Villajoyosa, or La Vila Joiosa, is a picture-perfect seaside city, often simply known as “La Vila” to locals, in the Province of Alicante in Spain. With the most idyllic of beaches – picture fluffy white crescents of sand meeting crystal clear cerulean water – and a town populated by pretty little streets lined in a veritable rainbow of crayon-box-coloured buildings, there is no doubt that it has all of the visual appeal that one could hope for from a town on the Mediterranean Sea. However, there is also plenty to see and do. If you have found a vacation rental in Valencia and you’re looking for somewhere to spend the day, you could not even dream of more perfect place to do so.
Literally meaning “joyful town”, Villajoyosa is a pretty extraordinary spot along the famous Costa Blanca that boasts 3km of beaches, including La Platja Centre, right by the city centre. It is also famous for its chocolate industry and tourism and has an exceptionally pretty Old Town, all of which amounts to plenty of reasons to be joyful and joyful experiences for visitors who find themselves in the city.
Literally meaning “joyful town”, Villajoyosa is a pretty extraordinary spot along the famous Costa Blanca that boasts 3km of beaches, including La Platja Centre, right by the city centre. It is also famous for its chocolate industry and tourism and has an exceptionally pretty Old Town, all of which amounts to plenty of reasons to be joyful and joyful experiences for visitors who find themselves in the city.
Cultural tourism is one of the city’s main attractions and there is no shortage of things to see and do. The labyrinthine city is awash with landmarks, architectural gems, Roman ruins, medieval walls, gorgeous churches, museums and more, all tucked away down little streets like surprises just waiting to be discovered. While the city has archaeological remains dating the origins of the settlement to at least the Bronze Age, it only become a major point on the map during the Roman Empire when it saw great economic and social growth.
Ruins from this period are dotted throughout various points in the city but one of the highlights is the well-reserved ancient Roman Baths at the centre of the Old Town. Part of the ruins of the Roman city of Allon that once existed in the area, there is a well-preserved complex of baths made up of different pools of cold and hot water, drains, rooms for the slaves who worked at the thermal baths, and three necropolises.
Ruins from this period are dotted throughout various points in the city but one of the highlights is the well-reserved ancient Roman Baths at the centre of the Old Town. Part of the ruins of the Roman city of Allon that once existed in the area, there is a well-preserved complex of baths made up of different pools of cold and hot water, drains, rooms for the slaves who worked at the thermal baths, and three necropolises.
One of the museums of importance in the city is the La Barbera dels Aragonés farmhouse museum in which everyday and decorative objects from the 17th to the 20th centuries are on display. Once the home of the Aragonés family, who were important local landowners, the house became a municipal property and a museum after the last of the descendants in the line passed away. Now there are three floors of fascinating objects to visit and a rich history to uncover. The Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum, meanwhile, was founded in 1975 by a group of individuals who had collected numerous local heritage objects and now boasts a rich collection of a range of pieces from various periods throughout the city’s history from iron weapons dating to 600AD to incredible gold jewellery from the 7th century BC.
However, if you’re looking for a museum that celebrates the history of chocolate in town, you’re in luck because there are two! The Valor Chocolate Factory and Museum offers free tours of their historic premises and production spaces both old and new and ends in a tasting session and the opportunity to buy exclusive Valor products, such as their orange or mousse chocolate, which cannot be found in other shops in the town. Likewise, the Clavileño Chocolate Museum offers free tours and tastings and shopping experiences, with the added bonus of being completely gluten-free – coeliacs rejoice!
However, if you’re looking for a museum that celebrates the history of chocolate in town, you’re in luck because there are two! The Valor Chocolate Factory and Museum offers free tours of their historic premises and production spaces both old and new and ends in a tasting session and the opportunity to buy exclusive Valor products, such as their orange or mousse chocolate, which cannot be found in other shops in the town. Likewise, the Clavileño Chocolate Museum offers free tours and tastings and shopping experiences, with the added bonus of being completely gluten-free – coeliacs rejoice!
While there is plenty to see and do, just wandering the pretty city is quite enough to keep anyone entertained! There are lots of incredible architectural gems so keep an eye out for such as the likes of the Iglesia-fortaleza de la Asunción, one of the three church-fortresses of the province of Alicante; the incredible circular Charco Touwer located on a rocky outcrop on Charco Beach; the D'aguiló Tower, a Renaissance defensive tower that offers amazing views over Benidorm Bay; the San José Tower, which dates back to the time of the Roman Emperor Hadrian; the wooden Central Market, which is an imitation castle that holds 21 market stalls; and the River Bridge, which offers the best views of the city’s characteristic colourful houses located on the banks.
If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, head to the pretty Censal Park for the excellent views of the beach and over parts of the old town, the playgrounds, and the theatrical and musical performances that sometimes take place in the little auditorium. Of course, you need to spend time by the sea in this beautiful maritime city so a visit to the Promenade is also a must. Stroll along the seafront, snaps some shots of the colourful old houses, head to a terrace or bar for a bite or a drink or both, and soak up the wonderful relaxed atmosphere. As noted previously, the city also boasts 3km of beaches with La Platja Centre being right by the city centre but 2km from there you will find another beauty, Playa del Bol Nou. A sheltered and stunning 250m long crescent, this beach gets the Blue Flag from the EU every year and is a great place to splash around, lay out on the sand, and enjoy the incredible surroundings of this stunning city.
What are you waiting for? If you’ve been thinking about a vacation in Spain and booking a holiday rental in Valencia, this incredible city is just one more great reason to do so ASAP!
If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, head to the pretty Censal Park for the excellent views of the beach and over parts of the old town, the playgrounds, and the theatrical and musical performances that sometimes take place in the little auditorium. Of course, you need to spend time by the sea in this beautiful maritime city so a visit to the Promenade is also a must. Stroll along the seafront, snaps some shots of the colourful old houses, head to a terrace or bar for a bite or a drink or both, and soak up the wonderful relaxed atmosphere. As noted previously, the city also boasts 3km of beaches with La Platja Centre being right by the city centre but 2km from there you will find another beauty, Playa del Bol Nou. A sheltered and stunning 250m long crescent, this beach gets the Blue Flag from the EU every year and is a great place to splash around, lay out on the sand, and enjoy the incredible surroundings of this stunning city.
What are you waiting for? If you’ve been thinking about a vacation in Spain and booking a holiday rental in Valencia, this incredible city is just one more great reason to do so ASAP!
Photo credits:
Picture 1: Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: chisloup / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 1: Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: chisloup / CC BY-SA 3.0;
