Some links below are affiliate links, that help keep this site running at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.
I’ve put together my top things to do in Villajoyosa to help you make the most of your stay. As the spring season has started, you’ll find plenty of things to do and spots to see as the weather gets warmer in this amazing Spanish seaside town. I’ve detailed what you can do in Villajoyosa, from the famous chocolate museum to the amazing local food and more.
I keep this page updated every month with the any new things I find, or get opened up as the seasons change. I’ve added links to any experiences that you can easily purchase with a few clicks, at no extra cost to you.
Horse riding in Villajoyosa – Book now from €40
You can go on a horse riding trip through the local mountains! You’ll get amazing views of both the mountains and Mediterranean Sea while riding along quiet trails.
These rides start just 10 minutes from Villajoyosa, and you can pick how long you want to ride for – 1 hour, 1.5 hours, or 2 hours. Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden before – they have brilliant instructors who’ll help you feel comfortable before setting off.
Book your horse riding trip here below. They’ll match you with the right horse based on your experience!
See the Gran Circus Maximus show – Book now from €62
Want an amazing night out with a difference? The Gran Circus Maximus show in Villajoyosa brings ancient Rome to life with an incredible mix of gladiator battles, chariot races and spectacular performances!
You’ll sit in a Roman-style amphitheatre watching warriors duke it out, while enjoying a proper feast. The show gets everyone involved too – you might even end up cheering on your favourite gladiator! Book your tickets below, it’s a fantastic evening out and totally different from your usual dinner show.
Visit the Valor chocolate museum
The Valor chocolate factory is the first place you should visit in Villajoyosa! This place shows you exactly how they make their amazing Spanish chocolate, and yes, you’ll get to try plenty of it.
I’d suggest booking the English tour in advance through their website. There are two tours each day – 10am and 4pm, and they’re completely free. The tours fill up quickly though, so don’t wait until the last minute to book.
Wander through the colourful old town
The old town of Villajoyosa is absolutely stunning. Those bright coloured houses aren’t just for show – they actually helped fishermen spot their homes from out at sea!
The best time to see them is early morning or late afternoon when the sun hits just right. Bring your camera, as you’ll want to snap plenty of photos.
Go on a kayaking trip – Book now from €40
Looking for a fun way to see the hidden spots along Villajoyosa’s shoreline? Join a local Villajoyosa kayak trip! You’ll paddle to quiet coves and secret beaches that you can only reach from the water.
The tour starts at Playa Paraíso campsite where you’ll meet your guide and get set up with your kayak. You’ll paddle past beautiful spots like Cala del Bol Nou, Cala de l’Esparrelló and Cala de La Caleta.
My favourite part? You’ll stop at a secluded cove for swimming and snorkelling. If the weather’s good, you can paddle all the way to the Torre del Xarco watchtower – the views of it from the sea are amazing!
Moonlight kayaking and dinner under the stars – Book now from €47pp
This has to be one of the most magical experiences you can have in Villajoyosa! You’ll paddle through calm waters under a full moon, stopping at hidden coves, and enjoying dinner on a secluded beach under the stars.
The 3-hour tour takes you to the best spots around Villajoyosa’s coastline, including Platja de Bon Nou, Playa El Asparalló, and Platja de la Caleta where you’ll have time for swimming.
The real highlight comes at Platja del Paradís where you’ll stop for a proper dinner on the beach – you can choose from a special hamburger, sandwich, or salad, all served under the night sky.
Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked at night before – the double kayaks are really stable and safe, and your instructor will be with you the whole time. They provide all the gear you need, including snorkelling equipment and waterproof containers for your belongings. You’ll even get photos of your night-time adventure!
Hit the local beaches
Villajoyosa has many beaches you can check out – the weather is starting to get better if you’re considering a swim!
Here are my top picks:
- Cala de les Puntes del Moro: A quiet rocky beach away from the crowds. Perfect if you want some peace and quiet
- Platja de Villajoyosa: This is the main beach right in front of those colourful houses. It’s a beautiful golden sandy beach that stretches for about a kilometre
- Platja Varador: Great for snorkelling! There’s also a lovely beach bar (chiringuito) serving drinks and fresh food
Fresh fish auction in Villajoyosa – Book now from €15
Want to see where local restaurants get their amazing seafood? Head to Villajoyosa’s fish auction! Every weekday at 5pm, you can watch fishing boats arrive with their catch and see how the auction works.
You can book a guided tour that takes you right into the action. You’ll see the boats unload their fish, learn about local fishing, and watch restaurants bid for the freshest catch. Some tours even let you try the fish afterwards!
Book a tour here to get the full behind-the-scenes experience with an English-speaking guide.
The history in Villajoyosa goes back thousands of years, and there are some amazing old buildings to prove it! Here are some of my favourite spots:
Visit the Santa Maria de la Vila Joiosa church
Right in the middle of the old town, you’ll find this impressive church from the 1700s. While it looks quite plain from the outside, step inside and you’ll be blown away by the amazing Baroque altar.
What makes this church really special is its past – it was actually built as a fortress church to protect locals from pirate raids! You can still see some of the defensive features today.
Aguiló Tower
The Aguiló Tower sits on a cliff overlooking the sea, and it’s quite a sight! Built in the 1500s to spot pirates, it’s one of the best-preserved watchtowers on this part of the Spanish coast.
The walk up here is pretty steep but absolutely worth it. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Benidorm’s skyscrapers in one direction and down to Alicante in the other.
Visit Terra Natura Zoo – Book tickets now from €33
Just a 15-minute drive from Villajoyosa, you’ll find Terra Natura – an amazing wildlife park that’s well worth the trip! It’s much more than a typical zoo, with over 1,500 animals across 200 different species split into four themed areas.
You can buy tickets below:
You can drive there easily from Villajoyosa, or catch the number 2 tram to Benidorm and then take a short taxi ride to the park. It makes a brilliant day out if you want a break from the beach, and it’s perfect for families or anyone who loves watching animals (I spend hours there myself!).
