It is almost a shame to write it, because its relative “secret” status is one of its virtues, but the charm of La Vila Joiosa is difficult to go unnoticed when so many traveling eyes are landing on the Costa Blanca these days.

Among them, those of the editors of the European Best Destinations website, who have chosen it to head their list of “best hidden gems.” The authors interpret that La Vila Joiosa, or Villajoyosa, means “The city of jewels” -perhaps to underline the play on words- and they highlight that the joyful seaside town is a gem that, “protected from the fresh north winds by the summits of the Sierras de Aitana, enjoy a pleasant microclimate and temperature all year round”.

Beyond the colorful houses on its coastal façade, which according to the most widespread and, undoubtedly, most literary theory, were painted by the fishermen in different and vivid shades so that they could be recognized from a distance upon their return, the town is much more more than a picturesque corner to photograph (or where to be photographed, obsessive Instagrammers).

The uninformed tourist may think that La Vila is a kind of appendix to which they can dedicate just a detour on the route between Alicante and Benidorm, but it is not at all; It has all the necessary ingredients to not leave the municipality at least for a long weekend.

To begin with, it can boast nine beaches on its fifteen kilometers of coastline that show some of the most beautiful places in the province of Alicante. For the most comfortable, Centro beach offers a large expanse of fine sand along 1,380 meters and 30 meters wide in the heart of the city, but it would be unforgivable not to follow the extraordinary coastal path and stop at one of its Edenic water coves. turquoise surrounded by vegetation: Els Estudiantes, Paradís, Bol Nou, Cala Xarco, Racó del Conill…

As an important fishing port, with a fleet made up of almost 40 fishing boats, 29 trawlers and trawler boats that fish in the waters of its bay and in the Balearic Islands, La Vila has a very active fish market from 5 p.m. where only wholesalers and restaurateurs can buy, but which can be visited in groups upon request to the local Brotherhood.

The show is interesting, but it is even more interesting to find a table where you can taste the fresh fish and seafood that, along with the unquestionable rice, make up the menus of their restaurants. Gastronomy does not require leaving the town either, although the star chefs of nearby Calp or the charming terraces of white Altea are powerful competition. Just in front of the Lonja Vilera is Ca Marta; with views of the port, the classic Hogar del Pescador, or the elegant Restó René, which from Monday to Friday has a more affordable daily menu.

For accommodation, the experts at Best European Destinations have chosen the obvious Montíboli, a Servigroup hotel that boasts two outdoor pools with stunning views of the Mediterranean; one of those places that you leave promising to return. It has a good restaurant and has direct access to the coves of L’Esparrelló and La Caleta, which are public, like all of them in Spain, but they are not usually very busy, except on the dates and times when everything is.