10/10/2023
We discover the Old Town of Villajoyosa and its colourful houses
The Old Town of Villajoyosa is one of the best examples of traditional architecture in the Valencian Province and a true attraction for those who want to get lost in a small Mediterranean town that has managed to preserve its character over the centuries.
For all these reasons, countless travellers tell us that, if there is a seaside town that can boast a unique personality on the entire Spanish coast, it is Villajoyosa. The culprits? Its hundreds of colourful houses that extend to the sea turning the town into a place that exudes joy, in honour of its name “Vila-Joiosa”, which could be translated as “jovial town”.
Let's get to know every corner of the Historic old town of Villajoyosa!
The origin of the Old Town of Villajoyosa
The Historic old town of Villajoyosa has preserved its popular architecture, the result of its commercial boom in the 18th century when the attacks of Berber pirates began to disappear and the fishing port became a most flourishing economic engine.
The fishermen, merchants and artisans then made Villajoyosa a prosperous area, and built the town following the traditional architecture of other ports with which they established commercial relations. Thus, they imported the aesthetics of the seaside villages of northern Italy or southern France: low houses made of plastered masonry and painted in bright colours with small balconies sheltered by the old walls of Renaissance origin.
For this reason, the Old Town of Villajoyosa was declared a Site of Cultural Interest. Not because of its houses, numerous palaces, or the ancestral homes of noble families, as is classic in the historic centres of large cities, but because of its good state of conservation and its very personal identity within the group of seaside towns in Spain.
What is special about the Historic Centre of Villajoyosa?
Without a doubt, its colourful houses. The striking facades invite you to walk and get lost in its narrow streets and discover the endless details that are hidden there in the form of pots of geraniums, artistic tiles, traditional shops and even contemporary art installations that attract the attention of visitors.
But, without doubt, the most classic image of Villajoyosa is the one made up of the houses located on the Amadorio River, which flows into the Old Town of Villajoyosa itself, next to Playa Centro. These colourful houses are built into the wall, literally hanging over the riverbed, giving rise to a spectacular panoramic view.
By the way! There is no better place to enjoy these views than the Bridge over the River. They are spectacular.
Route of places that you should not miss in the Old Town of Villajoyosa
What better way to start exploring the Historic old town of Villajoyosa than from the sea? Paseo San Pedro or “Passeig Sant Pere” is the nerve centre of the municipality, especially in summer, when it overflows with life at any time of the day. This picturesque promenade full of ice cream parlours and restaurants, which extends on an esplanade, that several centuries ago was occupied by the fish market when boats docked there, connects the beach and the Old Town.
From there and bordering the wall, also declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1985, begins the street Costera de la Mar, which you must ascend while enjoying the details that the colossal walls offer at every step. The walls of Villajoyosa, as we know them today, date back to the 16th century and are one of the last examples of the old medieval defence system, in which towns were built at the expanse of the wall. In fact, the Church of the Assumption itself is integrated as a church-fortress and its apse constitutes the main tower of the wall.
At the end of the Costera de la Mar is the highest part of the Old Town, crowned by the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, once again declared a Site of Cultural Interest. The temple is late Levantine Gothic style and construction began around the year 1550, although it has a baroque chapel of great splendour dedicated to the patron saint of the municipality, Santa Marta.
From this point, all that remains is to wander aimlessly, enjoying every corner, every small square and every alleyway full of colourful houses: green, blue, red, yellow... This is the way to discover the essence of Villajoyosa and its true colour.
How to get to the Old Town of Villajoyosa?
The Old Town of Villajoyosa has several car parks that can be used when planning a visit, although you can also access the heart of the town on board the TRAM.
Those who decide to go with their own vehicle can choose between the underground parking under Paseo San Pedro, next to Playa Centro, or the surface parking on Mallaeta Beach, both next to the Old Town of Villajoyosa, with very easy access, and a multitude of signs throughout the town indicating how to get there. Only 15 minutes separate either of the two parking lots to the Montiboli Hotel.
If you prefer to leave the car and use the TRAM services, you can choose between the La Vila Joiosa or Creueta stops, both very close to the Old Town of Villajoyosa and easily connected to Alicante and Benidorm or the Hotel Montiboli, which is located very close to the Paradís stop.
What to see near the Old Town of Villajoyosa?
Villajoyosa is a privileged town that has numerous attractions beyond its Old Town.
If we talk about nature, the town is surrounded by beautiful landscapes that are worth getting to know. In the interior, you can find places as special as the Amadorio River reservoir and its route to the dam, but it is on the coast where Villajoyosa exploits all its appeal.
In the northern area, the Coastal Path runs along the coastline offering splendid panoramic views with the island of Benidorm in the background and small coves with turquoise blue waters such as the beautiful Cala Racó del Conill. To the south, where the Montiboli Hotel is located, there are endless beaches surrounded by beautiful cliffs that you can find, such as Cala del Xarco.
And for those who continue to thirst for culture, there are also numerous recommendations such as the VilaMuseu, the museum that traces the history of Villajoyosa through archaeological finds as notable as the Bou Ferrer. Or the chocolate museums, or the watchtowers that dot the entire Vila coastline... So much to discover!
So now you know, take advantage of your visit to Villajoyosa to enjoy the sea, but don't miss its beautiful Old Town. Furthermore, with our recommendations, we are sure that you will be able to infiltrate yourself just like another local and you will feel all the character of this beautiful fishing town that captivates, with its colours, everyone who ventures to visit it. Will you be next?
