Things to do in Villajoyosa, a complete & up-to-date guide

For friends & family in Villajoyosa

6. Visit the port of Villajoyosa

The port of Villajoyosa is a place where modern water sports and traditional fishing meet. Here, the Club Náutico, founded in 1967, is the sporting heart and is internationally known for events such as the Eurochallenge Kayak.

Its focus on nature restoration is unique: the club is the only one in Spain with biomimetic micro reefs to enhance biodiversity in the crystal-clear bay.

The harbor offers a full range of diving schools, boat rentals and high-end restaurants such as Hogar del Pescador.

7. To the beach in Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa boasts a varied coastline with several beaches known for their water quality and services present.

Many of these locations, such as Playa Varador, Playa de Villajoyosa, Playa del Paradís and Playa de La Caleta, fly the blue flag as a seal of quality.

The central beach Playa de Villajoyosa is located directly on the colorful promenade and, due to its width and calm waters, is suitable for family stays.

In addition to the large sandy beaches, you will find more natural coves such as Playa de los Estudiantes and Playa El Xarco. These locations are outside the immediate development and are characterized by rocky surroundings and clear waters, making them useful for snorkeling and diving.

8. Going to the market on Thursdays

9. Shopping in Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa offers several options for shopping, spread over different parts of the town. The main shopping street is Calle Colón, where you will find clothing stores, shoe stores and local boutiques.

In addition to the well-known chain stores, there are specialty stores that focus on local products. You’ll find a number of chocolate stores in town from manufacturers Valor and Pérez, where you can buy artisanal chocolate products.

Nature & adventure in Villajoyosa

10. Unwind at the park in Villajoyosa

The park of La Barbera dels Aragonés forms a central green area in Villajoyosa with lawns and many palm trees. You walk here on paths that lead past the historic 16th-century mansion and its outbuildings.

The open layout with benches and shaded areas makes the park suitable for recreation and local events.

Around and in the park you will find facilities such as a children’s playground, an auditorium for performances and various sports equipment.

The site also houses the Vilamuseu archaeological center and is near the city’s main shopping areas.

11. Go water sports in Villajoyosa

The coastline of Villajoyosa lends itself to various water sports and recreational activities on the water. The marina and various sandy beaches provide the basis for the following sports:

• Kayaking and supping: explore the rocky coastline and quiet coves toward the cliffs;

• Diving and snorkeling: view the reefs off the coast, where the clarity of the water facilitates the view of marine life;

• Sailing: take advantage of the facilities at the local marina for trips along the Costa Blanca;

• Swimming: the calm waters at beaches such as Playa Centro are suitable for long-distance swimming in open water.

Near the city you will also find opportunities for land-based sports. The trails along the Amadorio River and the routes toward the surrounding mountains are suitable for running and mountain biking. For those looking for more of a challenge, the nearby mountain ranges offer facilities for trail running and hiking over unpaved terrain.

12. Hiking and biking in the region

The area around Villajoyosa offers several routes through both the coastal landscape and the mountainous hinterland:

• Coastal route to Torre del Aguiló: this walk takes unpaved paths along the cliffs to a 16th-century watchtower on the border with Benidorm;

• Hiking along the Amadorio River: the dry riverbed is laid out as an urban park with flat trails that directly connect the inland to the coastline;

• Cycling to the Amadorio reservoir: this route leads inland to the reservoir, where you will cycle through a rugged landscape with views of the surrounding mountain ranges;

• Mountain biking in the Sierra Aitana: for experienced cyclists, this nearby mountain range offers challenging trails with significant elevation changes and sweeping views of the region.

Events & culture in Villajoyosa

13. Chocolate tasting during Xocolatíssima

During the summer months, the city hosts this chocolate event, focusing on the rich tradition of the local chocolate industry.

You can participate in guided tours of the various chocolate factories and attend outdoor tastings. The event draws a large crowd to the historic core for workshops and demonstrations on the artisanal production process.

14. Visit Mostra de Cuina Marinera

In spring, Villajoyosa celebrates its maritime history with this gastronomic event that focuses entirely on local fishing.

