8 things to do in Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa is one of our favourite towns on the Costa Blanca, and definitely a must visit if you are in the area. Famous for its colourful houses and seafront location, Villajoyosa (or La Vila Joiosa in Valencian) is a lovely place to spend the day.
From the beautiful beaches to the museums and narrow streets, there’s plenty to see and lots of fun things to do in Villajoyosa that will please the whole family.
Where is Villajoyosa?
Located on the Costa Blanca in the Alicante Province, Villajoyosa is a small town situated 36km from Alicante city centre and just 13km from Benidorm. It’s is easy to get to by car on the N332 but if you don’t have a car, a good option is to take the bus or tram. You can view the tram routes and fares here.
Where to park in Villajoyosa
If you are traveling to Villajoyosa by car, there are various car parks to choose from. You may be lucky to find a free space on the road but it gets very busy so we’d recommend using a car park to avoid driving around the town several times looking for a parking space! There is an underground car park on the seafront if you plan to spend most of your time in that part of the town.
Is Villajoyosa worth visiting?
If you want to visit a Costa Blanca town with a difference then Villajoyosa is definitely one of the top places to visit on the Costa Blanca. The colourful houses make this unlike any other town in the region, and the laid back beach vibe makes Villajoyosa a much quieter place to visit that some of the busier towns and cities nearby.
Interesting facts about Villajoyosa
- Villajoyosa or La Vila Joiosa literally means Joyful Town!
- Villajoyosa is famous for it’s delicious chocolate produced by the Spanish chocolate manufacturer Valor.
- According to legends, the bright coloured houses of Villajoyosa once helped fishermen find their way back home of an evening.
Ready to book your holiday to Villajoyosa?
If you’re ready to book your Villajoyosa trip, these links may help…
- Find great value flights and accommodation at Expedia
- Rent a car with RentalCars.com
- Check hotel reviews at TripAdvisor
- Book your tickets, tours and excursions at GetYourGuide
We have visited Villajoyosa few times, so here are our recommendations on things to do in Villajoyosa…
Walk along Villajoyosa seafront
Once you’ve are found somewhere to park, we’d recommend starting your trip by taking a walk along the seafront. The promenade is lovely and flat so it’s a really easy walk for all ages, plus it’s pushchair and scooter friendly.
You can walk for approx 1.5kms along the seafront promenade, admiring the fabulous coloured houses on one side and the beautiful beach on the other.
Don’t forget to stop to take some photos of the colourful buildings which are unique to Villajoyosa.
If you’re visiting in the warmer months, a paddle in the sea is a must. The water is so clear and stone free so ideal for children to enjoy.
Enjoy the local food
After your walk you’ll probably be a bit peckish, so it’s a good idea to stop for some lunch. There are so many fantastic restaurants to choose from along the seafront, we have had some delicious paella and tapas in a few different restaurants here.
There are plenty of family friendly places with children’s menus, and food catering to all tastes, from traditional Spanish dishes to pizza, pasta, seafood and more.
You’ll also find several amazing ice cream parlours here which you just have to sample!
Don’t forget to check out Villajoyosa restaurant reviews on TripAdvisor before you visit.
Experience Villajoyosa port and its fresh seafood
If you love seafood then this is an absolute must visit! Take some time to explore the seafood route of Villajoyosa and visit a seafood auction before savoring a tasting of freshly caught fish on this tour.
First you’ll stop at the Lonja, an area of the port where fishermen bring their catches of the day. You’ll get to watch the arrival of the fishing boats and the unloading of the catch, as well as hearing all about the different species of fish that can be found in the area. Afterwards you’ll have the opportunity to attend a real fish auction and learn about the process, before ending the tour with a tasting of the fresh fish auctioned.
Take a walk through Villajoyosa’s colourful streets
With full stomachs you can continue your stroll up the hill and wander through the narrow streets a bit further back. You’ll find more colourful houses, pretty squares, and some pretty impressive street art.
There are also a few children’s playparks dotted around these residential areas, so if you need a rest while the kids are kept entertained then this is a good opportunity.
If you would like to see Villajoyosa from a local’s view you can join a free walking tour that will take your through the old town to discover the most famous landmarks and historic sights.
Visit the Vila Museu
If you want to learn more about the town of Villajoyosa and the surrounding area you can visit the Vila Museum to learn about everything from the Iberian culture, the Moors and Christians Festivals, Roman villas, and Berber pirates.
Shop at the indoor market
If you visit on a Thursday you’ll find a vibrant street market where you can buy everything rom fruit and vegetables to clothes and shoes. For a larger selection of food, you can also visit the indoor market which has around 20 stalls selling fresh produce such as fish, meat, bread, cheese, wine and more.
Visit the Valor Chocolate Factory
You can’t leave Villajoyosa without a trip to the famous Valor Chocolate Factory Museum! Open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 8pm, and from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays, entry is completely free and will get a 45 minute tour of the factory, learn about it’s history and how the chocolate is made, and even get to sample some along the way.
If you’d like more ideas of things to do and places to see on the Costa Blanca come and join our Facebook group.
Where to stay in Villajoyosa
For the latest deals on accommodation in Villajoyosa check out this list:
Booking.comHopefully this has given you plenty of ideas on how to spend a day in Villajoyosa. There are also lots more tours, guides and excursions in Villajoyosa here:
If you are planning a visit to Villajoyosa we hope you enjoy your trip!
