From Valencia To Moraria, Spain

If you're dreaming of a Spanish escape that's off the beaten path and offers the perfect blend of sun, sand, and serenity, then look no further than Moraira. Nestled on the stunning Costa Blanca, Moraira is a hidden gem that's waiting to be discovered.

Stepping foot in Moraira felt like stepping into a postcard-perfect paradise. The crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean greeted us, and the golden sandy beaches beckoned us to dive right in. The town's charming atmosphere, with its whitewashed houses adorned with colorful bougainvillea, immediately captured my heart.

Where we stayed:

Nestled on a hillside overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, Christopher and I were fortunate enough to stay in a stunning condo owned by a family friend.

As we stepped into the condo, I was immediately captivated by its beauty. The tasteful décor and modern amenities made it feel like a luxurious home away from home. But it was the breathtaking view that stole the show! From the balcony, we could soak in panoramic vistas of the glistening sea, stretching out before us like an endless blue canvas. It was a view that belonged on a postcard, and I couldn't get enough of it!

The condo's location was simply perfect. It was just a short stroll from the downtown area, where we found ourselves wandering through charming streets lined with local shops and restaurants. Despite Moraira's small size, the downtown area was bursting with life! We indulged in retail therapy, picking up unique souvenirs and gifts to take back home. And oh, the food! The local restaurants spoiled us with their warm hospitality and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. I savored every bite of fresh tapas and paella. We also became slightly obsessed with the aioli dipping sauce that came with all the patatas bravas, I am going to need to find an equivalent for home.

But what truly left an impression on me was the warmth of the people. The locals in Moraira were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. Their genuine smiles and kind gestures made our trip even more memorable, and I couldn't help but be charmed by their hospitality.

What we ate:

Moraira had tons of great dining options, we ate everything from Paella to pasta, to pizza, Chris had some delicious seafood and the drinks were always flowing.

Some of the great restaurants we ate at included:

LeCena: This restaurant was beautiful on the inside and it is located right across the street from the beach so we had lunch and a drink here before taking a swim.

Il Divo: I had the most delicious pasta and garlic bread here, we ate here twice because the food was so good.

Some of the bars that we loved:

Rumors cocktail bar: This bar had a great cocktail menu and a really nice outdoor seating space.

Captain Andy’s Cocktail Bar: This was an awesome rooftop bar located in the middle of a marina overlooking the water. This place had a great view and a super friendly staff.

What we did:

As a self-proclaimed beach bum, I couldn't wait to hit the shores of Moraira's beaches. From the pristine El Portet beach to the lively Playa de l'Ampolla, there was a beach for every mood. We spent our days sunbathing, swimming, and exploring. The warm Mediterranean waters were perfect for swimming and kept us cool during the hot and humid day.

There were these two main swimming spots that were just a short stroll from downtown. One of them was a bigger, more commercial sandy beach with all the works - you could rent chairs and umbrellas, there was a public bathroom and even a restaurant! It was perfect for a day laying in the warm sand with a drink in your hand.

But, being a little more adventurous, we decided to check out the other spot that was a bit off the beaten path. And oh my, was it worth it! It was a bit of a hike, but once we got there, we were in awe. Unlike any swimming spot we had seen in the US, this spot was surrounded by magnificent climbing rocks that you could set up camp on.

Now, here's the part that caught me a little off guard. In Europe, it's totally normal for beaches to allow nudity. Yep, you heard that right. So, at this swimming spot, most of the locals were soaking up the sun in their birthday suits. I felt a bit out of place at first, coming from the US where it's not so common, but hey, when in Rome, right? I didn't let that stop me from enjoying the breathtaking views and taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters. It was truly a unique experience, and a great way to cool off in the hot weather.

With our trusty rental car at our disposal, we decided to make the most of our time on the sunny Spanish coast with some day trips. Even on the days when the sun decided to play hide-and-seek, we didn't let it stop us. We hopped in our car and set off to explore the picturesque towns that dotted the coastline.

Alicante was one of our first stops, and it did not disappoint. With its vibrant city vibes, we found ourselves immersed in a bustling environment filled with fantastic restaurants and cozy cafes. It was the perfect place to indulge in some local cuisine and soak up the lively atmosphere. Having a rental car was a game-changer, as we were no longer restricted to just one place, making it a breeze to navigate and explore the stunning coast.

But one of our absolute favorite day trip spots was Villajoyosa - a place that stole our hearts from the moment we arrived. I was so captivated by its charm and beauty that I knew I had to dedicate a whole article to it. So, stay tuned, because I can't wait to share all the details about this gem of a destination with you! Trust me, it's worth the hype!

We had an amazing day exploring Calp, and one of the highlights was the breathtaking nature walk at the Natural Park of the Rock of Ifach. This trail was a rocky adventure along the picturesque coastline, winding up the side of a hill. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscape were simply awe-inspiring, with the turquoise waters below and the sky stretching out above us.

After our hike, we made our way to Calp's charming boardwalk, lined with quirky shops and tempting restaurants. The salty sea breeze kissed our cheeks as we strolled along the promenade, taking in the sights and sounds of this quaint coastal town. As the sun beat down on us, we couldn't resist treating ourselves to some delicious ice cream to cool down and savor the sweet flavors of our journey.

As the sun set over the Mediterranean, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, we knew we had experienced something truly special in Moraira. The stunning condo, the vibrant downtown area, and the wonderful people had all combined to create a dreamy Mediterranean escape that will forever hold a special place in my heart. I left Moraira with a heart full of cherished memories and a longing to return to its beauty once again. Until then, I'll keep dreaming of those stunning views and the warmth of this little coastal gem.

Next Stop: Toledo