Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish

La Vila Joiosa / Villajoyosa , which means the Joyful Town in Valencian, has been named Europe's best-kept secret 2024 by a group of travel experts by the travel website European Best Destinations. It won because thanks to its colourful beachfront properties and its five beautiful blue flag beaches.
Nestled between Alicante and Benidorm the town's origins are believed to date back to the Greek colonies. La Vila Joiosa became a prosperous fishing port during the 18th century, with fisherman painting their beachfront properties in bright colours, so they can be easily spotted at sea.
Because of its historic roots, the town's centre was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. The area is also famous for its chocolate industry and tourism because Spain's famous Valour chocolate factory and museum is based there.
One of the most popular tourist attractions is its Gothic Catholic church of the Assumption, with a Baroque altar piece. Another popular destination, the Royal Palm Casino (formerly Casino Costa Blanca), is now closed. The town's festival of Moros i Cristians, celebrated at the end of July, was declared an International Tourist Interest Festival. Currently, this festivity commemorates a boat landing from the Berber pirates that was repelled by the population of the town.
The town is protected from the cool north winds by Sierra de Aitana (a Spanish mountain), which means Villajoyosa enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, including highs of 32C in the summer.
The town is known locally simply as La Vila.
Overview
This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:
Weekly markets and street trading
Live music in bars and small venues
Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)
Small cultural events and exhibitions
Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm
BENIDORM – Events and Activity
Markets and street life
Cultural activity
Nightlife and entertainment
Overall feel
Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.
ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere
Live music
Sea activities
Overall feel
Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.
ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity
Markets
Live music
Cultural venues
Overall feel
Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.
LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus
Markets
Sports activity
Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events
Overall feel
Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.
FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle
Markets
Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods
Beachfront activity
Entertainment
Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events
Overall feel
Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.
OVERALL SUMMARY
Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment
Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed
Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life
La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused
Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

Local & Spanish


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