In any list of beautiful Costa Blanca towns, you can't overlook Villajoyosa. This town maintains the quintessential Mediterranean charm with cobbled streets and a historic-artistic old town, showcasing labyrinths of white accented by splashes of colour on the walls. It's also the birthplace of the Valor chocolates, Spain's most famous chocolate maker.
Living in Villajoyosa in Spain means evening walks along the beach, enjoying the pleasant weather and the slow pace of life. Said to be one of the country's best coastal towns, it's a popular spot for people looking to retire or start a family.
Is Villajoyosa a nice place to live?
Villajoyosa, in Alicante, is often considered a wonderful place to live, with lots of expats choosing to move here. The beach lies protected between the mountains, and its beautiful town looks out to the vast Mediterranean. Its colourful waterfront houses and pretty sandy beaches are undoubtedly its main draw. The town provides a calm, family-friendly environment, appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Residents enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with plenty of dining options, and the town's community spirit is reflected in its cultural events and festivals.
Along with its cheerful houses, Villajoyosa is known for its chocolate industry and Valor Chocolate Museum. The small town remains relatively overlooked, which has been beneficial in preserving its traditional essence.
What to do in Villajoyosa
Dating back to an ancient Roman encampment, Villajoyosa is one of Spain's towns with the best-preserved Roman heritage. Living here means being surrounded by fascinating history, with the colourful facades of the homes said to have been painted to help guide fishermen back home.
The town features eight historical towers, such as the Tower Simeón, built to protect against pirates, and La Torreta, dating back to the Spanish Conquest of the 15th century. The town is home to the majestic Olivera Grossa, a 2,500-year-old olive tree situated at the heart of the municipality, embodying its long-standing historical significance.
Villajoyosa's central market
Villajoyosa hosts a weekly outdoor market, typically held on Thursdays. This market is set up in various locations throughout the town, often in central squares or streets, and features stalls selling fruits, vegetables, clothing, household items, and more.
Given Villajoyosa’s coastal location, the fish market holds particular significance. The local fishing industry provides fresh seafood daily, available both in the municipal market and at specific fish markets near the harbour.
Villajoyosa's restaurants
You’ll find a culinary scene as vibrant as its colourful facades. The town's abundant fresh seafood, available at the Central Market, is celebrated in local dishes served at the restaurants, paying homage to its maritime heritage. Be sure to try the famous salted fish stew, as well as pebrereta and coca escalgada—each offering a delicious taste of Villajoyosa’s local cuisine
Beaches and coves in Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa, commonly known as La Vila Joiosa, is famous for its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches, varying from family-friendly spots, places to do water sports like paddle surfing and kayaking, or hidden coves for reading a book.
Playa Centro
As the main beach of Villajoyosa, Playa Centro is one of its most popular, stretching about 1.5 kilometres in the heart of the town. It has golden sand and calm, clear waters, great for swimming and sunbathing. You'll find amenities like showers, restrooms, sunbeds, and parasol rentals.
- Facilities: along the promenade, there are many bars, restaurants, and cafés offering diverse food and drink options. Lifeguards are present during the summer for added safety.
- Accessibility: the beach is easily accessible, featuring ramps and walkways for people with disabilities, and is close to public transport.
Playa El Paraíso
Located about 2 kilometres south of the town centre, El Paraíso is a quieter, more natural beach, approximately 1 kilometre in length and less crowded than Playa Centro. Featuring a mix of pebbles and sand with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling and diving.
- Facilities: basic amenities like showers and restrooms are available, but the beach is less developed for a more secluded atmosphere. A few beach bars and kiosks can be found.
- Accessibility: while parking is nearby, the beach's pebbly terrain can pose access challenges.
Playa Torres
Found to the north of Villajoyosa, Torres is a small, tranquil beach with some pebbly sections surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation. It offers excellent conditions for snorkelling and relaxation.
- Facilities: it offers limited facilities, including a small beach bar and remains less commercialised for a peaceful environment.
- Accessibility: though remotely located, access is possible by car with nearby parking.
Playa Varadero
Varadero is a small beach near the port of Villajoyosa. The sandy beach has calm waters, making it a family-friendly beach, with the proximity to the port an extra perk.
