Back to Menu        VILLAJOYOSA-COSTA BLANCA Villajoyosa or Villa Joiosa in Valencian, means 'joyful or happy town'. This very popular Costa Blanca City is situated at the mouth of the River Sella and is the main town of the La Marina region.  The town is a much older town than Benidorm and the locals say that it is close enough to Benidorm whilst being far enough away! It is only 10 Km to Benidorm and the route is filled with olive, carob and almond tree, as well as a number of palms, pines and prickly pears.  Whilst the area once had a considerable number of vines, these have largely been replaced by tomato plantations. As with many of the east coast towns, villajoyosa suffered from attacks by the Barbary Coast Pirates. According to legend and possibly a little history, on the 29th of July 1538 36 boats carrying Algerians arrived to ransack the town but the inhabitants were able to fight them off thanks to the intercession of Saint Martha.  Villajoyosa's church is a Gothic building with renaissance doorways, although these have been somewhat changed by Neo-classical alterations carried out in the 18th century. Since that day, she has been the towns Patron Saint and the fact is commemorated with regular re-enactment of the landing of the Moors. Alphons Xlll granted city status to Villajoyosa in 1911. As well as tourism, Villajoyosa is the home of fishermen and chocolate-makers, a strange combination but both of which are deeply rooted in the City's history. The original and older part of town has been declared an historic monument. There are still various bridges remaining from the time of the Romans. There is a fishing harbour and the local restaurants serve up some of the best seafood on the coast. The beach is second only to Benidorm, but is less crowded. Villajoyosa is the venue for one of the best fiestas in the region. The festival of the 'Moors and Christians' is an annual spectacle of colourful music, dance and costume, with fireworks and sumptuous food served to everyone. The nearest airport is Alicante, about 30 minutes drive to the south. Villajoyosa is the historical and administrative capital of the Marina Baixa; its economy depends both on shallow-water and deep-sea fishing. The town's relationship with the sea has been a determining factor in its history and culture and the town's overseas trade has produced Villajoyosa other typical industry: chocolate. Villajoyosa has preserved many delightful features such as its afternoon fish auction and its colourful façades whose purpose was to ensure that sailors could see their houses from afar. The old walled town centre is a good place to stop and wander about. The town stretches out along side a sandy beach, bordered with palm trees and ends at its fishing port. The lower part of the town surprises the visitor with its facades painted in vibrant colors. The combination of ochres, reds, yellows and indigo blues repeats itself in every street of the old town until you reach the Rio Amadorio. The happy atmosphere of its narrow streets, its mountainous countryside and its proximity to Benidorm make this charming, vibrantly colored village a great destination for your next holiday. With its numerous businesses, artisans, restaurants, and its wonderful little market place, the Villa is a town of its own at the heart of the city, with its multi-colored facades and its narrow streets. They seem to draw you in and invite you to discover the emotion and the beauty of this recently restored village. Villajoyosa will surprise you with the diversity of its colors, whether on the facades of its houses or their flower-covered balconies. The cool air of its narrow streets guides you from the church square, la calle del posso and la calle mayor to the sea and its embankment bordered with palm trees.  You'll understand why it was Villajoyosa that made us want to discover more of Spain and to share our passion for this region with you through this website. A lifetime isn't long enough to tell you about the splendors of this town. So what are you waiting for....its all here in Villajoyosa?