Villajoyosa...
Villajoyosa or Villa Joiosa in Valenciana, simply means joyful town. This very popular Costa Blanca city is situated at the mouth of the River Sella and is the main town of the La Marina region. Locals say that it is close enough to Benidorm for convenience whilst being far enough away to avoid the disadvantages! In fact it is only 10 kilometres to Benidorm and the route is filled with olive, carob and almond tree, as well as a number of palms, pines and prickly pears. Whilst the area once had a considerable number of vines, these have now largely been replaced by tomato plantations.
As with many of the east coast towns, Villajoyosa suffered from attacks by the Barbary Coast Pirates. According to legend and possibly a little history, on the 29th of July 1538 36 boats carrying Algerians
arrived to ransack the town but the inhabitants were able to fight them off thanks to the intercession
of Saint Martha. Since that day, she has been the towns Patron Saint and the fact commemorated with regular
re-enactment of the landing of the Moors. Alphons Xlll granted city status to Villajoyosa in 1911.
As well as tourism, Villajoyosa is the home of fishermen and chocolate-makers, a strange combination but both of which are deeply rooted in the City's history. The original and older part of town has been declared an historic monument. There are still various bridges remaining from the time of the Romans.
Villajoyosa's church is a Gothic building with renaissance doorways, although these have been somewhat changed by Neo-classical alterations carried out in the 18th century. If history does not interest you then the beaches certainly will.
The nearest beach to the city centre is the Playa de la Vila and slightly further
can be found Paraiso. Both are excellent with little to choose between them. A little further and you will
find the Torre and Estudiantes Beaches. Whilst made up of pebbles, these are relatively small and smooth
and cause no discomfort when being walked upon. As with so many pebble beaches, the water which laps against
them is crystal clear.
Villajoyosa is popular with nationals from all parts of the European Union and other countries of the World as well. It is well represented with a healthy British and Irish expatriate population, some of whom have moved north from the Costa del Sol because of the lower property prices and what they perceive as a better, if not as hot, climate.
Learn the Language...
Learning to speak Spanish will give you tremendous advantages...
It will also give you pride and confidence so even before you get here try to
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Our useful links page carries a couple you might consider as a starting
point.
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