Is Villajoyosa cheaper than Benidorm?

Property is broadly similar, but rents and dining are noticeably cheaper — the town runs on locals, not tourists. Expect 15–25% less on the weekly shop and menú del día.

No. TRAM Line 1 reaches Alicante airport (via El Campello/Luceros transfer) in about 1 hour and Benidorm in 15 minutes. Most daily life is walkable in the old town and seafront.

How big is the expat community?

Modest — a few hundred Brits, Belgians and Dutch. Bigger Norwegian and Belgian communities live 10 minutes up the coast in Albir/Alfaz, easily reached by tram.

What's the beach like year-round?

Playa Centro is sandy, Blue Flag and swimmable May–October. Winter walks on the painted promenade are a daily ritual.

Is it good for non-Spanish speakers?

You'll get by, but learning conversational Spanish pays back faster here than in Altea or Jávea.

Retirement town

Retiring in Villajoyosa (La Vila Joiosa)

A working Valencian fishing town with a candy-coloured old quarter, a 3 km town beach and prices 25–35% below neighbouring Benidorm. Villajoyosa suits retirees who want authentic Spanish daily life, a tram into Alicante and a tighter budget than the Marina Alta.

Last updated 15 June 2026

Why retirees pick Villajoyosa

✦Authentic Valencian town — daily market, lonja (fish auction), Spanish-speaking neighbours
✦TRAM Line 1 to Alicante and Benidorm — no car needed for hospitals or the airport
✦Playa Centro: 3 km Blue Flag sand right in front of the old town
✦Valor chocolate factory, Moros y Cristianos in July, and an active senior calendar
✦Property 25–35% cheaper than Altea or Moraira for similar sea proximity

Monthly cost of living — couple, 2-bed apartment near the beach

Item	Comfortable (€/mo)	Notes
Rent (2-bed, sea view)	850–1,200	Long-let, outside July/August
Mortgage (€220k, 20y)	1,050	If buying instead
Community fees	60–140	Lower than urbanisations
Utilities + internet	150–200	Mild winters keep heating low
Groceries (Mercadona + market)	450–550	Local fish is excellent value
Private health insurance (couple 65+)	250–340	Sanitas/DKV; waived if S1
Eating out + leisure	300–450	Menú del día €13–16
Car (optional)	180–250	TRAM removes the need
Total	€2,250–€3,100	All-in

Where to live

✦Casco Antiguo — the painted old town, narrow streets, walk to everything (no parking)
✦Playa Centro / Paseo Marítimo — modern blocks on the beach, lift, sea views
✦Playa Paraíso & Bon Nou — quieter beach urbanisations 5 min north
✦Cala de Finestrat — newer apartments, gated, golf and Mercadona walking distance
✦Plans Mar Menor / Montíboli — hillside villas with cove views, car essential

Healthcare

Centro de Salud Villajoyosa I and II cover the town. The Hospital Marina Baixa (10 minutes on the TRAM in La Cala de Villajoyosa) is the regional public hospital with full A&E and most specialities. Private options include Clínica Benidorm and IMED Levante, both 15–20 minutes away.