Moraira–Teulada, Spain: beaches, attractions, city guide

Morаirа is a town within the municipality of Teulada, located 80 km north of Alicante and 100 km south of Valencia, on the Mediterranean coast. Usually these two places are called Teulada-Moraira, together. They are located in the northeast of the province of Alicante, in the comarca of Marina Alta. Teulada is considered the urban centre of the municipality and is located 6 km inland from Moraira. Teulada-Moraira has a population of 11,112 citizens, with the male and female population divided equally. Moraira, situated on the coast, has its port and marina. This place is a popular resort. The local port is home to five fishing boats. Moraira fish market is one of the most popular on the Costa Blanca.

During the summer sеason, the population of Teulada-Moraira increases at least threefold. Many foreigners live here permanently, mostly English, Germans, Dutch, French. This resort is especially popular with British retirees. Moraira is administered by the local City Council based in Teulada.

Moraira is called the pearl of the Costa Blanca for a reason – here beautiful beaches and coves with warm emerald water mix with stunning views (mountains and vineyards surround 8 km of the resort's coastline) and protected natural areas. All of it makes your vacation unforgettable. Besides, there is something to see in the vicinity. Nearby are the beautiful, authentic cities of Altea, Denia and Javea, and the famous Costa Blanca resorts of Benidorm and Calpe.

Several mountain streams in the Moraira Valley, which does not dry up even during the August draught. In the north, the city borders the Cap d'Or, where you can find a natural micro-reserve of the same name.

The entire area in the vicinity of Moraira-Teulada is used for agricultural needs. More than 2000 hectares of land are cultivated, and 1000 hectares are used for vineyards. The use of the hillsides for agriculture has started since the days of the Moors. The area is famous for the Muscat grapes, especially for the local liquor Mistela.

Until the end of the first half of the 20th century, Moraira was an ordinary fishing village, one of thousands along Spain's coast. But in the 1970s and 1980s, as a result of the tourism boom, Moraira's economy changed sharply from agriculture and fishing to international tourism. The city has expanded significantly, new hotels and villas have been constructed, and the tourist infrastructure has begun to develop. In doing so, strict urban planning rules prevented overdevelopment, high-rise construction and protected pine forests, making Moraira an authentic coastal settlement.

The port of Moraira has a private marina, built in 1985 and operated by the Náutico de Moraira club. The marina has 620 sports berths for yachts with a maximum length of 25 meters. The yacht club has a 50-ton lift, a 10-ton crane, showers and parking. It offers yachtsmen fuel, water and electricity. Sailing courses and numerous sporting events are held here all year round. For example, the "300 Millas a Tres" regatta takes place in January, the "Moraira Swim Crossing" in the summer, and the "Moraira Santa Eulalia" regatta at the end of September. Moraira has three beautiful and family-friendly sandy beaches, as well as numerous rocky coves and bays frequented by snorkelers and scuba divers.

In 1974, a parish church dedicated to the Virgen de Los Desamparados was constructed in Moraira to build the chapel of the Virgin Mary of the late 19th century. The temple was built using material from the Moraira fortress, located a few hundred meters from the city centre.

The area of the modern municipality of Teulada-Moraira has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Objects found during archaeological excavations of the Cave of Cendra (Cova de la Cendra) at Cap d'Or have confirmed humans' presence dating back to the Upper Paleolithic era (15-20,000 BC). Located on one of the slopes of the Cap d'Or, the cave has a vast number of layers dating back to different periods in the history of ancient people.

Excavations of sites from the Bronze Age (between 1600 and 1200 BC) were more productive. Among them are Morro del Castellar, Tossal de la Font Santa, Cova de les Rates, Punta de Moraira and others. Traces of the Iberians' presence have also been found on Cap d'Or, suggesting that they inhabited the area during the Bronze Age. In general, the Iberian culture in this area is represented by many archaeological sites, and most often these are the remains of ceramic products. However, the Romans left a more significant mark. At that time, villas and country houses at agricultural farms were located within the present-day Teulada borders, not far from the Roman municipality of Dianium.

After the Arab conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, the Moors inhabited the area, and the influence of their culture can still be traced in the regional architecture and urban planning. Many of the Teulada-Moraira region names come from Arabic words such as Alcassar, Benimeit, Benimarco, Moravit, Pouet del Morro and Tabaira. One of the local legends says that Moraira was named after a Moorish princess Ira la Mora.

