Charming apartment in the old town
The apartment, which was sympathetically refurbished in 2006, is on the third floor (top) of an 19th century town house in the heart of the historic old town of Villajoyosa (joyful town).
The living area completely opens out onto a sunny terrace which overlooks the rooftops of the old town down towards the mediterranean sea.
The apartment has one twin bed bedroom with ample wardrobe and storage space, a modern bathroom with a washing machine and shower, a beamed living area with a modern fully equipped American-style kitchen and a sunny terrace with patio furniture, sun umbrella and a small utility room.
Smoking is OK if it is outside on the terrace.
The best kept secret on the Costa Blanca
Villajoyosa which dates back over 700 years is a working town and the sea has played a vital role in its history and culture. Fishing boats return to the port in the afternoon and there is also a marina.
The distinctive, brightly painted facades of the houses in the old town were designed to guide weary fishermen home from afar, and the daily afternoon fish market is a delight.
A colourful history saw the Romans first settle here, and the old town, built on top of an ancient castle, with its ancient bridges and gothic church has been declared a historic site. Cool narrow cobbled pedestrianised streets lead from flower-adorned balconies to the mediterranean sea.
The town is famous for its mouthwatering locally made Valor chocolate factory from which chocolate is exported around the world.
The scenery is stunning, with a mountainous backdrop and surrounding citrus plantations giving way to assorted coves and secluded beaches.
The town is especially popular with the Spanish during the summer months for its tranquillity, beautiful walks, marina/port, restaurants and parks together with its kilometres of golden sandy beaches.
Although only 7 kilometres south of the tourist restort of Benidorm, Villajoyosa is a world apart with no high-rise hotels or package holidays. It has a small expat community mainly from Norway, the UK and France.
During the summer months the old town comes into its own with many local festivals and events culminating in the week long re-enactment of the battle between the Moors and Christians during the last week in July. Out of season the weather is mild, an average of 19 degrees and 300 days of sunshine per year.
What to do
Apart from enjoying the town itself, it is in easy reach of both Alicante, Campello, Benidorm, Altea, and Denia. A half-hourly tram runs along the coast from Alicante to Denia and there is also a local bus service.
Also in easy reach are the theme parks of Terra Mitica, Aqualandia, Terra Natura and Mundomar.
The town has a central tourist office which offers a wide range of information, including local maps, day trips, and monthly information on cultural events and festivals.