Moraira, Costa Blanca – What to Do, Where to Eat & Where to Stay

If you’re planning a visit to Moraira, Spain, and looking for things to do in Moraira, along with recommendations on the best restaurants and places to stay, this article is for you.

Moraira, a small Spanish fishing village turned beach resort…

I moved to Moraira when I was 18 and spent five years here. Since then I’ve lived in various countries around the world and eventually moved to Valencia. But, I still visit Moraira frequently to meet up with friends and to enjoy everything this town, which still feels like home, has to offer.

In this article, I want to share some of the best things to do in Moraira, a selection of good bars and restaurants, and some hotels in Moraira I’d recommend.

About Moraira

Moraira, located in the Northern part of the Costa Blanca, is an old fishing village, chosen by many Northern Europeans as the place to buy a second home.

The town is quiet in winter and lively in summer with nice beaches, a well-maintained town center, and a scenic port.

Moraira offers a surprisingly large number of bars and restaurants ranging from authentic Spanish restaurants and tapas bars to British pubs and international restaurants owned mainly by Northern European expats.

Moraira’s key historic landmarks are the 18th-century castle which sits beside l’Ampolla beach and the Torre de Vigilancia del Cap d’Or, on top of the mountain called Cap d’Or.

Moraira is part of the Teulada-Moraira municipality, with Teulada sitting just a few kilometers inland.

El Portet is one of Moraira’s best-known areas, with a beautiful beach and many high-end villas with some of the best views in Moraira.

Moraira enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters and the average yearly temperature exceeds 20 degrees.

But, let’s talk about the more interesting stuff: the best things to do in Moraira!

Things to Do in Moraira

1. Go to El Portet Beach

Walk from the center of Moraira to El Portet for an amazing view of the port and the Mediterranean Sea.

Stop for a drink at El Portet Beach, my favorite beach in Moraira.

El Portet Beach is small and can get busy during peak season. But if you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon it will generally be quieter.

The water here is crystal clear and generally very calm, making it a good place for kids to swim as well.

If you decide to drive instead of walk here, just know that parking is limited so finding a spot on a busy day can be difficult.

Tip: If you love watersports and want to try something new, I recently booked an eFoiling lesson at El Portet Beach. So much fun!! And a surprisingly good workout as well. But maybe that’s just me falling off the board dozens of times!

2. Visit the Moraira Market

Every Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM there is a large market in Moraira at the main parking lot between Av. Madrid and Ctra. Moraira – Calpe. 

From fresh fruit to cheap sunglasses, you can find it all at the Moraira market.

It’s a fun market to browse and because it’s right next to the town center it can easily be combined with lunch or a coffee at one of the many restaurants and cafes.

Tip: get here early if you are driving into town, because parking can be difficult!

3. Hike to Torre Vigia Cap d’Or

A relatively easy, 30-minute hike takes you from El Portet to the watchtower on Cap d’Or.

The watchtower or the Torre Vigia Cap d’Or is solid and does not have a doorway – this was part of its defense. But, the view from up here is beautiful and well worth the hike!

Also Read: Hiking on the Costa Blanca – The Best Hikes & Other Tips

4. Join One of the Many Fiestas in Moraira

See if any celebrations or local Fiestas are happening while you are in Moraira. If so, make sure to check them out because this is the best way to experience the local culture.

Visit Moraira Online 24 for a yearly calendar of local fiestas.

Also Read: 5 Crazy Spanish Festivals You Have to Check Out!

5. Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking

If you are in Moraira around summer, you can rent paddleboards or kayaks in the marina.

It’s a great way to get some exercise and see beautiful El Portet from the water.

The rental place is a bit tricky to find, located at the back of the marina. If you walk into the marina, go towards the Club Nautico, and keep walking until you see a petrol station. They are located just in front of that petrol station, hidden on the left side with access to the bay on the other side of the marina.

Note: often you can also find a water sports rental place on El Portet beach, but they aren’t there every day. And I wish I could give you exact dates and times for both places, but as with many services in smaller towns in Spain, things seem to depend on the mood of the owners, the weather, and the number of customers.

If you’d rather do something more organized, you can book a kayaking trip in advance, which will take you to some beautiful coves around Moraira.

6. Relax and Enjoy the Mediterranean Lifestyle

Just relax, you are in Spain!

