Moraira, on the Costa Blanca, is a small town famous for its fashionable boutiques and coastal elegance. Its majestic tower defines the landscape, serving as a lookout in the face of threats from 16th-century pirates. Popular with expats, living in Moraira hints at lazy days on the white sandy beach, seafood meals al fresco and water sports off the shore.
Is Moraira a good place to live?
Moraira is an appealing choice for those seeking luxury and tranquillity. Its reputation as a destination for famous people is a testament to its exclusivity and high-quality amenities. The town offers picturesque coastal scenery, a welcoming community, and a peaceful lifestyle that attracts locals, expats and celebrities.
What to see in Moraira
Moraira's history dates back to the Phoenicians and Arab occupation, and it's said to be named after a Moorish princess, 'Ira,' which evolved into 'Mora Ira' and eventually 'Moraira.' This rich history has left behind a patrimony that's worth exploring:
- Cap d'Or Tower: this Renaissance tower was constructed to protect the eastern Spanish coast during the colonial expansion and became crucial for national defence.
- Cove de les Cendres: on the way to the tower, you can stop by this cliff-edge cave, which houses significant Neolithic findings dating back 25,000 years.
- Auditorium Teulada-Moraira: although built during the sixteenth century, this structure features vast glass panes that offer views of the town centre and bay. It stands as an amalgamation of everything that makes the town special, showcasing the best in music, gastronomy, and dance.
- Moraira Castle: once owned by the Bourbon family, this gem was used to bomb enemy ships with bronze cannons.
- Historic chapels: explore the charming sanctuaries of Sant Vicent Ferrer, Font Santa, and Divina Pastora.
- Sculpture of the birds by Antoni Marí: a noteworthy piece of art that adds character to the town.
- Benissa ecological walk, Paseo Ecológico de Benissa: this coastal route runs along Costa Blanca
Beaches in Moraira
The best time to visit Moraira is in autumn when the beaches are less crowded and temperatures reach around 24°C. Restaurants and bars on the marina stay open and still have plenty of life.
- L'Ampolla and Les Platgetes: the Cap d'Or boasts a stunning beach, known for its unique plant life. El Portet's Blue Flag beach offers a 300-metre promenade and calm waters.
- Bays: ideal for snorkelling and spotting crustaceans, try Llobella and Baladar. For a private dip in crystalline waters where kids can safely play in the sand, head to cove Fustera. For impressive earth formations, visit the open water caves of Els Arcs.
- Cova de les Rates: for those with a scientific interest, this is an outstanding bat habitat. Since the early 2000s, it has been a protected area for wild bat breeding, particularly in April and August.
- Aqualandia or Mundomar zoo in Benidorm: a waterpark and theme park nearby for family outings.
Inland Activities
Expats often embrace cycling in the mountains around Moraira, with long routes stretching up to 160 km that lead to lush conifer forests and sunny viewpoints. Couples sometimes stop at Portixol to leave a locket on the lookout, while at Andragó, hikers descend from the cliffs to the water for a picnic.
- Walking routes in Moraira include Peñón de Calpe (7km), La Solana (12km), Barranc de la Viuda (10km) and Malla Verda (19km).
- Tennis at Solpark and horse-riding in Benissa
- Golf lovers will find resorts scattered across Costa Blanca, such as Las Colinas Golf & Country Club and La Marquesa.
- Fiestas in Moraira are lively, filled with people and food, sharing many celebrations with nearby fishing towns. They commemorate the Virgin Carmen in July, a guiding light for those lost at sea, and host the Moors and Christians Festival, featuring water performances, fireworks, cheap tapas, and night-long revelry.
Markets in Moraira
The main market opens every Friday from 8 am to 2 pm on Avenida de Madrid. On Saturdays, Benissa Street is lined with small stalls selling local street food and artisan crafts. On Sundays, people visit the large second-hand market in La Nucia or Pedrequer.
