Vila Joiosa or Villajoyosa

Vila Joiosa is a beautiful town at the Costa Blanca.

To start, this town is called Vilajoyosa in English but in Spain it is called Vila Joiosa
The meaning is ” the joyful village”.

As an adapt of the film with Johny Depp the Chocolate factory , I think it is a good name for the city. More specifically , the city is the  center of the production of chocolate.
The best is : it not has one Chocolate factory but three ! Equally important ,  you can visit them and taste the marvelous chocolate.
The most famous, we think is the Valor Chocolate factory.
Furthermore there is also the Clavilo Factory and the Perez Factory.

The  city is a part of the Alicante region.
It is situated on the middle of the Costa Blanca.

Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa

Beaches of Vila Joiosa

The city has over many sandy beaches. More than several kilometers long.

Vila Joiosa beach
Vila Joiosa beach

Some of them with the Blue Flag . What is a blue flag ?  read more about the Blue flag on the Costa Blanca .

On the beaches,  there are sun loungers and reed umbrellas.
Furthermore, you can hire canoes and pedalos.
The beaches has  well equipped facilities for disable people.
The beaches have ” chiringuitos”  or beaches bars.
In summertime you can start  your Spanish breakfast at morning at the beach   and at night eat your last snack !
Some of the “chiringuitos” are now even open in winter time.
So take your bag, towel and sunscreen and enjoy the beaches of Villajoyosa.
Also a beautiful beach front promenade to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea and the  Marina.
There is also a busy fishing port.

Safety for all at the beach.

There are special facilities  for  people with mobility problems. At the centro beach there is a adapted and well equipped zone .
So, there are seating in the sea  near the water edge. Of course this zone is  marked with yellow buoys. Furthermore there are  decking out of the sun adapted for wheelchairs.
The guards  will be at your service every day from 10 till 14:00 h and from 16:00 till 19:00 h.

Of course , each year the installations  have more users. This shows that there is a need but also a  good service to the people with reduced mobility and their partners.
As every one they want also spend a safe swim and stay at the beach.
So thumbs up for this communities.

Market

It is a authentic Spanish market.
The large street  market is on Thursday. The meeting point for locals and tourist.
With e large choice of food, fruit , fish , meat. But also clothes, shoes, bags….

What to see in Vila Joiosa

Vila Joiosa is famous for his multi colored houses. The houses of the fisherman.

Vila Joiosa
Vila Joiosa

The different chocolate factory’s are worth a visit. The give free tours and tasting moments. Of course there have all three an excellent shop.

Valor is  Spain’s most popular chocolate.
you find it every where.

Read more about the Vila Joiosa chocolate factories son our web page.

Fiesta .
During the last week of July there is a Moors and Christian Fiesta.
This fiesta is a festival of International Tourist Interest. There is a reconstruction of the invading of the Moorish and the fight over the city .

How to get there

Most people arrive at Alicante airport.
So it is a little hour drive from  Vila Joiosa to the airport.
From the airport, there is a bus to Benidorm on regular base.

Cuisine in Vila Joiosa

As a result of his location , the most restaurants  are fish restaurants. The food is typical for the Valencian coast. To sum up : fish, octopus, gamba, seafood, and rice.
One of the most popular is still the paella.
But as  we write on our page Gastronomy at the Costa Blanca there is more to discover .
There is also rice stew with stock fish ” Caldoso” or rice with yellow mackerel ” Arros con llampuga” of other fish pots.
We love the many tapas bars in the city.

Naturally , there is also a large selection of restaurants offering the international cuisine.
In brief, a great choice of Chinees, Italian and French cuisine.
And of course the sweet temptations of Chocolate in the number of local shops .
try also the” churros con chocolate” .

Churros con Chocolate
Churros con Chocolate

Climate

Vila Joiosa got a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.

With an average temperature from about 20 degrees.

Tips for trips

One of the most popular place around is Benidorm. Interested ?  Read more on our page Benidorm

For instance, on other charming town nearby is Altea. From Vila Joiosa  to Altea it is 20 kilometers drive .
See more on our page Altea .

