Honestly, when we first saw photos of Villajoyosa Beach in Spain we were shocked! How had we been living on the Costa Blanca and never heard of this place?? Luckily, it was just a quick drive away. Villajoyosa is set between the coastal cities of Alicante and Benidorm, and has a beautiful beach to enjoy. However, as you’ll see, the real show stopper is the brightly painted buildings on the sea! Here’s some of our favorite things to do in Villajoyosa and all about our own day trip.
How to Get to Villajoyosa Beach Spain
Villajoyosa is a small beach town in the Alicante region of Spain. While we explored the old town and port as well, the part that blew us away was 100% the beach!
The easiest way to get to Villajoyosa Alicante is to rent a car. We always use this website to compare the costs and different companies. This way you can also combine Villajoyosa with the nearby town of Altea on your day trip!
Once you enter the old town it can be a little busy with traffic. This is especially true if you’re visiting during the peak summer months of July and August.
Due to this, we recommend pulling into one of the paid parking lots and exploring by foot. There is parking directly at Villajoyosa Beach (location), but these prime spots are limited. This is underground garage we parked at in old town which was just a 10 minute walk to the water.
Not up for the drive? Then know that there are public buses available up and down the coast. There is also a tram that goes from Denia, Calpe, Benidorm, and Alicante City which stops here. You can even take this Charming Villages Tour from Alicante with a guide!
Exploring Villajoyosa Beach
So what makes Villajoyosa Spain so special? Well, all along the beach there are countless buildings stacked into the hillside painted with bright colors! This makes it completely unique to any other village in the area.
As we strolled down from Villajoyosa Old Town, we were taken aback by the colorful maze of side streets and back alleys. Before we knew it we had popped out onto the seaside promenade!
Looking back now at the buildings, it was easy to see why Villajoyosa Beach is becoming a popular travel destination. The long white sand stretches all the way to the port, with cafes and restaurants lining the water.
While there are some great options with a view, know that eating here will be a bit more expensive than old town. We actually grabbed some burgers to-go from Las Palmeras Take Away. This gave us the lunch with a view we needed for 1/3rd of what eating out on the beach would have cost.
Why Are All the Houses Painted So Bright?
This was our first thought when we got to Villajoyosa Beach! Funny enough, we would find out it was more than just for looks.
The simple answer is that Villajoyosa used to be a fishing village. The fisherman would actually paint their homes the same color as their boat.
This way they would know what direction to head towards when they were coming back from a long day at sea. Today, it certainly makes Villajoyosa Alicante stand out among all the pretty villages on the Costa Blanca.
More Things to do in Villajoyosa Spain
By now you can tell that the beach is the main attraction of this stunning Spanish town. Here’s a few more of the best things to do in Villajoyosa if you have time!
Chocolate Museum: Villajoyosa has a history of chocolate making dating back to the discovery of cocoa in the new world. These days you can visit the Valor Museum for a tasting and to see how it’s made.
Local Market: The local market is the heartbeat of the village. Mercado Central is a great place to grab souvenirs or fresh fruit and vegetables for your stay.
Festivals: Hopefully, you’re lucky enough to be visiting Villajoyosa during a traditional festival. One of the most important is the Moors and Christians celebration at the end of July.
Villajoyosa Port: The port is worth a visit if you have time! Here you can see all the fishing boats come in, and even get out on the water yourself with some fun outdoor activities.
History Museum: Head to the Vila Museu to learn more about the fascinating history of this coastal town.
More Villajoyosa Beaches: There is actually more beaches to discover outside of the main one in Villajoyosa! They range from soft sandy stretches to gorgeous pebbly coves.
Is Villajoyosa Beach Worth Visiting?
Villajoyosa Spain is definitely worth visiting! It’s small enough you can easily see it in a day trip. Yet, if we had more time, we could’ve easily spent a few days relaxing on the beach.
We moved to the Costa Blanca last year and absolutely love exploring all the small towns. Villajoyosa Beach is amazing and unlike anywhere else we have visited.
Its close proximity to Alicante Airport and Benidorm make it easily accessible for travelers. Check out La Vila Hort by Seaward Suites and Rosal by Vilamassalia Only Adults if you’re looking to stay overnight.
Have any questions on this article or want to share more of your favorite things to do in Villajoyosa Beach? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
Wow, these are amazing and helpful tips! My husband and I are planning a trip to Costa Blanca in a few months and we were looking for a beautiful place and towns to visit to relax. Villajoyosa sounds perfect – a beautiful beach, colorful houses, and a rich history. We love exploring local markets and festivals, so we’ll be checking those out too. Thanks for the tips!
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You’re welcome! Hope you have a great trip to Spain