Private transfer from Alicante Airport to Villajoyosa

Colourful houses on the town wall. The wall along the Amadorio river was built in the 16th century, after Berber pirates destroyed the town and its church in 1543. By the end of the 18th century Algerian corsairs had stopped raiding the coast, and residents began building houses right on top of the wall. The houses are best seen from the road bridge and from the south bank by the mouth of the river. A park runs along the Amadorio, so go down to the water: from below you can see the houses above the drop in full.

The fortress church of the Assumption in the old town. The whole old town of Villajoyosa is protected as a site of cultural interest, and the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption rises above it. It is one of three fortress churches in the province of Alicante. The church is Gothic, and a Baroque altarpiece has survived inside.

Three chocolate factories welcome visitors. Chocolate has been made in the town since the 19th century: in the 18th and 19th centuries ships brought cocoa from the Americas to the local port. Since then more than seventy brands have come and gone here, and today three factories are working, Valor, Clavileño and Pérez, each with its own museum and shop. The Valor museum opened in 1998; its tours are led by a guide and last 45 minutes. On weekdays groups go in during the morning and the afternoon, on Saturdays only in the morning and with online booking, and on Sundays and public holidays the museum is closed.

Centre beach, 1,380 metres long. The main beach lies by the old town. It is sandy and has a separate area for people with reduced mobility. Paradís beach is a little shorter, 1,060 m, with shingle and sand. The small Bol Nou cove is only 220 m long, but lifeguards are on duty there. Dogs are not allowed on most beaches, so if you have come with a dog, head for Xarco beach: at its right-hand end there is an area set aside for them, Playa Can.

Vilamuseu on Calle Colón. The Vilamuseu network brings together the town's museums and monuments, and its main building at Calle Colón 57 covers archaeology, ethnography, the history of Villajoyosa and contemporary art. An adult ticket costs €3, and entry is free on Sundays. From 16 September to 15 June the museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00 and on Sundays and public holidays until 14:00; it is closed on Mondays.

The Moorish landing at dawn on 28 July. From 24 to 31 July the town celebrates Moros i Cristians in honour of its patron saint, Santa Marta, and the festival has been declared of International Tourist Interest. There are 22 comparsas taking part, 11 Moorish and 11 Christian. The Moorish landing is staged at dawn on 28 July: at about five in the morning spectators gather on the beach, the Moors approach the shore in more than 30 boats, and the Christians prepare their defence. If you are coming for the festival, book your accommodation and transfer early.