Strict planning laws that protect the surrounding pine forests and restrict the height of buildings, have made Moraira one of the most unspoilt resorts on the Costa Blanca.

The Moraira valley is the convergent point of several mountain streams. These flow down to the beach even during the driest August weather. Over time, these streams have deposited their rich fertile soil on the valley bottom making the region famous for agriculture, especially wine growing.

The Cap d’Or peninsula borders the town to the North. Between this headland and the surrounding foothills, there’s protection from harsh weather during the winter and a natural vortex cools sea breezes in the summer. The original fishing village has now merged with the neighbouring El Portet to form a tourist resort on the Costa Blanca strip, with eight kilometres of coastline.

Moraira historical roots as a fishing village are still in evidence; its port still has fishing boats in operation. But tourism along the Costa Blanca has threatened the coastline. To preserve the heritage of the area, the council passed strict planning laws to protect the native pine tree forests and limit the height of buildings. This means that, unusually, there are no unattractive looking hotels or high-rise apartments. Moraira still maintains the character of a sleepy fishing village.

The town is a mix of quaint cobblestone streets and broad modern avenues dotted with palm trees. It’s shopping quarters, watering holes and restaurants entice travellers from Madrid as well as a wide range of Northern Europeans in the summer. There are also three white sand beaches within walking distance, popular with families and many rocky coves and inlets of interest to snorkelers and scuba divers. There is a privately owned marina operated by Club Náutico Moraira which has 620 embarkation points for hire. In summer the yacht club runs sailing courses and regattas.

The Friday morning market, held in the town square, offers fresh produce and there’s a regular fish market for the locally caught seafood. There’s dining to suit all budgets and styles, ranging from tapas to Michelin-starred restaurants. In the valley, just inland, vineyards prosper in this micro-climate, where Muscat grapes are grown to make the sweet dessert wine, Muscatel.