The city of Moraira is part of the municipality of Teulada-Moraira and is located in the Marina Alta region. It is the crowning jewel of the north of the Costa Blanca, with its beautiful nature and its magnificent beaches, a wide tourist, cultural and gastronomic offer.
According to the 2014 census, 1612 people live permanently in Moraira. However, in the summer season, the number of inhabitants triples due to the great number of tourists, because Moraira is one of the most visited tourist cities on the Costa Blanca. In addition, more than 55% of the population are foreigners.
Moraira attracts not only tourists, but also those who wish to buy a home and live on the Costa Blanca.
In the areas of Moraira, Teulada and its surroundings there are many very interesting places: beautiful beaches; tourist routes of different difficulty levels; several entertainments; the possibility of practicing water sports; viewpoints with stunning views; and architectural and historical monuments. Add to all this its wonderful climate, its rich gastronomy, its fun festivities, the friendliness of its neighbours, and you will get the ideal place in order to live and spend the holidays.
Moraira on the map
The municipality of Teulada-Moraira is located in a privileged area of the Marina Alta region, near cities such as Jávea, Calpe and Benissa. The first two cities are about half an hour away from Moraira, and the last one is only 20 minutes away. You can reach Altea and Denia from Moraira, in approximately 35-40 minutes by car, and to Benidorm in 40-50 minutes. Alicante is approximately one hour away, and Alicante-Elche airport is 1 hour and 10 minutes (95 km). You can reach Valencia in less than an hour and a half by car.
There is a wide range of hotels and entertainment venues in Teulada-Moraira, which makes this place even more attractive for tourists.
Weather in Moraira
There is a wonderful and warm Mediterranean climate in Moraira, ss in the entire Costa Blanca. The weather in Moraira is sunny and warm during most of the year. In fact, the average annual air temperature is 18 ° С. These are the main climatic characteristics of this area: more than 300 sunny days a year; mild winters without snow; and it almost never rains here. The swimming season lasts from June to September, although there are not two equal years (the weather sometimes allows bathing from May to October, and even until November). However, some tourists sunbathe and even bathe in the winter months.
History of Moraira and Teulada
Moraira and Teulada have preserved in their appearance the characteristics of various cultures and eras, like many other cities and towns of the Costa Blanca.
The human being has lived since time immemorial in the territory of the modern municipality of Teulada-Moraira. Thanks to the archaeological finds in the Cave of les Cendres, we currently know that human settlements were here in the Upper Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods.
Subsequently, the Iberians inhabited this territory, replaced by the Romans, who gave Moraira and Teulada their current names.
Then came the era of Muslim possession: the historical and architectural monuments of those times have been preserved, as well as many place names.
These lands were conquered by Jaime I in the thirteenth century.
San Vicente Ferrer arrived in Teulada in 1410: he was a preacher, philosopher and theologian, much revered in Spain. Many architectural and historical monuments of Teulada are dedicated to this iconic figure.
Teulada and Moraira were attacked by Berber pirates in the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Since then, many defensive buildings and structures have been preserved, such as the Moraira Castle, the Cap D´Or watchtower, the fortified church of Santa Catalina in Teulada and others.
Until the beginning of the last century, the basis of Teulada-Moraira’s economy was fishing, as well as agriculture. With the arrival of the twentieth century, tourism began to develop in this area. Today, the municipality of Teulada-Moraira is one of the main tourist destinations of the Costa Blanca.
Places of interest of Moraira and Teulada
Moraira Castle and watchtower
This is one of the most important places to visit and one of Moraira’s main attractions. The castle is located on the top of the hill near the L’Ampolla beach, and its walls offer magnificent views of the sea and the Penyal d’Ifac of Calpe. The Moraira Castle and the Cap D´Or watchtower were built in the mid-18th century, in order to protect against Berber pirates.
Pay special attention to the coat of arms of the Bourbons, located at the entrance of the castle, dating from 1742, the year the castle was completed.
