Moraira in brief
Moraira in brief: history and character of the village
Moraira is the coastal centre of the municipality of Teulada-Moraira, in the north of the province of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. The village itself is small: according to the Spanish statistics office INE, around 1,700 people were registered in the centre of Moraira at the start of 2024, out of a total of 12,834 inhabitants for the whole municipality. Below are the key facts about its location, history and character.
Key facts
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Teulada-Moraira (two centres: Teulada inland, Moraira on the coast) |
| Region | Marina Alta, province of Alicante, Comunitat Valenciana |
| Inhabitants, municipality | 12,834 (1 January 2024) |
| Inhabitants, Moraira centre | around 1,700 (INE, 2024) |
| Area of the municipality | 32.25 km² |
| Altitude | from around 17 m (Moraira) to 185 m (Teulada) |
| Distance to Alicante | around 80 km to the south |
| Distance to Valencia | around 100 km to the north |
Sources: INE via foro-ciudad.com (Moraira centre), Teulada Moraira Digital (municipality, 2024), MACMA Marina Alta (area and altitude).
Location
Moraira lies on a bay between the Cap d’Or headland to the north and the rocky coast towards Benissa and Calpe to the south. The old village of Teulada sits a few kilometres inland on a hill. To the north are Poble Nou de Benitatxell and Jávea (Xàbia), to the south Benissa and Calpe with the Peñón de Ifach. How to get here is set out under travelling to Moraira.
History in brief
Teulada is first mentioned in writing in 1245, in the Llibre del Repartiment. At the end of the 14th century Teulada became an independent municipality. For centuries the coast was unsafe because of pirate raids. That is why a watchtower was built in the 16th century on the highest point of the Cap d’Or, following a 1563 report on coastal defence by the engineer Giovanni Battista Antonelli. The tower stands at around 166 metres and is 11 metres high.
In the 18th century came the castle on the beach of l’Ampolla; the coat of arms above the entrance bears the year 1742. Only after that did Moraira grow into a real fishing village with a harbour. In the late 18th century the raisin trade became important: in the valley between Teulada and Moraira, terraces of vines appeared everywhere, along with riuraus, the characteristic covered drying floors for grapes. More about these buildings under El Castillo and the climb to the Torre de Vigia.
Character of the village
Moraira revolves around the sea: the marina, the small beaches and the rocky coves along some 8 kilometres of coastline. Two beaches, El Portet and Les Platgetes, hold the Blue Flag in 2026. The centre is compact and easy to cover on foot; the weekly market is held every Friday morning. Alongside Spanish residents there is a large group of northern Europeans living and staying here, which you notice in the multilingual menus and shops. Outside the high season the village is considerably quieter than in July and August.
Tourist Info Teulada-Moraira
Avenida de Madrid 15 (Espai la Senieta), Moraira. Telephone +34 965 74 51 68. From October to May on weekdays 10:00 to 17:00, from June to September on weekdays 10:00 to 20:00, at weekends and on public holidays 10:00 to 14:00. Please check current opening times locally.
Want to read on? The beaches in Moraira and the page on what there is to do in Moraira are a good next step.
Staying at Calamora in Moraira
Calamora stands on the central roundabout of Moraira, beside the centuries-old olive tree – the beating heart of the village. 200 metres from the beach, 250 metres from the harbour and 50 metres from the first terraces. Moraira in brief: you are right in the middle of it.
A maximum of 4 guests may stay here (infants not included).
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Frequently asked questions
What kind of village is Moraira?
Moraira is an authentic, small-scale seaside village on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante. The village has kept its Spanish character thanks to strict building rules: no high-rise, a compact centre and plenty of greenery. International but without mass tourism – that is the strength of Moraira.
How many inhabitants does Moraira have?
Outside the season Moraira has some 3,000 to 4,000 permanent residents. In summer this rises with visitors to as many as 30,000 people. The village is part of the municipality of Teulada-Moraira. Because it stays small in scale, Moraira keeps its village atmosphere even in season.
Where exactly is Moraira?
Moraira lies on the Costa Blanca in the Spanish region of Valencia, in the province of Alicante. The village sits between Jávea (20 km) and Calpe (12 km). The nearest airport is Alicante (± 95 km, 1 to 1.5 hours’ drive) or Valencia (± 125 km, about 1.5 hours). Moraira is easy to reach via the toll-free AP-7.
What makes Moraira different from other coastal towns?
Moraira has no apartment blocks on the beach, no all-inclusive hotels and no nightclubs. What it does have: a real fishing harbour, several small beaches and coves, a pleasant marina, good restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for anyone looking for peace with all the comfort of a modern seaside village.
Is Moraira suitable for children?
Yes. The beaches in Moraira – such as Playa El Portet – are calm and safe for children. The centre has easily walkable streets, a playground and various terraces for families. The harbour is appealing too for children who like watching the boats. Moraira is one of the more family-friendly seaside villages on the Costa Blanca.
How far is Calamora from the centre of Moraira?
Calamora stands on the central roundabout of Moraira, 250 metres from the harbour and 50 metres from the first restaurants and terraces. You are living literally in the middle of the village – everything is within walking distance. The beach of l’Ampolla is 200 metres away; Playa El Portet is a kilometre further on.
Book your dream stay today
Calamora is a new apartment complex in the center of Moraira with a garden and swimming pool.
Calamora is beautifully situated on the central roundabout with the beautiful old olive tree.