Then, a nearby town at the Mediterranean Sea is the town of Calpe. In Calpe there  are many things to see and do. It is an 30 kilometers drive from Vila Joiosa . Read more about Calpe on our page.

Guadalest
Guadalest

But , do you want to go inside the country , than the village of Guadalest is sure worth the visit.
So see more about Guadalest and the algar waterfalls on our page. It is a 30 kilometers drive on narrow roads  but is it a worth the effort.

Fishing 

Since this year, the town hall has presented a fishing project for tourists .
It  is a tourism experience based around the town’s fishing fleet.
For instance  this is excursions  and marine tourism with traditional fishermen in their own boats.
But , the  same concepts is already in other coast towns in Spain.
For instance in Torrevieja.
So the fishermen will show you the different fishing methods,  the activities in the port and the fish auction.
In the concept is a tasting tapa included.


To conclude Vila Joiosa

All in all, Vila Joiosa is a beautiful town nearby the Mediterranean Sea. The place is a popular tourist destination  for Spanish and International tourist.

Dog friendly beaches Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca has beaches for everyone. Even for our best friends, the dogs.
Find dog friendly beaches on this page.
The beaches are the heaven on earth for your friend but also for yourself.
Let your dog enjoy the beaches, the sand and the water while he is on vacation with his owner.
At the Costa Blanca there are several dog friendly beaches to let your dog run around.

dog friendly beaches
dog friendly beaches

Tip.
Relevant is that you don’t forget to bring a bottle of water and in addition a bowl.
Due to Mediterranean sun your dog can easily overheat.
Because not all the dog beaches have dog fountains .
As result that your dog is being thirsty.
So you can never be too safe at the salty Mediterranean sea.

Also as a dog keeper : “scoop your poop” and also use the rubbish bins.
Spending time with your dog at the Costa Blanca dog friendly beaches is a great way to relax and also enjoy the beautiful beaches.

But most of all,  enjoy the summer with your friend  and first of all read our top 6 of dog friendly beaches.

Alicante’s dog friendly beaches : Aguamarga

From 15 June till 15 September the Aguamarga beach will have a dog friendly beaches.
The beach will be  an area full of amenities for dogs. This is really the best beach of all.

Dog friendly beaches Agua Amarga Alicante
Dog friendly beaches Agua Amarga Alicante

A company will take over the service  from the town hall.
The councilor wants a beach first of all adapted for the animals .
Where users with their four feet friend will be able at the same time to ask for a snack but also for a drink at the beach bar.
As a result that the service will be first class and set finally the standard for other dog beaches on national level.
At the beach bar the dog owners will be able to buy  a new a lead  or a life jacket for their furry company.
Near the beach bar, there will be a space offering dog owners information on the dog related services such as shops and vets.
At the beach there is post to tie their mascots safely and give water and food.

Furthermore 

The dog friendly beaches will include hammocks with umbrellas, so the dogs can escape from the heat of the sun.
Even elevated platforms for when the dogs want to take a break away from the hot sand.
On the 250 squares meters of the dog beach there will be an area for the pets to do ” their business” . This place will be cleaned and disinfected daily.
All dogs must have their passport with vaccinations.
Seems like at Aguamarga Alicante there will be a beach, where dog owners will able to enjoy together with their pet a probably a perfect sunny and relax day.

lovely dog friendly beaches
lovely dog friendly beaches

Villajoyosa dog friendly beaches :Playa El Xarco

The beach of El Xarco at Villajoyosa is a very quit pebble beach. The beach can be windy.
The access is only possible by car by Venta El Xarco on the main road.

Gandia, Playa Can. 

At Gandia the dog friendly zone  is sandy and located  at the end of the beach.
On the beach dogs must be on leads.
Except when the dogs are swimming in the clear water.

Santa Pola,  Calas del Cuartel.