During the Reconquista, in the middle of the 13th century, Teulada was an Andalusian rural settlement, and Moraira was a natural port. Moreover, no information has survived whether there were any settlements near this port. Between 1270 and 1280, King Jaime I of Aragon expelled the Moors from this territory and annexed it to Aragon's Kingdom. This significant event is celebrated annually during the famous "Moors and Christians" festival. In subsequent years, immigrants from Catalonia and Aragon moved here, and brought the Valencian language to this region.

In 1386, Teulada was founded as an independent municipality five kilometres from the coast by the Lords of Lluria, Serria and Grandia. In 1410 Teulada was visited by the theologian, preacher and ascetic, and the confessor of King of Aragon and Valencia Juan I, Saint Vicente Ferrer, to whom are dedicated many churches, chapels and other historical monuments in Teulada. San Vicente Ferrer is the patron saint not only of Teulada, but of the entire Valencian region.

In the 16th century, to counter the Berber pirates who made frequent raids on the coast, King Felipe II ordered an observation tower at Cap d'Or. It became part of a planned chain of fortifications that later included the Castle of Moraira, completed in 1744. Now the castle is located in the very centre of the city. The Castillo de Moraira was armed with four bronze cannons. The castle was severely damaged by the British fleet in 1801 during the French Revolutionary Wars, but was rebuilt later.

By the end of the 18th century, Teulada was a farming village that exported agricultural products by sea through the port of Moraira. Residents were engaged in fishing, for which small buildings were built on the coast for equipment storage. Subsequently, these buildings were rebuilt and became fishermen houses, and Moraira turned into a small fishing village, growing under the protection of Castillo de Moraira.

In the 19th century, the Marina Alta comarca experienced a significant economic boom, driven by the export of raisins to Europe and America. There are preserved buildings on Calle Almacenes, where raisins were stored, ready to be sent to ships. Despite the coastal fortifications, corsair raids continued until piracy was finally suppressed after Algeria's French conquest in 1830. Since then, this area's coastal lands have gradually become attractive in the eyes of the population. In the middle of the 19th century, a shop and a tavern appeared next to the first houses, on Calle de Dalt – in the Old Town, where the municipality began to grow. A little later appeared the Abajo Street, or "de la Mar". The formation of the urban environment continued throughout the second half of the 19th century.

According to the "Nomenclature of the Province of Alicante" dated by 1940, Moraira Bay (also called the "village") had 55 residential buildings and nine buildings for other purposes. Of the total number of houses, there were ten one-story, 52 two-story and two three-story buildings. The number of residents for that year was 215. Subsequently, by the 60s of the 20th century and the tourist boom, it began an active expansion of the urban area. First, new houses were constructed on the street called Dr Calatayud, and then new roads appeared along the Avenida del Portet – Carrer de Denia and Carrer de Joan XXIII. In the 70s, Madrid Avenue was established, after which the rest of the streets appeared on one and the other side of the Avenida de Madrid.

Moraira offers a stable Mediterranean climate with approximately 300 sunny days per year. Winters are mild, and the surrounding mountains protect this area from harsh weather conditions. The same hills create a natural barrier to the circulation of the sea breeze in this area, contributing to the cooling of the air in hot summers.

The water temperature in the summer months reaches 26℃. The average annual temperature is 18 degrees. In winter, the weather is between 6℃ and 16 ℃, while in summer, the average maximum reaches 30℃, and the average minimum is 20℃. There is almost no rain in July-August.

From Alicante Airport to Teulada you can take the ALSA bus with a change in Benidorm. The ticket price is 14.65 EUR, the travel time is from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the time between buses. You can check the schedule on the carrier's website https://www.alsa.es.

You can get to Moraira from Alicante Airport in 1 hour by car.

There is no direct public transport from Valencia airport to Teulada-Moraira. Still, it is possible to get from the terminal to Valencia's city centre and take the necessary vehicle there. Metropolitan bus line 150 (Metrobus) connects the airport with the centre of Valencia. The fare is 1.45 EUR.

There is also a metro (Metrovalencia, lines 3 and 5) from the airport to the city centre. There are direct connections from Valencia to Teulada, with an ALSA bus running several times a day. The travel time is about 3 hours; the fare is 13.5 EUR. The journey from Valencia Airport to Moraira takes 1.5 hours by car. The bus schedule between Teulada and Moraira can be found at https://www.teulada-moraira.es/autobuses/ and https://autobusesifach.es.

