If you like your Spanish holidays with a bit more Mediterranean charm and a bit less lads-on-tour chaos, Moraira might just be your place.
Tucked neatly between Calpe and Javea, Moraira Spain is the quiet, more upmarket cousin of Benidorm, favoured by retirees, families, and ex-pats who like tapas but aren’t ready for full-on rural Spain isolation.
Expect small beaches, pretty marinas, and prices that are slightly higher than you’d like but still better than Marbella.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Here’s the reality check: more than 55% of Moraira’s population are foreigners. That’s not a typo – over half the people living there aren’t Spanish. Before you start rolling your eyes and muttering about “Little Britain by the Med,” hold your horses. This isn’t Benidorm with its karaoke bars and all-day English breakfasts. The expats in Moraira seem to have actually bothered learning a bit of Spanish and integrating into the community instead of recreating Blackpool in the sun.
The town triples in size during summer, which tells you two things: it’s popular enough to attract crowds, but small enough that you notice when they arrive. It’s part of the Teulada-Moraira municipality, which sounds dead posh until you realize it’s just two towns that couldn’t be bothered to sort out their own local government.
🏰 A Brief History of Moraira (Without Boring You to Death)
Once a sleepy fishing village, Moraira spent centuries minding its own business—catching fish, growing grapes, and dealing with the occasional pirate raid (because… history).
Fast forward to the 1970s, and like much of the Costa Blanca, the tourist wave hit, bringing with it villas, golf courses, and Brits who forgot sunscreen.
Luckily, Moraira still clings on to its small-town vibe, with strict building regulations that stopped it becoming another tower-block resort.
🌟 What’s Moraira Spain Best Known For?
✅ Small, pretty beaches with crystal clear water
✅ A relaxed marina with more sailboats than stag dos
✅ A surprisingly good food scene for a town this size
✅ Scenic coastal walks
✅ Expats who’ve lived here for 20 years and still call it “The Village”
🗺️ Where Exactly Is Moraira?
✅ Located in Alicante Province, within the Marina Alta region
✅ About 80 km north of Alicante, and 110 km south of Valencia
✅ On the Costa Blanca coast, tucked between Calpe and Jávea (Xàbia)
✈️ How to Get There
By Air:
Nearest airports:
✅ Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) – About 1 hour 15 minutes by car
✅ Valencia Airport (VLC) – Roughly 1 hour 30 minutes by car
By Train:
No train station in Moraira.
Closest option: Teulada station (on the narrow-gauge Line 9 from Alicante to Denia via Benidorm).
But honestly… you’re going to want a car.
By Car:
✅ From Alicante: Take the AP-7 motorway, exit at Benissa, then follow signs to Moraira via the CV-743.
✅ From Valencia: Same motorway, exit at Benissa.
By Bus:
✅ There are a couple of local bus routes from Benidorm, Calpe, and Denia, but schedules are… optimistic at best.
✅ ALSA runs occasional services, but double-check timetables—and don’t expect late-night options.
🚶♂️ Are There Tours To Moraira?
✅ Some Costa Blanca day tours include Moraira as a lunch stop, check Viator for availability.
✅ A few coastal boat tours stop at Moraira Marina (seasonal)
✅ Popular with diving excursions and fishing charters from nearby ports
✅ Best bet? DIY day trip by car or book a private transfer
🏞️ Things To See and Do in Moraira Spain
✅ Playa del Portet:
Small, sheltered bay with calm waters—perfect for families, paddleboarding, or floating aimlessly pretending you’re exercising.
This made our list of best Costa Blanca beaches, and you’ll see why.
✅ Castillo de Moraira:
A small 18th-century fortress built to defend against pirates.
Now? Great for photos, zero risk of pirate attacks.
✅ Marina and Harbour Area:
Yachts, fishing boats, and a handful of seafront restaurants and cafes.
✅ Old Town:
Cute streets, boutique shops, plenty of places to buy overpriced but lovely beachwear.
✅ Friday Morning Market:
Pick up everything from fresh fruit to questionable tourist souvenirs.
✅ Coastal Walk to El Portet:
Short, scenic, and Instagram-friendly.
✅ Wine Route Day Trip:
Nearby Teulada is known for Muscatel vineyards—plenty of local bodegas do wine tastings.
🍷 Food and Drink in Moraira: What To Try (And Where)
✅ Seafood paella – You’re on the coast. It’s almost the law.
✅ Calamares a la romana (fried squid rings)
✅ Local Muscatel wine from Teulada
✅ Fresh grilled fish (Dorada, Lubina, etc.)
Top Eating Spots:
- Restaurante El Chamizo: Beachfront, seafood-heavy, slightly pricy but worth it for the view
- La Sort: Long-standing favourite for traditional Spanish dishes
- Le Dauphin: Upscale, fine dining, perfect if you’re celebrating something
- Any small chiringuito by El Portet for casual snacks and cold drinks
🏨 Where To Stay in Moraira Spain
✅ Boutique hotels and guesthouses in the town centre
✅ Plenty of private villas for weekly holiday lets
✅ Small apartment rentals near the beach
✅ If you want nightlife… stay in Calpe or Benidorm and day-trip here
🕑 Best Time to Visit Moraira Spain
✅ Spring (April–June): Perfect weather, fewer crowds
✅ Autumn (September–October): Warm seas, great sunsets
❌ Peak Summer (July–August): Busy, hot, parking becomes a competitive sport
✅ Winter (December–February): Quiet, sunny days—but limited nightlife and some restaurants close
✅ Tips for Visiting Here
✅ Parking can be a nightmare in July and August—get there early or prepare for a hike from a side street.
✅ Book restaurants in advance for weekend evenings in peak season.
✅ The coastal walk to El Portet is short but stunning.
✅ The local market is nice… but don’t expect rock-bottom prices.
✅ If you’re driving in, fill up on petrol before you arrive—Moraira doesn’t have loads of petrol stations.
🚩 Quick Practical Info
- Accessibility: Mostly flat in the town centre, but some steep bits heading towards El Portet
- Family-friendly: Absolutely—especially for small kids
- Nightlife: Low key, but plenty of bars for a casual drink
- Public toilets: Sparse—use cafes and restaurants
- WiFi: Good in most bars and hotels
✅ Useful Resources for Visiting Moraira Spain
- Google Maps Location
- Alicante Airport Flights – Skyscanner
- Train & Bus Schedules – Omio
- Local Tour Options – GetYourGuide
- Official Teulada-Moraira Tourism Site
Final Word:
“If you’re after sandy toes, seafood, and a peaceful Costa Blanca vibe without 2am karaoke… Moraira Spain is your spot. Bring sunglasses, a wallet that can take a gentle hit… and don’t park where the locals wouldn’t.”
Timing is key when going to these small towns and villages. Avoid the peak tourist season and these are lovely places to enjoy visiting.
