The Resort of Moraira

Moraira is a small town, with its own fishing boats and market, lying on the coast almost mid-way between Valencia and Alicante. The old traditions of a fishing village still remain and the local fishermen sell their wares at a daily Fish Auction in the Harbour, which adjoins a well-protected yacht Marina. In general the coastline is rugged and picturesque with mountains and vineyards behind. However, Moraira itself and nearby Portet have delightful sandy beaches. The natural geography provides an almost perfect location. The valley, which descends down to Moraira beach, is the meeting point of several mountain streams, which continue to run out to sea, even during the hottest August weather. Over the millennium these watercourses have deposited their rich alluvial soil on the valley bottom, which thanks again to the foresight of the Local Authority, has been designated as Green Belt. The surrounding hills provide shelter from the north winter winds and a natural vortex for cooling summer sea breezes.

The two main local gently shelving sandy beaches, awarded the prestigious EEC Blue Flags for cleanliness, are well tended and very safe for family bathing. Other local leisure facilities include 3 large Golf courses, tennis, football, squash, all water sports, boat hire and trips, horse-riding, go-kart racing tracks for both adults and children, a small fairground and three good night-clubs for all ages.

The Local Authority has exerted strong planning control for many years thus preventing the development of high-rise buildings which characterise many other Spanish coastal resorts. Properties in the area are almost wholly detached villas and the typically Spanish "pueblo-style" developments, with no 'holiday package' hotels whatsoever. The well spaced individual character of development does mean that the villas are spread over quite a substantial area and a car is a necessity in most areas. There are some spectacular sights within easy driving distance such as the mountain town of Guadalest, Oceanlandia at Benidorm, Terra Mitika and Wild Life Safari Parks.

Eating Out

There is a wide variety of bars and restaurants in the area to suit all tastes and pockets - from the two Michelin Star Girasol restaurant to the beach bar at El Portet. Traditional Spanish cuisine can found within 5 minutes walk of the villa or you can visit one of the many other restaurants including Chinese, Japanese, Argentinian, French, German, Italian, Swiss, Belgian and Dutch. English food and 'Sunday Lunch' is all available in Moraira. A guide to some of the bars and restaurants in the area is available for guests at the villa.

The Weather

The Costa Blanca enjoys more than 2,800 hours of sunshine throughout the year. It has its own microclimate which ensures a high number of days with clear skies and sunshine compared with other regions of Spain. The villa's slightly elevated position captures the sea breeze which may often be felt on the balcony during the summer months.

Car Hire

Car hire is available from a local company Autos Moraira. Vehicles may be collected a short distance from the arrivals hall at either Alicante or Valencia airports. No transit buses are involved. Details can be obtained from www.autosmoraira.com