Ten minutes from Benidorm there is a town that feels like another era: La Vila Joiosa, with its old town of brightly painted houses above the sea, its blue-flag beach and its chocolate-making tradition. Add a morning paddling its coves and you have one of the best full-day plans on the whole Costa Blanca. Here is how we would organise it.
9:30 - A morning's paddle around the coves
We start strong: we deliver your kayak or paddle board right to the Villajoyosa area (one of our delivery zones) and you set off along its prettiest stretch of coast. The stars are the southern coves: Racó del Conill and Bol Nou, with low reddish cliffs, transparent water and great snorkelling grounds. The detailed route is in our guide to the hidden coves of Villajoyosa.
Half a morning of easy paddling, swimming and snorkelling, and back to the beach hungry. Perfect — because what comes next is lunch.
14:00 - Lunch by the sea
La Vila is a genuine fishing town with its own fish market, so this is the place for fresh fish: walk into any rice restaurant or seafront eatery and you will do well. If you prefer something quick, the old-town bars serve very respectable tapas.
16:00 - A stroll through the old town
The Villajoyosa postcard: colourful houses stacked above the mouth of the Amadorio river. The origin is practical — they say fishermen painted them in bright colours to spot their own house from the sea — and the result is gorgeous. Get lost in the lanes, cross the bridge for the classic photo and drop down to the promenade of Centro beach, one of the best-kept in the province.
17:30 - Chocolate time
Villajoyosa has been making chocolate for over a century and doesn't hide it: it is home to historic brands and several chocolate museums with tours and tastings. An afternoon cup of thick hot chocolate here isn't tourism — it is local tradition.
The full plan, zero hassle
The beauty of this day is the logistics: we bring the gear to Villajoyosa and collect it at the agreed time, so all you have to do is book your day and turn up. It is a full-day rental, so your morning paddle never feels rushed.