Leave Spain’s most visited cities behind and visit Villajoyosa, one of the most charming villages on Costa Blanca and home to the largest chocolate factory in Spain!
Nestled on the Costa Blanca coast, between Alicante and Benidorm, this little village is famous for its colorful houses, chocolate museums, wide sandy beach and picturesque promenade.
La Vila, as the locals call it is one of the favorite places to visit from Benidorm or from any nearby towns whether it is Calpe or Alicante.
This post contains a list of best things to do in Villajoyosa as well as detailed information to help you plan your stay, including parking, accommodation recommendations, useful tips as well as our own opinion.
A bit of history
Villa Joyosa was one of the first towns in Spain to produce solid chocolate and by the end of the 19th century, this small fishing village was home to 29 chocolate factories!
How to get there?
It is an easy drive on the AP7 motorway from Alicante (less than 35 minutes) or via the N332 road from Benidorm (about 17 minutes).
Where to park your car?
The easiest place to park is right at the beginning of the Villajoyosa promenade. It is a free car park but fills up pretty fast.
Along the “Partida Puntes de Moro” Street are available spaces but these are not free. You will need to enter the number plate of your car in the ticket machine in order to pay for the spot.
There is also an underground parking (Parking Doctor Esquerdo) accessible from the “Avenida del Port” street. The entrance is parallel with the promenade.
Another free car park is located close to the Valor Chocolate Factory.
When to visit La Vila?
Off season for more relaxed and slower visits. At the end of July to see the Moors and Christians festival. June, July, September or October are the best months for beach holidays.
Insiders’ Pro Tip: Don’t plan your Spanish trip for August. There are so many reasons why avoid traveling to Spain in August with high prices and extreme temperatures being two of them.
What to do in Villajoyosa?
Visit Chocolate Museums and Factories – Villajoyosa has 3 chocolate factories, with Valor being the most popular one. Perez is literally 7 minutes away by walk and Chocolates Clavileño is the farthest.
Take photos of the colorful houses – Once local fishermen’s homes, now one of the main tourist attractions. It is believed that they were painted bright colors so the fishermen could easily recognize them from the sea.
Shop at Valor Chocolateria – If you can’t visit the Chocolate Museum, don’t worry! You can still buy and taste Valor Chocolates just a short walk from the main Villajoyosa beach. And while you are there, order churros con chocolate as well! Tip: They also serve churros with a selection of melted chocolates so why not give it a go! We liked it!
Walk the narrow streets – Have a stroll through the narrow streets of Vila Joiosa, find the Santa Maria de la Vila Joiosa Church, or the “Tattooed Sailor” street art, or just simply wander around. You will most likely see the “pensionistas” (local retired generation) sitting outside on the streets on chairs watching the world go by or having a chat with their neighbors.
Try salty cycling – A unique experience, this water activity is perfect for cycling enthusiasts. You literally cycle in the water!
Visit Villajoyosa markets – The outdoor market is held every Thursday morning until about 1 pm. There you can buy fresh produce, all kinds of olives or bakery products as well as other products. The indoor market is open every day except for Sunday and sells all sorts of items including fresh fish, snacks, preserves, fruits and vegetables.
Take a walk along the river – A short stroll off of the main beach “Playa Centro” and you can walk up towards the Rio Amadorio riverbed. There, you will find a path on both sides. Part of the riverbed was transformed into a park with kids playground and a selection of plants and trees offering the much needed shade in the heat of summer.
Relax on the beach – Who says you must do something? Take a book and towel and rest on the sandy beach, or go for a swim!
Where to stay?
Find a hotel or camping in Villajoyosa or book an apartment in Benidorm.
Our favorite accommodation in Benidorm was booked via Booking and we could not be happier. Carlos, the host is the most professional, attentive and caring host we have come across. If you are planning a trip there, make sure to check his place the HR Paradise Parque Residencial apartment. Great location, excellent service and secure parking included in the price!
Useful tips
- Access to the main beach Playa Centro is wheelchair friendly.
- There are no dogs allowed on the beach or in the sea.
- Sun loungers and parasols can be rented for a fee.
- At the northern end of the promenade, there is a small marina where you can rent ski jets and motorboats.
- The Moors and Christians Festival in Villajoyosa takes places between the 24th and 31st July in 2024.
- If you need more information, you can visit or contact the local tourist info point.
What we think
We visited this place two times. Once it was one of the stops on a day bus tour trip, the next time we drove there by car.
The place is pretty compact so it can be covered in a few hours. There are plenty of restaurants on the beachfront, but we did not get a chance to try any of them, we did not have so much time.
I personally think that it is a perfect spot for a day trip. You can take it easy, have a walk around or visit the Valor Chocolate Factory or just relax on the beach. The factory tour itself is quite short, but it starts with a visit to a little chocolate museum which is interesting.
If you want to enjoy beach holidays in Villajoyosa, you can do so easily here. The city beach is right there and everything is a stone’s throw away.
But if you want to be in the middle of the “action”, then stay in Benidorm, this party city has it all. Plus, you don’t need a car to go around. There are also day bus trips to Villajoyosa from there. There are also plenty of beautiful hikes around Benidorm, most of them easily accessible with stunning views. Aquapark and Terra Natura ZOO are nearby as well.
What to do nearby – inspiration:
