Zenith Concierge
Buyer-side property advisory in Spain for buyers from abroad. We work only for the buyer, never the seller. Published fees.
Property
Villajoyosa
The Costa Blanca's most colourful town — a historic fishing village famous for chocolate, painted houses and a relaxed seaside pace.
Suited to: Families · Retirees · Second-home owners · Remote workers · Budget buyers
- Costa
- Costa Blanca
- Province
- Alicante
- Population
- ~37,449
- British Community
- ~400
- Airport
- Alicante–Elche
- ~55 km
- Train
- TRAM light rail to Alicante and Dénia
Updated 12 Oct 2026 · Facts checked against INE and the padrón · How we check
Decide
Is Villajoyosa right for you?
Who it suits
- RetireesExcellent
Relaxed pace, flat promenade for walking, good local shops, established but not overwhelming foreign community.
- FamiliesGood
Safe beaches, local schools, family-friendly atmosphere, TRAM access to Alicante.
- Second-home ownersGood
Strong summer rental demand, property more affordable than Altea or Moraira, good transport links.
- Food and culture loversGood
Valor chocolate museum, active fishing fleet, local gastronomy, Valencian traditions intact.
- Remote workersModerate
Good broadband, quieter than Benidorm, but fewer co-working spaces than larger cities.
Costs
What it costs in Villajoyosa
Typical figures, each with its source and date. Prices move, so check before you commit.
- Typical rent
- ~€890 a month
- 70 m² flat, Alicante province average (€12.7/m²)
- Source: idealista, September 2026
Guides
The Villajoyosa guides
The place
About Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa — "la Vila" to locals — is a working fishing town turned sought-after coastal residence. Famous for its row of brightly painted fishermen's houses along the riverfront, it sits between Benidorm and Alicante, offering a lower-key alternative to both.
The town is also the historic home of Valor chocolate, Spain's most famous chocolate maker, whose factory and museum continue to be a local landmark. The fishing fleet still lands its catch at the harbour, and the daily fish market is a fixture of local life.
For British relocation planners, Villajoyosa offers genuine Spanish character with growing foreign infrastructure. Property is mid-range by Costa Blanca standards, beaches are wide and sandy, and the TRAM connects you to Alicante city in under an hour. It suits those who want proximity to Benidorm and Alicante without living in either.
Practicalities
Practicalities
Getting there
- Coastal town in central Alicante province (Marina Baixa), between Benidorm (north) and Alicante (south).
- Approximately 35 km northeast of Alicante city and 15 km south of Benidorm.
- Alicante–Elche Airport: ~55 km (40 min drive). Valencia Airport: ~160 km.
- TRAM: Line 1 to Alicante and Benidorm; change at Benidorm for Line 9 to Dénia.
- Road: N-332 and AP-7 motorway.
First admin steps
- Padrón: Register at Villajoyosa town hall (Ayuntamiento).
- NIE/TIE: National Police in Alicante or Benidorm.
- Healthcare: Register at local health centre after padrón.
- Tourist rental: VT licence required under Valencian law.
- Language: Spanish and Valencian in administration. English increasingly spoken in commercial settings.
Not sure which visa or residency route fits? Compare the routes for British movers
Map
Villajoyosa on the map
Pins show the town, its nearest airport and the towns nearby. Positions are approximate.
Stay
Where to stay in Villajoyosa
Hotels, apartments and holiday lets for a scouting trip, with live prices. Zoom out to see the towns nearby.
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Get help
Get help in Villajoyosa
English-speaking businesses and the offices you will deal with.
Local businesses
Featured listings are paid placements.
Town finder
Not sure Villajoyosa is the one?
Answer three questions to see how Villajoyosa fits, and which towns to look at as well.
Questions
Villajoyosa: common questions
Is Villajoyosa a good place to retire from the UK?
Excellent. Relaxed pace, flat promenade for walking, good local shops, established but not overwhelming foreign community.
Is Villajoyosa good for families?
Good. Safe beaches, local schools, family-friendly atmosphere, TRAM access to Alicante.
Which airport is closest to Villajoyosa?
Alicante–Elche (~55 km); Valencia (~160 km)
Can you get to Villajoyosa by train?
TRAM light rail to Alicante and Dénia. Line 9 serves the town.
How big is the British community in Villajoyosa?
~400
How do I register on the padrón in Villajoyosa?
Register at Villajoyosa town hall (Ayuntamiento).
Compare
Compare Villajoyosa
Nearby towns
Benidorm
~15 km north · Full services, nightlife, international schools, hospital. High-rise tourism hub.
Alicante
~35 km south · Provincial capital, airport, full services, university, high-speed train.
Altea
~20 km north · Whitewashed old town, artistic community, more upscale. Higher prices.
El Campello
~20 km south · Similar coastal town, marina, slightly larger, more developed.
Last updated: 12 Oct 2026