Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa (Spanish: [ˌbiʎaxoˈʝosa]), or La Vila Joiosa (Valencian: [la ˈvila dʒoˈjoza]), is a coastal town and municipality in the Province of Alicante, Valencian Community, Spain, by the Mediterranean Sea. The town is known to the locals simply as La Vila.[2]

Villajoyosa
Municipality
Villajoyosa / La Vila Joiosa
Flag Coat of arms
Villajoyosa Location in Spain
Coordinates: 38°30′19″N 0°13′58″W
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Valencian Community
Province	Alicante
Comarca	Marina Baixa
Judicial district	Villajoyosa / La Vila Joiosa
Government
• Mayor	Jaime Lloret Lloret (PP)
Area
• Total	20.45 km2 (7.90 sq mi)
Elevation	27 m (89 ft)
Population  (2018)[1]
• Total	33,969
• Density	1,700/km2 (4,300/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	vilers, -res (va) vileros, -ras (es)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	03570
Official language(s)	Valencian
Website	Official website

It is the historic and administrative capital of the comarca of Marina Baixa and is located 32 km from the city of Alicante, in the coastal area known as Costa Blanca (White Coast). La Vila Joiosa literally means Joyful Town, although the inhabitants often abbreviate it to La Vila. It has over three kilometers of beaches, including La Platja Centre (Central Beach), close to the city centre. The river Amadorio runs through La Vila.

The area is famous for its chocolate industry and tourism. One of the most popular tourist attractions is its Gothic Catholic church of the Assumption, with a Baroque altar piece. Another popular destination, the Royal Palm Casino (formerly Casino Costa Blanca), is now closed. The town's festival of Moros i Cristians,[3] celebrated at the end of July, was declared an International Tourist Interest Festival. Currently, this festivity commemorates a boat landing from the Berber pirates that was rejected by the population of the town.[4]

Paradise Beach in Villajoyosa.