Moraira Castle on the map
Moraira Harbour
The marina of Moraira is one of the most important of the Valencian Community. There is a yacht club in the vicinity. Also, there is a fishing port in Moraira, because fishing has been for centuries one of the most important sectors of the region’s economy. The Fishermen’s Guild of Moraira (Gremio de Pescadores de Moraira) was founded in 1929. Today, fishermen can also sell their catch, so the restaurants in the area always have the freshest seafood.
Moraira Harbour on the map
The historic centre of Moraira
A walk through the old centre of Moraira is an excellent way to get to know the city. The narrow streets paved with stone and the houses built in the traditional Costa Blanca, give this place an incomparable charm.
Marjal del Senillar nature reserve
This protected area, located next to the L’Ampolla beach, consists of several lagoons, separated from the beach by a sandy embankment. The Marjal del Senillar was recognized as a Wildlife Reserve in 2004. Many species of plants and animals which can be found in this area, are in danger of extinction.
Marjal del Senillar on the map
Cave of Les Rates (Cova de les Rates)
Another place that all nature lovers should visit is the Cave of Les Rates, which can only be accessed by sea. The cave was recognized as a Wildlife Reserve in 2004. In addition, here were found artefacts dating from the Bronze Age and the Iberian society. Besides, this cave is home to several species of bats.
Hermitage Chapel of the Font Santa in Teulada
This chapel dates from the 19th century and it is one of the main attractions of Moraira and Teulada. Near it, there is the fountain (Font Santa) and the hermit’s house. The chapel is dedicated to St. Vincent Ferrer.
According to local legend, St. Vincent Ferrer arrived in Teulada in order to visit his sister Constance. When the two walked through the area, Constance wanted to drink, and at the request of St. Vincent a spring appeared here, with the help of which her sister was able to quench her thirst. In honour of the miracle that happened, a chapel was built nearby.
Hermitage Chapel of the Font Santa on the map
Church of Santa Catalina in Teulada
The parochial church of Santa Catalina Mártir, located in Teulada, dates from the 17th – 18th century. This place not only had a religious significance, but also served as a fortress: local residents hid here during raids by Berber pirates. The church building consists of two parts, one of which belongs to the sixteenth century, and the other one to the seventeenth – eighteenth century.
Church of Santa Catalina on the map
The historic centre of Teulada
The old city centre of Teulada is a magnificent place in order to stroll, especially for those who love history and would like to get lost in the narrow streets of the city, in order to discover its most mysterious corners. It is recommended to start a walk through the centre of Teulada, from the boulevard that begins in the Plaza de la Constitución.
Teulada-Moraira Auditori (Auditorium)
This modern style building is a true example of avant-garde architecture. The artist of the project is the Spanish architect Francisco Robado Beloki, who is famous worldwide. The interior of this incredible building draws attention almost more than the exterior, due to its impressive geometry.Teulada-Moraira
Auditori on the map
Moraira beaches
The coast of the municipality of Teulada-Moraira offers sea lovers three wonderful sandy beaches and four coves:
L´Andrago cove
The Andrago cove, 150 m long and 50 m wide, is a wonderful place to relax near the transparent sea water. The nearest viewpoint offers beautiful views of Moraira and its famous 18th-century watchtower. Photography lovers choose this cove in order to take amazing photos.
In addition, the cove is perfect for snorkelling and diving. There are several restaurants in the area where you can taste the delicious local cuisine.
Andrago cove on the map
Les Platgetes beach
Les Platgetes are two small interconnected sandy and rocky coves. Les Platgetes has been winning the prestigious Blue Flag for several years. The length of both coves is about 200 m, and its width is about 25 m. There is a viewpoint nearby, which offers beautiful views of the coast. There is also a parking lot and restaurants. Les Platgetes is ideal for water sports. The disadvantage of this beach is its high occupancy rate.
Les Platgetes beach on the map
L´Ampolla beach
This is the Moraira’s most popular beach and, of course, the busiest. It is an urban beach with a length of 400 m and 50 m wide. In addition, this beach has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag . The beach is near the city centre and it has a large parking lot next to it. L’Ampolla, is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca and it has an unbeatable location: it is next to the protected natural area the Marshland of the Senillar (Marjal del Senillar), at the foot of the castle and the Cap D´Or watchtower. You can enjoy from here the beautiful views of the Penyal de Ifach, the symbol of Calpe.