This doggy beach is located  by the Santa Pola light house.
The dog beach is  a small sandy beaches with a little bit of pebbles.
At Santa Pola beach the pet owner is well come with maximum two dogs.
Dogs who are dangerous must wear  therefore a muzzle to avoid problems with other dogs.

Santa Pola is setting up a small car park near the beach for the dogs.
The dogwalkers have called for proper  parking facilities.

Denia

The dog beach for Denia is the Playa de la Escollera Norte.

Elche, Playa El Pinet.

This beach in Elche has sandy dunes and also pine trees.
Same as at the beach of Santa Pola, there is a muzzle obligatory for the dogs who can be dangerous.
At the doggy beach of Elche, due to the Spanish law, all dogs must have their passport with vaccinations.

In the future,  Calpe , Torrievieja  and Beniisa  are thinking of opening also their dog beaches. So that your dog can jump into the Mediterranean Sea.

El Campello

The best thing in Campello there are two dog beaches.
First : Playa de Punta del Riu.
At El Campello the dog friendly beach is located near by the dry river. Therefore the beach is a pebble beach.
At the beach there are natural rock pools, but take care of the currents while your pet is swimming .
Then Playa Barranc d’ aiges.

Altea

Altea has a beach where  the dogs are welcome. More specifically is the Playa Mar Y Monatana.

Torrevieja

Torrevieja will have two temperaly dog beaches.
They will be located at the Cala del Moro and the Punta Margalla.

The good thing is that the dogs and their owners can already enjoy the beaches and the sea at Torrevieja this summer.

dog beaches
dog beaches

But at  last.

Finally at all beaches as an owner of a dog,  you must clean up after your pets.
Their fore the authorities  give heavy fines to foul the beaches.
By Spanish law, all dogs must be micro chipped. Your pet must be vaccinated yearly against rabies and your little darling need to have a pet passport. The authorities may demand to see “Max” or ” Lola” passport.

New dog friendly beaches at Orihuela Costa 

Between La Zenia and Punta Prima there is new a dog beach.
Read more about this beautiful place on our special page dogbeach at Orihuela Costa 

Orihuela Costa

End of februari there is a “Perroton” at the Orihuela Costa .It consist of a walk  accompagnied by the participants dogs . So it is a day out with the family and the pets.
Various animal welfare associations will be presentThe event has also a charity side.
Dogbag dispenders are also present.
The community of  Orihuela Costa is one with international residents and tourist.
Animals are not a toy.  So they deserve to be looked after.

Dog beach Orihuela Costa
Dog beach Orihuela Costa

Checklist before taking “Lola” or “Max” on vacation to the Costa Blanca dog friendly beaches.

  • European passport filled with completed schedule of vaccination certificate, the vaccination against rabies and possibly the health declaration.
  • Necklace with tube with vacation address and telephone number.
  • Bench: ideal to transport your pet but also usually required in your holiday.
  • Eat and drink bowls.
  • Can opener for food.
  • Dog poop bags.
  • Photo of your pet if he would run away.
  • A first aid kit.
  • Toys for your pet.

Dog friendly beaches : a success.

Since it was opened in June 2016 more than 100 dogs a day where registered.
So Lola and max have been enjoying the beaches.

The city council said it has been an even more popular than they expected.Many pet holders have been coming regularly from all over the province. They prefer the beaches  to others nearby where the dogs are allowed.
The town hall checks  daily the quality of the water  the health controls of the pets , the identity of the dogs, the setting even the quality of the sand.
The council have received many congratulations for their initiative.
in addition the behavior of the dog owners and pets are excellent .

Dog beach
Dog beach

Villajoyosa, the Chocolate factories.

Villajoyosa is a beautiful fishing village at the sunny Costa Blanca. When you visit the village, you can easy understand why.

Villajoyosa has over 10 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline. This coastline has a beautiful marina, sandy beaches and a beautiful beach front promenade.  It has also pebble beaches, rocky coves and of course clean blue water.
Sheltered by the mountain, it is a region with the highest annual temperatures in the Valencia region.

Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa is a great destination for a relaxing holiday. It is almost the Caribbean in Spain.
For the children it is  perfect place to tells  stories about  the pirates.
The old village is a maze of little streets. In the old center you can admire the medieval castle walls .

Chiringuitos Villajoyosa
Chiringuitos Villajoyosa

On the seafront promenade there are a great variety of bars and restaurants.
During the annual gastronomic week , the participating local restaurants offers tasting menus.
The cuisine is of course a Mediterranean cuisine.

And the locals are very proud of their extra ordinary, healthy food. So for the lovers of gastronomy, it will become a favorite place to eat.

It is great for a stroll to the harbor. We did like very much the fascinating fish action in the late afternoon. At  that moment the fishing boats come into the harbor.  We  enjoyed the play of offering and buying.  And of course we enjoyed the “menu del dia” with the freshly caught fish at one of the many local restaurants.

In Villajoyosa  there is also a  Yacht club or Marina  with nautical activities.

If you take your time , a little further sound  there is a rocky coastline. With magnificent beaches of sand but also pebbles. The beaches are protected by the cliffs

Villajoyosa and his chocolate factories.

Many chocolate addicts come to Villa Joyosa to visit the factories.
Mostly families with children. Because “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory” does exist in real life and it is located in Spain.
So many children adore to visit the factories.

It is also an ideal souvenir to take back at home, a tablet of Valor Chocolate with you.
It is typical Spanish. And it is welcome by friends and family.
The Valor chocolate is a rich , pure chocolate flavor.
I think, that chocolate is one if the product who make every one happy . Experts say that is is even healthy.

Villayoyosoa or Vila Joiosa  has a chocolate making tradition since more than 3 centuries.

So if you like chocolate is is the place to be.
You can visit the  different chocolate factories .
Naturally , on the visit you can learn about the chocolate bones , the grown, the plantation, the harvest, the processes in the factory and also how the different sources of the original chocolate has impact on the flavor.

Chocolate
Chocolate

So if you like chocolate it is the place to be. The village has not one factory but three chocolate factories. All of them you can visit. For us the most famous is  ” the Valor” Chocolate factory.
Every where you go in the province you find the “Valor ” chocolate.

 

Valor Villajoyosa
Valor Villajoyosa

Valor is well known for his handmade chocolate and bonbons. But also  for his “churros” a sort of pastry which you can dip into  a cup of hot thick chocolate milk, chocolate milkshakes and  other chocolate temptations.
The other two factories are Perez Factory and the Clavileno Factory.
The factories are free to visit. Each has a museum and of course a shop.

Did you known ?

Did you known that a cocoa tree produce only 8 kg of cocoa a year.
That the flavor of the chocolate depends on the ingredients ? That chocolate is made from cocoa and cocoa butter. That the last one is very expensive ?

That cocoa powder is the dried seeds that are found in the pods on the cocoa tree.
Did you known that the production of chocolate is very complex ?
That the coco trees like warm and humid environment ?

Also, that the origins can be tracked yo the ancient Maya civilizations ?
In the past, that it was only the food for the gods ?

That the Spaniards in Central America took back this “food of god” to Europe?
And that it was so expensive that only the very rich could enjoy it ?
At the factories in Villajoyosa the taste and the texture of the chocolate is based on long family traditions. This is a secret recipe.
Of course technique have change in time.
Presently, it is a high tech controlled process.

Market

There is a large market at Villajoyosa every Thursday morning. The place to be to meet the local and their products. And also the chocolate traders.

 How to get in Villajoyosa.

First, you find Villajoyosa  35 km from Alicante. And 10 kilometers from Benidorm.
Do you want to read more about this two city’s ?  Read our page on Alicante  and also Benidorm.

With the tram. Take the tram south from  Denia and Altea and Benidorm or North from  Alicante.

By the road via the motorway A7 exit 64. Or the old  N 332.

 

To conclude

The chocolate factories of Villajoyosa are worth the visit. If you are a chocolate addict.

And otherwise Villajoyosa or Vila  Joiosa is a very nice tourist destination at the Mediterranean Sea .