Moraira has recently seen sympathetic development from its noble origins as a small fishing village to become a chic resort complete with a superb marina, wide avenues with fountains and an excellent range of boutiques and restaurants. The rich earth still gives up its vines but now it shares its space with luxury villas, stylish apartments and a golf course. By working with nature, exciting architecture emerges from the landscape in harmony with its surroundings. This fusion of natural materials and modern functionality can especially be found in the tranquil bay of El Portet, close to the sophisticated port resort of Moraira and only 15 kms from Jávea.

The town beach is linked to the centre of Moraira by an attractive tiled walkway that takes you directly to the cafes and bars. The sea still gives up its fish. You can still see the fishing boats arrive with their catch early in the morning and you may even wish to bid for a selection of fish for your evening barbeque. A few hours can be spent relaxing at the Club Nautica at Moraira Port or you may wish to sample a plate of succulent sardines at any of the small restaurants situated right on the beach at El Portet, a delightful secluded bay nestling in a low range hills and only a short drive from the port.

BEACHES AND COVES

Platja de l´Ampolla – This sandy beach is adjacent to the town and close to a full range of amenities and restaurants.A beautiful location at the foot of the town castle and with views along the coast to the Peñon de Ifach at Calpe.

Platja del Portet – The clear, safe waters of El Portet bay, close to the chic and sophisticated port resort or Moraira, are a delightful haven for families. A stylish little beach with a couple of excellent fish restaurants nestling below the Cap d´Or. Very safe shallow waters.

LANDMARKS

The Torre del Cap d'Or - The Torre stands at a height of 11 meters above the peak of the Cap d'Or. The solid tower has no doorway and the access was by a rope ladder that was let down from above. Two cannons were situated on the tower in order to provide extra defence for the port of Moraira against attacks from Berber pirates. A short distance to the southeast of the tower stands a rectangular well, which would have been used to supply water to the soldiers on lookout duty.

 MARKET DAY

A colourful weekly market takes place in the main car park behind the town every Friday. On offer is a wide variety of delicious fresh fruit and vegetables as well as clothing and household items.

CHURCHES & BUILDINGS OF INTEREST

The Castillo de Moraira – This 18th Century fortress was completely restored in the early 1980´s and is situated next to the Platja de l'Ampolla. Over the entrance hangs the royal coat of arms of the Bourbons which shows the date of 1742 and probably indicates the year of completion of the construction work. The Castillo was built to protect the town against attacks by Berber pirates and is constructed in an ox hoof shape - commonly known as a pezuña de buey (ox hoof). Lookout posts in the form of small slits in the walls give a wide view over the bay, and gun ports were located a various points, on which cannons were mounted. Today the castle has a more peaceful existence hosting art exhibitions and as a wonderful backdrop to local fiestas such as the Moors and Christians.

Parish Church of the "Mare de Déu dels Desemparats" – The parish church of Moraira was built between 1875 and 1878, and is situated in the centre of the town. The main body was extended in 1981 with 4 arches each with decorative crystal windows and constructed in the form of traditional "riu raus". A new rectangular bell tower houses two bells which can be heard throughout the day and especially at the time of fiestas. Although the inside of the church is quite plain and simple there is a portrait of the church's namesake, the Virgen de los Desamparados, and two mosaics, one of which decorates the main altar and the second which depicts the crucifixion of Christ, both the work of the artist Ros Martí.

SPORTS

There is a wide range of leisure activities on offer in the area. You can try one of the excellent scuba-diving excursions, windsurfing, golf, horse riding, squash, football, tennis, basketball etc.

FIESTAS

You must also try to visit during one of the wonderful festivals in the region held throughout the year; the San Vicente Ferrer festival and the Moors and Christians festival are, among others, the most spectacular.