All About MORAIRA - Your Complete Guide

All About Moraira – Your Complete Guide

Moraira is a beautiful small coastal town located on the mountainous north-eastern tip of Spain’s Costa Blanca. Conveniently placed between Alicante and Valencia airports (around 90km from each), it’s only a 45-minute drive from Benidorm (42km).

🌴 Why Visit Moraira?

Moraira is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, stunning unspoilt scenery, and charming small villages to explore nearby. Once a simple fishing village, it has developed into an attractive holiday and retirement destination, without losing its authentic Spanish character.

Popular with international visitors and Spanish holidaymakers from Madrid and Valencia, Moraira offers a perfect blend of tradition, natural beauty, and modern comforts.

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🏰 Moraira Castle

The Moraira Castle, also known as Castillo de Moraira or Castillo de la Mar, is an iconic landmark located right by the seafront in Moraira.

Tracey Billing 

✅ History
Built in the 18th century (1742), the castle was designed as a coastal defence against Berber pirate attacks, which were common at the time. Its unique design is called a “pezuña de buey” or ox hoof shape, with thick walls and only one entrance for maximum protection.

✅ What to See
Today, the castle is well-preserved and offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and marina. Inside, there is a small exhibition about its history and the defence of the Valencian coast against pirates.

✅ Visiting Tips

• It’s located on Playa de l’Ampolla, the main beach of Moraira.

• Entry is free, though opening times can vary.

• Ideal for photos, a short cultural stop, and to enjoy views of Moraira’s bay.

⛵ The Marina and Town

Moraira boasts an impressive marina surrounded by local shops, harbourside fish restaurants, tapas bars, and vibrant cafés. The town centre has everything you need while maintaining a peaceful and traditional vibe, unlike some busier Costa Blanca resorts.

Tracey Billing

🏖️ Beaches 

🌴 1. Playa de l’Ampolla

Photo by Tracey Billing

• The most popular and largest sandy beach.

• Located next to Moraira town centre and the castle.

• Family-friendly with gentle waters, beach bars (chiringuitos), lifeguards, and facilities.

🌴 2. Playa del Portet (El Portet Beach)

 David Elsworth 

• A beautiful small bay with fine sand and clear turquoise waters.

• Very sheltered, ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

• Lined with cafes and restaurants overlooking the bay.

🌴 3. Cala Andrago

• A rocky cove with pebbles, clear waters, and great for snorkelling.

• Located near bars and restaurants, perfect for sunset drinks.

🌴 4. Cala Cap Blanc (Cap Blanc Cove)

• A small, quiet rocky cove with dramatic cliffs and deep blue waters.

• Great for snorkelling and diving, with views across to Calpe’s Peñón de Ifach.

🌴 5. Cala L’Andragó

• Another rocky cove popular with snorkellers.

• Has a promenade area and several good seafront restaurants.

🍽️ Eating Out 

Foodies will love Moraira. The town offers a wide range of high-quality restaurants, including eight Michelin-recommended restaurants, three of which hold Michelin stars. Surprisingly, these restaurants remain reasonably priced compared to similar establishments in big cities.

🛍️ Shopping and Markets

If you enjoy browsing markets, Moraira has its own weekly Friday market next to the beach, perfect for fresh produce, local specialities, leather goods, clothes, pottery, flowers, and souvenirs.

Plus, you can visit different markets every day of the week in nearby towns and villages to truly immerse yourself in Spanish life.

🎉 Fiestas 

Like all Spanish towns, Moraira celebrates many fiestas (festivals) throughout the year. Key events happen in April, June, July, and November. The famous Moraira Music Festival is held every June and attracts thousands from across the region

🚗 Getting to Moraira from Benidorm

✔️ By Car – Take the N332 for a scenic drive along the coast.
✔️ By Bus – Take the ALSA bus to Calpe (around 40 minutes, €3-6), then the local Autobuses Ifach to Moraira (18 minutes, only twice daily).
✔️ By Tram – Local tram to Teulada (hourly), then a bus to Moraira (twice daily). Total cost around €5-7.
✔️ By Taxi – Costs between €50-65 each way.

FIND OTHER PLACES TO VISIT HERE

Photos from Benidorm Seriously Group Members

David Elsworth

Tracey Billing

William Mccurdy

Moraira Bull Run, part of the Fiestas of Sant Jaume, normally takes place during the last week in July

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💭 Have you visited Moraira?
Share your experiences in the comments below to help other travellers plan their visit.