Moraira resort has 8 kilometres of beaches; the coast is ideal for holidays and water sports. Most of the year, the coast's Mediterranean waters are perfect for sailing and diving, thanks to the region's unique climate: the average year-round temperature is 18 °C.

Tourists are attracted by the local nature, superb sandy beaches and picturesque bays with clear emerald water. The beaches and coves of Moraira are a real-life paradise for scuba diving and snorkelling, water skiing or kayaking. Numerous centres are here to teach you these sports. There you can also rent water equipment. A rich underwater life, represented by many species, can be observed through the clear water. The coves of Cap Blanc, Andrago, El Portet, Cap d'Or and El Laberinto are some of the perfect places for these activities.

Besides, Moraira offers excellent opportunities for sailing and fishing. Unforgettable adventures are guaranteed in this beautiful resort! The beaches of l'Ampolla, Portet, Platgetes and L'Andragó have been awarded with the Blue Flag.

The Cap d 'Or peninsula protects the bay and Playa del Portet, with fine sand and crystal clear waters. The small shell-shaped beach surrounded by cliffs is a great place for relaxing & swimming, watching the underwater beauty and kayaking. A beginner-level walking route starts from this beach and leads to the Cap d 'Or watchtower and the same name's micro-reserve. From here you can also walk along the coast down the beautiful promenade, enjoying picturesque landscapes. The beach is located next to the port of Moraira. It offers a beautiful view of the Ifach rock.

The beach of Portet is covered by fine sand, although there are some rocky areas. The beach is 300m long and 10m wide. There is a separate area for boats at the shore. The beach is equipped with toilets, foot showers, walking paths; there is parking, restaurants, a rescue service, video surveillance.

Playa de L'Ampolla, the beach at Moraira Castle's foot, is the city's most famous beach with fine golden sand. It is popular due to its proximity to the city centre, clear water and a wide range of services. The beach is surrounded by palm and pine trees. It is 250m long and 30m wide. There is a small stream on one side of the beach. In its vicinity is located the Wildlife Sanctuary – Marjal del Senillar. There is a promenade along the beach with bars and restaurants to have a dinner overlooking the sea. The beach is accessible for people with disabilities – it is equipped with paths and amphibious chairs. There are sun loungers and umbrellas, toilets and feet showers, sports and playgrounds, lifeguard service, hidropatines.

Two small bays called Les Platgetes are a semi-urban beach about 200m long and 20m wide. Beach with fine sand and stones, with access to the sea for small boats. It is crowded during the high season, but there is a charming observation deck and parking. Lifeguards are there at your service; there is also a video surveillance, foot showers, toilets, sunbeds rental.

The tranquillity and beauty of the Cala Cap Blanc creates a genuinely heavenly environment not only for swimming and sunbathing, but also for diving and fishing. Waves beat against picturesque rocks, polishing them and filling this place with the energy of the eternal movement of life. This rocky system is part of the European network of public interest sites.

This small virgin rocky bay, 200m long and 8m wide, is quite challenging to access, so there are almost no tourists. Access to the bay starts from an impressive natural balcony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Rock of Ifach, Calpe and Moraira cape. From the bay you can watch seabirds such as the northern gannet, European shag, and various gulls. It is ideal for diving and snorkelling.

L'Andragó Cove (Cala L'Andragó) is a small cove located near Moraira's Marina. The water here is crystal clear; the waves are moderate. The bay offers a fantastic view of Moraira's houses, located between the mountains. The rocky coastline and the depth of the clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and fishing. The bay's observation deck is trendy – the views from it are perhaps the most memorable on this coast. The beach is 150m long and 10m wide. There are restaurants, parking and lifeguards in the bay.

Not far from the Moraira Yacht Club entrance is Cala del Portitxolet – a stone cove 80m long and 6m wide. The place is famous for the same name's micro-reserve, where you can meet a rare plant – steppe sunrose. From here, you can see seabirds such as the great cormorant and the European shag. The bay's clear waters and the variety of underwater flora and fauna promise an unforgettable diving experience.

Cala Llebeig can only be reached on foot or from the sea. The SL-CV50 route runs through the Widow's Ravine (Barranco de la Viuda). This rocky cove with crystal waters is 120m long and 10m wide. In the local micro-reserve, the Barlia robertiana, Genista and Valencian convolvulus are of particular interest.

