What to do in Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa is a millenary town with a lot to visit, a good option (like any other) could be to set up your base camp in our campsite in Villajoyosa and from here you can visit some very beautiful and historical places, as well as enjoy the Mediterranean gastronomy that defines us.

Moors and Christians Fiesta

Moros y Cristianos

The Villajoyosa fiestas are held from the 24th to the 31st of July in honour of the Santa Marta, its Patron Saint. The Moors and Christians fiestas have been of International Tourist Interest since 2003, due principally to the famous Landing event, and celebrate the Berber raids across the Mediterranean in the 16th century.

The most famous event of the fiestas is the Landing, which takes place in the early hours of the morning and recreates the most important event of the time. The Moorish army embarks from the port, while the Christian army waits on the shore to defend themselves from attack. When dawn breaks, the Landing takes place and the battle begins, all accompanied by lights, fires, bombardments, drums and sound.

Colourful houses in Villajoyosa

Casas de colores

The colourful houses of La Vila Joiosa are extremely “instagrammable” due to their great colours and narrowness. You can find them in the old town of La Vila, and on your way you’ll find the Amadorio River too.

Why are the houses so colourful? They’re painted in such bright colours because it was the paint that was left over from painting the boats, as the walls weren’t made of stone and were left uncovered.

Gastronomy

Restaurante villajoyosa

Villajoyosa is a seaside fishing town, and its fish market in the Marina Baixa is a reference point. You’ll find the most traditional dishes with rice, fish and seafood here. And you’ll find a variety of restaurants to delight your palate in La Vila.

If you want to get to know Villajoyosa’s cuisine, you can’t miss its food fair, the Mostra de Cuina Marinera, usually scheduled during the first fortnight of March. It’s a great time to try the area’s most traditional dishes.

Villajoyosa is also known as a great chocolate town, and the Xocolatíssima fair is held in August. You can come, follow the route and learn about the history of chocolate.

Chocolates Valor

Chocolates Valor

If you’re a chocolate-lover and a fan of Chocolates Valor you can’t leave without visiting the Chocolate Museum, where you’ll learn how chocolate is made, about the history of the brand, as well as the process and the machinery they use. There are also smaller museums such as the Clavileño Chocolate Museum and the Pérez Chocolate Museum. All of them can be found less than 3 minutes by car from the campsite.

Amadorio Reservoir

Pantano Amadorio

The Amadorio river rises at the foot of the Sierra de Aitana and flows into Villajoyosa. You can go fishing in the reservoir, where you’ll find some perch, and you can also take a walk around the reservoir and explore all its flora and fauna.

Museo Barbera

Casa Museo La Barbera Dels Aragones

The Museo Barbera is a 17th century farmhouse that was converted into a romantic palace, belonging to the Aragonés family, a well-known family that arrived in Villajoyosa during the Reconquista. If you visit the museum, you’ll be able to see the furnishings and fittings of the palace and see how they lived and dressed at the time.

Torre de San Josep

Torre Sant Josep

The Torre de San Josep is a 5-metre-high Roman funerary tower and a symbol of Roman archaeology.  It can be found on Playa del Torres. Since 1990, it’s been a Cultural Interest Asset, giving it heritage status. The tower is only 6 minutes by car from the campsite.

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