Once a sleepy fishing village, the town now draws an international crowd seeking an authentic Spanish experience. Strict planning laws mean there are no enormous hotel complexes blighting the landscape – most of the properties are detached two-storey villas with private pools nestling in the trees along the coast, or Spanish “pueblo-style” developments with communal pools. Estate agents in the are
a have reported a lively start to 2014, with the market much busier than last year. The attractive prices and picturesque location have also tempted many Brits, Germans, Dutch and Scandinavians to make it their home. The town itself is a mix of narrow cobbled alleys and wide modern avenues lined with palm trees. Designer clothes shops and the vibrant cafes and bars draw city slickers from Madrid, as well as European families in the summer. The Friday morning market, held in the town square, offers an array of fresh produce as well as clothes and jewellery and there’s a regular fish market for the locally caught seafood. Those who prefer their meals cooked for them are spoilt for choice with bars and restaurants to suit all budgets and styles, ranging from tapas to Michelin-starred restaurants. Moraira has four main beaches – the largest Playa la Ampolla is within walking distance of the town, located just below the castle – and numerous small coves. Just 1km along the coast, El Portet’s sheltered bay boasts the best of the town’s beaches and a pretty promenade lined with bars and restaurants. In the valley, just inland, vineyards flourish in the sheltered conditions, yielding Muscat grapes, perfect for the sweet dessert wine, Muscatel. Moraria is easy to reach by air with flights from multiple UK locations, taking between two-and-a-half and three hours to fly to Alicante. Moraria is about an hour’s drive to the north. Alternatively, you can fly to Valencia in two hours and 15 minutes, and then drive the 150km to the town.
