With its colorful houses, beaches and rich culture, this small town has a lot to offer tourists who are still rare to discover it.
It’s a little gem that has been hidden from tourists for a long time… But it shouldn’t last! Its name, however, gave away part of its secret, as, translated into French, it simply means “joyful city”. Add to this the sun and the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, colorful and warm houses, good places to eat and you have the equation that attracted more than a million voters.
So it’s no surprise that this little paradise still preserved from mass tourism has been named the best hidden gem in Europe 2024 in the latest European Best Destinations ranking. This hidden paradise is located in Spain. It is located on the northern coast of the Costa Blanca, only about thirty kilometers from the city of Alicante. This traditional fishing village, also called “La Vila” by the locals, exudes the sweetness of life with its colorful houses, its picturesque streets and its lively little port.
His name? Villajoyosa. Its exceptional microclimate, protected from the north wind by the surrounding mountains, allows you to enjoy pleasant temperatures throughout the year, which oscillate between 28 and 34°C in summer. Beach lovers will be delighted with 3.5 km of fine sand that stretches along the Mediterranean Sea. The most popular, Playa Centro, is perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
But Villajoyosa is not limited to its seaside attractions! The old walled city is full of architectural treasures, such as the Gothic Nuestra Señora de la Asunción church and its colorful fishermen’s houses. Its archaeological remains testify to a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians and Romans. While strolling around the charming marina, feast in front of the fresh fish stalls as you imagine your future meal in one of the many seaside restaurants. Chocolate enthusiasts will also not miss the museum of the famous Valor chocolate factory to know all about cocoa. This is the other specialty of the city.
And if you are more of an adventurer at heart, Villajoyosa offers a wealth of fun activities between canyoning, kayaking, horse riding or even diving or swimming along its sublime wild coves such as La Caleta or El Racó del Conill with turquoise water. Located between Benidorm and San Juan in the province of Alicante, south of the community of Valencia, Villajoyosa is easily accessible from Alicante airport in 40 minutes by car. All the more reason to anchor there for a night or a week…