La Vila Joiosa is one of the most vibrant and atmospheric coastal towns on the Costa Blanca, known for its colorful houses along the seafront. It is believed that the tradition of painting façades in different colors helped fishermen easily recognize their homes after returning from the sea. Today, the town preserves the spirit of an old fishing village while seamlessly blending it with modern tourist infrastructure. Here, you can enjoy peaceful beaches with clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere. The historic center preserves traces of centuries of history and traditional Spanish architecture. La Vila Joiosa is also famous for its chocolate factories and long-standing culinary traditions.
La Vila Joiosa
- Currency
- Euro (EUR, €). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. ATMs are abundant; most charge €2–7 per foreign card withdrawal. Some shops request ID before accepting a credit card. €500 banknotes are not accepted in most shops.
- Language
- Valencian and Spanish are both official languages in Valencia. Most city residents speak Spanish; outside the city, Valencian is preferred and widely spoken. English is common among those under 50, but variable elsewhere. Road signs are usually in both languages.
- Power plug
- Europlug (Type C) and Schuko (Type F) sockets; 230 V, 50 Hz
- Visa
- Schengen area: EU, EEA and Swiss nationals enter on national ID card or passport. Many non-EU nationalities have 90-day visa-free access. Non-EEA citizens staying longer than 90 days require an advance visa.
- Time zone
- Europe/Madrid (UTC+01:00 winter time, UTC+02:00 summer time from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October). Canary Islands are one hour behind mainland Spain.
- Tap water
- Safe to drink throughout Spain. In some southern regions it has high mineral content and may taste unfamiliar; locals often drink bottled water instead. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available.
- Tipping
- Not mandatory or customary. In restaurants: not expected for simple meals or basic establishments; 5–10% in mid-range or upscale venues if service was exceptional. Always pay cash to the server, not on card. Taxi drivers and hotel staff may appreciate small tips in upscale settings but it is not expected.
- Emergency
- 112