Moraira Costa Blanca
Costa Blanca Resorts - Moraira
One of the rare unspoilt coastal resorts in the northern Costa Blanca region, Moraira is a pretty little town located between Javea and Calpe in the Alicante province of the Comunidad de Valencia. Until forty years ago, just a small gathering of fishermen's cottages, Moraira Costa Blanca has developed into one of the more exclusive seaside resorts in the area.
Lying in a sheltered bay in mountainous countryside, Moraira has seen little in the way of major development, with secluded detached villa style properties being in the majority, and tall apartment blocks in the minority. This is a popular area for villa rental holidays and there is plenty of choice for those wishing to take this type of holiday.
Similar to other towns along this coast Moraira has, over the centuries, been predominantly a fishing village and has relied on fishing for its economy, in fact fishing is still very important for the town today and its busy fish market is one of the most popular in the region. The Moraira and Teulada area is well known for the growing of Muscatel grapes and these are used for making award winning wines.
Being located well away from the main coast road, Moraira does not attract the attentions of large numbers of visitors as do resorts such as Calpe, and the resident population of the town is still only around 10,000, though numbers swell during the busy summer season.
The town itself was founded by the Moors during the Arab occupation and they have left their mark in the architecture, and irrigation methods of the region, the Moors were finally expelled in the 13th Century. There is an ancient tale that the name Moraira was taken from that of a heathen princess called ‘Ira la Mora’ but there is no firm evidence to support this, a more likely explanation is that the name comes from the Arabic for ‘moorish princess’.
The restored Moraira Castle originally dates from the 18th century, it was severely damaged by a British attack in 1801. In the small pretty harbour you will find the Lonja (fish market), where local catches are sold off daily (Tuesday to Sunday).
Moraira has 2 main beaches and both have been awarded the 'blue flag' for cleanliness, further along the coast you will find several small coves and bays, which are not so busy as the main beaches. The usual range of water sports facilities are on offer in Moraira and a regular street market is held on Fridays.
Golfers will find the nearby Ifach Golf Club a superb location to participate in their sport, the Golf Club de Javea is also within easy driving distance.
Moraira Fiestas - As with all Spanish town and villages Moraira Costa Blanca has its fair share of fiestas and festivals, the main ones being the Moors and Christians (June), the Virgin del Carmen (July) and the Fisherman’s Fiesta also held in July.
For a bit of variety take a trip into the small town of Benitachell (Benitachell Map) or maybe the area known as Cumbre del Sol, where towering cliffs offer spectacular views of the surrounding coastline.
Moraira is located between Calpe and Jávea on the Costa Blanca, Spain, it is about 30 kilometres from Benidorm. It can be accessed from the N332 coastal road and from junction 63 of the A-7 (E-15) motorway.
Moraira Links: Moraira Main Page - Moraira Map - Moraira Weather
Nearby Places: Benidorm - Denia - Calpe - Gandia - Oliva - Pego - Altea - Albir - Javea - Guadalest - Teulada - Benissa - Cumbre del Sol - Gata de Gorgos - Els Poblets
Attractions: Gallinera Valley - Penon de Ifach - Algar Waterfalls - Caves of Canelobre - Fuentes de Algar
Golf Courses: Oliva Nova Golf - Ifach Golf Club - Real Faula Golf - Spain Golf
Related: Alicante - Murcia - Valencia - Alicante Weather - Alicante Transfers - Builders
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