Villajoyosa, Alicante, Spain

Villajoyosa is a coastal town and municipality in the Province of Alicante, Valencian Community, Spain, by the Mediterranean Sea. The town is known to the locals simply as La Vila.
It is the historic and administrative capital of the comarca of Marina Baixa and is located 32 km from the city of Alicante, in the coastal area known as Costa Blanca (White Coast). La Vila Joiosa literally means Joyful Town, although the inhabitants often abbreviate it to La Vila. It has over three kilometers of beaches, including La Platja Centre (Central Beach), close to the city centre. The river Amadori runs through La Vila.
The area is famous for its chocolate industry and tourism. 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.

Villajoyosa's seafaring tradition is enhanced every year, towards the end of July, when Moors arrive by sea to fight the Christians.From Villajoyosa (La Vila Joiosa), the capital of the region of Marina Baixa, also known as "La Vila", we can see the peaks of the sierras of Aitana and Puig Campana, a natural barrier that shelters the region from northern winds, making the temperatures of this area very pleasant all year round.The walled historic quarter, next to the Amadorio river, has a gorgeous shore, lined with colourful houses, designed that way so that sailors could spot them from their ships. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de Asunción is a Gothic building that preserves an interesting Baroque reredos. In the afternoon, a visit to the port will provide the opportunity to experience the lively auctions of fish and seafood caught during the day. La Vila has three kilometres and a half worth of beaches, such as Centro, Paradís, and specially De Torres, with crystal waters, where we also find the archaeological sites of the tower of the Cross and the tower of Saint Joseph, the latter being popularly known as the tower of Hercules.The chocolate industry in Villajoyosa is as famous as it is ancient. The local factories gladly open their doors to travellers visiting the city.