Moraira: A Destination for Beautiful Villas and Beaches

 Moraira is a small pretty town along the Costa Blanca, midway between Alicante 80 kilometers (km) to its south and Valencia 108 km to its north. Barcelona is 438 km to the north. It remains one of the most unspoilt resorts on the Costa Blanca, with 8 km of beautiful coastline backed by mountains and devoid of high-rise buildings. There is a high proportion of expats living there from Northern Europe, and the area is very popular with retirees.

Well known by visitors, not just for its beauty, but for the beautiful villas that are dotted around the pine-clad hillsides, as well as the restaurant scene. If you're planning to stay in the area or other places along the Costa-Blanca, then do research and plan your trip, in order to make the most of it.

The town has developed over the years from a small sleepy fishing port to a quality tourist area, for which there are plenty of things to do, from lazing on the beach or poolside at your villa to water sports.

Here are the 5 most essential things to do.

1) Well known for its beaches, so if you're planning a stay then you'll probably visit the principle beach of Playa l'Ampolla, which is located next to the fortress. The second local beach is at El Portet, located on the north side of the marina. Both are Blue Flag beaches and un-crowded at peak times, cleaned daily and are safe places for families and their children. If you take a kayak from the beach then you'll discover some glorious sandy coves very close by, which you'll probably have to yourself, so don't forget the picnic, water and sun cream.

2) There are plenty of things which you can do in the area whilst on holiday, for which activities include go-karting, fishing, golf, tennis, squash, as well as all other water sports including skiing, scuba diving and snorkeling.

3) The town and the surrounding areas are known for great restaurants, for which all serve local fish and delicious paella. Varieties of other cuisines are also available and include English, Italian, Mexican, Greek, Moroccan, Indian, Chinese and Thai. So you're sure to find something to tempt you.

4) The Moors and Christians' fiesta is the most famous festival and takes place on the 3rd weekend of June in each year. The Moors and Christians' fiesta celebrates the banishing of the Moors from Valencia by the Christians. Local people dress up in their finest costumes and parade through the streets to the music of local bands. It is very much a party atmosphere and enjoyed by locals and visitors, capped off by a stunning firework display.

Additional fiestas include the Patron Saint is San Vincente Ferrer, for which there is a programme including a mix of religious acts, musical performances, running of the bulls, mascletas, carnival parade, giant paella and of course fireworks. This celebration is held on the first Monday following Easter.

Following the sweet moscatel grape harvest is the Fiesta del Moscatel. The harvest celebration is held in Teulada, which is the local governing body of Moraira and just 3 km away. If you enjoy your pudding wine, or just wish to be part of the festival fun, then this celebration takes place on the first Saturday in September.

Then finally the fiesta of Santa Catalina, which is another local festival held in Teulada on the 25th November. This particular festival includes a parade, children's fun fair, concert and outdoor dancing, as well as a firework display, so it's great for all the family to enjoy.

5) Apart from meandering around the pretty cobbled streets of the respective towns, there are plenty of other places in the area to discover and include Javea old town, the old port, as well as the beach area itself. The surrounding towns of Denia, Calpe, Benissa and the Jalon Valley are just a 15 minute drive away and all have something to offer the visitor. Get to enjoy and explore this beautiful area independently by renting a car and an affordable luxury villa.