The so-called "Gothic Walled Teulada" (Teulada Gotica Amurallada) has been declared an Object of Cultural Interest. This unique architectural ensemble of exceptional beauty, harmony and order dates back to the Christian conquest period, including the 16th and 17th centuries.

Rough stone houses are of great historical and cultural importance as they have the Gothic style's structural and aesthetic characteristics. There are also baroque buildings in the Old Town, but there are also several Art Nouveau buildings in much smaller numbers. The fortified church of St. Catalina, the Chapel of Divine Shepherdess and the Hall of Jury and Judges, are the most significant historical complex monuments.

The Hall of Jury and Judges (Sala de Jurados y Justicias) was built in 1620 and became the first city building for local authorities' meetings. Its façade, harmonious and simple, is made of rough stones. There are three semicircular arches on the first floor of the main facade and two on the sides, forming an open portico. Once upon a time, the entrance housed a trade exchange.

The upper floor has a balcony and two windows on either side of it. A sundial from 1639 and a back door on Calle San José with a lintel decorated with a small arch de cortina have survived till our days. Next to the Hall of Jury and Judges is Constanza, sister of Saint Vicente Ferrer, the patron of Teulada.

The landscape of l'Ampolla beach is dominated by the Castillo de Moraira, built in the 18th century to protect the coast from pirates. The fortress has a "ox-hoof" base with a semicircular facade facing south and a single door in the north, above which is the Bourbons' coat of arms. The date of completion of the castle construction is indicated on the coat of arms – 1744. The castle was accessed through a moat on a drawbridge. The 10-meter thick walls of the fortress, located on the slope, are lined with rough stone blocks. A low fence protects the roof with seven holes – loopholes for cannons.

The castle's interior lighting is provided through three small windows facing south and a fourth window located above the entrance door. There is a small chapel in front of the entrance, and a few meters to the east of the castle there is a reservoir for water consumed by the garrison of the fortress.

Moraira Castle functioned until the middle of the 19th century. It underwent restoration after the damage inflicted by the British fleet. However, the fortress subsequently fell into disrepair and decayed until it was restored in the early 1980s, with attempts to preserve its original appearance. The castle now houses a themed installation about the Watchtowers of the Valencian coast.

The work on the church's construction was carried out for about 35-40 years and was sponsored by the residents of the city, who were burdened with various contributions. The church currently consists of two distinct parts: a simple 16th-century building and annexes added to the main church after the 18th century. The central element is a single-nave temple with four sections, altars between the buttresses and a fan-shaped vault based on ribbed arches. The polygonal apse has five sides and a star-shaped vault with the parish church's arms—natural light streams in through a row of square windows decorated with stained glass.

According to recent studies, this temple was possibly designed by Joan Cambra, a famous architect, author of such notable buildings as the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Iglesia Arciprestal de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora (Pego)) and the Church of San Miguel de Los Reyes in Valencia.

During the first expansion of the temple in the 18th century, they tried to give it the shape of a Latin cross to continue the old Gothic composition. Simultaneously, the main altar was reoriented from east to west, and the "Porta Nova" door appeared in the neoclassical style. Also, all defensive elements have disappeared as unnecessary. Only some sections of the fortification wall at the rear of the temple have survived.

Later, the Chapel of the Sacrament (Capilla de la Comunión) was constructed, which today is dedicated to Saint Vicente Ferrer. Around 1895, a new bell tower was erected – an excellent example of hexagonal towers in the medieval tradition's spirit. Its base has a perimeter of 24 meters and a height of 31 meters. Of great importance to the church is an organ constructed in romantic sonorica by the Valencian company "Successors de Randeynes" between the 19th and 20th centuries. The church underwent significant restoration in 1979.

Another iconic element of Teulada-Moraira's defences is the Cap d'Or Watchtower (Torre de Vigía del Cap d'Or), located at the highest point of the Cap d'Or peninsula, almost on the edge of the cliff, in one of the most picturesque places on the coast. This tower offers breathtaking views of the sea horizon.

The Cap d'Or tower was built in the late 16th century and other watchtowers on the Valencian coast. In the event of a pirate invasion, the tower sent signals to other defensive structures. This circular tower has a perimeter of 26 meters (7 meters in diameter) and a height of 11 meters. The sloping stone walls are plastered and topped with cornices, which support loopholes in the tower's eastern part. The Cap d'Or tower was armed with two cannons discovered in 1980 at El Portet Beach. Not far from the tower, on Cap d'Or's southeastern slope, is the Cova de la Cendra, an archaeological site from the Upper Paleolithic era.

