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Top Things to Do in Villajoyosa: Hidden Gem on Costa Blanca
Costa Blanca attracts countless tourists each year, and many spots along this beautiful coast are overcrowded, not so Villajoyosa, or La Vila Joiosa in Valencian.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quiet sandy beach in this coastal city and fell in love with the colorful houses in the old town.
Before discussing the best things to do in Villajoyosa, I want to be honest: it’s not a place with many attractions. The best way to experience the town is to simply wander around and enjoy its beauty.
However, there are still a few must-see spots on your trip to Villajoyosa. Let’s talk about those now.
1. Explore the Old Town
The narrow streets of Villajoyosa old town are lined with bright houses painted in different colors. It’s one of the most picturesque old towns in all of Spain in my opinion, I just love the colorful houses.
The houses are so colorful because sailors could recognize them from afar while at sea. They spent long periods out at sea, and their wives would hang different colored clothes to signal them. For example, a white cloth indicated a marriage in the household.
The old town is pretty small, so I recommend walking down every street between the dried up Río Amadorio and the Carrer Costera de la Mar.
2. Visit the Chocolate Museum
Besides for its colorful houses Villajoyosa is also known for its chocolate, it’s even called the “Chocolate Capital of Spain”.
The famous Spanish chocolate company Valor was founded in 1881 in Villajoyosa, where their main factory still operates today.
You can take a guided tour of the chocolate factory, learn about the chocolate making tradition and how it changed over time, see the modern production process, and taste some chocolate.
A big bonus for me was realizing in the shop at the end of the museum how many products are vegan! Some have a vegan sign on the front, others on the back, and some don’t have one at all despite being vegan. So, just yourself check if the chocolate is vegan.
3. Relax on the Beach
The main beach in Villajoyosa, Playa Centro, is a long and wide stretch of golden sand. The water here is crystal clear and calm, making it perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
The further away you get from the old town, the quieter the beach becomes. I was surprised by how peaceful it was during my visit in August.
It’s worth considering a beach day trip to Villajoyosa from nearby Benidorm to escape the crowded beaches there.
4. Walk out to the Espigón de Villajoyosa
The Espigón de Villajoyosa is an artificial, natural looking pier that extends into the Mediterranean Sea. It’s purpose is to break the waves before they come to the beach.
It’s a great spot for a short stroll with beautiful views of the town and the sea. While you can’t walk all the way, the half-covered pier offers a fantastic photo opportunity that changes with the water level.
5. Have a Drink at the Church Square
The Church Square, or Plaza de la Iglesia, is the perfect spot in old town Villajoyosa for a short break from exploring the old town and to have a drink.
And when you’re already there, might as well have a peak inside the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit.
6. Look for Street Art
My favorite piece of street art in Villajoyosa is on Carrer Santíssima Trinitat, underneath Carrer Santa Marta. It’s a piece of colorful houses on a wall in front of colorful houses, it looks so cool!
Another popular piece is the Marinero Tatuado, an oversized portrait of a sailor on the side of a building.
A hidden gem of street art is the Baixada Cinema, a depiction of cinematic history on a old film roll.
7. Visit the City Museum
The best place to learn about the town’s history is at the Vilamuseu.
Even just seeing the outside of this museum is worth it. The facade, once the front of the old Doctor Esquerdo public school, was designed to mimic ancient styles, featuring Greek, Roman, and medieval elements.
The museum is located outside the old town on Carrer Colón, which is also a great place for some food and shopping.
Final Thoughts: Is Villajoyosa Worth Visiting?
Villajoyosa is definitely worth a visit! It’s one of the prettiest towns on the Costa Blanca, with colorful streets, delicious chocolate, and quiet beaches.
Located between the two largest coastal cities, Alicante and Benidorm, Villajoyosa is the perfect spot for a day trip from either city.
So, if you find yourself in the area, be sure to take some time to experience the beauty of Villajoyosa!
Read more about Costa Blanca:
- 10 Top Costa Blanca Cities and Towns to Visit
- 13 Absolute Best Things to Do in Alicante, Spain
- Is Alicante Worth Visiting? The Answer Surprised Me!
- 11 Best Things to Do in Benidorm: Beaches, Views, and More
- Is Benidorm Worth Visiting? Only If You Have Kids or Want to Party
- Top Beaches in Benidorm Within Walking Distance of the City Center
- Top Things to Do in Villajoyosa: Hidden Gem on Costa Blanca
- 15 Top Things to Do In Calpe on the Costa Blanca, Spain
- 13 Absolute Best Things to Do in Torrevieja, Spain
- How to Visit the Torrevieja Pink Lake in Spain
- Top Things to Do in Altea: The Stunning White Town of Costa Blanca
- 9 Top Things to Do in Dénia: Travel Guide to The Coastal City