Villajoyosa and Altea: A Tour of Chocolate, History, and Charm

If you’re planning a trip to the Costa Blanca and looking for a mix of indulgence, history, and beautiful scenery, this tour offers an intriguing taste of both Villajoyosa and Altea. While it’s not a full-day adventure, the 5-hour experience packs in enough flavor to make it worth considering—especially if you love charming villages, local treats, and panoramic views.

What really stands out for us are the colorful houses of Villajoyosa and the stunning blue dome of Altea’s church. Both towns have their own personality—Villajoyosa with its vibrant, seaside charm, and Altea with its artsy, bohemian vibe. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite structured and doesn’t leave much room for wandering freely, so if you’re after a more leisurely, unstructured day, this might feel a bit rushed.

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy a bit of everything—local flavors, history, and picture-perfect scenery. It’s particularly ideal if you’re curious about Spanish traditions, love chocolate, or simply want to experience the Costa Blanca’s coastal beauty without spending the whole day on the road.

Key Points

• Vibrant Villajoyosa is famous for its multi-colored houses and chocolate tradition.
• The chocolate tasting at Chocolates Pérez offers a chance to learn about local craftsmanship.
• Altea’s picturesque streets and blue-domed church provide a serene and scenic backdrop.
• The tour offers professional guides and transportation between towns.
• It’s a private group experience, which means more personalized attention.
• The price reflects the convenience of transportation and guided insights, making it a solid value for a half-day tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup options at four different locations: Calp, Benidorm, Altea, and L’Albir. This flexibility is helpful if you’re staying in the area; it means you don’t have to go out of your way to meet somewhere far. The transport is included, which is a big plus—especially considering the roughly 30-minute drive between Villajoyosa and Altea. The van ride is comfortable and offers a chance to relax before jumping into sightseeing.

Villajoyosa: The Chocolate and Colorful Houses

Our first stop is Villajoyosa, a town that oozes seaside charm. Famous for its long tradition in chocolate-making, the visit includes a tour and tasting at Chocolates Pérez, a well-known local brand. Here, you’ll get to see the craftsmanship behind Spain’s beloved sweet treats and savor different varieties, experiencing the rich aromas and flavors firsthand.

The highlight for many visitors is the vivid, multi-colored houses that line the seaside streets. These buildings give Villajoyosa a joyful, almost candy-like appearance that’s perfect for photos. As one reviewer pointed out, “The streets are bursting with color, and you can’t help but smile at the cheerful facades.”

You’ll also learn about the town’s Moors and Christians festival, which is a significant tradition here. It’s fascinating to see how local history is celebrated through this lively spectacle, deeply rooted in the community’s identity.

Altea: The Artists’ Village

After about an hour exploring Villajoyosa, we head to Altea. This town has long been a magnet for artists, writers, and anyone seeking a peaceful, inspiring environment. Its cobbled streets are lined with galleries, craft shops, and whitewashed houses that look like they’ve been plucked from a postcard.

The church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo is the visual star of Altea, with its unmistakable blue-tiled dome. It’s a beautiful focal point that catches your eye from many vantage points around town, and the views from nearby viewpoints are spectacular—perfect for a few memorable photos.

One reviewer noted, “The atmosphere in Altea is simply relaxing; you can feel the creativity that has always flowed here.” It’s easy to see why artists have been drawn to this town for decades, thanks to its natural light and charming streets.

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The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes a professional guide who shares insights into both towns’ history and culture, making the experience more engaging. Transportation is covered, which saves you the hassle of figuring out local buses or driving yourself.

The chocolate tasting at Chocolates Pérez is part of the experience—an ideal way to indulge while learning about the local tradition. However, the tour does not include meals or drinks beyond the tasting, so plan accordingly if you want to grab a meal afterward.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience suits travelers who want a mix of culinary treats, scenic beauty, and cultural insights without the time commitment of a full-day trip. It’s perfect for those with limited time but eager to see some of the Costa Blanca’s most charming spots. It’s also a good choice for anyone who appreciates art, history, and good food, especially if you’re traveling in a small group or with a partner.

The Overall Value

At $352 for up to 8 people, the price is reasonable considering the inclusions—transportation, a guide, and the chocolate tasting. If you’re someone who appreciates quality over quantity and prefers curated experiences, this tour offers a smooth, enjoyable way to get a taste of Spain’s local flavor and scenery.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this tour offers a delightful blend of visual delights, sweet indulgence, and cultural insights in just a few hours. The stops are well-curated, giving you enough time to enjoy each without feeling rushed. We loved the vibrant colors of Villajoyosa and the tranquil beauty of Altea’s streets and views—both towns are distinct yet complementary.

While it’s a relatively short tour, the highlights—like the chocolate tasting and the blue-domed church—leave a lasting impression. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic experience that combines local traditions with stunning scenery, this could be a wonderful addition to your Costa Blanca itinerary.

That said, if you’re looking for a more spontaneous, wandering kind of day, this might feel a little structured. Also, it’s not a full-day tour, so if you want to explore more deeply or linger longer in either town, you might want to plan additional time on your own.

In short, for travelers seeking a taste of Spain’s coastal beauty, culinary traditions, and artistic spirit, this trip hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, including travel time and visits to both Villajoyosa and Altea.

What is included in the price?
You get a professional guide, transportation between the towns, and a chocolate tasting at Chocolates Pérez.

Are there options for pickup?
Yes, you can be picked up from your accommodation in Altea, making it more convenient.

Is this tour suitable for families?
The description doesn’t specify, but since it’s a private group focusing on sightseeing and tasting, it could be suitable for older children who enjoy walking and sweets.

Can I customize the experience?
This is a structured tour, so customization options aren’t mentioned. It’s best suited for those who want an organized visit rather than a flexible, self-guided day.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera, and perhaps some water—especially if the weather is warm.

Does the tour include meals?
No, meals and additional drinks are not included, so plan to grab lunch afterward if needed.

You can check availability for your dates here: