- The city's colorful houses were historically painted in different shades so local fishermen could recognize their homes from the sea while returning to port.
- Villajoyosa has been a major center for chocolate production since the late 19th century, with several historic family-run factories still in operation today.
- The municipality is home to the Roman funeral monument Torre de Sant Josep, which is one of the largest and best-preserved funerary towers in the Iberian Peninsula.
- During the 'Moors and Christians' festival, the city recreates a massive naval landing on the beach to commemorate a 16th-century pirate attack repelled by the townspeople.
About Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa, or La Vila Joiosa, is renowned for its iconic brightly painted fisherman houses, known as the Cases Penjants de la Vila Joiosa, which stand directly above the Amadorio River. This coastal town serves as the historical center of the Marina Baixa region and boasts a long-standing chocolate manufacturing tradition, highlighted by the Valor Chocolate Museum. Beyond its urban core, the city features the rugged coastline of the Sender de la Costa and significant ancient sites like the Torre de Sant Josep. It uniquely balances a working fishing port economy with a preserved medieval old town layout.
Highlights of Villajoyosa
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Photograph the famous colorful fisherman houses that line the riverbank.
Museums
Explore the history of local chocolate production and artisanal candy-making techniques.
Places of interest
Enjoy a stroll along the main town beach which stretches directly beside the historic old quarter.
Historical places
View one of the most significant Roman funerary monuments remaining in Spain.
Natural attractions
Hike the coastal trails to discover secluded coves and natural scenery.
Places of interest
Climb to this historic defensive tower for panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline.
Beaches and ponds
Visit this peaceful cove for a quiet alternative to the busier central beaches.
Amusement parks
Access major regional entertainment and amusement attractions just a short distance inland.
Top things to do in Villajoyosa
The 389 highest-rated places in Villajoyosa, ranked by travellers.
1
Places of interest
The Mirador del Castell, locally known as the Balcó de la Mediterrània, occupies the rocky headland separating Benidorm'...
2
Historical places
Castell de Guadalest, known as the Castle of San José, is an 11th-century Moorish fortification perched on a rocky outcr...
3
Parks
Fonts d'Algar is a protected wetland area and natural riverbed featuring a series of limestone waterfalls and crystallin...
4
Parks
Aqualandia is one of Europe's largest water parks, situated on the rugged slopes of the Sierra Helada mountain range in...
5
Parks
Penyal d'Ifac Natural Park is a 45-hectare protected coastal nature reserve defined by a 332-meter-high limestone monoli...
6
Parks
Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada is the first maritime-terrestrial park in the Valencian Community, covering 5,656 hectar...
7
Places of interest
Platja de Ponent is the longest beach in Benidorm, stretching approximately 3.1 kilometers along the city's southern coa...
8
Zoos
Terra Natura is a 320,000-square-meter zoo park located in Benidorm, designed around the concept of 'zoo-immersion'. The...
9
Amusement parks
Terra Mítica is a large-scale amusement park situated in Benidorm, Spain, themed around ancient Mediterranean civilizati...
10
Parks
Plaça Triangular, locally known as Plaza de la Hispanidad, serves as the primary pedestrian gateway between the historic...
11
Places of interest
The Canelobre Caves are located in the Sierra del Cabezón de Oro mountain range near Busot, Alicante. The main chamber f...
12
Beaches and ponds
Platja de Llevant is a prominent urban beach located in Benidorm, situated between the Sierra Helada natural park and th...
13
Historical places
Castell de Dénia is a hilltop fortress featuring architecture spanning from the Islamic period of the 11th century to th...
14
Museums
The Valor Chocolate Museum is located at the original site of the Chocolates Valor factory in Villajoyosa, Spain. It tra...
15
Historical places
La Cruz de Benidorm is a prominent steel cross located atop the Serra Gelada mountain range overlooking the city and the...
16
Places of interest
Cova de les Calaveres is a 400-meter-long subterranean cave system located in the limestone foothills of the Sierra de S...
17
Beaches and ponds
Platja Granadella is a secluded horseshoe-shaped cove located on the southern coast of Xàbia, Alicante. It is characteri...
18
Temples
St Michael Arcangel is the first Russian Orthodox church built in Spain, constructed entirely from wood imported from th...
19
Places of interest
Las Estrellas Promenade, also known as the Paseo de las Estrellas, is a dedicated walkway located along the Albir Beach...
20
Parks
Cape San Antonio is a dramatic limestone headland rising 160 meters above the Mediterranean Sea within the Montgó Natura...
21
Beaches and ponds
Marina de Dénia is a premier Mediterranean nautical facility situated in the port of Dénia, Alicante, serving as a prima...
22
Amusement parks
DinoPark Algar is an outdoor educational amusement park located in the Alicante province, featuring life-sized robotic a...
23
Amusement parks
Sould Park Festilandia is a permanent indoor and outdoor amusement facility located in the primary tourist corridor of B...
24
Parks
Jardín de l'Albarda is a private Mediterranean garden spanning over 50,000 square meters that showcases a Renaissance-in...
25
Temples
The Església de Santa Maria del Consol is defined by its iconic blue-tiled domes, which serve as the primary landmark of...
26
Parks
Cova Tallada is a sea-level cavern carved into the cliffs of the Montgó Natural Park, historically used as a stone quarr...
27
Museums
The Museu Vehicles Històrics Vall de Guadalest houses an extensive private collection of over 100 vintage automobiles an...
28
Beaches and ponds
Marina El Portet de Dénia is a premier nautical center located at the northern end of Dénia's port, directly beneath the...
29
Places of interest
The Mirador de l'Ermita Verge del Mar serves as a panoramic vantage point situated on a cliffside overlooking the Medite...
30
Beaches and ponds
Port Calp functions as the primary commercial and recreational harbor for the town of Calp, situated directly at the foo...
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Villajoyosa on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Villajoyosa
May to June or September to October, when the weather is warm enough for coastal activities but avoids the peak crowds and high heat of July and August.
2-3 days, allowing enough time to explore the historic old town, coastal hiking trails, and nearby beaches.
The city center is highly walkable, while the TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante provides convenient rail access to neighboring coastal towns.
The Old Town (Casco Antiguo) offers an authentic experience near the historic houses, while the beachfront area near Platja de Ponent provides easier access to swimming and dining.
Mid-range; the city offers a variety of local dining and accommodation options that are generally more accessible than larger neighboring resorts.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 389 curated attractions in and around Villajoyosa, ranked by traveller ratings.
Mirador del Castell - Balcó de la Mediterrània is the highest-rated place to visit in Villajoyosa right now.
The largest category is temples, with 80 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Madrid, Vigo, Barcelona.
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