Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa or in it’s Valencian form, “La Vila Joiosa” meaning the “joyful town.” It is situated at the mouth of the River Sella and is the chief town of the beautiful La Marina region. It is more popularly known for its stunning beaches such as the Playa de la Vila, the Paraiso and the pebbly Tome and Estudiantes beaches. If you are visiting Villajoyosa however, the town offers more than sea, sand and shingles. If you visit the old part of thee town there are historic monuments and bridges and the famous San Jose tower. This is the old parish church which is Gothic in appearance and fronted by a fabulous Renaissance doorway. It boasts a baroque high Altar and situated nearby is a museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, which offers a history of the Iberian cultures through to a study off the local history of the town chronicling its fishing industry.

Chocolate factories and museums in Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa is famous for its production of one of life’s greatest pleasures- chocolate.

If you are a fan of chocolate visit the Valor chocolate factory and museum. Not only have you the chance to buy lots of chocolate but you can experience a history lesson as the business is now celebrating its 125th anniversary. The business was started in 1891 by Don Valeriano Lopez Lloret and the museum houses all the machinery involved in the process of making chocolate from the nineteenth century right up until the present day with a chance to tour the factory and taste lots of lovely chocolate. Guided tours are available

The business is still a successful family concern and the Valor name is synonymous with the high quality of their many chocolate products and you are sure to leave with an armful of goodies. Just be mindful of the hot weather and bring a cool box to store your chocolate on the way home!

Terra Natura

Terra Natura theme park is located near Benidorm and guarantees a day of fun, entertainment and education for all ages. It is a micro world containing the three lands of America, Asia and Europe. As you travel through the lands you will witness a native experience as each land contains the flora and fauna, the architecture, the local crafts, the gastronomy and the culture and customs of each area. Also you can witness eco-systems that have been realistically recreated. The park contains over 1, 500 animals from each of the featured continent, and one of the best things to do here, if you are up for it, is to zip wire across a field of elephants. Amazing! Or if you are really brave, take the opportunity to swim amongst sharks and rays (don’t forget to bring a swimsuit!) If you want to swim in a safer environment there is also a water park which is a welcome relief as the weather heats up. The cost of entrance is a further 6 euros per person on top of the admission prices. After you have worked up an appetite you can enjoy lunch at one of the parks themed restaurants sampling the gastronomy of Greece or the cuisine of China, or whatever tickles your fancy.

Admission into Terra Natura is 21euros for adults and 16 euros for children aged between 4 and 12 and for senior citizens. You can find Terra Natura easily as if approaching Benidorm it is exits 65 and 65a on the A-7. It can also be accessed via the N332, n340 and N330 approaching Benidorm and is well signposted.