Famous for its colourful seafront houses, La Vila Joiosa is a charming coastal town on the Costa Blanca. It is also known for its chocolate-making tradition and festivals, making it a popular tourist destination.

• What to do in La Vila Joiosa
  • Museos
    • Vilamuseu
    • La Barbera dels Aragonés
  • Theatres
  • Hiking
    • Volta del Cantal
  • The Old Bridge and The Cases Penjants
  • Fiestas
    • Carta Pobla
    • Virgen de Tíscar
    • San Juan
    • Virgen del Carmen
    • Moros y Cristianos
    • San Miguel
• Where to Eat in La Vila Joiosa
• Where to Stay in La Vila Joiosa
• The Surrounding Area
  • Benidorm
  • Campello

What to do in La Vila Joiosa

Museos

Vilamuseu

The Vilamuseu has been curated with the goal of being the most accessible museum in Europe.

Its collection spans local history and ethnography, alongside exhibits featuring artifacts from as far as Japan. Visitors can explore a diverse range of antiquities, including ceramics, textiles, and furniture.

The museum also hosts exhibitions and organises historical re-enactments throughout the year.

La Barbera dels Aragonés

Built in the late 16th century La Barbera dels Aragonés belonged to the Aragonés family, who played an important role in politics until the 19th Century.

In 1992 the house became municipal property and converted into a museum displaying centuries-old furniture and 19th-century household items, providing insight into daily life of the era.

The estate also features a large garden and an outdoor auditorium.

Theatres

In addition to the auditorium at La Barbera dels Aragonés, Vila Joiosa has two other cultural spaces:

• Auditori La Vila Joiosa
• Auditorio Centro Social

The Auditori La Vila Joiosa also serves as the town’s cultural centre, hosting a variety of events throughout the year, including Teatre i Carrer, a festival where performances take place in the streets and plazas of the town.

Hiking

Volta del Cantal

This scenic mountainous hiking route leads to the historical border between the old kingdoms of Aragon and Castilla.

The FEMECV list the route, pr-cv 437 as lacking quality control.

Also, sources disagree on the total distance—FEMECV states it is 25km, whereas Vilamuseu records it as 19km.

Given the disparity of information, be sure to take all necessary precautions and consult local guides or hiking groups before setting out.

The Old Bridge and The Cases Penjants

Vila Joiosa is home to a variety of sites of historical and cultural interest.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to take a break, the 18th-century bridge connecting the Casco Antiguo and Poble Nou neighbourhoods is a great option.

Besides the river there are natural spaces, with a park for children as well as the famous Cases Penjants - houses that overhang the river - and the old mill of La Llobeta.

Fiestas

Carta Pobla

The Carta Pobla is medieval themed fiesta that celebrates the founding of Vila Joiosa

Although the town was founded on the 8th of March, a historical error transcribing the manuscript caused confusion, resulting in the festival being celebrated in May.

The event is remembered with various medieval performances, such as music and dance, and a medieval market.

Virgen de Tíscar

A tradition brought to Vila Joiosa over 30 years ago by natives of Quesada in Andalucia, this festival honours the Virgen de Tíscar.

The celebrations, occurring on the second weekend of June, feature music, dancing, a beer festival, tapas, concerts, and fireworks, making it a lively and festive occasion.

San Juan

On the shortest night of the year, the 23rd of June Vila Joiosa honours San Juan.

In the afternoon the residents begin to gather on the beach, bringing with them delicious traditional dishes for an outdoor feast.

Throughout the day there a variety of activities for the whole family

At midnight, many take part in the tradition of jumping seven waves and making a wish, believed to bring good luck.

Virgen del Carmen

On the 16th of July, La Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of the sea, sailors and fishermen, is honoured in a maritime pilgrimage.

The image of La Virgen is carried on a boat through the bay of la Vila Joiosa, where it is joined by other vessels decorated for the festival.

Moros y Cristianos

From the 24th to the 31st of July, Vila Joiosa celebrates one of the most famous Moros y Cristianos festivals in Spain.

Honouring their Patron Saint, Santa Marta, the celebration is filled with parades, historical battle re-enactments, live music, and fireworks, making it one of the highlights of the year.

San Miguel

On the weekend closest to the 29th of September, the residents of Vila Joiosa celebrate their oldest fiesta, with a program filled with entertainment.

The festival features fireworks, processions and concerts as well as a Vaqueta every evening in the bullring

Also les tapetes dels reis is an enormous event where over 15,000 tapas are served in order to raise funds for celebrations the following year.

Where to Eat in La Vila Joiosa

There are many great places to dine in Vila Joiosa with restaurants offering dishes from all over Spain and beyond.

Some of the most popular choices include:

• t-class - offering dishes inspired by global cuisines, from hawaii to morocco to vietnam
• El Nautic - a popular choice for events, providing delicious Mediterranean food.

Where to Stay in La Vila Joiosa

Being a well-known tourist destination, Vila Joiosa is naturally home to many great hotels.

Just a couple of the most popular accomodation options include:

• Hostal Rosa - A cosy, family-run guesthouse.
• Monti Boli - A seaside luxury hotel with stunning coastal views.

The Surrounding Area

Benidorm

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, as well as its sunniest, in Benidorm you can expect the bustling energy of a major city alongside the pristine Mediterranean waters.

Campello

Situated between Alicante and Benidorm, El Campello offers golden beaches and a rich seafaring heritage. It is more relaxed than its larger neighbours, but remains popular with tourists looking to enjoy the Mediterranean at a slower pace.