Villajoyosa/La Vila Joiosa

infobox city spain

---

image_flag_size = 120px
image_coat_of_arms = Escut de la Vila Joiosa.svg
image_coat_of_arms_size = 60px
official_name=Villajoyosa/La Vila Joiosa
native_name=La Vila Joiosa
spanish_name=Villajoyosa
lat_long=coord|38|30|19|N|0|13|58|W|region:ES_type:city
time_zone=CET (GMT +1)
time_zone_summer=CEST (GMT +2)
native_language=Valencian
community=Valencian Community
community_link=Valencia (autonomous community)
province=Alacante
province_link=Alicante (province)
comarca=Marina Baixa
comarca_link=Marina Baixa
area=59.25
altitude=27
population=29,263
date-population=2006
density=494
date-density=2006

La Vila Joiosa or Villajoyosa (in Spanish) is a Valencian coastal town and municipality in the province of Alicante, Spain, by the Mediterranean Sea. It has an area of 59.2 km² and, according to the 2002 census, a total population of 25,073 inhabitants. It is the historic and administrative capital of the "comarca" of Marina Baixa and is located 32 km from the city of Alicante, in the coastal area known as Costa Blanca ("White Coast"). La Vila Joiosa literally means "Joyful Village", although the inhabitants often abbreviate it to "La Vila". It has over three kilometers of beaches, including "La Platja Centre" (Central Beach), close to the city centre. The river Amadorio runs through La Vila.

The area is famous for its chocolate industry and tourism. One of the most popular tourist attractions is its Gothic Catholic church, with a Baroque altar piece. It is also important for its festival of "Moros i cristians", declared an International Tourist Interest Festival.

External links

* [http://www.lavilajoiosa.com/ La Vila Joiosa] , in English, Catalan, Spanish, French and German.
* [http://www.alicante-spain.com/villajoyosa.html Villajoyosa Guide] Travel guide for the city of La Vila from a local citizen.
* [http://www.real-estate-costa-blanca.com/ Costa Blanca Properties Villajoyosa] Properties and description of Villajoyosa
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/ron_curtis/sets/72157594413399121/ Photos of La Vila] taken by an English tourist over the past 3 years.