available.
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. A 5-10% tip in restaurants is common if you’re satisfied with the service.
Emergency Contacts:
- Emergency services: 112
- Local police: +34 965 744 002
- Guardia Civil: +34 965 744 044
- Nearest hospital: Hospital de Dénia (30 min drive) – +34 966 429 000
Is there local transport around Moraira?
Local Buses
Moraira does not have a local bus service around the town as its small, however there is a local bus that travels between Moraira, Calpe and Teulada. If you want to travel further and you don’t have a car, you can get the bus to Teulada and catch the tram which will take you to all the way to Altea and Benidorm. This will take you far longer as the buses and trams don’t run regularly.
If you’re looking for flexibilty, I highly recommend renting a car. I recommend RentalCars.com which will showcase you a list of car providers, who can drop your car off at whichever airport you arrive in, and drop it off on your return.
Several agencies offer car rentals in Moraira. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Moraira Taxis
There are always taxis available at the taxi rank, but can be costly for longer trips. It’s best to agree on the fare before starting your journey. The taxi rank is on the Avenida Madrid in the centre of the town, outside of the Turkish Kebab. It can get very busy during a nightout on the weekend, and during Moraira festivals.
Again, if you want flexibility, a car is your best option.
Day Trips
- Altea: A 20-minute drive away, known for its beautiful old town and blue-domed church.
- Guadalest: A 45-minute drive, a picturesque mountain village with a castle.
- Benidorm: A 30-minute drive, famous for its theme parks and vibrant nightlife.
Shopping
- Moraira Market: Open on Fridays, selling local produce and crafts.
- Local Shops: Look for local ceramics, espadrilles, and olive oil as authentic souvenirs
