Moraira

Moraira is a gem of a town just a short distance south of Javea on the coast of the central Costa Blanca and a 30 minute drive from Benidorm to the south. This old fishing town with the Mediterranean Sea stretched out at its feet and a beautiful mountain range covering its back maintains an average temperature of about 18 degrees. Thanks to its tourism, this town has known how to mix all the necessary and modern services into its typical fishing port ambience. Proof of this is the magnificent fish auction that is held from Tuesday to Sunday in the Lonja (public exchange market) right in the port area.

The Province of Alicante where Benidorm and Torrevieja are found is defined as having fine sandy beaches, rocky ones and mysterious coves and, these are some of the choices that the 8 kilometres of shore with the Blue Flag of the European Community can also offer you in Moraira. Either on foot or with small boats, this long stretch of beach area has crystal clear waters, restaurants right on the beach, parking areas, Red Cross services and showers.

Moraira Beaches

Platja de l'Ampolla is Moraira's only beach within comfortable walking distance of the centre lying just 500m from the fish market. Another more attractive option is Platja del Portet which is 1.5km north of the centre. This is the most chilled out spot you could ever wish for with golden sand, turquoise waters and a few little café bars overlooking the beach. For more extensive beaches it's only a short drive to Javea and Denia where some of Spain's finest beaches can be found. Beaches immediately south of Moraira are rocky rather than sandy but are excellent for snorkelling.

Moraira view overlooking El Portet Cove

Things to do

A great nearby cove with a lot of history is the one called the Portet. It was the place of shelter for Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Arab or privateer sailing or trading ships. Today its a well equipped zone for doing all kinds of nautical sports. And from there we can take a stroll to the watch out tower near the Cap d’Or ( the Golden Cape). This tower is on the most elevated part of the cape, overlooking the beach mentioned before. The Cova de les Cendres ( the Cendres Cove) is an Archaeological field from the Upper Palaeolithic times about 40 metres above sea level. In the near future there will be a museum near this cove with all the findings. The castle of Moraira was built in 1742 and there is a shield from the Royal Borbon family over the door way.

An interesting excursion from Moraira is to take one of the jet skis from the seafront between the fish market and Moraira castle and go on a tour of the coastline as far as Cabo de la Nao, a headland that offers fabulous views towards Javea. Jetski rental costs 120 Eur. for the hour or 70 Eur. for 30 minutes. The excursions are from 9am till 11am and then from 11.30am till 1.30pm.  To book in advance you can call 667 57 30 50 (they speak English).  If that's a bit pricey (or dangerous) for you then head to the Ermita de San Juan at El Portet and take one of the walks along the headland. The helpful tourist information on the outskirts of Moraira will give you a handy map of the area.

For shopaholics Moraira's weekly market takes place on Fridays and there's another one every Wednesday in nearby Teulada. Teulada is actually the old town of Moraira and is well worth a visit to see Santa Catalina Church and the Divina Pastora Chapel amongst others. You can also sample some of the regions wines at the San Vicente Ferrer wine cellar. The Moscatel Festival in early September is another good time for a tipple!

THE FUENTES DEL ALGAR
The Waterfalls of Algar are spectacular, and well worth a trip to see them. Set in a natural beauty spot among big mountains, 45 mins from Moraira on the road to Callosa from Taberna. There are many different walks you can do here, most taking you along paths that run beside the beautiful river as it comes tumbling down the mountains. Swim in the crystal clear rock pools and splash about under the waterfalls!

MORE THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND MORAIRA

For a whole list of activities, attractions and things to do visit Everything Moraira which has well written descriptions and information.