Villajoyosa — La Vila Joiosa — sits on the coast between Benidorm and Alicante, about an hour south of Dénia. Two things bring people: the painted houses along the seafront, and chocolate.
The coloured houses
The old fishermen’s quarter runs right along the beach, its houses painted in strong blues, pinks, ochres and greens — done, the story goes, so returning boats could pick out their own home from the sea. It is a short, photogenic wander, backed by a working town rather than a resort.
Chocolate
Villajoyosa has made chocolate since the nineteenth century, when cocoa came in through its port. The Valor factory on the edge of town has a museum and shop; there are smaller makers in the centre too.
Good to know
- About an hour from Dénia; the TRAM light rail also runs here along the coast
- The Valor museum is free but busy at weekends and in the holidays — check opening times
- The town beach is a long, dark-sand strip right below the old quarter
- Easy to combine with Alicante, 30 minutes further south