Is Villajoyosa a good place to live as an expat?

Yes — Villajoyosa has an established international community, English-speaking services, good healthcare access and the Costa Blanca's mild Mediterranean climate. Most expats find they're settled within their first three months.

How much does it cost to rent in Villajoyosa?

Long-term rentals typically start around €700–€900/month for a 2-bed apartment and €1,200–€2,500/month for a villa with a pool, depending on location and season. Holiday-let prices are 2–3× higher.

What's the nearest airport?

Alicante-Elche (ALC) is the main international airport for the Costa Blanca with direct flights to most major European cities. Valencia (VLC) and Murcia (RMU) are useful alternatives for the north and south.

Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Villajoyosa?

English is widely spoken in coastal expat hubs. To deal with admin (banks, town hall, healthcare) and to integrate properly, basic Spanish is a big help — and starting before you arrive pays off quickly.

Can I work remotely from Villajoyosa?

Yes. Internet is generally fast (fibre is widespread), and the Digital Nomad Visa now makes it straightforward for non-EU remote workers to live in Spain legally for up to five years.

Moving to Central Costa Blanca

Moving to Villajoyosa

The chocolate capital with rainbow-coloured fishermen's houses

Villajoyosa (La Vila Joiosa) is a working Mediterranean fishing town famous for two things: the row of brightly painted houses lining its seafront — historically used by fishermen to spot their homes from out at sea — and its 300-year-old chocolate industry, anchored by the Valor factory and museum. Just south of Benidorm, it offers authentic Spanish coastal life with a Blue Flag beach, a real port and prices well below its glamorous neighbour.

Population

≈ 35,000

Climate

Mediterranean · 320 days of sun · avg 19°C

Airport

Alicante–Elche (ALC) — 45 km

Known for

Coloured houses, chocolate, fishing port, Hospital Marina Baixa

Property prices in Villajoyosa

Coloured fishermen's houses in the old town (mostly reform projects), modern apartments along the seafront and at Playa Paraíso, and villas in the hillside urbanisations of Cala de Finestrat fringe and Montíboli.

Property type	Typical price range	Rental (per month)
Old-town houses	€120–250k (reform)	€900 – €1,800
Seafront apartments	€180–450k	€700 – €1,400
Villas	€400k–1.5M+	€1,500 – €4,500+

Strong long-let demand from hospital staff and locals; growing short-let market on the beachfront.

Best areas to live

Walk-to-everything

Town centre

Apartments and townhouses with all daily amenities on foot.

Villa & holiday living

Coastal urbanisations

Detached homes with pools, sea views and easy beach access.

Space & nature

Inland villas

Larger plots, mountain views and excellent value for money.

Schools & education

Public and concertado schools in town; international schools (Lady Elizabeth, Sierra Bernia) within 15–25 minutes by car or TRAM.

Healthcare

Hospital Marina Baixa — the main public hospital for the entire northern Costa Blanca — sits on the edge of town, making Villajoyosa one of the best-served towns for healthcare access.

Getting around & transport

TRAM line 1 (Alicante–Benidorm–Dénia) stops in the town centre; AP-7 motorway 5 minutes; Alicante airport 30 minutes by car.

Safety

Very safe — a tight working town with a strong local identity.

Pros & cons of moving to Villajoyosa

Pros

Villajoyosa has a strong, year-round expat community
Mediterranean climate with 300+ days of sunshine
Established international community and English-speaking services
Excellent public and private healthcare access
Strong food culture, beaches and outdoor lifestyle
Direct flights to most major European cities from ALC
Property still good value compared to the French or Italian coast

Cons

Long-term rentals can be tight in peak summer
Spanish bureaucracy (NIE, residency, taxes) takes patience
Some coastal areas feel touristy in July–August
Spanish is essential for serious inland integration

Who Villajoyosa suits best

Buyers wanting authentic Spain near Benidorm prices
Families using the TRAM and Hospital Marina Baixa
Foodies and chocolate lovers
Long-let investors targeting hospital staff and locals

Want the full lifestyle deep-dive? See our Villajoyosa town guide for beaches, restaurants, things to do and events.