In the centre of Moraira, there is another notable church – the Church of Our Lady of the Forsaken (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Los Desamparados). This rectangular building has three naves separated by columns and four sections. The first one, together with a four-arch entrance, reminiscent of Marina Alta region's typical raisin, was added in 1981. Three arches are currently covered with stained glass, and on the left side, there is a quadrangular bell tower. Inside the temple, particular interest is the mosaic of the main altar, which combines religious scenes with nautical motifs.

The beautiful Chapel of Divine Shepherdess (Ermita de la Divina Pastora) is located in Teulada near the Hall of Juries and Judges. It's simple and refined portal of the 17th century in the Renaissance style attracts attention. The rest of the building, divided into two sections, is made in the Baroque style. The interior decoration with geometric and plant motifs dates back to 1861. The portal is crowned with a bell tower, and the dome is lined with green tiles. In the past, there was a brotherhood in Teulada that carried the image of the Divine Shepherdess in religious processions and celebrated the annual feast with askings for alms. Colla el Falçó – The Association of "dolçainers i tabaleters" of Teulada organises a yearly festival honouring the Divine Shepherdess in September.

The Ermita de Sant Vicent Ferrer is dedicated to the city's patron saint, Saint Vicent Ferrer. It is a beautiful rectangular neoclassical building with three naves. What makes this chapel even more visible is the characteristic dome of blue, green and white tiles. No less impressive are the paintings on the vaults and on the high altar, which crowns the image of Saint Vincent himself. This woodcut image dates from the 16th century and is attributed to Gaspar de Requena, a Renaissance painter and classmate of the famous Juan de Juanes. Among other masterpieces of religious art, it is worth noting the image of Jesus of Nazareth in the 18th century.

Another temple dedicated to the city's patron saint, or rather the miracle he created, is located between Moraira and Teulada. The 19th century Ermita de la Font Santa is a building formed by a chapel, a fountain, and the house of a hermit who lived there in the past. According to legend, Saint Vicente Ferrer visited his sister Constanza, who lived in Teulada, several times. During one of these visits, while walking, Constanza became thirsty. Saint Vicente created a fountain of water to quench his thirst. And so, in memory of this miracle, the chapel of St. Fountain was built – in the same place where the spring appeared, from which water never stops pouring.

In addition to historical architectural landmarks, Teulada-Moraira can be proud of the most modern architecture masterpiece – The Auditorium of Teulada-Moraira. A large modern building made of glass and concrete by Francisco Mangado Beloqui, an internationally recognised architect and successor to Rafael Moneo, was opened in 2011. The unusual design of the Auditorium attracts attention - with broken corners, and the southeastern façade facing the sea, covered with blue ceramics, stands out. This façade embodies the unity of the rocky coastline and the blue Mediterranean Sea.

Inside, the Auditorium impresses with its uniqueness and spectacularity. Light is effectively refracted and combined with sinuous and geometric lines. Everything is subordinated to the architect's goal - so that the sun's rays directly affect the Auditorium's interior. The Auditorium is located at the highest point of Teulada, from where you can see the city centre of Moraira and a beautiful landscape of terraced vineyards. The Teulada-Moraira Auditorium hosts a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year.

First of all, Teulada-Moraira attracts tourists with its entertainment zones and beautiful nature. The entertainment industry is well developed here – you can try water sports, explore the rich underwater world, or go for exciting hikes and walking tours in the surrounding area, enjoying the nature of local recreation zones and stunning views.

One of the main attractions of this area is Cap d'Or, a narrow peninsula that stretches into the sea for almost 1 km and has a maximum height of 166m above sea level. On the territory of this cape you will see the rich and varied vegetation. Since 2002, Cap d'Or has been included in the list of micro reserves of the Valencian Community. The most notable local flora representatives are gorse, Convolvulus Valentinus, silene de Ifach, chamaerops and rosemary.

In terms of fauna, there are rabbits, foxes, hedgehogs, badgers and field rats, and birds: peregrine falcon, blue rock thrush, common swift and Perdix. The Cap d'Or area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Proof of this can be seen in Paleolithic archaeological sites found in La Sendra Cave, in addition to the remains of an Iberian settlement.

