Moraira is not a well-known Spanish destination, often overlooked in favour of more popular destinations in the Costa Blanca region such as Alicante and Benidorm. However, with its beautiful scenic views of the sea and surrounding countryside, the lack of high-rise hotels and its totally multi-cultural atmosphere, this small town is one not to be missed.
Although it is never overly populated, Moraira attracts a wide variety of visitors. For photographers aiming to capture the natural beauty of the coast to older couples looking to escape to a quiet but sunny destination, even in August the town is never crowded. In particular those looking for a beach holiday always have the opportunity for a good spot on the beach, unlike most other Spanish beach destinations! This small town boasts excellent hospitality for everyone, as there are plenty of restaurants providing cuisine from Spain, France, Italy – and even places like Nepal and the Netherlands!
For those more intrigued by the cultural and historical aspect of travel, one of the prominent historical features of this small town is the old castle on the sea-front which was specifically built in the Bourbon era to protect the Spanish coastline from pirates. During the summer months there are tours available of this castle to educate visitors on its importance during this era. Those with a keen eye for architecture will notice that due to the lack of modern development in the area, much of the town still features the typical Moorish architecture of narrow streets to protect citizens from the sun. These were constructed during the Moorish occupation of Spain between the 700s and 1400s.
The best time of year to visit Moraira has to be between June and July as this is before the main summer tourists arrive, and when Moraira hosts some fantastic fiestas. The two main fiestas in these months to watch out for are the ‘Moros y Cristianos’ fiesta and the fiesta in honour of “Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados” and “Virgen del Carmen”. These feature a week of parades in intricate, handmade costumes and breath-taking firework displays which are perfect for people of all ages and interests as they show the religious and cultural history of Spain.
Moraira really is a well-kept secret, a world away from the nearby densely populated areas of Alicante and Benidorm, with a truly welcoming atmosphere. Let us hope it stays this way for more people to discover its beauty in the future.
Hannah Kitching
Featured image: Kelly Moraira Villas
Embedded images: Hannah Kitching