The beach is ideal to enjoy relaxing with the whole family or with a group of friends. In addition, this is a true paradise for children: soft sand, calm and clear waters, playgrounds and lots of entertainment, what else is needed to make a child happy? Likewise, along the beach the promenade extends, in which there are numerous restaurants, bars and cafes. Also, L’Ampolla beach is accessible for people with disabilities.
L´Ampolla beach on the map
Portixol cove
This small rocky cove is 80 meters long and 6 meters wide. It is located next to the Moraira Yacht Club (Club Náutico Moraira). The Portixol cove is ideal for fishing (both conventional and underwater) and the practice of water sports such as snorkelling or diving due to the transparency and purity of the water and the abundant marine flora and fauna. This is one of the quietest beaches in Moraira, since most tourists are not aware of its existence.
Portixol cove on the map
El Portet Beach
This semi-urban sandy beach, with clear turquoise water, has a length of 350 m and a width of 20 m. In addition, it has an interesting shell shape. El Portet beach has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag and it is considered one of the best beaches of the Costa Blanca. It is near the city centre. There are quite a few people here in high season. In fact, this is the second most popular beach after L’Ampolla beach.
A beautiful promenade stretches along the beach. You will find a wide variety of services for vacationers in July and August. Almost the entire beach area is covered with sand, but there are several small rocky areas. El Portet beach is ideal for water sports. In addition, some interesting kayak tours are organized here. This beach offers beautiful views of the symbol of Calpe – the Penyal de Ifach.
El Portet beach on the map
Llebeig cove
The Llebeig cove is one of the most beautiful places on the Costa Blanca. It is a rocky cove, with a length of 120 m and a width of 10 meters. It is not easy to access to the Llebeig cove, what makes it the perfect place for lovers of relaxation, isolated in the lap of nature. Its impressive landscapes, the crystalline sea and the small number of tourists is the perfect combination for those who want to be alone with nature. You can reach this rocky cove by walking from the Moraig cove, following the Los Acantilados route. Or, along the Barranc de la Viuda gorge from Moraira. However, these routes are not easy: there are dangerous and impassable sections. However, your efforts will be rewarded: you will be able to contemplate one of the most beautiful corners of the Costa Blanca. Also, while touring the routes you will see many interesting places and you will surely take many amazing photos. Furthermore, you can reach the Llebeig cove by sea, for example, by kayak from other bays.
Some people come here with tents in order to spend the weekend in this paradise. Two small houses are located in the cove, which were previously occupied by the police, and now they give the cove a surprisingly photogenic appearance. At present, there are employees of the Civil Guard and rescuers there.
Llebeig cove on the map
Cap Blanc Bay
This small bay, 200 meters long and 8 meters wide, is also known as Punta Estrella. It is not easy to get here and, therefore, you will find few tourists. This is a true paradise for those who wish to relax in a quiet environment alone with nature, take a dip in the clear waters and enjoy the beautiful views of the Penyal de Ifach of Calpe and the Moraira cape. This bay is also ideal for fishing, snorkelling and diving.
Cap Blanc Bay on the map
Read more about the best beaches on the Costa Blanca, here.
Gastronomy of Moraira and Teulada
The gastronomic offer of Teulada-Moraira is another undoubted advantage of this area. You can enjoy fresh fish and seafood in the local restaurants, as well as excellent rice dishes, very famous on the coast of Alicante. Do not forget the magnificent wines of this region, without which not a single lunch or dinner is celebrated. You will find restaurants for all tastes and budgets in Teulada-Moraira, some of them recommended by the Michelin Guide. Many of the restaurants, in addition to delicious food, offer stunning sea views.
Did you like Moraira? Would you like to live here? We have good news: you will find a large supply of excellent homes in Moraira both new build and second hand properties. We will be happy to help you find the best option for you. You can find all our housing offer in Moraira, here.