Food in Moraira
- Moscatel wine: at the end of each summer, the Teulada district hosts a gathering for Roman wine enthusiasts to enjoy traditional vintage tastings and join discussions about that year's harvest. Be sure to try the sweet Mistela liquor, which is distilled from these grapes.
- Cremaet: you can find this typical drink at 'El Refugio.' It features a blend of burnt rum and coffee.
- Arròs de senyoret: a beloved treat in Costa Blanca, this seafood rice dish includes pan-fried squid and salted anchovies. You can enjoy this speciality at most chiringuitos (beach bars) or local restaurants.
Moraira property for sale
As of March 2025, property prices in Moraira averaged €4,008 per m2, making it the most expensive area for real estate in the province of Alicante, where the average was €2,424 per m2. Property prices in Moraira are also some of the highest in the region of Valencia, and the most costly part of Moraira, El Portet-Pla del Mar, reaches €5,101 per m2. Nearby Calp offers properties at around €3,219 per m2 on average.
Rent in Moraira was €12.6 per m2, translating to approximately €1,008 per month for an 80 m2 apartment. However, while Moraira holds the highest property prices, rental costs are cheaper than living in Benidorm, where rent was, on average, €15.2 per m2, and slightly lower than living in Calp at €12.8 per m2.
Overall, despite having the highest property prices, areas such as Benidorm, Finestrat, Alfaz del Pi, and Calpe surpass Moraira in rental expenses. These are all things to consider when looking to purchase a second home in Moraira, retire on the Costa Blanca or relocate from colder climates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Moraira like in winter?
In Moraira, the rainy season typically occurs around November, with around 1mm of rain daily and a 12% chance of rainfall, while there's a 40% chance of overcast skies. The colder season runs from November to April, although it rarely dips below 10°C. In contrast, the hottest months are July and August, with temperatures reaching around 27°C. Summer can get quite muggy due to the humidity, while autumn brings a refreshing breeze and water temperatures of 22°C. Winter in Moraira is the least humid season, with at least 10 hours of sunlight per day.
Is Moraira expensive?
Moraira is considered an upmarket destination, with higher prices and fewer crowds, making it a popular escape for couples. Many regard Moraira as the more exclusive choice among the beach towns in Costa Blanca. Celebrities like Honor Blackman and Sam Allardyce appreciate its charm, having called it their home.
Boat owners enjoy the limited space in the marina, which accommodates only 630 berths. The area avoided the mass tourism construction of the 1960s, keeping buildings low enough not to overshadow the surrounding natural beauty.
What is the cost of living in Moraira, Spain?
The average monthly cost in this area closely aligns with Alicante’s, ranging from €1,500 to €2,000. Basic utility bills for an apartment can be around €155, but this amount increases significantly for larger properties or those with a pool and additional facilities.
Dining out varies, usually between €50 and €70 for two, though locals often choose less crowded streets and hillside spots to enjoy more affordable seafood restaurants. Basic food staples are generally priced under €3, while drinks can cost up to €4.50.
Where is Moraira in Spain?
Moraira is situated between Calpe and Jávea. It's about an hour's drive from Alicante Airport, and 30 minutes from Denia and Benidorm. The city of Valencia is approximately an hour and a half's drive north.
Many enjoy a quieter, more private lifestyle during the week and, when they wish to visit larger cities or nearby towns, there are regular buses and a reliable tram network available.
Is Moraira better than Calpe, Altea or Jávea?
Once a fishing village, Moraira is favoured for its tranquil atmosphere and community focus. This contrasts with Calpe's bustling size, Altea's picturesque but pebbly beaches, and Javea's cosmopolitan atmosphere. Javea is similar to Moraira in that it is a hotspot for celebrities, drawn by the area's luxury golf resort amenities.
When expats or Spanish residents contemplate where to buy or invest in a second home in Marina Alta, quieter towns like Moraira often come first, especially when compared to more built-up cities like Benidorm in Marina Baixa. However, as mentioned, Moraira is the most expensive place to live in the province of Alicante, and possibly in the region of Valencia.
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