Villajoyosa or La Vila Joiosa in Valencian  is a city on the Costa Blanca between El Campello and Benidorm.

Once fishing was important but presently the locals are thriving on the chocolate industry and tourism.

 

Villajoyosa  has a long history starting in the Bronze Age. Later came Iberians, Greek, Phoenicians. Romans and Moors.

Ruins found nearby are believed to be from the Roman settlement Alonis.

 

In the 16th century European coasts were terrorised  by Barbary Pirates looking for plunder and slaves. Watchtowers sprung up along Spain's eastern coast and towns hid behind defensive walls.

When the danger faded and populations grew, most of these walls were torn down again but Villajoyosa still has some left.

 

The city's old quarter is known for its narrow medieval streets and the colorful houses sitting on top of the old walls.

 

Each year in July the Moros y Cristianos festival commemorates and reenact  the Barbary pirate attack of 1528.

 

We visited La Vila Joiosa on a sunny day in November 2017.