There is another cave in the northern part of the Cap d'Or peninsula – La Cova de les Rates. It was formed by the erosive action of water on limestone. You can get into it only from the sea through entrances located a few meters above the water level. There are two large spaces inside the cave.

In 2004, the Department of Territories and Housing of the Generalitat Valenciana declared La Cova de les Rates a wildlife sanctuary. The cave is one of the most critical places for various bats that live and breed there. These are cave bats and Natterer's bats. Entry into La Cova de les Rates is prohibited from April to August, during these species' breeding season. In this cave and La Sendra, archaeologists found some remains dating back to the Bronze Age and the Iberian period.

"Marjal del Senillar" Wildlife Sanctuary is located near l'Ampolla beach. These are lagoons, which are separated from the beach by a sand line. Some of this reserve's flora and fauna are endangered, for example, the Spanish tooth carp ("fartet") fish.

Reeds grow on the shores, and in the dunes and the sea you can find the sea holly, sea fennel, crinoids and marram grass. Such species represent the reserve fauna as common moorhen, mallard, reed warbler, Iberian green frog, common toad, viperine water snake, mullet, eel and "gambeta" shrimp, which are endemic Mediterranean species.

Moraira is an ideal destination for hikers, offering several marked paths and trails such as Font Santa, Benimarco, Castellons and Cap d'Or, with stunning views of the bay. Pine forests and vineyards form these Mediterranean landscapes. If in summer tourists on the Mediterranean coast spend their holidays on the beach, any other season is perfect for exciting hikes along interesting routes surrounded by virgin nature.

"The Widows Ravine" ("Barranco de la Viuda") trail runs through one of the most beautiful and impressive areas of the municipality and takes us to La Cala beach. The approximate length of the path is 4.1 km; the round trip can be completed in 3 hours 15 minutes. The journey begins at Calle Canario; there you can see a wooden sign indicating the route. Following this path and reaching the fork, you need to continue on the right. Towards the end of the way, the road is more complicated, so you need to move with caution.

The approximate distance of the "Torre de Vigía de El Cap D'Or" route is 1.5 km. It can be completed in 1 hour (round trip). The trail starts from Calle Puerto de Alcudia. Green and white stripes will indicate the way to the tower. As a reward for your efforts, this route offers beautiful views of Moraira Bay, the Rock of Ifach, l'Albir, the Sierra Aitana and even the coast of Ibiza on clear days. "Barranco de Xurra" is a short and low difficulty walking trail near Teulada. Its length is about 1.4 km; the roundtrip will take about an hour. On the way, there are typical rural buildings and a wide variety of flora.

Perhaps the most interesting off the coast of Moraira are the snorkelling routes. At the southern end of the Moraira Bay is Cap Blanc, a beautiful natural balcony overlooking the sea and the Rock of Ifach, which can be reached through the residential area. It is better to leave your vehicle there, as it is impossible to park at Cap Blanc. Then you will need to walk and go down the stairs, which will lead directly to the water. From this small rocky beach, you can go on an exciting underwater tour along the coast.

You will find a very shallow luminous rock bottom (less than 2 meters) with small white seabreams, Mediterranean rainbow wrasses, combtooth blennies, damselfishes and other minor species. As you move away from the shore, you can even meet an octopus or cuttlefish.

This cove is suitable for snorkelling, but not scuba diving due to the difficult access to the water – it will be complicated to get here with heavy equipment.

If you travel from Moraira along the coast road to Calp, you reach a beautiful rocky cove with huge rocks called Cala Andragó. In the shallowest part of the bay, large rocky slabs alternate with smooth flat stones with deep cracks. A little further and below, among the white sandbanks, grows Mediterranean tapeweed. In these places there are octopuses, muraenas and painted combers. Large shoals of salema porgy fish, small bright East Atlantic peacock wrasse float by, and the bottom is decorated with many starfish and noble pinna.

One of the most beautiful coves in Marina Alta is located in El Portet, 1 km north of Moraira. It is called Portet. Here you can comfortably swim and dive with the help of goggles, snorkel, fins and possibly a wetsuit. Scuba diving is also possible, but it will be a little tiring to get to the dive's starting point with such heavy equipment. When exploring the underwater world of this bay, you should be cautious – during the high season these beaches are often visited by boats, so it is advisable to mark your position with a well-visible buoy.

