Sometimes referred to as Europe’s best hidden gem, Villajoyosa is an incredibly quiet town with a lot to offer for tourists looking for a fun getaway in Spain.
Translating to ‘The Joyful Town’, Villajoyosa is located in the Alicante region in the east of the country and has a population of just under 34,000.
One of the most distinctive elements of the town is the row of brightly coloured houses that can be found on the beach promenade.
Originally owned by fishermen, these narrow yet tall homes were painted in vibrant and contrasting colours so they could easily be identified after a long day’s work.
Today, they make for the perfect photo opportunity, particularly next to the white cliffs, sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
Travellers looking to learn a little bit about the past of Villajoyosa should also consider visiting the Valencian Chocolate Museum.
The attraction traces the history of producing chocolate in the area from the 1600s to today, showcasing their unique twist on the international treat.
Curiously, the museum is also home to a large library full of historical documents and photographs related to chocolate and cocoa.
Finally, for the truly adventurous, those visiting Villajoyosa can witness the remains of the Bou Ferrer, located around half a mile off the coast.
Named after the two divers who discovered it in 1999, the Bou Ferrer is the wreck of a Roman merchant ship that is around 2,000 years old.
Whilst companies offer diving tours to swim through the remains of the ship, more leisurely tourists can also visit a museum showcasing a number of items recovered from the ship.