Areas
Villajoyosa
The Costa Blanca's most colourful town — a historic fishing village famous for chocolate, painted houses and a relaxed seaside pace.
Villajoyosa — "la Vila" to locals — is a working fishing town turned sought-after coastal residence. Famous for its row of brightly painted fishermen's houses along the riverfront, it sits between Benidorm and Alicante, offering a lower-key alternative to both.
The town is also the historic home of Valor chocolate, Spain's most famous chocolate maker, whose factory and museum continue to be a local landmark. The fishing fleet still lands its catch at the harbour, and the daily fish market is a fixture of local life.
For British relocation planners, Villajoyosa offers genuine Spanish character with growing foreign infrastructure. Property is mid-range by Costa Blanca standards, beaches are wide and sandy, and the TRAM connects you to Alicante city in under an hour. It suits those who want proximity to Benidorm and Alicante without living in either.
Who this town suits
Relaxed pace, flat promenade for walking, good local shops, established but not overwhelming foreign community.
Safe beaches, local schools, family-friendly atmosphere, TRAM access to Alicante.
Strong summer rental demand, property more affordable than Altea or Moraira, good transport links.
Valor chocolate museum, active fishing fleet, local gastronomy, Valencian traditions intact.
Good broadband, quieter than Benidorm, but fewer co-working spaces than larger cities.
Geography and access
- • Coastal town in southern Alicante province, between Benidorm (north) and Alicante (south).
- • Approximately 32 km northeast of Alicante city and 20 km south of Benidorm.
- • Alicante–Elche Airport: ~32 km (30 min drive). Valencia Airport: ~130 km.
- • TRAM: Line 9 connects to Alicante and Dénia.
- • Road: N-332 and AP-7 motorway.
Local services
Healthcare
Local health centre. Hospital General Universitario de Alicante or Hospital Marina Salud Benidorm for major care.
Schools
Public Spanish/Valencian primary and secondary. International school options in Benidorm or Alicante.
Shopping
Local shops, weekly market, British supermarkets, Valor chocolate factory shop. Larger retail in Benidorm.
Admin
Padrón at Villajoyosa town hall. NIE/TIE via National Police in Alicante or Benidorm.
British community
Present and growing. Villajoyosa attracts a mix of retirees and second-home owners from Britain, Northern Europe and increasingly Spain itself. Unlike Torrevieja, there is no monoculture — the town is still genuinely Spanish in character, with fiestas, the fishing fleet and local traditions central to daily life.
Property and rental signal
Local admin notes
- • Padrón: Register at Villajoyosa town hall (Ayuntamiento).
- • NIE/TIE: National Police in Alicante or Benidorm.
- • Healthcare: Register at local health centre after padrón.
- • Tourist rental: VT licence required under Valencian law.
- • Language: Spanish and Valencian in administration. English increasingly spoken in commercial settings.
Important notes and caveats
- • Population: 37,449 (INE, January 2025). Foreign residents: significant but exact percentage unverified.
- • British nationals: Estimated 400–700 (not confirmed by latest municipal padrón).
- • Property: General market signal, not specific listings.
- • Tourist rental: VT licence required under Valencian Community law.
- • Costa Bridge offers remote preparation support. No local office or physical coverage.
Nearby towns you may also like
[[Benidorm]]
~20 km north
Full services, nightlife, international schools, hospital. High-rise tourism hub.
[[Alicante]]
~32 km south
Provincial capital, airport, full services, university, high-speed train.
[[Altea]]
~10 km north
Whitewashed old town, artistic community, more upscale. Higher prices.
[[El Campello]]
~12 km south
Similar coastal town, marina, slightly larger, more developed.
Last updated: 2026-07-05