The Cap d'Or underwater route is famous for its vast Posidonia colonies, which grow among rocks and sand. Octopuses are hiding in the rocks, and they are accompanied by peacock wrasse, dorado, red scorpionfishes and numerous starfish. For divers of all levels, El Laberinto on Cap d'Or is a harbour with many arches and passages. You can observe the typical local fauna – white seabreams, octopuses, dorados and picturesque soft corals (gorgonians) throughout the entire underwater route. There is even a small cave, which is also interesting to visit. Description and diagrams of underwater routes can be found on website turismoteuladamoraira.com.

Teulada-Moraira's gastronomic offer is one of the main assets of Marina Alta. There you can enjoy the best fish and seafood, rice dishes and the famous wine from the local Moscatel Romano grape variety.

The numerous restaurants in the municipality, some of which are included in the Michelin guide, offer a wide variety of delicacies. The charm of local gastronomy is traditional dishes with culinary delights of other countries' cuisine (Italian, German, French and Oriental).Fish and seafood caught using traditional fishing gear is a mark of quality in Moraira Bay. The main local dishes are "putxero de polp" (octopus with rice and vegetables), "sopa de peix" (fish soup), salted tuna, "bull" and "anxova".

Rice in Spain serves as the basis for many famous and sophisticated dishes. Among them are "arròs a banda" (rice in fish broth), "arròs amb fessols i naps" (rice with beans and turnips), "paella amb sardines y espinacs" (paella with sardines and spinach), "arròs negre" (black rice), "arroz meloso de pulpo" (tender rice with octopus), "arròs de senyoret" paella and "cazuela de arroz" (a type of oven-baked paella).

Teulada-Moraira has various restaurants for all tastes – from the most exclusive, luxurious and internationally recognised places to charming, intimate corners. In any of them you can enjoy the best dishes and friendly service.

The 2018 Michelin Guide recommends the Sand Restaurant at La Sort Hotel Moraira as one of the finest luxury restaurants in and around the city. This cosy restaurant is located a few meters from L'Ampolla beach and offers an extensive Mediterranean and international cuisine menu. Here visitors can enjoy the most famous local cuisine in avant-garde style.

The beautiful restaurant "Kosta", located on the road from Moraira to Calp, will enchant you with its ambience and a wonderful terrace. Its cuisine will delight you with traditional and international dishes served uniquely. The restaurant is known for its extensive menu and special offers that are valid at certain times of the year.

In the centre of El Portet beach, in Moraira, is located one of the city's most exclusive restaurants "Le Dauphin". This charming gastronomic heaven offers all kinds of French and Mediterranean cuisine. Besides an extensive menu of appetisers, main courses and desserts, "Le Dauphin" provides its guests with various tasting menus, allowing them to try multiple dishes at once.

One of the restaurant's main strengths is its impressive outdoor terrace overlooking the sea, the Rock of Ifach, Moraira Bay and Calp. Besides, "Le Dauphin" offers an extensive list of prestigious national and international wines. The modern restaurant "Maxim", located on Calle Cabo San Vicente, is famous for its local cuisine, served in a sophisticated way. Comfortable atmosphere, fresh flowers, a cosy terrace with olive trees are waiting for you!

In addition to gourmet restaurants, Moraira has many places with no less delicious traditional food at affordable prices. The spacious but cosy "El Racó de l'arros" restaurant specialises in all kinds of rice dishes. It is located in the heart of Moraira, a few meters from l'Ampolla beach. Guests love this place for the excellent cuisine and value for money.

On Paseo Senillar you will find the "Chillers Bar & Restaurant", inspired by Latin and Mediterranean cuisine. Interesting variations on traditional dishes, avant-garde burgers and various tapas will leave you satisfied for sure! Tapas bar "Tasca 42" in Milla de Oro's urbanisation offers a wide selection of gourmet tapas of Mediterranean and European cuisine. It has a terrace where visitors enjoy lunch and dinner on summer days and evenings. This charming tavern is ideal for those who want to enjoy popular Spanish snacks with a creative and original serving, while respecting tradition and quality.

The "La Brisa" restaurant in Teulada is one of the best places to try local food at low prices. It also has an extensive tapas menu. No one leaves this place disappointed!

The "Verd i Vent" restaurant with traditional rustic décor serves all types of tapas and dishes from the Mediterranean and local cuisine. Its menu includes countless homemade dishes and desserts that will delight lovers of traditional and homemade cooking. Moreover, the prices are very affordable. The restaurant also has a daily menu consisting of several courses, making up a full lunch or dinner. Live music performed by Spanish guitarists will enhance your meal!

