With its colorful houses, beaches and rich culture, this small village has a lot to offer tourists who are still few to discover it.
It is a little gem that has long been hidden from tourists… But that shouldn’t last! Its name nevertheless betrayed part of its secret since, translated into French, it simply means “happy city”. Add to that the sun and waters of the Mediterranean, colorful and warm houses, good places to eat and you have the equation that has seduced more than a million voters.
It is therefore no surprise that this little paradise, still preserved from mass tourism, was voted the best hidden gem in Europe 2024 in the latest European Best Destinations ranking. This hidden paradise is located in Spain. It is nestled on the northern coast of the Costa Blanca, just thirty kilometers from the city of Alicante. This traditional fishing village, also called “La Vila” by the locals, exudes the sweetness of life with its colorful houses, picturesque streets and lively little port.
Its name? Villajoyosa. Its exceptional microclimate, protected from the north winds by the surrounding mountains, allows you to enjoy pleasant temperatures all year round, ranging between 28 and 34°C in summer. Beach lovers will be delighted with 3.5 km of fine sand stretching along the Mediterranean. The most popular, Playa Centro, is perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
But there’s more to Villajoyosa than just its seaside attractions! The old walled town is full of architectural treasures, such as the Gothic church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and its colourful fishermen’s houses. Its archaeological remains bear witness to a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians and Romans. As you stroll around the charming marina, feast your eyes on the fresh fish stalls and imagine your future meal in one of the many restaurants lining the waterfront. Chocolate lovers will also not miss the museum of the famous Valor chocolate factory to learn all about cocoa. It’s the town’s other speciality.
And if you are more of an adventurer at heart, Villajoyosa offers a multitude of fun activities including canyoning, kayaking, horse riding, diving or swimming along its sublime wild coves such as La Caleta or El Racó del Conill with its turquoise waters. Located between Benidorm and San Juan in the province of Alicante, south of the Valencian Community, Villajoyosa is easily accessible from Alicante airport in 40 minutes by car. All the more reason to drop anchor there for an evening or a week…