Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea

If you’re looking to escape the busy city streets of Alicante and soak in some authentic Valencian charm, this 6-hour guided tour to Villajoyosa and Altea is a fantastic choice. It offers a balanced mix of scenic views, cultural insights, and leisure time—perfect for those wanting a relaxed yet engaging day out. From vibrant, colorful seaside townhouses to whitewashed streets and an artisan chocolate factory, there’s plenty to love here.

What really catches the eye is how intimate and well-paced this trip feels. With a small group limit of just 7 to 8 people, you’ll get more personalized attention from the guides, plus ample opportunity to wander and take photos without feeling rushed. One potential downside? The tour lasts only half a day, so if you’re craving more in-depth exploration or extra free time, you might want to consider extending your stay elsewhere.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic, picturesque towns with a relaxed atmosphere, delicious local food, and stunning coastal scenery. It’s ideal if you want a taste of local culture without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. With a focus on quality over quantity, this tour is perfect for those who value comfort, insight, and a good dose of Spanish charm.

Key Points

• Small group setting ensures a more personalized experience and better interaction with guides.
• Two distinct villages offer a contrast: Villajoyosa’s lively, colorful streets versus Altea’s peaceful, whitewashed charm.
• Chocolate factory visit provides a fun and delicious insight into the local industry, with tastings to satisfy sweet tooths.
• Panoramic views and photo stops capture the stunning Mediterranean coastline and mountain backdrops.
• Leisure time in Altea allows you to explore at your own pace, enjoy local cafes, or do some shopping.
• Excellent guides like Alberto receive praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and helpfulness.

Exploring Villajoyosa and Altea

This tour is a straightforward yet enriching way to see two of the most photogenic towns along Costa Blanca. We loved the way it balances guided sightseeing with free time, so you can soak in the atmosphere, snap photos, or just relax with a coffee. The trip kicks off at Meliá Alicante, with a comfortable 40-minute van ride that comfortably fits a small group, setting the tone for an intimate experience.

Villajoyosa: The Vibrant Seaside Gem

Your first stop is Villajoyosa, affectionately known as “La Vila” by locals. This tiny town bursts with color—brightly painted houses line narrow streets, and the golden sands of its beaches stretch peacefully along the coast. The guided tour takes you into the historic heart, highlighting the town’s long-standing reputation for chocolate-making. A highlight here is the visit to a family-run artisan chocolate factory, where you’ll discover how they craft those irresistible chocolates and get to taste a variety of flavors. According to reviews, this was a definite crowd favorite, with many noting that the tastings were generous and the guides, like Alberto, were knowledgeable about the process.

Walking along the seafront promenade, you’ll feel the cool ocean breeze, and the vibrant atmosphere of the town is perfect for photos. Reviewers have appreciated the relaxed pace, noting that the hour-long sightseeing tour hits all the highlights without feeling rushed. One guest even called the visit to the factory “a fun, delicious break from sightseeing,” and many mentioned that they appreciated the authentic family-run feel of the factory.

Altea: The Peaceful Whitewashed Town

After a short drive, you’ll arrive in Altea, famous for its peaceful, whitewashed streets, and the iconic blue and white tiled church that dominates the skyline. The guided walk takes you through cobblestone streets full of character, with plenty of opportunities for photos. We particularly enjoyed the panoramic views of the Serra de Bèrnia mountains and the Mediterranean Sea from various vantage points, as many reviews highlighted.

You’ll have around 90 minutes of free time here, which is plenty for exploring shops, grabbing a coffee at a café, or relaxing on the palm-tree-lined promenade. Several travelers have called Altea “a perfect spot for a laid-back afternoon,” and review comments frequently mention the town’s micro-climate, which tends to stay pleasantly warm even outside peak summer months.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the most appreciated aspects, based on reviews, is the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Alberto, in particular, gets high praise for his approachable manner, local insights, and patience. Many reviews mention how he went above and beyond, sharing stories about each town and helping with restaurant recommendations for relaxing post-tour meals.

The tour includes entrance to the chocolate factory, which reviewers found to be a delightful and tasty experience. However, it’s worth noting that if you book on a Sunday, the factory is closed, and that part of the tour won’t be included—something to keep in mind.

Practical Details

Transport is in a comfortable van, making the roughly 40-minute drive to Villajoyosa and an hour to Altea quite pleasant. The small group size makes the experience more intimate, and guides are attentive to individual needs and questions. The tour lasts exactly six hours, which includes transportation, sightseeing, and free time, striking a good balance between seeing highlights and not feeling overly rushed.

Cost-wise, at $88 per person, the tour offers good value considering the personalized service, transportation, and the chocolate factory visit. Reviews consistently note the excellent value for money, especially given how much they enjoyed the towns and the guide’s insights.

The Sum Up

This tour makes for a wonderful half-day escape from the hustle of Alicante, combining scenic beauty, cultural charm, and authentic local flavors. The small group setting, friendly and knowledgeable guides, and well-curated itinerary ensure a memorable experience without the overwhelm of large tour groups. You’ll love the vibrant colors of Villajoyosa, the tranquil beauty of Altea, and the chance to taste some truly delicious chocolates along the way.

It’s best suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, intimate look at charming Spanish villages, especially those who enjoy scenic walks, local food, and stunning coastal views. If you’re after a mixture of cultural sights and leisure, this tour hits the spot.

Overall, it’s a smart choice for anyone wanting a taste of Costa Blanca’s most picturesque towns without breaking the bank or spending hours on the road.

FAQ

• How long is the tour?
  The total duration is 6 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and free time.

• What is included in the price?
  The tour includes a guide, transfers, and entrance to the artisan chocolate factory. Food tastings at the factory are part of the experience.

• Is there any free time?
  Yes, you get about 30 minutes in Villajoyosa at the start and 1.5 hours in Altea for personal exploration or shopping.

• What if I book on a Sunday?
  The chocolate factory is closed on Sundays, so the factory visit will not be included that day.

• How many people are in the group?
  The tour is limited to 7-8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

• Where does the tour start?
  Meeting point is outside the main entrance of the Meliá Alicante hotel, 5 minutes before departure.

• What languages are available?
  Tours are conducted in English.

• How is transportation handled?
  In a comfortable van, with scenic routes between towns.

• Is the tour suitable for all ages?
  Generally yes, especially for those comfortable walking cobblestone streets and standing for periods. Check with the operator for specific age restrictions.

• Can I cancel?
  Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour.

In summary, this tour offers a charming, authentic taste of Costa Blanca’s most picturesque villages with excellent guides and a good value. It’s a perfect pick for travelers wanting a relaxing yet enriching dose of Spanish coastal life.