Several restaurants in town are putting together special menus featuring fresh fish and seafood straight from their own port. This culinary week aims to raise awareness of traditional fisherman’s cuisine and the quality of the local catch.

15. Visit the EuroChallenge kayaking event.

This international kayaking event usually takes place in the spring and attracts hundreds of athletes to the coast of Villajoyosa.

The race is an important part of the World Ocean Racing calendar, with participants entering the open sea from the marina. You have a good view of the start and finish of this large-scale sports competition from the promenade.

16. Special holidays in Villajoyosa

• May: Teulada (San Miguel), a smaller-scale celebration in honor of San Miguel, often with local markets and traditional music filling the streets of the old core;

• July: Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians), the city’s main festival that takes place at the end of July in honor of Santa Marta. This celebration is known for the spectacular Desembarco, which re-enacts the landing of the Moors on the beach with ships and fireworks;

• September: Fiesta de las Lágrimas de Santa Marta, on Sept. 4, the city’s patron saint is commemorated. This is a more religious and subdued holiday with processions and flower offerings;

• October: Día de la Comunidad Valenciana, on Oct. 9 Villajoyosa, like the rest of the region, celebrates Valencian Community Day with music, markets and public events around the historic city walls.

17. Visit the Vilamuseu

The Vilamuseu is the city’s main archaeological museum and displays an extensive collection of artifacts from the Phoenician, Roman and Iberian periods.

You can admire, among other things, gold jewelry and archaeological finds from the nearby necropolises. The exhibits give an overview of the early habitation of this part of the Costa Blanca.

18. Visit the house museum in Villajoyosa

The Casa Museo La Barbera dels Aragonés is a historic estate from the 16th century that reflects the political and military power of the Aragonés family.

The building underwent a major renovation in the 18th century, leaving different architectural styles visible throughout the years. You will find this mansion in La Barbera Park, which today serves as a central meeting place in the city.

Things to do from Villajoyosa

19. Visit El Pantano de Amadorio

Just outside the center, less than a 10-minute drive away, is the Amadorio River reservoir. This lake is a striking blue contrast to the dry, mountainous landscape surrounding it.

Along the banks you will find a quiet trail popular with hikers and fishermen. From the dam, you have sweeping views of the water and surrounding mountain ranges.

20. Discover the waterfalls of Algar

About a 25-minute drive inland are the Fonts de l’Algar. This nature reserve consists of a series of waterfalls, natural springs and basins where you can walk among the rocks.

Through the area runs a wooden walkway that leads you along the different levels of flowing water. It is a cool place in the middle of a green area with many Mediterranean plants.

Tip: Read more about the waterfalls of Algar

21. Hiking in Sierra Helada

About a 20-minute drive away, on the outskirts of Benidorm and Albir, is the Sierra Helada Natural Park. This protected area is known for its steep cliffs that rise perpendicularly from the sea to a height of more than 300 meters.

A paved path leads to the Albir Lighthouse, accessible to hikers of any level. Along the way, there are constant views of the bay and the rock formations along the coastline.

Nice places in the surroundings of Villajoyosa

22. Visit Altea (a 30-minute drive away).

Everyone knows Altea for its white houses and the blue dome of the church. The connection along the coast is perfect for a walk or bike ride toward the nearby town of Albir.

23. Visit Benidorm (a 10-minute drive away).

The city with a skyline of skyscrapers and vast sandy beaches. Benidorm has a wide range of entertainment with several theme parks. Viewpoint Balcón del Mediterráneo, overlooking the two large sandy beaches, is the city’s landmark.

24. Visit Calpe (a 30-minute drive away)

Calpe is known for the Peñón de Ifach rock that rises above the coastline. The town’s harbor offers fresh fish daily, and in the historic town center you can have your picture taken with the famous red-and-yellow steps.

25. Visit Guadalest (a 35-minute drive away).

The mountain village of El Castell de Guadalest sits on a cliff above a huge reservoir. You can visit numerous museums and souvenir shops here. Guadalest is one of the most visited places on the Costa Blanca.

26. Visit Jávea (a 55-minute drive away).

Jávea consists of a historic center, a port area and several bays. You will find a varied landscape that runs from the Montgó mountain to the sandy beaches.

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