Villajoyosa
Colorful houses and apartments in Villajoyosa give the coastal town a creative living environment.
Today, many new homes are being built in Villajoyosa. The coastal town of Villajoyosa is located between Alicante city and Benidorm. Several of the newly built homes are apartments, either close to the beaches or with sea views over the Mediterranean. There is a wide range of price ranges, so you can find apartments from the lower price ranges to luxury homes. The homes that are built today are of course not as colorful as in the old days
Colorful houses/apartments
The colorful houses of Villajoyosa have a history that goes back several centuries. The tradition of painting the houses in lively colors is linked to the city's maritime history and fishing culture. One of the most accepted theories behind the colors of the houses is linked to the needs of fishermen. The fishermen of Villajoyosa wanted to make their homes clearly visible from the sea so they could identify where to dock after fishing. The colorful houses served as navigation marks, and the sailors could use the colors to guide them back to land. The colorful houses were supposed to help the fishermen to identify their own home among the closely connected residential areas. Another theory is that the strong colors of the houses could have acted as a deterrent to pirates. It is believed that pirates may have avoided approaching cities that appeared heavily populated and well defended.
Food culture in Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa has a rich food culture, and the local gastronomy reflects both the Mediterranean influence and the traditional Spanish flavors. There are, of course, a number of very good restaurants in the town and along the beaches of Villajoyosa. As a coastal town and fishing village, Villajoyosa is known for its fresh seafood. The fishing port plays an important role, and you will find restaurants serving the freshest catches. You get all kinds of fish at the restaurants. Particularly popular are seafood dishes such as shellfish, grilled fish, squid and many different paellas with fish and shellfish. Villajoyosa is known as the "chocolate city," and chocolate production is an important part of its food culture. You can enjoy local chocolate varieties such as desserts, pralines and other chocolate delicacies. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to taste the local chocolate products. As in the rest of Spain, in Villajoyosa you can also try traditional Spanish dishes. This includes tapas, patatas bravas, gazpacho (cold tomato soup), and pulpo a la gallega (octopus prepared the Galician way).
Villajoyosa's beaches
Playa Centro is the main beach in Villajoyosa and is located next to the city center. Playa Centro has fine, golden sand and clear water. It is well maintained and offers a wide range of services, including sunbeds, parasols, bars and restaurants. This beach is ideal for families and those who want a lively atmosphere.
Playa Paraiso is a beautiful beach with fine-grained sand and calm water. It is located south of the city center and is less crowded than the main beach, making it perfect for those seeking a little more peace. Surrounded by cliffs and green hills, Playa Paraiso is a great beach for relaxation.
Playa Bol Nou beach is located north of the city center and has a scenic environment with crystal clear water. Playa Bol Nou is less crowded than the main beach and has a beautiful setting of cliffs and hills. This is a beach for those who want a more remote experience.
Cala de la Caleta is a small, charming bay with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. Cala de la Caleta is located north of the city center and is accessible via a picturesque promenade. This bay is popular with locals and provides a quiet alternative to the larger beaches.
Playa Torres beach is located south of Playa Centro and is known for its fine sand and calm waters. Playa Torres is well maintained and has facilities such as showers, sunbeds and umbrellas. It is popular with both locals and tourists.
Most of Villajoyosa's beaches offer facilities such as boardwalks, beach bars (chiringuitos), and water sports activities. Whichever beach you choose, you're likely to enjoy the clear Mediterranean Sea and the pleasant atmosphere.
The chocolate city of Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa has a history of chocolate production that dates back to the 19th century. The city is home to several traditional chocolate factories that have played an important role in establishing the city's reputation as a chocolate production location. Valor is one of the most recognized chocolate producers in Spain, and the company has deep roots in Villajoyosa. They have been in the chocolate business for over 130 years and are known for their high quality and traditional approach to chocolate production. Valor offers a wide variety of chocolate products, including chocolate bars, pralines, chocolate covered nuts and more. The company also has a chocolate museum in Villajoyosa, called "Museo del Chocolate Valor," where visitors can learn more about the history and processes of chocolate production. Clavileño and Serra are other chocolate producers based in Villajoyosa. They offer a diverse range of chocolate products and although they may not be as well known as Valor on an international level, they have a presence in the region and are worth exploring for those interested in local chocolate flavours. This also gives the restaurants in Villajoyosa a very good starting point when putting together menus of chocolate-laden desserts. The coastal city is a very good choice when considering where in the Alicante province to buy a home.