According to the Spanish tradition, not a single month of the year is complete without celebrations. Teulada-Moraira is no exception. The festivals are often held for several days in a row and are accompanied by processions and performances, bullfights and fireworks.

In addition to the most important holidays and festivals held throughout the country (Cavalcade of Magi, Semana Santa, Moors and Christians), residents are happy to arrange their local events.
Teulada-Moraira hosts carnivals in February, colourful processions culminating in the traditional "Burial of the Sardine". From the Sunday following Easter, celebrations are held in honour of Teulada's patron Saint Vicente Ferrer. On the primary day – Monday – there is a solemn procession, on other days there are fireworks, cavalcades, tributes to San Vicente and musical performances.

At the end of April, the municipality hosts the traditional festival "Vive Teulada-Moraira", famous for its gastronomic and commercial fair on Moraira Castle's esplanade. During the first two weeks of June, Moraira hosts the "Moors and Christians" festival. Here it includes the annual parade of Moors and Christians with the traditional conquest of L'Ampolla beach at the Moraira castle's foot. The festival attracts a vast number of spectators and participants every year.

The San Juan festival in Teulada and Moraira is celebrated separately. In Teulada, traditional bonfires occur at night, when locals burn some old stuff jumping over this fire. In Moraira, bonfires take place right on the sand on the beach, and after midnight, those present enter the sea, where they jump in waves and make wishes.

On July 15, 16 and following dates in Moraira citizens celebrate the days of the patron saints Virgen de Los Desamparados and Virgen del Carmen. In their honour they organise a sea procession, during which the image of the Virgin of Carmen is transported by boat to the parish church. These holidays are associated with the fishing traditions of Moraira. For almost two weeks of celebration, Moraira is decorated by residents to welcome many visitors who come here year after year for these beautiful festivities.

In August, you can visit a medieval market with numerous stalls selling handicrafts in the historic centre of Teulada. In the same month, Moraira hosts a Shopping Night with local shops open all night, offering visitors various attractive promotions.

Every first Saturday in September, the Moscatel festival is held in honour of the famous local vineyards. During this time, numerous wine tastings take place, including the famous Mistela.

In October, the Teulada-Moraira Festival Commission organises the Oktoberfest, combining German beer with performances. The Santa Cecilia festivals take place in November, and Teulada Music Festival hosts various musical events. On November 25, Teulada celebrates St. Catherine of Alexandria (Santa Catalina de Alejandría).

In December, Moraira hosts a trade fair during which shops offer huge discounts. Also, the Christmas market floods the historic centre of Teulada – in numerous corners they sell all kinds of sweets, souvenirs and gifts.

Moraira is a small town by the sea, which is annually visited by thousands of tourists. This directly affects the housing market in this place. Most of the chalets, villas, houses and apartments in Moraira are used as vacation homes for Europeans.

The cost of real estate in Moraira is one of the highest in the province of Alicante – 2863 € /m2 (as of October 2020) and is growing steadily. Despite the pandemic, the price per meter here has not decreased compared to 2019. For example, the average cost per 1 sq m in Teulada (which includes Moraira) is only 1428 € – half as much.

The most expensive real estate in Moraira is located in El Portet-Pla del Mar (from the castle of Moraira and to the Mirador Cala de Llebeig). Here the price per sq m is 3 395 EUR. In this part, real estate is mainly represented by detached villas with pools, huge plots, and sea views. Their price depends on the year of construction, location and size, and varies from 500,000 to 4 million EUR.

There's not so many apartments in the city – around 15% of all offers. Apartments within walking distance of the sea start from 150,000 EUR (for 60 sq m). 85% of the housing market Moraira are duplexes, detached chalets and private villas. The offer is enormous – around 800-900 options to choose from each time. Small chalets a bit further from the sea start from 180,000 EUR, by the sea – from 270,000 EUR.

Rent of a holiday home here is highly demanded, since there are almost no hotels. Many foreign tourists choose villas to rent for the whole family, which in high season costs from 1000 EUR/week. Moraira is a trendy place among tourists from Europe and England; this creates a stable demand for real estate in this part of the Costa Blanca.

Watch the full catalogue of poperties in Moraira
Watch the full catalogue of poperties in Teulada

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