- Facilities: basic amenities are available, with several restaurants and bars close by.
- Accessibility: easily accessible on foot, with nearby parking.
Playa La Caleta
La Caleta is a small, quiet bay south of Playa Centro. It features clear waters and a pebbly shore, ideal for couples who want a retreat from busier beaches.
- Facilities: only limited amenities are available, offering a natural and less crowded setting.
- Accessibility: less than an hour walk from Villayosoa centre and with parking close by.
Playa Estudiantes
This small, sandy beach is located near the town centre. It offers calm waters and a relaxing atmosphere, making it popular among locals and tourists.
- Facilities: basic services include showers and a few nearby bars and cafés.
- Accessibility: conveniently accessed, with parking and public transport options available.
Living in Villajoyosa as en expat
Living in Villajoyosa as an expat offers serene coastal living and convenient access to larger urban centres. Located approximately 45 kilometres from Alicante Airport, Villajoyosa benefits from excellent travel connections, with flights to major European cities providing easy access for international residents and visitors.
The town boasts a welcoming expat community, including a significant number of golf enthusiasts drawn to the area's excellent golfing facilities, such as Puig Campana Golf. Costa Blanca is a popular destination for golfers to buy property.
The weather in Villajoyosa is another attractive feature, with an annual average of 19°C and around 10 hours of sun a day. Its mild, sunny climate offers a pleasant change for those moving from colder regions.
Villajoyosa: property for sale
As of May 2025, Villajoyosa presents an attractive real estate market, with property prices averaging €2,684 per m2. For those considering rental options, the average rent cost stands at €11.7 per m2, meaning an 85m2 apartment typically costs just under €1,000 per month. This relatively affordable pricing, especially for such a picturesque coastal town, adds to Villajoyosa's appeal for both potential homeowners and renters seeking a cost-effective place to live along Spain's beautiful Costa Blanca.
Tennis, sunshine, and style: Davis Cup 2025 arrives in Marbella
Spain will host Denmark in an electrifying Davis Cup Qualifier at Marbella’s prestigious Puente Romano Tennis Club from 13–14 September 2025. This decisive tie will determine which nation earns a coveted place in the Final 8 in Bologna this November — and it’s set to be one of the highlights of Marbella’s late-summer social calendar.
Discover the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia and Southern Spain
Southern Spain is famous for its sunshine, beaches, rich culture and historic towns – but nothing quite compares to its pueblos blancos, or white villages. These charming whitewashed towns are found throughout Andalusia, Murcia, and Extremadura, offering stunning views, fascinating architecture, and a peaceful escape from the modern world.
Madrid, the safest city in the world according to Trump
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has described Madrid as the safest city in the world. He made the statement during a press briefing in which he announced that the federal government would take control of the Washington DC police, with the aim of reducing crime rates.
Living in Coripe: houses from €20K in rural Seville
Tucked away in the province of Seville, Coripe is the kind of place that barely registers on the usual tourist map. This is precisely why its property market is so remarkable, with traditional village houses starting from around €20,000. It’s an ideal spot for anyone seeking an authentic, rural Andalusian life without the hefty price tag.
Living in Sant Pere de Ribes: coast, city and countryside
For anyone considering living in Sant Pere de Ribes, this town in the Garraf region offers a wonderfully peaceful lifestyle while still keeping you well-connected to Barcelona. Its fantastic spot means you’re never far from the coast and can easily explore the many natural areas nearby.
Typical Balearic Islands dishes: this is the archipelago's cuisine
Visitors to the Balearic Islands don't only love their idyllic landscapes and crystal-clear beaches but also their rich, time-honoured cuisine that reflects centuries of history, cultural fusion and a deep respect for local ingredients.
Living in Madrid: calling the capital home
As Spain's capital, Madrid is a powerhouse of art, business, and culture. It’s a city with a personality very different to the coastal spots many people first think of in Spain. Proudly landlocked, the city has scorching summers and crisp winters. It's a city that comes alive after dark, with a social scene that revolves around late dinners and finding the perfect terrace for a caña.