Sit down with a glass of wine, or try some tapas, enjoy the great weather, and embrace the slower-paced Mediterranean lifestyle…

Also Read: Famous Spanish Food You Should Try in Spain

Where to Stay in Moraira

1. Hotel La Sort Moraira

Hotel La Sort is the most centrally located hotel in Moraira, set just off the main beach.

La Sort is a cozy, modern boutique hotel with 22 comfortable rooms including family rooms and penthouses.

If you’re looking for the best hotel in Moraira, I’d say this is it.

2. Hotel Swiss Moraira

Hotel Swiss is a beautiful, stylish hotel located just outside of the center of Moraira.

It has a total of 36 rooms, a swimming pool, a spa, and a good restaurant. If you are looking for a comfortable, quiet stay close to the center of Moraira then this is the best option.

3. VRBO

A large number of tourists visiting Moraira choose to rent a villa or an apartment.

Especially if you are planning a family vacation in Spain or are traveling as a group, renting a house is a great and much more affordable option.

There are numerous rental agencies offering properties for rent in Moraira but VRBO is a reliable international organization with a good selection of rental properties in Moraira.

Restaurants in Moraira

There are so many restaurants in Moraira that it’s almost impossible not to find a place you like.

My recommendation is to just walk around town, look at a few menus, and pick the restaurant that appeals to you most. You can’t really go wrong.

But, here are some of the best restaurants in Moraira:

1. Le Dauphin

This restaurant is the most exclusive restaurant in Moraira. It is located in El Portet’s bay and the building is, for a large part, made out of natural stones and antique wood, giving it a beautiful, luxurious feel.

Sitting on the terrace you look out over the bay towards Calpe. Of course not a cheap eat, but if you are looking for something special, this restaurant comes highly recommended.

2. The Olive Tree

The Olive Tree is a popular restaurant in Moraira offering a high-quality dining experience at reasonable prices. It’s also a good choice for a romantic dinner.

3. El Refugio

El Refugio is a traditional, family-run Spanish restaurant.

Located in the center of town, the restaurant is open from early morning until dinner and loved by the locals. From local fishermen to police officers; if you spend some time in this restaurant you will see them all stopping by.

The only downside if you visit El Refugio in summer is that it has no terrace.

4. El Raco de L’Arros

This is the best restaurant in Moraira to get an authentic Spanish paella. Located on avda. Madrid, in the center of Moraira.

5. Dgust

Dgust is a modern restaurant located on Plaza Sort in the center of Moraira offering a mix of Spanish and international dishes.

They do a good paella and their terrace is a really nice place to sit and people-watch.

Bars in Moraira

One of my favorite things to do in Moraira is take in the atmosphere while enjoying a drink, or two.

Apart from a large number of restaurants Moraira also has ample choice in bars. These are some of the ones I would recommend:

1. Royal Beach Club

Royal Beach Club is a larger bar in Moraira, located just across from the castle.

It looks somewhat like an Irish pub with its wooden interior. The bar, where I once worked, is liked by locals, expats and tourists, giving it a nice international feel.

From the terrace you have a lovely view of the castle.

2. Algas L’Andragó

If you are looking for a great place to enjoy a cocktail or for a terrace with a perfect view of Moraira, then I would recommend Algas. The bar is located just outside of the town center, towards Calpe.

I love going here for a cocktail around sunset but they also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

3. Upper Club

Located in the port of Moraira, Upper Club is the rooftop bar of the Restaurante Club Nautico and the only real lounge bar in Moraira.

It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, enjoy a cocktail, and stare at expensive yachts…

Final Thoughts on Visiting Moraira

I hope you enjoyed my tips for things to do in Moraira.

Moraira is only a small town, but I’d say it’s one of the most charming towns on the Costa Blanca. It’s quite different from the other coastal towns in the area.

Whether you’re planning a day trip to Moraira or are visiting for longer, I hope you enjoy this town that to me still feels like my second home!

And if you are thinking about moving to Moraira, check out this interview with an expat about life in Moraira.

If you are planning to travel to Spain, also read some of my other articles about Spain:

• Fun Facts About Spain
• Tips For Hiking on Spain’s Costa Blanca
• 5 Crazy Spanish Festivals You Have to Check Out
• Must-Do in Spain: Visit a Parador
• The Best Family Vacations in Spain
• What to See & Do on a Short Trip to Valencia
• What is Mallorca Really Like?

 

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